Division 1 & Open Slalom – Olympic Course
Last weekend marked the first slalom of the season, and what a stage to open on. The iconic Olympic Course at Lee Valley White Water Centre — purpose-built for the canoe slalom events at the 2012 Summer Olympics — set the scene for a fierce and technical Division 1 & Open competition.
With over 70 entries split across K1/C1 Men and C1/K1 Women, the standard was high, the racing tight, and the white water relentless. Representing The Sharks were Jannik Petersmann and Daniel Lomas, both stepping up to the challenge on one of the most demanding artificial courses in the country.
Saturday – Testing the Limits
In K1 Veteran Men, Jannik Petersmann opened his season against a strong field.
Jannik Petersmann – 7th K1 Vet Men
First Run: 208.85 (+160) = 368.85
Second Run: 159.02 (+162) = 321.02
Best Run: 321.02
The Olympic Course showed its teeth early in the season. Big water, offset lines and punishing stoppers demanded precision. Despite heavy penalties, Jannik kept pushing, laying down a stronger second run to secure 7th place.
The class was won by Jonathan Males (Lee Valley PC) in 118.69 — a benchmark that highlights just how sharp the racing was from the outset.
Sunday – Stepping Up
Sunday brought fresh opportunity — and sharper performances.
Daniel Lomas – 2nd K1 Veteran Men
First Run: 111.97 (+4) = 115.97
Second Run: 118.73 (+52) = 170.73
Best Run: 115.97
Daniel delivered when it mattered. A composed first run with just 4 seconds in penalties secured a superb 2nd place finish in a highly competitive veteran field. On a course where mistakes compound quickly, this was controlled, confident paddling.
The class was won by Nick Mitchell (Wyedean Canoe Club) in 112.46 (+2), underlining how close the margins were at the top.
Jannik Petersmann – 8th K1 Vet Men
First Run: 124.33 (+502) = 626.33
Second Run: 134.73 (+260) = 394.73
Best Run: 394.73
Sunday proved another tough encounter with the Olympic water. The bottom section, in particular, demanded commitment and clean execution — something every paddler continues to refine this early in the season. Jannik battled through, gaining valuable race mileage on a world-class course.
Watch the Action
Included below is a video of Jannik attacking the bottom section of the Olympic White Water Course — a stretch that has tested the very best in the world. This is big water paddling, where every decision counts.
Filmed by the legendary Patrick Thorn.
Built for the Best – Open to All.
The Lee Valley ‘Olympic’ Course was built to host the world’s finest in 2012. Today, it remains a proving ground for paddlers chasing progression.
But legacies aren’t only built on podiums — they’re built in training, in development, and in community.
If you’re new to white water and want to build real skill foundations, join The Sharks and the Wild Water Racing Committee, March 14th, on the Lee Valley Legacy Course. This is where confidence grows, technique sharpens, and white water understanding becomes instinct.
We train every Sunday at Harefield, 10:30–12 noon.
From beginners to legends — everyone is welcome.
Come and build your legacy with us, call or text us on: 07951 770241, you can email: slalom@thesharks.org.uk.
Report by Grant Underwood, Published 3rd March 2026