Wild Water Racing (WWR) is blessed within the Region with some excellent water and a wide range of venues and events from the Division B introductory races on the Wharfe to the Division A and English Open Championship of the Washburn and Tees. It is hoped that many more paddlers in the Region will "try it out" especially in the plastic Wavehopper wild water racers. To help introduction to the sport, a Paddler Support Scheme is in operation.

Do you want to experience the exhilaration of racing flatout against the clock down stretches of the UK's top white water through unspoilt countryside, and gain a sense of achievement through successfully negotiating a demanding timetrial course? Then try Wild Water Racing -the canoeing equivalent of downhill skiing. Races take place on grade 11 to [V water - the exact difficulty depending on water levels. Pace yourself correctly over a 10 - 25 minute Classic event or test your speed and boat control over a 2-minute sprint event.

New competitors enter Div B races and can gain promotion to Div A. Some Div B races are used to contest the U14/U16 Championship (age as at 1st January) where a plastic Wavehopper is used. Div A races take place on the more difficult courses and a National Championship Ranking is gained from results throughout the year. Inter-Region and Inter-Club Champions are decided on points earned by all paddlers at events throughout the season.

Full details of the sport, including detailed calendar and ranking information can be found in the Wild Water Racing Yearbook, which is sent to all competitors from the previous year early in the New Year. Copies, including WWR entry cards, are available from the Secretary price £2, or check the WWR Homepage on the Internet.

Race Information Line: (after 1Opm Thursday) 01483 824449

National Web Site: http://www.wildwater.org.uk

PERCEPTION WAVEHOPPER CHALLENGE

The Wavehopper Challenge is a series of events being run by the BCU to introduce young people to Wild Water racing. Boats are provided you just bring buoyancy aid, paddle, helmet and spraydeck.  Paddlers should be at least 1 Star / Paddlepower 1 Level 4 standard.

Each regional event includes coaching on flat water plus a sprint race progressing to moving water with events at the Nene in Northampton and the Burrs, Manchester.

Interested?  Watch the calendar for details of events.