News

This is a page for news about canoe slalom in Australia. All news items appear in chronological order with the most recent item at the top of the page. The first news item appeared on 30 May 2008 and can be found here at the bottom of this page.

2009

3 July

Stuart McIntosh writes

Dear Slalom Paddlers

I would like to confirm that the Australian Team will still be training at PWS during the Winter Break. They have requested combined NCE/Open sessions on the following dates. If you would like to paddle in any of these sessions then please call to 'Book & Pay' for sessions.

Saturday 4th July 10-11am
Saturday 11th July 10-11am
Friday 17th July 2-3pm
Saturday 18th July 10-11am & 3-4pm
Sunday 19th July 10-11am

Important details-
You can 'Book & Pay' for sessions Monday to Friday 9-5pm. (the office is Closed weekends)
During the weekend the venue gates will be unlocked 1 hour before the session time and locked 30 mins after the session.
The PWS changing rooms will be closed but access to the changing rooms at the NCE building is permitted.
Cost per session is $20

For more details about access to the whitewater during the winter break please contact Mike Druce.

2 July

ALERT

Christine Borrows writes:

A word of warning - someone was trying to remove the polo boats from under the NCE building earlier this week. As a result of this Stuart McK is going to have a “ruthless” sort out of all the boats stored at PWS. If you have a boat stored there I suggest you get down and make sure that PWS knows it belongs to you and if you are not using take it home for safe keeping.

1 July

Wiki views June 2009:

23 June

Stuart McIntosh writes

Dear Slalom Paddlers

This week there are Groups of paddlers from Victoria and Perth coming to paddle.

We need...
1 more person for Tuesdays 8am session
3 paddlers for Wednesday 8am session.

You will really be helping out your fellow paddlers if your able to join these sessions. Schedule is 090623.xls

Regards

16 June

Stuart McIntosh writes

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Only a few more sessions of whitewater until September, so please remember to book in for sessions if you want the water to run. If the session is cancelled you will be credited or moved to another session. Next week there are a number of paddlers coming from Vic and Perth, but we still need some local paddlers to help increase numbers.

Schedule 090617.xls.

12 June

Below are the water times for slalom training at Penrith in July. The NCE/Open sessions are open for anyone to book in to. For more information you can contact Mike Druce - slalomcoach@ozemail.com.au or contact the stadium directly http://penrithwhitewater.com.au

http://canoe.org.au/site/canoeing/ac/downloads/2009/Slalom/July%20water%20.pdf

12 June

Stuart McIntosh writes

Dear all

Please find here the Slalom Schedule for the rest of June 090612 June Slalom.xls.

In the last week of June there are a group from Victoria and Perth coming to PWS. I have put on Extra Open sessions midweek. I will still need a minimum of 10 paddlers fro these sessions to run, so please remember to book in for sessions ASAP.

NCE/Open sessions = This is also an Open sessions but NCE have priority. All Athletes must book and pay in the same way as an Open session.

10 June

Dear Paddlers

From June 28th – September 1st Penrith Whitewater will be having a ‘Winter Break’.

During this period the following activities will not operate:
- whitewater rafting
- recreational paddling
- kayak instruction

However, the office will remain open Monday to Friday to answer any queries and take bookings.

The staff and management of Penrith Whitewater would like to thank you for your patronage and look forward to welcoming you back in Spring.

If you have any questions or queries please contact me.

Regards,
Stuart McIntosh
Activities Operations Manager
Penrith Whitewater Stadium

10 June

Susie Wharton writes:

This is a letter Slalom Petition.doc I have circulated amongst the paddling community to gather support for changing the way water can be utilised at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium in order to allow access for both NCE athletes and developing paddlers. I have received a far greater response than I could have imagined to this letter. I have had replies from current and past national team members, paddlers who have retired due to the current water access situation, emerging slalom paddlers and concerned parents. In addition to the ideas I have put forward in my letter I have also received many other positive suggestions as to solutions and development opportunities that could be implemented if appropriate discussion amongst the concerned parties could take place.

3 June

PWS water schedule from 1 June to 14 June 09060114.xls.

31 May

Wiki views May 2009

29 May

Entries are open for Selection Race 4. See here for information.

29 May

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Paddlers

The session times have changed for Saturday 30th May ONLY, because there is no rafting booked at 9am, so we all get a more reasonable time to train.

OPEN 08:30
NCE 09:30

26 May

The website for the Australian Junior canoe Slalom team has been launched.

25 May

Susie Wharton has written to fellow canoeists about access to water slots at Penrith. She is seeking support from paddlers for a letter she will be sending to the Chair of the AC Board (Danielle Woodward) and the Chair of the Canoe Slalom Technical Committee (Sue Lyons) on 7 June 2009.

The letter is:

Dear (Ms Woodward, Mrs Lyons),

I am writing to you to try and convey the dire state of non-elite slalom canoeing in Australia. Together with the canoeing community I would like to outline the current issues facing those wishing to train in the sport of slalom canoeing and present to you some suggestions as to how Australian Canoeing could help save our sport.

The Penrith Whitewater Stadium is the main site for slalom canoeing in Australia. Over the summer period, mainly thanks to the support of the international slalom community, there is ample opportunity to access the slalom gates on the whitewater. Since the international paddlers returned home there have been weeks where not one ‘open’ slalom session has been able to be run. The only slalom sessions running at this time were exclusive to the National Center of Excellence (NCE) athletes.

Currently, by having all the NCE athletes paddling only in exclusive sessions there are not enough other slalom paddlers, training on a regular basis, to make up the required numbers that are needed to run regular open slalom sessions as well. This means that while the NCE athletes have access to 5 sessions per week any athletes striving to become a part of this system have little or no access. This situation is further impacted by the Penrith Whitewater Stadium not including NCE paddlers who have booked into an open session into their calculation of the 10 paddlers required to run a session. The past months have proved that having 10 non-NCE paddlers regularly booking into slalom sessions is unrealistic.

By supporting and contributing to the funding of the NCE program Australian Canoeing is inadvertently decreasing the opportunities for developing slalom paddlers to access the water. By not giving developing athletes the opportunity to train and improve you are decreasing the depth of competition at the top end of our sport and failing to support the next group of athletes coming through. This is a problem that will only continue get worse as the current system is beginning to deter people from continuing with their training and is not encouraging any growth or development of the sport.

The NCE maintain that they are there to fund the elite training and it is not their role to support development sessions. This is understandable as the funding they receive is intended to directly endorse the training of our national team and our future Olympians. However, the way the current resources are used actively discourages development and this is surely not the intention of the funding. Exclusive training sessions are not a sustainable option in a country where the slalom community is relatively small and the opportunities for training on other whitewater sites are limited. It would not be an issue if there were enough paddlers to support a second tier of training nor if there was also funding allocated for development sessions. Unfortunately, in Australia this is not the case.

The NCE have acknowledged this problem by agreeing to help support one open slalom session on a weekend. This is greatly appreciated by the paddlers who now have access to one hour per week where they can train on whitewater with full access to gates. This however, does not solve the problem as one hour per week is completely insufficient for effectively training for slalom canoeing.

Australia has recently enjoyed its best ever international race results. Many of the athletes achieving these results initiated their training at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium when there was fair access for everyone. For many years the slalom community trained together giving the opportunity for developing athletes to learn from watching the elite athletes and providing the elite athletes with increased competition and pressure from the up and coming paddlers. This environment can create a competitive domestic racing scene that could lead to Australia being even more successful on a World stage. There are many examples internationally of countries where the national team members train effectively with other slalom paddlers. Is it really necessary for the NCE paddlers to have exclusive use of the water all the time? Supporting our elite athletes should not have to come at the cost of the development of the sport.

There can be a system where NCE athletes are funded to use the water without excluding others. The canoeing community would like to propose that by altering the way the sessions are structured more people would have access to training without the need for extra funding. Having all paddlers, NCE and otherwise, booking into each available slalom session would create sufficient numbers to run more sessions. These sessions could be funded partly by NCE, by contributing to the cost of their paddlers training in the session, and supplemented by the other slalom paddlers making up the numbers. If over 10 non-NCE paddlers book into sessions, and this would be disruptive to the NCE paddlers training, another exclusive NCE session could be added, while still having sufficient numbers to run an open session as well.

Having regular slalom sessions throughout the year would benefit many paddlers. As discussed it would allow a larger base of developing athletes to train on a regular basis. It would also increase the opportunities for interstate paddlers to access training by making training camps a viable option without needing to book exclusive sessions at $480 an hour, an amount that is unrealistic for many clubs and associations. Consistent sessions could also create the opportunity for growing the slalom community by providing an avenue for new slalom athletes to access the course and create opportunities for retired athletes and social slalom paddlers to practice and continue to enjoy the sport. If we can grow the number of paddlers in the sport we may reach a point where we could justify having exclusive elite sessions running alongside sustainable open sessions.

Australian Canoeing has recently announced a development team. The team selected has been given the opportunity to race in the World Series races in Europe this August. However, the team is to receive no funding and does not qualify for any access to training in the lead up to these events. This does not allow much room for development. To encourage the development of these athletes there does not necessarily need to be funded access to training, just the opportunity to access training.

Slalom is a challenging sport. To be successful in slalom involves intense training to gain the technical prowess and physical fitness needed to successfully complete a course. For many of the slalom community, currently not receiving support from the NCE program, the challenge facing them is in gaining access to adequate training, instead of in the training itself. We are hopeful that together with help of Australian Canoeing something can be done to resolve this problem and provide a sustainable system that can support current elite athletes, developing athletes and even look to growing our sport.

Attached is a list of names from the canoeing community who support the ideas that have been outlined in this letter.


Yours sincerely,

Susie Wharton

25 May

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear all

The Open sessions this weekend will run, we have enough paddlers booked already!! Thanks for those that have started to book in advance.

Schedule to 7 June is here 090525.xls

20 May

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear All

I really want to keep the Weekend Sessions going so I am requesting paddlers please book. The likes of Ben Jones, Susie Wharton, Lucian Delfore and Ashleagh Logan are the paddlers regularly paddling but are struggling for sessions because we are not getting other paddlers booking in for the session. So help your fellow paddlers and book in for sessions. If you know 10 or more paddlers willing to book in for session and would like to request for a time you would like a sessions, just ask. (Please remember its light from 7am-5pm).

20 May

This is a copy of the latest version of the 2009 to 2012 calendar 090515 National Slalom Calendar.xls This replaces and updates all previous versions and is the authoritative version of the calendar.

20 May

WA Coaching Clinic

News of a coaching clinic held in Western Australia can be found here.

