Scottish Canoe Association

Canoe Racing in Scotland

Canoe Racing consists of two canoeing disciplines, Sprint and Marathon. It is fun and may be enjoyed by people of all ages in any type of canoe or kayak. During the 2001 season, paddlers from 6 years to over 70 years of age took part. Sprint racing is one of the two Olympic disciplines within canoeing.

Racing boats are designed to travel fast through the water are narrower and less stable than many other types of canoe or kayak, they come in single, double and for sprint racing only, four seat versions.

Not only can Scotland boast of its variety of water but that much of it runs through some of Britain's most beautiful scenery as well

In 1997 a Centre of Excellence was opened at the Lowport Centre in Linlithgow which is used extensively for competition and training events throughout the year.

Sprint racing takes place over relatively short distances, usually 200, 500 and 1000 metres with races of 6,000 and 10,000 metres also run. In Scotland, regattas are held during the summer months at Kirkcaldy, Linlithgow and Castle Semple. Competitors from Scotland also travel to Nottingham to take part in British Championship regattas. In recent years a number od Scottish junior paddlers have achieved considerable success in sprint racing representing Britain at international level.

Marathon racing in Scotland takes place over distances from 4 to 54 miles on all types of water from lowland canals to lochs, rapid rivers and estuaries.

The racing season runs from March through to October with events most weekends and some weekday evenings. Paddlers from Scotland have regularly taken part in the British National and Haslar Marathon championships. At the 2001 British National Marathon Championships a total of 5 medals were won, 4 Divisional and 1 British Championship.

In 2001, ten paddlers from Scotland took part in the World Masters Championships at Stockton on Tees, one of whom returned with a medal.

Most races are open to all paddlers, however organisers may restrict entries at races where there are potentially hazardous conditions.

A full Calendar of Sprint and Marathon events is run in Scotland each year. The competition season runs from March through to October with training and other more informal events taking place through the winter months. Most events take place at week-ends with a series of 10km races which take place during the longer summer evenings.

Scottish Racing Week takes place in June each year and consists of a 6 race series over 9 days. The races provide the chance to paddle on a variety of types of water from the rapids of the Tay to Loch Ken near Dumfries. This series of races has proved popular with paddlers from outside Scotland in recent years providing the opportunity to combine paddling with enjoying the Scottish scenery.

The Linlithgow Summer Series consists of 5 10km races held on linlithgow Loch which are run on Wednesday evenings during the summer months from May to September. Points are awarded according to paddlers' finishing positions and trohpies are awarded to the winners in each class at the end of the Season.

Race Information including course maps is provided in the Sprint and Marathon Yearbook which can be purchased from the Sprint and Marathon Racing Secretary.

Race organisers will provide you with details of the races they run. You will find contact details on the Calendar Page within this web site.

Coaching is available in many areas of Scotland with specialist advice and trining for people interested in canoe racing. For details of coaching within your area, please contact the National Coaching Co-ordinator.

If you are interested in taking part, or would like to know more about canoe racing you'll find contacts for the Sprint and Marathon Racing secretary on the Useful Contacts Page.