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An exhilarating discipline in which participants race down white water rivers against the clock. Races are conducted on a time trial basis, with competitors starting at one minute intervals and racing over rapids of varying difficulties. The competitor comes to the start line alone with the aim of negotiating the river as fast as possible. |
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There are two distinct types of wild water races:
Classic races are 10 to 20 minutes long, and you do a single run in the fastest time possible.
Sprint races are short, 1 to 2 minutes, often down a single rapid. You do two runs and the times are added together to give the total time.
In both types there are classes for Mens K1, Ladies K1, C1, and C2, and some Division B races also have a class for touring C2s. At some races there is also a team event where three boats race down together and have to finish within 15 seconds of each other.
In the UK wild water races are split into two divisions, A and B. Division A is for the experienced, and races are held on the roughest rivers; their results are used to determine the national championships. Division B races are held on easier rivers, and are where newcomers start. When you feel confident enough you enter a Division A race in the assessment class, and if you do well you are promoted. It is quite common to have two races at the same or a nearby venue over a weekend, so that you can do two ranking races for the minimum of travelling.
The ability to create a mental map of the river ahead, coupled with an ability to make split second decisions is required to choose a route down. The successful racer chooses and negotiates a route which is as obstacle free as possible and at the same time utilises the fast current to the best advantage.
The River Tryweryn has hosted the World Championships in 1981 and 1995. In July 2002 the river will host the Junior World Championships. The river Dee has also hosted International ranking events. The Teifi, Taff, Usk and Wye also provide excellent training and competition venues.
Over the last few years, a number of Welsh paddlers have represented Great Britain at World Championships with Lisa Rae and Joan Cawthray in KI Women, and Phil Caunt, Richard Barber and Nick Redshaw competing in the C2 class.
Wales has some of the best wild water racing courses in Britain, with events on the Tryweryn at Bala, the Dee at Llangollen and on the Taff near Cardiff. As well as these there are events at Chester and at Ludlow just across the border. In 1981 and 1995 the world championships were held at Bala, and there is a possibility that they may be held there in 2006.
For more information about wild water racing in Britain including the calendar, race results, equipment for sale etc. go to the UK wild water racing web site
Contact: James Wingfield, Coedlyn, Rowen, Conwy, LL32 8YL
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