20 May

Help Requested

Katie Etheridge writes:

First of all, two guys from Kanu-Schwaben Augsburg are coming to Penrith with the World Masters and are having great difficulties trying to get their boats to Australia. The airline they have booked with are trying to charge them an obscene amount of money to bring them over. They were hoping to borrow a boat each for the games. The boats will need to be available on October 15th until the race is over! If anyone has a spare short boat lying round that they could lend them could you please let me know and I can forward it on to Tommy. Oh and they are happy to pay some money to use the boat!!!

Secondly, a lovely girl named Inga Heinz-Fischer from Germany is hoping to come to Australia for 3 - 4 months starting in September and attend school and paddle as well. She is 16 years old so will need to be staying with a family in order to come over, preferably with someone she can go to high school with. Her parents will pay money for the accommodation and of course its a contact to have in Germany and a chance to make a new friend and learn a new language. If anyone is interested in hosting her can you please contact me and I will forward your emails.

Thanks very much

Katie Etheridge

20 May

New Zealand Nationals 2010

Sue Clarke writes from New Zealand about accommodation at the Chalets Holiday Park for the 2010 Nationals in the South Island. The proprietors of the Holiday Park:

have available; "The Lodge" which is a 3 x bedroom house, it has a Queen bed, a Double, twin singles and a pull-out Divan in the lounge, it is fully self-contained. Also we have 4 x Self-Contained two bedroom family units, 2 that sleep up to 6, 1 x 5 and 1 x 4. and 4 x Studio units that that have a queen bed for two. We also have a Chalet with 14 rooms 5 x double and 9 x twin with share facilities.

Contact details for those interested:

The Chalets Holiday Park
102 Barry Ave
Cromwell
Phone: 03 445 1260
Fax: 03 445 1399
E-mail: thechalets@xtra.co.nz
Reservations: 0800 830 231

19 May

Results from PVC's slalom held on 16 May Copy of and 17 May can be found on the Results page of this wiki.

14 May

Max Parsons writes:

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR A MELBOURNE WHITEWATER STADIUM

Recently the Federal Government announced that the Commonwealth Department of Defence Explosives Factory site in Maribyrnong will be sold to the Victorian Government for development into a Residential Community. The site will be subject to an extensive remediation process to clean and deliver the site to the Victorian Government.

Vic Urban will assume responsibility for the design, implementation and delivery of the development. The initial phase of the planning process is to develop a Master Plan for the site. This process will happen through the remainder of 2009.

At a very recent meeting with the Director of Urban Design for Vic Urban, I submitted a Concept Plan for a whitewater stadium to be located adjacent to a portion of the extensive Maribyrnong River frontage that the site enjoys.

If a whitewater stadium is to be located on this site it must be included into the Master Plan. In order to maximise our presence and demonstrate a high level of interest it is now imperative to register your interest for the development with Vic Urban.

If you are at all interested in the realization of a whitewater stadium for Melbourne then register your interest via the Vic Urban website using this link.

If we demonstrate a high level of interest then we maximise our opportunity to be incorporated into the Master Plan. If we cannot demonstrate that interest, it will not happen.

This will only be the first step in the process to deliver a whitewater stadium, but no journey can begin without the first step.

14 May

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

There have been some changes to the schedule. Please call to check whitewater times if you have any doubts.

There are no OPEN sessions this weekend, but paddlers are invited to join in the NCE race simulation, Please contact Colin Borrows at Penrith Valley Canoeing.

Schedule for 15-24 May can be found at 090514 Water.xls

14 May

Rob van Bommelwrites:

Hi Everyone,

This Sportscene Newsletter covers:

• Rapid River Aqua Center in Europe: indoor!
• Video with Daniele Molmenti successful: some stats
• Internet broadcasting: live video through the Internet
• Music Libray

You can visit the newsletter here.

Best regards,

Rob

12 May

Colin Borrows writes:

Morning all,

We are invited to join the AIS in a slalom this weekend to be held on Saturday and Sunday. Brief details are:
Date – 16th and 17th May
Where – PWS
Time – 8.30 to 10.30am both days.
Format – 2 runs with the best run counts followed by a team event. (Similar format each day)
Cost - $15 per day
Water – On at about 8.20 for course to be set for 8.30 racing to start 8.40am

Please send your entries to me by Friday am. (so we can prepare a start list)

Sorry for the short notice.

11 May

The Minutes of a CSAus Technical Committee workshop at Beechworth, Victoria held on 1-3 May can be found here.

1 May

The Slalom Technical Committee is holding its annual planning workshop in Beechworth, Victoria from 1 May to 3 May inclusive.




Around the Clubs

Derwent Canoe Club has announced the publication of the March 2009 edition of the Southern Canoeist March 2009.pdf.

Melbourne Canoe Club has posted the results of the Finns' reserve race here.

Swan Canoe Club held its Slalom Committee Meeting on 28 April.

1 May

April Views of the Wiki

25 April

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Unfortunately I have had to cancel the Open Slalom Training sessions for Saturday and Sunday. Only 3 booked for Saturday and 4 on Sunday. I will continue to keep these sessions running in the hope that people will start to want to paddle in these session. As normal the paddlers booked in for session will be told if the session is cancelled.

If you can get more than 10 paddlers toegther that want to paddle at a specific time, please let me know and I will run an Open Training session

Rescue Training
You will see on occasion the Whitewater Channel is restricted for Swift Water Rescue courses for the Ambulance and Fire Services. During this 45 minute period the conveyer belt is switched off. Access to the bottom half of the whitewater channel may be permitted, please ask the Safety Guide in the centre of the channel. We apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please don't forget to call before you leave home to check Raft/ Recreational paddling times! Schedule 090425.xls

FILMING
Monday to Thursday next week a filiming company will have exclusive use of the whitewater channel. They are making a film about the graffiti artists that died in a storm water drain last year. A 24meter pip will be constructed in the Whitewater channel.

We apologies for the late notice and the effect on Slalom training, especially to the NCE paddlers.

The changing rooms will be open and access to the flat water gates. The Cafe will also be open.


Regards

21 April

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

WEDNESDAY 21st April Session Cancelled (Sorry to Kate Lawrence and Ben Jones, the only paddlers that booked).

!!!!! Only 1 person has booked into Saturday and Sunday Open Session at the moment!!!!!

If 10 or more paddlers can work out between them when they would like to do a session, Please let me know and I will tell you times that are available. (Latest sessions are 4.15-5.15... Earliest is 7.15-8.15)

16 April

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

15 April

PWS Schedule for 15 April to 25 April is here 090415.xls

10 April

PWS Open Sessions Cancelled 11/12 April

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Sorry

Only 4 paddlers booked each day, I have cancelled both open sessions.
(I am particularly sorry for Susie Wharton and Ashley Logan).

Saturday 11th 08.30-09.30
Sunday 12th 09.30-10.30

All that booked have been notified.

Raft/ Rec Paddling is still available, please call to check whitewater times

We need a minimum of 10 paddlers for a Slalom Session to run.
We request paddlers book a minimum of 7 days in advance and give 3 days notice if they want to move sessions.
Only paddlers booked in to session will be notified if a session is cancelled!!!!!!

Regards,
Stuart McIntosh
Activities Operations Manager
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749

Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

6 April

First event of the Solution Yarra Series for 2009 held. More details - results and images - can be found on the Melbourne Canoe Club web site.
Solution Yarra Series 2009 - Race 1

5 April

New video available: Daniel Molmenti Upstream Gates

The most recent video newsletter created by Rob van Bommel contains a video of Daniel Molmenti working on upstream gates.

You can view the video here and the most recent newsletter here.

4 April

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Please see April Schedule APRIL SCHEDULE.xls

You will notice the session in BOLD are sessions available for booking.

Sessions in gray are possible time slots. If you know more than 10 paddlers willing to train in one of those time slots, let me know and I will make that session available for booking.


Regards

2 April

Auckland Whitewater Stadium

The proposed stadium has moved to Stage 2. This web site provides information and gives the opportunity for paddlers to express support for the stadium.

1 April

National Talent Squad

Ordette Webster writes:

Hi Everyone

We have a website for NTS and this can be found at www.ntsslalom.canoe.org.au

I have been doing some "crash reading" on this to try to learn the necessary skills to set it up & maintain it for the trip to NZ.
I have to say I am a complete novice at this, but Sam Lyons has pointed me in the right direction and I think I may have finally come to grips with it
in the knick of time.

I have uploaded a few photos from the recent Induction Camp and hope to be able to keep all those interested informed whilst we are away.



My plan is to ask different paddlers to write a brief report each day so everyone will have written something by the end of the trip.

It is definitely a "works in progress" site.

Please check it out and remember to keep visiting it to check out the new additions each day.

Regards

Ordette

1 April

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Schools, Students and Canoeing community

From 9am on Saturday 4th April we will be showcasing Canoe Polo and Sprint as a new option in the Junior Kayaking Program at Penrith Whitewater Stadium (PWS). Everyone is invited to come and have a go! There will be demonstrations using past and present Australian Team paddlers! Plus the three main Canoe Clubs in the area will be telling all the kids and parents what they offer.

The PWS Junior Kayaking Program offers a solid grounding in kayaking and promotes a healthy active lifestyle by getting outdoors having fun. We give the very best start for our paddlers by using the best instructors available (including many current Australian Team Paddlers). We currently offer two programs:
Schools Program - We offer an 8 week program where the students attend during a school day. We have also offered 3 hour taster sessions or 4 week programs and can be flexible to suit you.
Saturday Morning Program - This runs every Saturday morning during school terms. Students start the program as complete beginners or as a continuation from a schools program. As students progress they are given the option to try Canoe Polo, Whitewater Freestyle and Olympic disciplines of Sprint and Whitewater Slalom. (The Australian Institute of Sport Slalom Team are also based here).
After a sound grounding the students are introduced to all Canoe Clubs in the area so when they have finished they know where to go next! Whether that is the Olympic Games, river trips or just going paddling with friends.

Please find attached an A4 poster with more details about Saturday 4th April and the Junior Kayaking flow Chart showing progression options.

So please join us by the Canoe Polo Courts on Saturday 4th April to find out more. Make sure you have clothes you are happy to get wet in and secure footwear if you want to have a go!

Regards,


Stuart McIntosh
Activities Operations Manager
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749

Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

1 April

Page views on this wiki for March

29 March

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear All

Penrith Whitewater Stadium runs a Junior Kayaking Program (JKP) and last month we had one of our highest ever turn over of schools coming to paddle and this month will the by far the highest. The Junior program on Saturday mornings (09:30-12:30) run during school terms is currently over 50 students (plus 10 parents) and the last day of term is this Saturday 28th March. (With the exception of a few, 15 can self rescue, 10 are paddling moving water, 10 are doing freestyle and 9 Slalom).

