Feed from Ross

Current News The Future of Holmpierrpont White Water course

Monday night at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham, an open meeting was held for all paddlers to discuss the development of the proposals to change the whitewater course. The meeting was chaired by Chris Hawksworth, Planning and Facilities Manager for Canoe England and the BCU. Close on 100 users turned up to air their views

The proposed plans were explained and seeing the current course compared with the potentially new course the changes are very dramatic. Representative from slalom, freestyle, whitewater racing, rafting, white water safety and rescue and recreational paddling all attended Presentations were made on their thoughts and views from each discipline. Once the floor was open to questions it was clear that there where a high majority of paddlers who were far from happy with the proposed changes. Many extremely valid points were made which clearly demonstrated that these proposals need to be looked at again.

It seems that with the hard work from the paddling community, Matt Chadder, Richard Chrimes Pete Cornes , Keith Hampton and many others, it will be very hard for the BCU and the council to ignore the needs of the wider community of users of the course.

A model will be made over the next few weeks and another open meeting will go ahead on the 3rd of September. Every one is welcome to attend and I would strongly urge you to do so if at all possible.

If there is more disquiet on the subject it is possible that the changes as suggested in their present form happen. So it is up to us as the paddling community to keep the pressure on to ensure that we have a course which is suitable for all disciplines to enjoy and maximize their use.

From the meeting I gained the impression that these course changes are being rushed through in order to spend the available funding before the end of the financial year and as they stand at present would only be of benefit to a small minority of users. Once Broxbourne is built and open all the Slalom paddlers will understandably move to train there. When asked my a member i who would pay for the maintenance of the Omniflot once they are in, the representative for slalom Andy Maddock didn't know. Each Omniflot costs £300 each but who will pay for them when they break or need replacing? Concerns have already been expressed as to the condition of those already installed as regards to their safety. Will the council pay with Sport England having pulled out? Will it be sustainable if the rafts cannot run safely down the course resulting in loss of revenue and course closure? Is it sustainable development? Chris Hawksworth described the course as old and tired. But I sat in the room there were many British Champions, European Champions and World Champions from across all the disciplines for whom Holmpierrpont White Water Course is their prime training ground and who have achieved these titles with the course in its present form I wouldn't call a facility that has helped those athletes tired and old.


I will try and keep you informed on the next meeting, but better still try and be there yourself.

Posted by ross

Nottingham PFAK September 6th 7th

Round 3 of the Plastic Fantastic events is to take place on 6th and 7th of September. The event will be part of the festival of freestyle.
Other events included that weekend will be the final event of the Youthfreestyle and a Glitterfest for the squirters.

so plenty of paddling to be had.
This event needs to be in your calendar.

Posted by ross

Whitewater supplement issue on sale 5th September

Hi Guys its all exciting times for paddlesport at the moment with the development of the National Watersports center and the Olympics about to start in the next few days, along with the fantastic results from the European Freestyle Championships.

Coming up in the next issue of CKUK is a whitewater supplement including advice and all the latest techniques from the UK 's leading Whitewater paddlers.

enjoy

Ross

Posted by ross

20% Off for BCU members at Cotswolds on given days

Hi Guys I didn't want you outdoor enthusiasts to miss out on the 20% off discount days for BCU members.
from the 7th August to the 10th August BCU members can get 20% store items as opposed to the normal 15%.

happy shopping

Posted by ross