Shark Slalom in 2017

2017 is with us and in under three months time the slalom season starts.

There are a few changes to the ranking system and a couple of minor changes to the rules. Full details of everything slalom are available on the slalom website, take a look at the video at the bottom of the page.

Portable points is a system that enables paddlers to paddle in one division above their ranking. What this means is that any paddler ranked in division 3 can race in division 2 and division 2 paddlers can race at Division 1 and division one paddlers at Premier. This will enable paddlers to get more experience at different sites and levels if competition. There will still be promotions through the season when a paddler gets enough points.

The Season Starts with the following Shark paddlers in each division.

Division 1

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116 Grant Underwood – Men’s K1 (main picture) and 139 Alistair Smorthit – Men’s K1 (inset)

Division 2

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17 Amelia Combes – Women’s K1 and 24 Amelia Combes – Women’s K1

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125 James Read – Men’s K1

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155 Neal Underwood – Men’s K1

Division 3

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58 Joel Gunnery – Men’s K1

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72 Catherine Robinson – Women’s K1, 112 Tallulah Lacey – Women’s K1, 145 Conor Sheehan – Men’s K1 and 184 Johan Kukkohovi – Men’s K1

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221 Khaleel Zainddin – Men’s K1

Anyone who has previously been in division 3 or above, can be re-instated in the ranking system, so paddlers who are not on the list above, because you did not race last season, if you want to race in 2017, just say.

Training

But before we get to entering competitions we need to get ready for them and that means practice, training and getting fit. Slalom practice sessions take place at Harefield on Saturday mornings. Usually at 10am at Harefield, although there will be some at Shepperton. Please check with Neal before hand by either calling 07951 770241 or emailing neal@thesharks.orgo.uk, as we need to make sure we have the right kit at the right place for you.

There are race training sessions on Sunday mornings at Sac at 10am, a chance to get in a boat and to work out in sessions that will help improve your paddling technique, improve your fitness and boat control.

Wednesday evenings are Club nights at Sac. There are general fitness sessions, work on core stability, balance and fitness using paddling machines and other exercises. It is also a chance to socialise and to talk about what is happening at The Sharks and to ask about competitions, training and anything else canoe related. Wednesday Sessions are FREE and begin at 5pm.

There are also plenty of things you can do yourself to get and keep fit; go for a run, swim or exercise at home. If you want advice or help, just ask.