The focus of the program is:

• Introduce canoeing to 12-18 year olds, as part of a school group or as part of the Saturday morning program.
• Ensure they are given suitable basics to progress and give them the opportunity to try the many styles of canoeing.
• Introduce them to the canoe clubs in the area.

Next term I want to have Canoe Polo and Sprint as a option however most have no idea what they are and I need suitable instructors to teach them, so I am hoping for your help.

On Saturday 4th April from 09:00 - 12:00 I would like to invite all the students from the Saturday morning program and schools to come and meet the Canoe Clubs in the area and also introduce them to Canoe Polo and Sprint. I will put up some shade over by the Canoe Polo courts and offer sausage sizzle and drink for $5 from 11:30. I will hope to have 10 Polo Boats loaned by Richard Fox/ AIS. I will provide around 40 sets of equipment, Helmets/paddles but the decks I have are for too big for Polo Boats and none of the helmets have face masks.

What I need are:

• Volunteers from Windsor, Rivers, PVC Canoe clubs, Canoe Polo, Slalom, Sprint, Freestyle to talk with the parents and the students to help introduce them to our sport.
• Volunteer demo/instructors/coaches to help run the Canoe Polo ( I have 10 polo boats from Richard Fox)
• Volunteer demo/instructors/coaches to help run the Sprint, I need some boats!

Ultimately I would like all the students to join canoe clubs and to see a large start up for Polo and Sprint in the Junior kayaking program. Ideally I want every student in the program to be introduced to Slalom, Sprint, Marathon, Polo, Freestyle and then join a club to go on river trips, go sea kayaking or enter Slalom/ Sprint/ Freestyle competitions and meet like minded people to go paddle with.

I would like the Canoe Clubs to introduce themselves informally to the students and parents telling them what you can offer them. Many are keen to keep paddling over the Easter holidays, maybe you are doing something they can join in with?

If you would like to be a part of this informal event please contact me with the a number of volunteers you can bring and what they can do to help. NAME OF CLUB can supply ? boats for kids to try and ? member from the club to help on the water and ? can specifically help with of polo/sprint.

BASIC FORMAT

09:00 ALL meet at Polo Courts
09:10 DEMO of polo (2 teams needed)
09:30 DEMO of Sprint (K1, K2, C1 needed)
10:00 Basic skill of polo/sprint taught to large groups, then groups switch.
11:00 Continuous games of polo, Sprint paddling until our arms ache.

I look forward to seeing you on the 4th April, but if you want to know more about the JKP program, come and see for yourself on Saturday morning. Also if there is anyone I have missed please forward this email to them!

Regards,
Stuart McIntosh
Activities Operations Manager
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749

Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

26 March

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Please find here 090326 PWS.xls this week's Schedule. April's schedule is now available, please ask at the office.

AUSTRALIAN PADDLERS
On the 7th April the last remaining international paddlers (11 SVK) will be leaving.
In Open session over the last 2 weeks only 10 spaces were filled by 6 Australian paddlers. (26 spaces by 7 NCE paddlers).
For me this means outside NCE only 6 paddlers are training less than twice a week. We simply need more paddlers training more regularly! I strongly suggest using the Rafting/Rec paddling sessions and paddling on weekends in Open sessions as the most cost effective way to get on the whitewater. Dont forget that Upstream gates are permited during Rec paddling sessions, please see attached and always ask the saftey guide and remove gates to the outside of the channel after use.

To remind you: Minimum number of paddlers needed to turn the whitewater on any day of the week is 10.
Cost of sessions mid week is $21- (OPEN 20)
Cost of weekend sessions are $16- (OPEN)
Cost to paddle during raft/recreational paddling session for 1 hour is $16, mid week or weekend.

Regards

Stuart McIntosh
Activities Operation Manager

17 March

Christine Borrows writes:

Hi all,

This is just a reminder about the combined slalom rafting event on Sunday evening.
So far we only have one entry! We need to get some more or we will have to cancel.
You don’t have to specify your team for the raft - we can do a draw on the day.
SO PLEASE GET YOUR ENTRIES IN ASAP

Follow the link for entry forms and more information

Entries to Geoff Jones please.

17 March

An updated calendar for 2009-2011 has been published see information on the Calendar page.

17 March

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

The Summer season is coming to an end and by the end of the week only 11 international paddlers will be regularly training. The Slalom Schedule is now getting very hard to write as nobody is booking in for sessions ( 1629March09.xls). I am assuming by now you have all had a rest after selection and have your Uni Schedules and are keen to get back into training.

Trying to take on board everyone's sessions requests is impossible, so in order to offer the most amount of available training sessions midweek I have decided to re-introduce OPEN 20 sessions. The cost is higher but the minimum number needed to turn the water on is 10.

So basically from next week;
Minimum number of paddlers needed to turn the whitewater on any day of the week is 10.
Cost of sessions mid week is $21- (OPEN 20)
Cost of weekend sessions are $16- (OPEN)
Cost to paddle during raft/recreational paddling session for 1 hour is $16, mid week or weekend.

Please understand I am trying to offer the most amount of water to the largest number of people. I know some will be unhappy that the price of sessions is higher, but until we get the number of Slalom paddlers training in Penrith increased, I believe this is the best I can do. If you have any suggestions requests or questions please ask.

Regards

Stuart McIntosh
Activities Operation Manager

13 March

Request for help at Penrith Valley Canoeing on Sunday 15 March.

Christine Borrows writes:

PLEASE CAN YOU COME AND HELP GEOFF JONES WHO IS ORGANISING A CLUB EVENT ON SUNDAY MORNING 15TH MARCH TO TRY AND GET NEW PADDLERS INTO THE SPORT.

GEOFF HAS BEN TO HELP BUT HAS NOT GOT ANYONE ELSE CONFIRM THEY WILL BE THERE.

PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT THE PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO EXPAND THE PADDLING COMMUNITY. CAN YOU CONTACT GEOFF ON gjones1@tpg.com.au

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A CLUB MEMBER – JUST WILLING TO ASSIST.

THANKS

13 March

Updated Slalom Calendar 2009 to 2011

An updated slalom calendar can be found here on the Calendar page of this wiki.

10 March

Christine Borrows writes:

New Regular PVC Club Event – Sunday morning starting 15th March 2009

This is to be the start of what we hope will be a regular club event where people can come along and have a go at canoeing, meet up with existing members, get together and plan events and generally have a fun time.

Initially we will be having a free BBQ afterwards (15th March). Open to all new paddlers and existing members come and get involved with your club – tell us what we can do for you.

We are hoping to have a number of different activities depending on the skill level of people attending; this will also include parents wanting to have a paddle. We will be looking at Slalom, Flat-water, Polo and Rafting and Fun Kayaking. PVC has access to a different variety of equipment so if people want to try something different then they can.


Where? PWS at the bottom of the carpark near the flatwater gates
When? Sunday 15th March 9am to 12pm.

Enquiries to: Geoff Jones 0407 700 953 or Gjones1@tpg.com.au
or Colin Borrows: colin@acvdesigns.com.au

10 March

Rob van Bommel writes:

Australian Canoeing has a YouTube channel.

9 March

News from the Selection Races held at Penrith on 7/8 March can be found on the Results page and the Selection page.

7 March

Christine Borrows writes:

Now here is an event with a bit of a twist and should be great fun. We are running a combined slalom; boats (Kayak, Canoe or Creek) and Rafts.
Yes that's right a rafting Slalom included, everyone who enters will need to paddle in a boat class as well as a raft, so get your rafting crews organised (6 crew members plus a Guide).
If you do not have a crew organised by the Sunday of the event we will allocate you to a crew, also all raft crews will have a qualified raft guide as one of the crew members.

As per usual we will be having a great BBQ after the event.

When: Sunday 22 March starting at 4:30pm
Where: Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Link for entry form and more information.

7 March

Results from Senior Selection and Team 22 Race 2 can be found here with a summary of the day's performances.

6 March

A page for the National Talent Squad has been added to the wiki today.

6 March

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Please find the Slalom Schedule for 6 March to 15 March here 0615 March09.xls.

THIS WEEKEND The Cafe will be open from approx 7.15am Saturday and Sunday.

If you want the live results from the race click on this link.The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Regatta Centre at 1.30pm on Sunday, (food and beverages available).

NEXT WEEK
Some Open session times have changed and new sessions are available, please ask the front desk to confirm your session times.

I apologies for the number of FULL sessions this week and can I please request:
Paddlers do not sign their names at the bottom of the sign in sheet, 30 boats is the maximum limit.
Paddlers please book into session at least 7 days in advance to help me make sure I can put on the right number of Open sessions.
Good Luck if you are racing this weekend.

Regards,

Stuart

5 March

News of a Development Plan for the Penrith Area can be found here on the Development page of this wiki. (First posted on AC website on 3 March here.)

5 March

Provisional Start Lists for Selection Races 2 and 3 are published here.

4 March

Graeme Caudry writes:

MCC Slalom News Update

It is all happening for MCC Members & Friends! Get organised, get paddling.

Congratulations to MCC members at the Australian Open. See website for full details.

MCC Presentation and Social Night Keep Saturday the 14th March free for another great evening to celebrate the MCC's Success.

Congratulations to the Victorians in the Australian Junior Team The Junior Team has 5/10 MCC members and National Talent Squad 11/25 MCC members. Well done to them all!!

3 March

Colin Borrows writes from Penrith Valley Canoeing:

Morning all,

A few items to update you:

Our Sunday evening race (at PWS) is on 22nd March and will be a ‘softer” format (whatever that means) – information sheet to following in the next few days but pencil in the 22nd.

We are in need of some 2nd hand K1 decks (slalom) for the club to use. These don’t have to be in top condition – suitable for beginners. If have a spare not in use please let me know.

Race well this weekend for all those going for selection.

Thanks to all – enjoy work or school

2 March

Picture of the Month supplied by Rob van Bommel from Australian Nationals

2 March

News from Brazil:

Curitiba, February 27th, 2009.

To: Canoe Federations, Athletes and affiliated members

The Brazilian Canoe Confederation (CBCa) would like to inform that the 2009 Itaipu International Slalom scheduled for March,13th and 14th to be held in Foz do Iguassu, Brazil, has been changed to July, 25th and 26th.

