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| Go-Paddle: An Introduction to Marathon Canoeing. |
Description
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Canoe Marathon Racing is one of the purest forms of competitive canoeing, the objective being fairly simple, to race from point A to point B as quickly as possible.
Within the UK, the majority of marathon races are held on flat water courses such as canals, large rivers and even lakes. Obstacles such as locks, low bridges and weirs may be encountered, at which point paddlers usually
get out and carry their canoe (a portage). Races can vary in length depending on the venue and the expertise of the paddler. The majority of races within the UK are between 5 and 20 miles long, typically taking between 1 and 4 hours to complete.
For the real enthusiasts a number of ultra long races exist, the most famous being the Devizes to Westminster Race (125 miles) and the Cheshire Ring (95 miles). Internationally, marathon racing is often
undertaken on rivers with significant rapids (especially in South Africa and Australia). The rivers available in the UK do not lend themselves to such events although the Liffey Descent in Ireland includes some
challenging weirs and rapids as does the Exe Descent near Exeter.
To succeed as a marathon racer it is clear that the ability to paddle a long way quickly, is a key attribute. Marathon racing is not
however just for muscle bound hunks (although it helps), as boat handling skills, an efficient paddle stroke and high levels of cardiovascular fitness are also key requirements for good endurance.
In comparison to some of the whitewater disciplines, marathon racing is often viewed as being quite old fashioned and unchallenging. This view is far from reality as anyone who has jostled for position
in a mass start involving 50 to 60 kayaks will testify. A good start and intelligent tactics are key elements to winning a marathon race and paddlers can utilise the washes of other
kayaks to save energy, in anticipation of a sprint finish or an overtaking maneouvre during a portage.
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How Do I Get Involved?
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Within the UK, the sport of Marathon Racing is administered and regulated by the British Canoe Union. One of the best sources
of specific information is the BCU Marathon Committee website. A number of canoe clubs that are active in marathon racing also have very informative sites, including Nottingham Kayak Club, Reading Canoe Club and Richmond Canoe Club
Alternatively search the go-paddle club database to find your nearest canoe club that has an active interest in marathon racing.
Events are organised by individual canoe clubs at a variety of locations across the UK. A divisional structure exists with Division 8 being the lowest division with short races suitable for novice paddlers
and Division 1 being the highest division in which elite athletes compete over much longer distances. Promotion between the divisions is based on results obtained over a number of races.
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