On a perfect, super-hot summer’s day at the amazing Peterborough short course, eleven Norwich Canoe Club paddlers took part in one of the most exciting racing days of the year. The Short Course event features 3.6K races of frenetic action, comprising two laps and two beach portages. Most age groups have a heat followed by a final later on, making it great for spectators who can eat ice cream, drink beer, or even walk their dogs while still watching the whole race!
Racing for NCC were Kamila Sklenarova, Jasmine Sargeant, Estelle Widdows, Harry Sewell-Catchpole, Dominic Walker, Shaun Cook, Will Towler, Flo Duffield, Timothy Dowden, James How, and Adam Want.
The standout result of the day went to Kamila Sklenarova, who executed a well-judged race by running long on the second portage in her Final 1, allowing her to pull ahead and take the win in the U18 category. Jasmine Sargeant, who continues to improve rapidly, made Final 1 and secured 6th place in the Under 16 category. Estelle Widdows demonstrated powerful paddling to take 2nd place in Final 2.
James How and Timothy Dowden both shone in their heats to make Final 1. However, they faced challenges in the final: James fell in after a good start (well done on finishing nevertheless), and Tim D, unable to make the side wash after the second portage, opted for the V, presenting a conundrum as he headed to the line but still managed to finish a solid 5th.
Harry Sewell-Catchpole also made Final 1, showing he has the pace off the start and fought well to a 13th place in a competitive and talented junior field. Dom Walker, who set the trend for the very long portage run, achieved a creditable 8th in the Under 16 category.
It was great to see Flo Duffield racing; she demonstrated all her experience with an explosive start, running the portages hard and finding the V wash on the laps. Adam Want had a great start in Final 2 of the veteran race and proudly represented the NCC veterans. We need more veterans next year!
Finally, it was impressive to see two of our para paddlers racing: Shaun Cook and Will Towler (who arrived just 3 minutes before his race!). They were both unopposed in their respective classes, each taking a win.
For some, it’s onto the K1 Assessment at Elmbridge next Saturday. The Short Course Championships is a great day out for paddlers and spectators—let’s aim to take a team of 60 next year!
You can see some video highlights here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H1ibA6ttQo
You can see the full results here: https://canoemarathon.org.uk/live-results/
PaddleUK’s full write up here: https://paddleuk.org.uk/johnson-siblings-shine-at-marathon-short-course-national-championships
Photographs of the event can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gYOVn-jQKM0XKUBh9hihBn1u3L9peFLP
Norwich paddlers next event is the Elmbridge K1 Assessment Race on 18th May and the Norwich Hasler on the 19th May which can be entered here: https://entries.canoemarathon.org.uk/entries/norwich-hasler-CLC1oPru