João Tomasini Schwertner
CBCa President

1 March

Wiki visits for February were:



Page views were:

26 February

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

This Saturday morning Open session will run straight into rafting session, so raft guides will be moving the gates out of the channel when the session finishes at 10.15. As I cannot synchronise everybodys' watches I am sure some will think the gates are being moved too early. I would request all slalom paddlers aim to finish their session at 10.15, not start their last run at 10.15. The guides will give as much time as they can but note they are just doing their job and will respond better to 'please wait a second' followed by 'thank you'. Please can coaches help the raft guides move the gates to the outside of the course, thank you.

Please see the spreadsheet attached for the Slalom Schedule 27 February to 7 March 0902270307 Times.xls. Please check the notice board regularly or ask to confirm water times.

I would like to thank all slalom paddlers that have booked in for sessions and paid in advance. This has made planning the slalom schedule much easier.

Have a great weekend

Regards,
Stuart McIntosh

23 February

Rob van Bommel writes:

An overview of the Australian Open 2009 is published here. A Sunday evening news flash is posted here.

23 February

Roy Farrance writes:

The Masters Games' slalom event and the associated Junior events, originally planned for Dights Falls and then moved to Eildon due to lack of water in the Yarra HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED. This is due increased fire in the Eildon and Snobs' Creek area, and the associated increased health hazard because of smoke and ash.
As there is no other venue viable in Victoria, with much regret we have now cancelled this slalom.

23 February

This is a link to a news item about the Australian Open in the Cumec Magazine.

22 February

News of the Junior team Selection for 2009 can be found on the Selection page of this wiki and in this AC website post.

22 February

Video of Finals' day at the Australian Open can be found here. An AC report with embedded video and links to results can be found here.

21 February

A video produced by Rob Van Bommel for Day One of the Australian Open can be found here on the Australian Open channel.

20 February

Link to the Open (Pro Series) website. This is a news flash and video welcome from YouTube.

20 February

PWS schedule 20 February to 1 March inclusive 090220090301.xls.

17 February

Australian Open

A provisional start list for the Australian Open is available here. This is the link to the AC web post with a link to more information about the event.

This is a news item about Australian athletes nominated to compete for World Ranking points.

Slalom Selection Races 2 and 3

This is the AC web post about entries for Selection Races 2 and 3. The closing date for entries is 27 February. (This announcement appeared on the AC web page on 13 February).

17 February

News of the ICF's confirmation of the Slalom rules is posted in the Officiating page of this wiki.

16 February

News from the Web

Ascot Canoe Club announces:


NATIONALS CELEBRATION and SLALOM AGM
Wednesday 18 February 2009 - Ascot Kayak Club
After the club race

The WA Slalom Technical Committee is an energetic group of like minded people, dedicated to the growth of Slalom in WA. Over the past two years the committee has implemented strong programs, secured grants and seen our membership numbers increase greatly. These efforts have culminated in our largest representation at the 2009 Nationals. With 16 competitors we came away with 25 individual medals. The squad represented their state with pride and success.
To celebrate our success we are holding a celebration night at Ascot Kayak club on Wednesday 18th February. We have stories to tell, videos of the squad on the great Mersey River to watch and photographs to see.
We would like all AKC members (young & old) plus parents to join us in the celebration.

Swan Canoe Club

Junior paddling at Swan in 2009

Are you between the ages of 9 and 13, fit, love water sports and looking for something new to try? Like to represent Australia in the Olympics as Club life member Robin Bell has done twice?
Are you between the ages of 9 and 13, fit, love water sports and looking for something new to try? Like to represent Australia in the Olympics as Club life member Robin Bell has done twice? Then white water slalom might just be what you are looking for! Come to the Swan Canoe Club this Sunday (8th Feb) at 9:30am and learn what is involved. No experience is necessary but you must be able to swim confidently. The Club is situated just south of Meads in Mosman Bay. Children must be accompanied by an adult at the information session.

Participants will have the opportunity to try out for the WA Talent Identification (TID) programme run by the WA Slalom Technical Committee. Training is on Tuesday afternoons and does involve Sunday mornings later in the term if in TID. Equipment is provided. For more information please ring 9384 1692.


Melbourne Canoe Club has news of success at Nationals here.



Penrith Valley Canoeing has news of the Sunday race on 15 February here.

16 February

Stuart McIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Please find here the Proposed Slalom Schedule for February/ March Slalom Schedule Feb-Mar.xls.

We need three more paddlers to make sure the whitewater is turned on for the 06.30 sessions on Wednesday and Friday. (the 8.30 & 9.30 sessions are full, so if you want to move to a quieter time please contact the Front Desk today).

I have noticed a large number of Australian paddler have not booked in for sessions yet for Australian Open and the Australian selection race. If I don't know you are coming, I cant plan for the number of sessions that are needed, so to avoid disappointment please contact us to book and pay for your sessions. Many sessions are nearly full.

We request paddlers book a minimum of 7 days in advance and give 3 days notice if they want to move sessions.
Paddlers can book in for as many sessions as the schedule allows.

Booking via Email is currently not available as we can not take payment. Invoices may be available for large teams or groups.

Please make sure we have your contact details in case sessions are moved or cancelled. (Whitewater Paddlers List is at the Front Desk).
I wish everyone the best of luck at the upcoming races and I look forward to watching you compete.

13 February

Stuart McIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

Please find attached here Weekly email water times, ...xls the Slalom Schedule for the next 10 days.

Friday Saturday and Sunday mornings are available for Rafting from 09.00 but sometimes there are no bookings. This means I can move a slalom session into a rafting time slot at late notice, but to do this I need everyone contact details! On Friday morning the 06.30 session could actually run at 09.30 as there is no rafting until 10.30, however most of the paddlers that booked have not left contact details for me and are unreachable!!! So the session will remain at 6.30.

If you know any paddler that have not added there contact details to the whitewater paddlers list please ask them to do so.

If you have any questions, complaints or requests please come and speak with me and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.

Regards,


Stuart McIntosh
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749
Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

10 February

Message from Christine Borrows about PVC Race 15 February

Just a quick reminder about the race on Sunday – get your entries in – a good practice race for the Open the following weekend.
Information about the event 2009 Feb Sunday Slalom Inf...pdf and Entry Form 2009 Feb Sunday Entry Form.pdf.

... and about Wednesday evening races

We are trying to get the Wednesday evening races going again at Penrith but at the present time Colin is run off his feet with work.
So if anybody is willing to take over the organisation of this for a week or two could they please contact me?

9 February

Information about the Australian Open can be found here.

5 February

Results from Oceania Championships are here.

5 February

Australian Canoeing has posted a call for National Team Officials (Managers and Coaches):

T22 Tour: May and July Training Camps, German Open (8-9 Aug), Slovak Open (15-16 Aug) & Slovenian Open (22-23 Aug).

Junior Team Tour: Foix International Race, Foix - Midi Pyrenees – France (12-14 Jun)

National Talent Squad: Junior Development Tour to New Zealand (4-12 April) and Camps Mar-Dec.

5 February

Stuart MacIntosh has updated the PWS schedule at this file 09020615.xls for 6-15 February

2 February

PWS February Program

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Three pieces of important information!

1) If you want to enter the PVC race on Sunday 15th Feb see the news item below. Link to PVC race information.

2) Saturday afternoon sessions are now available! (should be quiet too)

3) AUSTRALIAN OPEN sessions are now available!

2 February

PVC Sunday Slalom

Christine Borrows writes:

Sunday series races return in 2009. The first race will be the 15th February. Follow the links for information and entry forms.
This will be a good warm up race for the Australian Open event on the 21st/22nd. So get your entries in. Link to PVC race information.

1 February

See the PhotoGallery for the first of the wiki's picture for the month.

1 February

Call for Officials for the Australian Open and Selection Races

Gill Milne is seeking Officials for the Australian Open and Selection Races. She writes:

I am putting together a list of Officials for the Penrith races, the Aus Open and the second lot of selection races. Please can anyone interested email me or call me (0402 465 028)

31 January

January page views and visitors were:

30 January

Open Training Slots

Mike Druce writes:

Hi Paddlers

Between now and selection there are extra open training slots that have been put on by the NCE. These are for all athletes
who
are going for selection. The NCE sessions will be running as before. Athletes with access to NCE sessions is
unchanged (NCE Athletes plus invited) The WSAS athletes will run in the "Open Australian" sessions up to selection unless
you
are notified by the coach otherwise.

The Open Australian sessions will be co ordinated by the NCE coaches so please be speak with the coaches before the
session.

It is important that you book in with the stadium for all sessions well in advance .

If you are unsure where you fit in call Mike or Myriam

Mike Druce

0410 560 799

30 January

PWS Schedule to 8 February

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Recreational Paddling- Please call to check water times before you leave home!
Open Slalom training- Please check the notice board daily for Slalom Schedule Changes.

27 January

The AC website has an important note today about therapeutic use exemption (TUE). See here for more information.

This table is a guide to determining if you need TUE

25 January

AUSCAs Awards: Hot Off the Press

The first AUSCA Awards were held in Penrith on 24 January. The award winners were:

BEST VICTORY SALUTE
Warwick Draper after semi-final run at Beijing

BEST ROCK SPLAT/HOLE WORKING
Christian Fabris at Bourg

C1WOMEN PIONEER
Danielle Woodward – she argued every race to have C1W included back in the early 90s.

BIGGEST DUMMY SPIT
Phil Gibbons – for breaking 3 Kober paddles in a year in different rages.

LITTLE AUSSIE BATTLER
Susie Wharton – After her neck injury in 2003, she’s stuck it out through five years of rehab and is now back in full training.

WORST PADDLING OUTFIT/PARTY OUTFIT
Jaxon Merritt – those shorts!

COACH ONE-LINER
Zlatan Ibrahimbegovic, the one-liner machine - “just be good”,

CHAUFFER AWARD
Marion and Peter Ewing – drive to Nationals every year from WA (this year approximately 4500km each way to the Mersey)

VOLUNTEER – FOR THE LOVE OF IT
Sue Natoli – For her work on the Canoe Slalom Australia technical committee, her smooth race organisation and her role on the ICF Canoe Slalom Racing Committee.

MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Robin Bell – World Cup Champion and Olympic Bronze Medallist

FEMALE ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Kate and Jacqui Lawrence - World Cup Champion and Olympic Silver Medallist respectively.

There are some pictures of the evening on some Facebook pages. Kate Lawrence and Ash Rudd, for example, have posted photo albums on their pages. The official photographer, Glenn Hodson, has posted 54 photographs in his Facebook Album. Sam Lyons has some of Glenn's photographs on display here.


