We recently spent weekend 12/13th May at the Northwest Weekend at Nene Whitewater Centre.

This was organised by Clitheroe Canoe Club and paddlers from North and South turned up to make about 90 paddlers over the weekend.

As a comparison Nene is a smaller course than Teesside, if you have been there.  There are a number of pools with small drops between them.  There is one main feature about half way down which looks a bit menacing, but is easily flushed through.

 Saturday was competition day.  The events were split into age ranges U13, U16, Adult and Veteran (over 40).  The events were: - Down river race, Slalom, Sprint, Polo (not a team game but dribbling the ball and shooting in the fastest time) and Freestyle (not based on any skill, you got points awarded for the loudest cheer. so paddling into the flow, standing up and jumping in to the water would get a higher score than someone surfing a wave or doing some slick moves)

 Lewis won the Polo and Sprint for the Under 16’s and I won the Polo for the Old Gits.  The down river race was 2 laps of the course.  I was disappointed to come second when I was a clear winner until I capsized at the last hurdle.  I rolled up to find the second place paddler in front.  I was too tired to catch him.

 There were demo boats including a couple of Duos that made countless runs down the course.  After a while the kids were swimming down the course, having a great time (you can stand up at most places) There were numerous swims with easy access to recover boats and get back in.

 The course was being used in the same way that you would use a swimming pool with a slide, just a big fun session.  This event is ideal for all paddlers of all abilities.  I have seen 8 year olds paddling the course and having fun.  All ages going down the course in various boats, forwards, backwards, with or without boats.

 On Sunday there were 1, 2 and 3 star tests in the morning.  In the afternoon there were river running skills and freestyle coaching; Lewis and I put our names down for the freestyle coaching.  Lewis was in the better group who went off to do their thing, they ended up doing cartwheels amongst other things.  You can guess which group I was in.  We managed some surfing, flat spins and some bow dipping.  After the coaching we had a few more runs, packed up, had a warm shower and then went home.

 We camped on the site itself for free but there is another campsite nearby.  Quite a few people stayed at either the Holiday Inn or Travel Lodge nearby.  We ate out at a Family Pub on Saturday evening.  There is a cafe at the centre during the day

 The costs for paddling were £12 per day or £20 for both days including all competitions and coaching.  There was a family ticket price also.  There were lots of prizes which was really encouraging for all ages.

 This is a must for next years diary.  We should support this event.

 Have a look at the Gallery for some images

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