Stafford and Stone Canoe Club’s traditional pre-season warm-up races take place on the River Trent in Stone on Sunday 18th January. Sunday 1st and Sunday 15th February.
The mini slalom races have been held since the 1970s and are handicapped to give paddlers of all abilities a chance of winning.
Over the years these events have become very popular, with the event in 2014 reaching record attendance. Paddlers of all abilities come from all over the UK to race at the leading UK canoe slalom club right here in Stone.
This years events will be held on 18th January, 1st February and 15th February. The third mini includes the grand final where the top 10 paddlers over the three events fight it out for the title of overall champion.
Last year’s mini was won by local paddler James Bailey who joined the club as a child and worked his way up to a Premier Paddler. But he was followed very closely by two local young division three paddlers, also members of S&SCC. In all S&SCC paddlers achieved eight of the 10 places in the final – testament to the ongoing support the club gives to its junior paddlers and the volunteer coaches who give up their time to dedicate it to producing many successful paddlers.
Usually in attendance are some of the S&SCC top paddlers that have been paddling for Team GB all over the world in the previous year. It’s great to see the juniors, and particularly the novices competing against them, and with the handicap system they have a great chance of beating a world championship medalist.
So if you would like to witness some great local athletes, and young up-and-coming paddlers competing in an Olympic sport in your local area, go along – you may see some future Olympians in action!
And if you get the bug and want to have a go, the club’s taster sessions are usually held in May each year, and both the junior and adult beginners’ coaches will be at the mini slalom events.
Click HERE for a report and photos of last year’s event.