It must have been some night. In this picture (taken by Glenn Hodson) Kate Lawrence seems to need the assistance of a security guard.

23 January

A further message from Stuart McIntosh about PWS Water Times:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

We are also looking low on numbers for some of the sessions next week, I would hate to cancel them. Monday morning is looking like its for the CHOP!!!! Please book in ASAP. The sessions times for Saturday 31 Jan have changed, (moved earlier by 15 mins). The following that have booked, please remember the session is 15 mins earlier!!!!!!! PLUS THE NCE SESSION IS EARLIER TOO!!!! CHECK THE SCHEDULE ON THE NOTICE BOARD

A Brown-NCE
Potocny-SVK
Hujsa-SVK
D Florence-GBR
R Hounslow-GBR
J Williams - AUS
S Mikhail- RUS
V Egor- RUS
O Maxim- RUS
E Pavel-RUS
N Stepan- RUS
Y Kazuki - JPN
Y Taku - JPN
N Kazuhiko - JPN
H Craig - IRL
R Bouten-NED
A Herde -NED
B Wesselink -NED
M Proctor-GBR
L Neave - GBR

IMPORTANT ISSUES

I know most of you paddle regularly, your are in training and not going anywhere, but our booking system requires people to pay for the sessions in advance. Its very difficult and time consuming for us to chase people for payment. Please respect our booking system, it may not be the best but it is the way it is... Please pay when you book in for a session at least 7 days in advance and give us 3 days notice if you move session.

For those that have asked for individual invoices, why wait until I bill you to pay a lump sum amount, pay the lump sum amount first then do the sessions! This way we keep the administration costs down and the price for sessions down!

We have had complaints that paddlers are staying on the water into another session and starting there session early. Please respect each others session and just paddle in the session you are book into.

If you have any questions about either of these issues please come and see me.

Regards,


Stuart McIntosh
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749
Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300

23 January

Stuart MacIntoshPWS Schedule 26-31 January

23 January

Stuart MacIntoshwrites:

Paddling Development Opportunities at PWS

Dear former member of the PWS Junior Development program

My name is Stuart McIntosh, I am running the Junior Development program and found your email address looking though the old files. If you are still under 18 I would like to invite you back to the program, if you are older than 18 I have a special offer for you.

Please read the document: Previous member of the Junior Development program link Previous member of the Jun...pdf

Then take a look through the other documents.
Junior Kayaking Program- T...pdf
Junior Kayaking Program-TE...pdf
Junior Kayaking Progressio...pdf
Previous member of the Jun...pdf

If you are interested, Please email me back.

The new Junior Kayaking program:
Over 55 schools in the area will be canvassed to help boost numbers

• New instructors will be joining our existing instructors.
• Introduction to the canoe clubs in the area- find out about river trips, competitions, etc.
• Canoe Polo is an exciting new option, supported by Australian Team paddlers
• Slalom and Sprint are options that will be supported by Australian Team Paddlers (and currently negotiating support from the AIS).
• Freestyle - as normal, supported by Australian Team paddlers- Inc Jez.
• Split payment option is available just to help make things easier

Regards,

Stuart McIntosh

22 January

Susie Wharton

Susie Wharton has been selected to represent Australia in the Wildwater World Cup series 2009 to be held in Tasmania. This is the link to the news story on the AC website.

20 January

A new PWS schedule from Stuart MacIntosh can be found here 080105-080201.xls

16 January

PWS schedule 19-25 January from Stuart MacIntosh

12 January

News from Club Websites

Ascot Canoe Club has news from Nationals here.

Melbourne Canoe Club has a number of stories about Nationals. This is a Day 1 post and this is a summary of the Club's achievements at Nationals and Schools. This is a page with links to photographs of the event.

Penrith Valley Canoeing has news from Nationals and Schools here.

Swan Canoe Club has news from Nationals and Schools here. (See also the Canoeing Western Australia story here.)

Blog Post

Sam Lyons has a post about Nationals here.

12 January

AYOF Live Results

Live results from the AYOF canoe slalom event can be found here

11 January

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Paddlers

Australian Youth Olympic Festival- January 16/17
Competitors from Japan, China, USA, Great Britain, New Zealand and many more!
Free Entry to watch the Competition and the training!!! The cafe will be open.
Grab your picnic blanket, family and friends and see the Olympic stars of the future! You may even see 2008 Beijing Olympic Medallists Jacqueline Lawrence and Robin Bell.

Recreational Paddling
If you would like any tips and advice about paddling please feel free to ask the Safety Guide in the centre of the Whitewater Channel. Most are Whitewater Instructors and will gladly help you. We are currently working toward helping our recreation paddlers more with regular group lessons, so please watch this space!

Slalom Paddlers
Teams and Individual arrived for training this week from Great Britain, USA, New Zealand, China, Japan, Sweden, Finland. On their way are Russia, Canada, Slovenia, Italy, Slovakia, Czech (I am still waiting to here back from others too). The Proposed Slalom Schedule is available for January February and March. Please speak with me the next time you do your session if you would like details. They will be posted on the Notice Board in the next few days.

Schedule for 8 January to 18 January is here 08-18 January.xls

11 January

News of the Australian Nationals' Results is on the Results page. Photographs taken at the Championships by Rob van Bommel of Sportscene Photography can be found here.

6 January 2009

Australian Schools Whitewater Championships

Results from the Championships can be found at this link.

Ivanhoe Grammar School have taken out the title of Champion School at the 2008 Australian Schools Whitewater Championships, ahead of Ivanhoe Girls Grammar.

Third placed school, and winner of the Champion Small School Trophy, was Great Lakes College from NSW.

Devonport High School, competing on their home river, finished fourth.

1 January

Usage statistics for the wiki in December 2008:

31 December 2008

This is a link to the provisional start list for Nationals in Tasmania National Slalom Championsh...xls.

30 December 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

I know I just sent out the Slalom Schedule yesterday but there has been some changed already, I do apologies.

FRIDAY 2nd January
8.30-9.90 Open session- CANCELLED

SATURDAY 3rd January
7.15- 8.15 Open session- CANCELLED, all paddlers moved to the 8.15 session
8.15-9.15 Open session. This was a NCE session but with hardly any paddlers here we have put the sessions together.

SUNDAY 4th January
8.15- 9.15 Open session,


Happy New Year

29 December 2008

NCE Head Coach and Other Coaching Announcements

Richard Fox, Wednesday, 24 December 2008

AC announces the appointment of Mike Druce as AIS/National Head coach.

Australian Canoeing today announced the appointment of Mike Druce as the Canoe Slalom AIS/National Head Coach for the 2009 season.

Druce, previously the National Head Coach in 2005/6, will hit the ground running from January 5 at the 2009 National Championships in Tasmania.

Australian Canoeing President, Danielle Woodward, said, “we welcome Mike Druce back into the role as AIS/National Head Coach for Australian Canoeing and the National Centre of Excellence program and look forward to seeing slalom develop at all levels on the back of the outstanding success achieved in Beijing”.

“In addition to his responsibilities with the elite athletes at the NCE program, Mike’s experience will be a valuable asset for AC as we aim to build a sustainable athlete and coach pathway for slalom.”

In making the National Head Coach announcement, Danielle Woodward acknowledged the role that Myriam Fox had played as Head Coach in leading the slalom program to success in Beijing. “We are very pleased that Myriam will continue with AC and the AIS in a key role as a Senior High Performance Coach working with targeted elite and emerging athletes towards further success in London” She said.

Canoe Slalom in Australia will also benefit from the introduction of new blood in the form of home grown coaching talent and international expertise.

Warwick Draper, the successful Athens and Beijing Olympian in the men’s kayak class has been appointed as an Australian Sports Commission Scholarship Coach on a two year part-time program commencing in January 2009.

The ASC scholarship coach program is designed to fast track identified coaching talent through targeted coach education and professional development. In his part time role Draper will continue his competition career splitting his time between Melbourne and Penrith with a focus on nationally identified junior and emerging athletes.

Frenchman, Yann Le Pennec, a former team World Champion and Athens Olympian, fourth in C2, returns to Australia in January as a guest of the NCE program and Stuart McIntosh, formerly an elite GB competitor in the C1 class, will operate as an expert assistant to the national coaches at the National Centre of Excellence in Penrith.

During the course of 2009, AC, in consultation with its national program partners, will determine the National Head Coach role and other new coaching appointments through to London 2012, including a new coaching partnership initiative between Australian Canoeing and the New South Wales Institute of Sport.

29 December 2008

Stuart MacIntosh has published this schedule for January 2009.

We are struggling for paddlers for Open sessions this week, Please call if you would like to book into any of these sessions.

Good Luck to all those racing in Tasmania over the next 2 weeks!



There is an Excel copy of this schedule here 0901.xls

22 December 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Slalom Paddlers

In January I am expecting around 70+ Athletes and many others coming for the Youth Olympics. This will mean at least 2 sessions per day for Open Slalom Sessions. Please remember to book early to make sure you get the time slots you want before the internationals arrive! The January Schedule will be available from Thursday this week and emailed to you as normal.

Monday 22nd December- This session will be going ahead at 17.00- 18.00 today
We have 14 people booked in for the session. Normally I can expect a couple of the NCE paddlers to turn up for the session without booking in advance. fingers crossed.

Sunday 28th December- Please book in by Tuesday 23rd!
We have just two paddlers booked in for this session. (Will Forsythe and Sam Lyons). They need 8 other paddlers to join them.

19 December 2008

Oceania Championships

For information about the Oceania Championships see this link. This is the link to the Slalom NZ web site.

19 December 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

19 December 2008

Australian Canoeing announced the release of the Senior Team and NTS selection policies for 2009 here.

18 December 2008

A 2009-2010 calendar update has been published. Details can be found here.

16 December 2008

AC web site announces Australian Junior Slalom Team Nominations are open here.

Nominations close on 31 December 2008.

(This News is on the Selection page too.)

16 December 2008

White Water Park, Western Australia latest news

Public access to Logue Brook Dam has been restored. Canoeing WA has put a proposal to Terry Waldron, Minister for Sport and Recreation, that the $10
million compensation Water Corporation provided as compensation for the loss of Logue Brook, be placed in a trust fund for a white water park. This
would allow:

• Water Corporation to honour its promise to replace the Harvey International Slalom Course which the community lost when they built the Harvey Dam.

• The Government to implement its commitments

A decision should be made this year.

Please email Minister Waldron expressing your support for Canoeing WA's proposal. Get your friends to email as well.
Time is short so please email as soon as you can. The case is detailed here.

After a very long wait the opportunity at last is here, but we need to act fast!!!

