Canoeing

North Lanarkshire Leisure works in partnership with the Scottish Canoe Association, the Winning Scotland Foundation and North Lanarkshire Council to jointly fund a Canoeing Development Officers post based at Strathclyde Country Park.

Canoeing Development

The post exists to promote the many facets of canoeing, but focuses attention on the Olympic-discipline of Sprint racing. Juniors begin their involvement by completing a Learn to Kayak course (run annually during the summer holidays), during which they will learn all the under-pining skills to the sport, but more importantly having a great time whilst on the water.

In order to provide pathways into the sport, there are a number of options that are available for any junior wishing to maintain their activity in a boat. For those that show the commitment needed, they are invited to join the Regional Development Squad. The juniors in this group train a minimum of 3-times a week all year round (in the warmth of a gym in the winter!!!), and take part in a number of sprint and marathon competitions run throughout Scotland.

If this pathway sounds too much, then a more recreational pathway exists, whereby juniors paddle once a week, allowing them to maintain an interest that further develops their skill-set. A further pathway would be with a local club. These can potentially offer a greater array of opportunities (open canoe, rivers, sea etc), with the benefit of mum and dad being able to join in. Details of these can be provided.

During 2010, members of the Strathclyde Regional Development Squad managed to become British and Scottish Champions in Sprint Racing. This is a great achievement, and a reflection of all the hard work and commitment that the current group of juniors displays. More can be read here, and if you're interested in canoeing perhaps you could paddle in their wake.

In order to promote canoeing to the junior inhabitants of North Lanarkshire, regular school visits take place, whereby school classes are presented with an age-relevant presentation, and then some practical content to get them up and moving. Our aim is to provide schools with an extra choice when considering class activities, bringing them down to Strathclyde Park for sessions out on the water. This helps them to develop their understand of learning in a different way, working with others and ensuring a fun time is had by all.

Further information on the canoeing development programmes, activities and coaching can be obtained from:

Russell Daniels

Canoeing Development Officer, North Lanarkshire Leisure

Strathclyde Country Park

366 Hamilton Road

Motherwell

ML1 3ED

Tel: 01698 402094

Mob: 07538 700659

Email: DanielsRu@nlleisure.co.uk