Foyle Paddlers crowned league champions

Following a series of eight league fixtures, in which the Prehen based club members participated in White water, Flat water, Slalom and Surf competitions the Foyle Paddlers outfit finished well clear of the other ten clubs.

The final standing in the eleven club league reads: First Foyle Paddlers with an impressive 590 points; Second Belfast Canoe Club on 460 points; Third Canoe Slalom Norther Ireland 219 points; Fourth Coleraine Canoe Club on 119 points.

With 20 points awarded for an individual win, 19 for second etc, Foyle Paddlers points tally was greatly assisted by the high turnout of club paddlers throughout the season. However, with the formation of the newly established Just Kayak club now based in Moville, the Londonderry club will face a stiff challenge if they are to retain their title in 2010/11.

Foyle Paddlers Coaching Officer Andy McClean has stated that "the individual highlight of the year must be the success of fifteen year old Shane Harkin a pupil at St Josephs, who scored 60 points, the highest score of any competitor."

Shane also recently won the Junior Men's (Under 18) Irish Open and has now been nominated to represent Ireland in the Olympic Slalom team.

However, club Chairman Enda Cummins, while delighted at the clubs success in the league, is keen to point out that competition is only one element of the clubs success story this year.

Extending an open invitation to any new members interested in becoming involved in either Canoeing or Kayaking, Enda states that "The club meet every Wednesday at 6pm over in Prehen boathouse and anyone is welcome to come along and try out any of the clubs extensive fleet of boats under the guidance of the clubs newly qualified Level 1 coaches."

Indeed many club members are in fact recreational paddlers, who participate mainly for the social aspect. When it comes to getting outdoors and making the most the weather there are few sports more versatile than canoeing and kayaking. If you thrive on adrenaline then you can head to the mountains and challenge yourself on the crashing rapids and waterfalls of the North West's finest white water rivers.

If you have a more gentle disposition and lets face it most of us do, then floating along placid inland waterways by Canadian Canoe enjoying the tranquillity and peace of e.g., Inch Island or the Upper Foyle is really hard to beat.

Those slightly more adventurous might take a sea kayak and discover the freedom and enjoyment of exploring stunning coast lines or a slightly more exposed crossing, to e.g. Aran Island or across Kinnego bay.

Those who are more competitive by nature will find that the clubs sleek K1 and K2 boats will give them a great workout on the water. Gliding along in the fresh air with stunning views of the river Foyle, instead of inside a gym, treading on some machine like a demented hamster.

Canoeing and Kayaking are truly sports for all abilities, for young or old there are craft to suit every build and outlook on life.

Foyle Paddlers is currently running Canadian Canoe and Sea Kayaking courses aimed at beginners. Further courses in a range of other disciplines are planned over the summer and right into the winter.

Interested participants should check out the club website www.foylepaddlersisfun.net for details of all courses, competitions and club outings which are available.

The club will also be participating in the Derry City Council organised Foyle Days on 12th-13th June. Club coaches will be holding an 'open day' when members of the public will have the chance to sample some of the 'paddle sports' on offer.