Colin Thorpe
White Water Park Spokesperson
Canoeing WA

15 December 2008

Myriam Fox writes:

Just a quick reminder to all paddlers invited into the NCE sessions.

There are a few basic rules that I would like you to respect to ensure the sessions run smoothly for everyone:

• Meet 10 minutes before the start of the session at the top of the course in order to get the content of the session and the course design.
• Communicate at each session with the NCE coaches to check about further involvement with the NCE team i.e. next session time/content
• On the water priority will be given to the NCE paddlers
• NCE coaches will provide feedback to all paddlers, prioritising the NCE paddlers

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your understanding.

14 December 2008

Tasmanian Championships at Brady's today. Information about the event here.

14 December 2008

Junior Development at Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Here are some documents produced by Stuart MacIntosh to give news of junior development opportunities at PWS.

Flyer with information about Summer program School Flyer Chirtmas Holiday 2009.pdf

Introduction letter to schools Schools Xmas 2009.doc

A letter to parents and paddlers Parents and paddlers.doc

Feedback form Feedback form.doc

12 December 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Paddlers

WHAT HAPPENING?
Its a massive weekend of Fun Fun Fun at PWS, there are loads of activates going on!

Canoe Polo Competition this weekend, so please come and see our new polo courts and watch the action.
Junior Development Saturday morning
There will be a NSW Slalom Clinic all weekend run in association with Penrith Valley Canoeing with a BBQ around 6pm on Saturday.
Whitewater Instructors Course on Saturday. (full)
Rivers Canoe Club will be having there Christmas party from 10am on Sunday.
Swift Water course on Sunday. (full)

11 December 2008

The DRAFT ICF Canoe Slalom rules that take effect from 1 January 2009 can be found in this link ICF 2009.pdf
This is a link to an AC news item about the rules.

9 December 2008

Christine Borrows writes:

NSW Training Camp and Penrith Valley Canoeing Christmas Race

Dear all,

Please find linked details nswtrainingclinic _2_.pdf on the above training camp which I am resending out as to date we have not had much response. Get your entries in today or tomorrow.

This is open to all NSW paddlers and is great value for the $25 entry fee. It includes:-
White water session Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Flat water sessions
High level coaching
Video review.
Race preparation.

*Please send your entry to Peter Croft – contact details on form.*

The weekend will finish with PVC’s xmas slalom (all invited)

Thanks

Christine Borrows for Peter Croft

8 December 2008

Nationals in Tasmania

Andrea McQuitty writes:

Entries are now open. There are news item updates on the Canoe Tasmania website

Schools' entry form here

Nationals' entry form here

8 December 2008

AYOF

News of AYOF selection can be found here.

4 December 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Paddlers

Thank your for your responses to the draft proposals for our Whitewater Paddlers Code and Paddler Information, over 30 people responded with some fantastic suggestions, please keep them coming.

Australian Youth Olympics Selection Races
Our top Junior slalom paddlers battle it out over 3 races to win the limited spots available to represent Australia at the Youth Olympics. Come and support our Olympians of the future!


If you know a paddler that may be interested in this information please ask them to contact PWS to be added to the list.

Regards,
Stuart McIntosh
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300

4 December 2008

News from the ICF Congress in Rome ... Sue Natoli has been voted onto the ICF Canoe Slalom Racing Committee.

3 December 2008

Colin Borrows writes:

NSW Training Camp 13/14 December

Information about this camp is at nswtrainingclinic _2_.pdf

This camp is open to all NSW paddlers and is great value for the $25 entry fee. It includes:

• White water session Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
• Flat water sessions
• High level coaching
• Video review.
• Race preparation.

Please send your entry to Peter Croft – contact details nswtrainingclinic _2_.pdf.

The weekend will finish with PVC’s xmas slalom (all invited)

3 December 2008

Colin Borrows writes:

A link to the AYOF preliminary start list.

Please note the weekend will consist of 3 individual races as follows:-
Saturday – Race 1 both runs to be added together
Sunday – Race 2 and 3 are individual races each 1 run only.

Hope this makes sense.

A few comments:-
The run order may change slightly to allow extra time between runs for those entering more than 1 class.
Please check your entry, any corrections please email to me before 3.00pm Friday.
Final Start list will be published at 6.00am Saturday (at events shed)
Demo runs at 7.00am Saturday and Sunday.

Regards

Colin Borrows
ACV designs
Tel: 02 4735 6999
Fax: 02 4735 6988

2 December 2008

Christine Borrows writes:

Hi Everyone,
Just a quick reminder that entries are due in today for the race this Saturday and Sunday. The race is open to everyone – not just those up for selection and not just juniors. There are few people who have nominated for the Youth Olympics who have not got their entries in yet. Remember entries close at 5pm today. An email with your details is sufficient. Money and forms can be dealt with on the day. Link to the details for the race

See you on the weekend

Christine Borrows
ACV designs
Telephone: 02 4735 6999
Fax: 02 4735 6988

1 December 2008

News of Richard Fox's election as a Second Vice-President of the ICF at the 2009 Congress in Rome is here.

1 December 2008

Results of the 2008 Victorian Championships are posted here.

1 December 2008

These are the viewing figures for the CSAus wiki in November.


There were 431 visits to the Home page and 295 visits to the News page.

30 November 2008

URGENT: AYOF Officials (See Officiating Page too)

Gill Milne writes:

We are trying to get hold of people who would be happy to help at the Youth Olympics. We need judges, PDA, Start, Finish, boat control, boat holding, results runners, medal and flag bearers. The demos are on Thursday 15 January at 5pm, the racing is 4pm Friday 15th and Saturday 16th only 60 athletes. As we have limited accreditations we really want people who can commit to the whole event.

We will need to know for any volunteers:
-if they want to go to the Opening Ceremony evening 14 January
-shirt size (chest measurement)

We are trying to use athletes as well as parents and friends - older juniors, 22s and senior paddlers. Kate Lawrence and Waz are on the job but any suggestions are urgently needed. You may know of locals who would do PDA for example or younger siblings who would do results running or medal/flag bearers.

We need names tomorrow or in the next day or so, so could you circulate this to any possibilities (and perhaps copy to me). If you think there is anyone who I could ring let me know with numbers.

It is a pretty desperate situation so I would appreciate help.

Cheers
Gill

29 November 2008

PVC Xmas slalom 14 December

Colin Borrows writes:

Time to get into the spirit of Christmas. The race is on Sunday afternoon/evening and is a follow on from the NSW training camp on the same weekend.

Race is open to all with a BBQ after. We have very limited time so providing time permits all can enter 2 classes – please indicate in priority on the entry form.

Geoff Jones has kindly agreed to run the event – so get your entries in.

29 November 2008

Important Information for all Penrith Whitewater Users

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Attached are three draft proposals to help Penrith Whitewater Users understand the way we operate. The documents will be developed over the next few weeks so please read the following documents carefully and if you would like to add something or raise a question please email me your suggestions and I will take them into consideration as I finish the documents.

Please also note that these views have NOT been agreed or finalised by the PWS manager, Jack Hodge. The documents are just proposals at this stage!

Whitewater User code- This is a draft document added to this will be circulation pattens of the warm up lake, use of the flat water slalom gates and use of the Whitewater gate system. (Whitewater users code.pdf)

Important information for Slalom Canoeists- This is a draft document that helps paddlers understand our current booking system. (Important information for Slalom Canoeists.pdf)

Important information for Recreational/ Freestyle paddlers- This is a draft document to help paddlers understand what is available in regards to passes, etc. (Important information for Slalom Canoeists.pdf)

I believe it is in the whole paddling community best interest to read the following documents to ensure we are all on the 'same page' and we all enjoy our time spent at PWS.

Happy Paddling

29 November 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Proposed Water Availability for 29 November- 28 December 2008
Penrith Whitewater Stadium (02) 4730 4333
Please call to confirm water availability of RAFT sessions before you leave home. For OPEN slalom sessions please call and book a minimum 7 days before.



If I have any questions or if you would like to know any further information please call.


Regards,

Stuart McIntosh
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749
Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

28 November 2008

Jacqui Lawrence was named NSWIS Female Athlete of the Year at this week's NSWIS Awards' Dinner. News of her award is here. The news item has pictures too!

27 November 2008

Slalom NSW

Steve Etheridge writes:

Hi all

As part of getting NSW going again, a new body has been formed to organise State teams, selection races, championships and promote the sport in the state.

It is called Canoe Slalom NSW. We have a volunteer (???) committee, a plan for the year (of sorts) and budget tied to our main sponsor.

We also have the beginnings of a web site!

View it here

Spread the word!

27 November 2008

AYOF Selection

The AYOF Selection races are being held on 6/7 December 2008 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. The race is being organised by PVC.

Colin Borrows writes:

Please follow the link to the entry form and information details for the above selection races. Can you please take note of the following:

1. Entries are required by next Tuesday 2 December – please email me asap.
2. Entries are open to all (not just those entering the selection races)
3. You can enter more than 1 class (sorry no C1W or C2W on this occasion)
4. I do need help from officials – if you are going to be there and can help please let me know.
5. I need a few volunteers for Demo runs. (You can enter as well providing you are not part of the AYOF Selection)

As a final note there are emails about complaining of the late issue of this info. To put the record straight PVC was asked yesterday (26 November) to run the event and agreed to it today. It is only through Geoff Jones and myself giving up works time that the information is available in its current form. If this is not good enough please come and take over – very upset at the moment.

25 November 2008

Myriam Fox writes:

NCE has invited to all the NCE WW sessions, the local slalom paddlers including previous NCE scholarship holders, Team 22 , Junior team , WSAS, Junior/Senior paddlers from different states (NSW, Victoria and Western Australia). We are also providing some flat water sessions incorporating a Canoe development session C2 + C1W and a fitness session.

The Objective is to provide an opportunity to the Non NCE paddlers to benefit from water availability, structured sessions, coaching and training with the elite paddlers based in Penrith.

Even if it is not easy to manage with a number of athletes joining sporadically, I believe it is the right time of year to provide this exposure and encourage paddlers, giving them an insight and the possibility of improving their technique and fitness.

However the WW and flat water NCE sessions effective from January will run with smaller numbers and will not be as inclusive in order to target better quality sessions for the NCE scholarship holders.This is why it is important that the Non NCE paddlers keep the OPEN SLOTS going with PWS. PWS will only put water on if there are 15 paddlers booked in advance for the sessions.

My concern is the stadium has recently cancelled the only Open slalom slot per week due to the lack of paddlers (non NCE) booking to this session. PWS is doing a great job with the information they provide but they also want to work towards changing their booking system.

