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The
aim of Wild Water Racing
is to race your kayak/canoe as fast as you can down a stretch of white
water. You race against the clock and normally competitors start at minute
intervals to avoid having to overtake people on the way down the river.
This is a thrilling challenge - it's up to you to find the optimum line
down the river and to pace yourself so that get there in the shortest
possible time.
Two
Types of WWR Race - Classic & Sprint
*
Classic Races are normally 3 miles or so in length and take 10-20 minutes
depending on the course, river level... and yes.. your paddling speed
and skill level
*
Sprint Races involve two runs down a shorter course of usually 500-1000
metres in length with the times added together in order to calculate the
final results
When
and where can I race?
Races take place Sundays from Nov until May on the
rivers Dee, Tay, Awe, Clyde, Teith and Nith. Most can be suitable for
novices although the Tay at Grandtully, and the Nith, do require some
experience particularly at high river levels
When
and where can I train with others?
There are three planned open-to-all
training weekends this winter
based on the River Tay. You are all responsible for your own safety on
at all times - for further information please contact a member of the
wwr committee
What
boat can I use?
Just
as in other disciplines such as Sprint, Marathon and Slalom you can race
in either Kayak or Canoe. In kayaks you sit in the boat and use a double
ended paddle and in canoes you kneel and use a single ended blade. Wild
water racing craft are
designed to travel fast through the water while having enough volume to
stay on top of the waves on rapids. Whereas people race individually in
the kayak (K1) class you have a choice or racing alone (C1) or in pairs
(C2) in the canoe class.
Can
I borrow a boat to start with?
Yes.
The Committee have a number of plastic wild water racing boats called
Wavehoppers
which you can use to get you started. Contact the Committee
Secretary for more details. There are special competitions
for wavehoppers and you get a time allowance against composite boats.
Can I use other types of boat if
I want to?
Yes. We welcome people in slalom boats or other general purpose boats
at all events and, depending on numbers, you may find there is even a
separate class.
Tour
d'Ecosse
takes place at the beginning of May each year and consists of a 4 race
series over 4 days. The races provide the chance to paddle on a variety
of water from the rapids of the Tay to the Awe near Oban. The Tour provides
the opportunity to combine top paddling with fantastic Scottish scenery.
Is
Coaching Available for Wild Water Racing?
Yes. Please contact the National
Coaching Co-ordinator via the SCA office - details of how to do this are
on the main SCA website
Competitors
from Scotland also regularly travel to England and Wales to take part
in races. In recent years a
number of Scottish paddlers have achieved considerable success in wild
water racing, representing Britain at international level.
Next
steps: If
you are interested in taking part, or would like to know more about Wild
Water Racing then please contact us and
let us know how we can help.
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