Slalom paddlers from all states should book at least 1 week in advance directly with PWS and commit to slalom sessions to ensure the slalom training will go ahead. The more paddlers, the more slalom sessions.

I would like the Slalom paddlers not to rely on the NCE sessions in the future to paddle WW so it is important that they got into a routine of booking in advance with PWS. Slalom Open sessions should run regularly, it is for the benefit of the whole slalom community.

I would appreciate your assistance in distributing this message .

Myriam Fox l National Head Coach
Australian Institute of Sport l canoe-kayak slalom
PO Box 4246 Penrith l NSW 2750
T: + 61 (0) 2 4729 4256
M: 0421 046 111
F: + 61 (0) 4729 4257
W: www.canoe.org.au

24 November 2008

Information about the Australian Government's new assistance program called 'Local Sporting Champions' has been released. The Local Sporting Champions program is designed to provide financial assistance for junior (12-18 years) sportsmen and women towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment when competing at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state or national sporting competition.

24 November 2008

Colin Borrows writes:

Penrith Valley Canoeing would like to invite you all to the 2008/9 Summer Slalom Series at PWS – Full details will follow in the next few days however treat the following as early warning and add the dates to your calendar.

Sunday 14th December 2008 – PVC Xmas race and BBQ and Santa hats, all invited similar format to last year.
Sunday 15th Feb 2009 – This is the week before the Australian Open, should be a big international field. (mini World Cup)
Sunday 29th March 2009 – Last weekend before NZ tour and races, get you flights booked.

Racing will start at about 4.00pm subject to rafting etc.

More details to follow.

Colin Borrows
ACV designs
Tel: 02 4735 6999
Fax: 02 4735 6988

24 November 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Sunday 30th November 08.15- 09.15 PWS water time is CANCELLED. With the race in Victoria this weekend and only 5 people booking in, I have decided to cancel this coming Sundays session. All the people booked into that session have been called, emailed and in the process of being re-booked into another session.

Don't forget you can still paddle in the Rafting/recreation paddling sessions, Upstream gates are allowed (check with Trip Leader/Safety guide).

I am sorry the session is cancelled, but better to be cancelled one week in advance than turning up and the water not going on. For Monday 1st and Friday 5th December we still need more paddlers else these sessions may be cancelled.

Sorry to those that want to paddle but we really need to build up numbers of people booking in for session. So please book in for the sessions over the next few weeks.

20 November 2008

Stuart MacIntosh writes:

Dear Paddlers

Below you will find the schedule of water times at Penrith Whitewater Stadium (PWS) for the next 9 days and proposed Slalom Schedule for December, please note that times for sessions do change and calling before you leave home is recommended.

If you have received this email and don't want to be alerted of Whitewater times at PWS please email me back and I will remove you from my list. Equally if you know anybody that would like to be added to this list please ask them to email me, I will only put people on the list that ask. I would also ask that I get phone numbers for all slalom paddlers, this way if you book in for a session and it is cancelled because not enough people have booked I can email and call you well in advance. For Recreation/Freestyle paddlers please call to check water times before you leave home as they do change. Ultimately we are trying to ensure that all paddlers don't turn up to paddle to find the Whitewater is not being turned on.

Water Availability for 17- 30 November
Penrith Whitewater Stadium (02) 4730 4333
Please call to confirm water availability, book into sessions or check water times.


As we are reaching the end of the month please see below the Proposed Slalom Schedule for December. Currently for Sunday 30th November there are only 4 people booked into this session. I need that to be increase to 10 people by Monday 24th November or the session will be cancelled due to no enough demand.
Could I please ask all NCE paddlers to make sure they book into Open session at reception.


If you have any questions please contact me.

Regards,

Stuart McIntosh
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749
Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

19 November 2008

Colin Borrows writes:

Morning all,

A quick update on what is happening around the traps:-

Those who read the calendar will know of the Barrington race/slalom this weekend – well with the rain it will be on. Start will be at lunch time Saturday with a river trip and a race on Sunday. (Depending on numbers)

Nationals in Tassie are coming along quick. Ben Jones and Ian Borrows have agreed to provide coaching and instruction for both the Schools and Nationals for PVC members. If you can send an email if you are going so we can get some ideas of numbers. Please take advantage of them.

Victorian Championships are on 29th and 30th November. Early entries have closed but you could still contact the organisers here if you intend going. This info was a little difficult to find via the AC web site. Main racing is on the Sunday – 1 race.

AYOF selection races are on 6th and 7th December – entries are not out yet, I will let you know when they are.
Those entering AYOF please note you can enter more than 1 event this year so give it a go in C1 and C2s. Sorry girls no C1W or C2W this year (not my fault).
NSW is holding its annual coaching clinic on 13th and 14th December at PWS – details to follow.
PVC will have an xmas slalom and BBQ similar to last year on Sunday 14th December at PWS – details to follow.

Thanks – see you at some of the above.

Colin Borrows
ACV designs
Tel: 02 4735 6999
Fax: 02 4735 6988

18 November 2008

News items from the AC website:

Richard Fox re-appointed as National Performance Director (14 November)

Danielle Woodward has been elected president of Australian canoeing (15 November)

AC's AGM and Strategic Forum were held on the weekend of 15/16 November in Sydney.

17 November 2008

Stolen Kayak (Strawberry Red, ZIG ZAG ARK) and Galasport paddle

Geoff Jones' letter to the Paddling Community,

We have determined that the the Kayak and the paddles were stolen on Saturday Afternoon, 1st November from the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

The boat was definitely sighted being used on Sunday Morning 8:30am - 2nd of November at Como Boat Ramp (location of St Georges River Rowing Club Boat Shed). The person using the boat was a male in his early 20’s and was driving a 4 wheel drive type of vehicle.

We a posting a $400 reward for information that leads to the recovery of the boat.

If any one has any information about the where abouts of this boat you can contact me on 0407700953 or by email

A flyer is attached with all the relevant information regarding the boat.

Regards

Geoff Jones

16 November 2008

NSW Slalom held their annual awards presentation last Saturday where they announced their State Team.

5 November 2008

Peter Eckhardt has some news of Development activities in Tasmania. The news is on a new page on the wiki for Development.

5 November 2008

Myriam Fox writes to remind paddlers about a Three-Lap testing opportunity.

Just a reminder.

Please send an email back to confirm if you will attend or not.

Thanks

Myriam

5 November 2008

Penrith Valley Canoeing Wednesday Club Night, Christine Borrows writes:

We had a great turn out last week despite the cold weather – with a few new paddlers turning up to try out canoeing, and a bit of fun with an impromptu polo game.
So if you can come along and join in – all welcome

When: Wednesday 5:00pm to paddle from 5:30 to 6:30
Where: Flatwater gates at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

See you there

4 November 2008

Colin Borrows writes re Southern Zone race:

Dear all,

Most have already entered however attached are race details for this Saturday’s race (and race 3 for NSW selection).

A few details:-
Course design – Anthony Brown
Chief Judge – Steve Etheridge.

If you have not entered yet, please send your entry by return – will try to do start list this afternoon (after some horse race)

See you Saturday am – nice and early. Practice is at 7.30am, officials' briefing at 7.30am

Also make sure you have told Bruce if you are attending the State Presentation.

Thanks

Colin Borrows
ACV designs
Tel: 02 4735 6999
Fax: 02 4735 6988

4 November 2008

Message to paddlers from Kate Lawrence (via Graeme Cawdry).

Hi All,

The next Canoe Slalom Australia meeting is this Sunday November 9. If you have anything you want me to say, as your athlete rep, then please let me know. Email is easiest, otherwise call me on 0401378038.

In particular I think there will be a lot of discussion about selection policies (senior, U23, Junior and National Talent Squad), as these are to be finalised soon. So if you have anything to say about these, make sure you tell me! On that note, I'm interested in hearing as many of your opinions as possible about senior selection venues: Do you prefer all races at Penrith? or races at Penrith and Brady's as in some years previously? If you have reasons for preferring either option I'm interested in hearing them, but if you don't want to elaborate then a reply just stating your preference would still be very useful.

Please pass on this email to anyone I may have missed.

Thanks,
Kate

3 November 2008

This is a graphic of this wiki's visitors in October 2008:


This is the edit profile for October 2008:



Note the appearance of a second editor on 26 October 2008 for this [[News#New%20Editor%2001|news item]]. The aim of the wiki is to make it easy for Members to post items. This post demonstrates the possibilities of the wiki for News items.

This is a graphic of all page visits in October 2008:

31 October 2008

Kate Slatter writes about the Victorian Championships:

Dear All,

As you know the Victorian Championships are on 29/30 November this year (hope you have all completed your entry forms via the website). I have been asked to organise a list of volunteer judges for the events. As some of you know judges were pre organised for the Victorian Schools, this was very successful and smoothly run.

We are asking for people to volunteer for one session (or more if you want to):

Session 1 Saturday November 29 2:45pm - 5:45 (approx)

Session 2 Sunday November 30 8:45am - 11:30 (approx)

Session 3 Sunday November 30 12:15pm - 3:45pm (approx)

I was hoping to get a number of interstate parents/guardians involved, as they have the furthest to travel I will reserve the Saturday (Session 1) and maybe some of the Sunday am (Session 2) as their judging time.

Peter Grant is the Chief Judge for the Victorian Championships.

If you have never judged before NOW is the time to have a go, so please don't feel shy. Peter will place you with an experienced judge who will explain all - it really is very easy (and can be fun!). Depending on the course, ideally we would like a minimum of 3 judges per section - there may be as many as 5 or 6 sections.

Speaking from experience, judging at an event is one way to learn all about the rules of the sport our children drag us to most weekends - it is also a way to meet other people involved in the slalom community.

Please email me (asap) your preferred Session, and maybe a 2nd preferrence session - in the hope we are inundated with responses!! Please have a go, remember these events would not happen without volunteers!

Also - The Victorian Slalom Committee are holding a "Level One Judging Course" (ie, no experience needed) on the Saturday (29 November) 10am till noon in the OEG hall for anyone interested in improving their judging knowledge. Please let me know (via email) if you are interested in attending. Remember you don't have to attend this course to volunteer to judge.

Any queries please don't hesitate to email me back or contact me on 0427 532 520.

Thanks
Kate Slatter

30 October 2008

News of the venues for Junior Selection are posted here.

28 October 2008

PWS
Message from Stuart McIntosh at PWS (Ph: 02 4730 4333)
Please see below for the Slalom Schedule for October and November 2008. (Subject to demand and change, contact Front Desk for updated information)



Open sessions

We would like to put on more Open sessions. Our policy is we need a minimum 10 people at weekends, 15 people during the week, before we will turn the water on. If you would like more Open sessions please book in! I suggest getting together into groups/ clubs and requesting times and days for new Open sessions. If we don’t know when you want the sessions we can’t put them on for you. If we know the times the majority prefer we can do our best to give you those times.

YOU MUST BOOK IN ADVANCE TO ALL SESSIONS - This is important for PWS Administration reasons and includes NCE sessions. Please call the Front Office on 02 4730 4333 to book in at least 1 week in advance. If there is not the minimum number required to run the session the water will be cancelled. These sessions are subject to demand, so please check at PWS Front Office to confirm session times.

Rafting/ recreational paddling
The water is running almost every day. Currently there are only 6 days with no water and that will change as more rafting bookings come in. During the week water is most likely between 10.30am - 5pm. Please call the Front Office to find out when the water is running.




Stuart McIntosh
Penrith Whitewater Stadium
McCarthys Lane
Cranebrook
NSW 2749
Ph: (02) 4730 4333
Fax: (02) 4730 4300
www.penrithwhitewater.com.au

28 October 2008

AC has posted news of the AGM to be held on 15 November and an agenda for a Strategic Forum discussion.

28 October 2008

Colin Borrows writes:

On behalf of Penrith Valley Canoeing we would like to invite you all to the Southern Zone Championships to be held on 8th November 2008 at PWS. Detailed information sheet will be sent out soon but the general program will be:

7.00am Course setting
7.30am Practice for all
8.00am Race start
10.15am Race over.

This is also Race 3 of the Selection of the Teach NSW State team for the Nationals in Tassie.

Sorry for the short notice – entries will be direct to me.

27 October 2008

Recreational Paddling Whitewater Times at PWS 27 October to 2 November:

28 October 12.30 - 13.30
29 October 10.30 - 12.00
31 October 14.00 - 15.30
1 November 9.00 - 17.00
2 November 10.30 - 15.30

Note: The times may vary. Please call 02 4730 4333 to confirm times.
If you would like to receive the weekly schedule of time, please contact Ashleigh on bookings@penrithwhitewater.com.au with details of your email address.

27 October 2008

There will be a Level 1 Canoe Slalom Officiating course held at the Victorian Championships on Saturday 29th November at 10am until 12 noon. To be held in the OEG Hall behind the Slalom course. Morning Tea provided. All welcome, especially parents of new paddlers. Come along and learn how to help your kids in their races as well as learning the skills to become a valued volunteer. Names to be forwarded to Ruth Hardman (joru99@btopenworld.com) please.

27 October 2008

Nominations are due in today for Australian Canoeing's 2008 Awards. Information about the awards is posted here.

26 October 2008

Information about the Southern Zone race at Penrith on 8 November:

24 October 2008

Information about online entry for the Victorian Championships can be found here. This is the calendar page information for the race.

22 October 2008

Christine Borrows writes about PVC club night:

Well rain, hail or sunshine it is on again tonight. The forecast is for it to be cold though so don’t forget to pack some warm clothes/paddling gear.
Come along and meet up with other club members, have a paddle on the flat water, try out a different type of boat – give it a go.
Where: Penrith Whitewater Stadium – near the flat water gates
When: 5:00pm to paddle 5:30 to 6:30pm
See you all there

21 October 2008

Roy Farrance writes:

The 40th Victorian Canoe Slalom Championships will be held at Blue Gums on the Goulburn River at Eildon on the weekend on November 29th and 30th 2008. The Eildon site has been the most popular slalom site in Australia for many years and continues to attract the largest event entries of any site used in Australia. An unprecedented water release last February changed some of the river features, but the site is still in major demand and use. Some paddlers say it actually improved the white water course. The course is to be used again for this year's Victorian Championships which will be as good as ever on this slightly modified course, but then next year we will be upgrading and modifying the course in preparation for the 2009-2010 season, with the possibility of holding the 2010 Australian Slalom Championships back on this very popular course.

Announcement on AC web site here.

20 October 2008

Results of the Teach NSW Championships are posted here. A report of the event can be found here. Photographs of Race 1 are here. Photographs of Race 2 are here.

Christine Borrows writes:

A great weekends racing – huge 'Thank You' to all the people who came to help – it really was appreciated.

17 October 2008

Colin Borrows writes about the Teach NSW Championships:

Please follow the link to the start list on AC web site.

• Final start list will be published on Friday afternoon. Any comments/changes/corrections must be sent direct to me by 3.30pm Friday
• Course designer is Zlatan and will be put in place at about 5.00pm – come and give a hand.
• Course will change between Saturday and Sunday race.
• Free practice will be available from 7.30am Saturday and 7.00am Sunday
• Collect bibs from 7.00am (same bib both days)
• Teams' event will be held on Sunday at 10.10. Please let me know if you want to be included.
• You must be a member of a club affiliated with AC or pay the extra $10 visitors fee.
• All money must be paid before you collect your bib.
• For those having a go in 2 classes please make sure you are at the start on time (be organised) unfortunately we have not got time to wait. - sorry
• Café will be open for drinks and light food (Toast I assume) from 7.00am both days – please support it if you can
• We will be having a BBQ after Sunday's race and before presentation – all invited (will be about 10.30)
• State teams will be 3 boats in K1M, K1W, C1M, C1W, C2M, and C2mixed (both Senior and under 18’s)
• We are a bit light on with help – if you can help please come along.

Colin adds a further note for those who have entered 'C' class events at the Championships and wish to borrow a PVC club boat.

We are having an emergency boat repair on Friday afternoon from 4.00pm (meet at the boat storage up the hill), I have bought some foam and glue and duct tape so we are ready to go. The start list does not allow for waiting for boat sharing so we will have to be organised. If you want to use a boat please be there or send me your excuses (all accepted). We want club members to have benefits of being a member of PVC and one of those is to be able to borrow club equipment – therefore you must be a member otherwise there is no benefit to those who are members.

14 October 2008

A reminder from Colin Borrows about the Teach NSW Championships:

"Entries for the Teach NSW Championships close today entries are on the AC web site here. Send your entries to me (Colin Borrows).

Remember 2 entries for the 1 fee so get those C1 and C2’s ready to go."

13 October 2008

Derwent Canoe Club announces that "after a long hibernation, the DCC's 'Southern Canoeist' is back, alive and kicking. 16 pages crammed full of canoeing action, info and stories from paddling's deep south. Download your copy including the jam packed summer 08-09 events calendar today." You can find a copy at this link Southern Canoeist Oct 2008.pdf. Justin Boocock writes that:

"I have indeed pondered the state of whitewater paddling in this state and have come to the conclusion that there are actually plenty of rivers that still flow for a good period of the year, but one has to be willing to travel. In this day and age of carbon trading perhaps it is only just that we, as a paddling community, become responsible users of that precious resource known as oil and settle for a morning jaunt on the Derwent rather than drive for 8 hours in one day for a 1 hour paddle. On the other hand it would be oh so nice to feel the impact of an aerated boof off a sweet 20 footer. Alas if that is to be the case I guess I will have to put some hard yards in to recruit and train some more people to join in on the fun and good times. Whatever is the case, the club will be there and will support those that have a passion for any, or all, of the amazing array of paddle sports available to the Southern Canoeist. Go on, get out of the vegie patch and get amongst it."

8 October 2008

News of MCC training here.

Entries for the New South Wales Championships close on 14 October. Information from the AC website:



Colin's email address link. Entry form and information.

7 October 2008

An invitation from Penrith Valley Canoeing ...

CALLING ALL PVC MEMBERS – FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Daylight saving has arrived - and so we are starting our new Wednesday evening club nights.

The idea is for everyone to come along and get involved. New members can come and try out. Parents can come and have a go. Paddlers come and paddle on the flatwater - with timing for their own personal best - racing against themselves only.

Time: arrive at 5:00pm to paddle from 5:30-6:30pm
Venue: Penrith Whitewater Stadium - by the flatwater gates.

It would be great to get some of the younger competent paddlers willing to help with those less able.

Please come along and get involved.

4 October 2008

The ICF has published its papers for the 2008 Congress in Rome. The papers propose important rule changes for slalom. For links to these papers see this item on the Officiating page.

The British Canoe Union Slalom Committee has asked paddlers for their views about the organisation of slalom competitions. The preamble to the questionnaire posted here states that "It is the aim of the Slalom Committee to organise events to suit the majority. We realise we will never please everyone but our aim is to do our best. If you could take the time to complete this questionnaire we can go some way to taking in the views of you, the competitor."

1 October 2008

This is a graphic of the visitors to the wiki in September 2008.



This is a list of the page views.

28 September 2008

'Up a Creek' was the place to be this weekend! See Andrea McQuitty's report of a Canoe Tasmania's coaching weekend.

"NW Tasmania's wonderland of whitewater provided perfect venues for the weekend of coaching in river paddling -"Up a Creek with a Paddle".

Thirty (30) paddlers took advantage of the opportunity to learn advanced whitewater paddling skills from some of the very best extreme river paddlers. Small groups received instruction during trips on the Fisher, Lea and Leven Rivers. The Saturday night DVD session provided further incentive to develop skills to enjoy river paddling, extreme racing events and to stay safer on rivers.

With several parents participating in the weekend with their children, the beauty of whitewater paddling as an activity that can be a shared family experience was highlighted.

Quality instruction and excellent venues assisted the participants in transforming themselves into smoother, more stylish and safer paddlers over the weekend."

26 September 2008

Melbourne Canoe Club announce a change of location for Race 5 in the Yarra Series. Location information here. Results [[Results#Solution%20Series|here]].

A news item about the Perth White Water Park is here.

News of a canoe slalom day at Broken Bridge on 11 October here.

News from New Zealand canoe slalom events here.

22 September 2008

Information about the NSW Selection Races and the NSW Championships is available here as NSW_Canoeing_Slalom_Champi...pdf. A copy of the entry form is here as NSW_Championship_entry_for...pdf.

19 September 2008

PVC Newletter No 2 published on Penrith Valley Canoeing's website.

17 September 2008

A story about Robin Bell published by The Age (on 23 August 2008).

WHEN Robin Bell won an Olympic bronze medal in the C1 slalom at the Shunyi Canoeing Park last week... what many people didn't know was that by improving on his fourth in 2004 by one place, Bell also brought closure to the unfulfilled Olympic dream of his grandfather, Ken Warr, that began 69 years ago - just before World War II... more

15 September 2008

The nationwide tour by Australia's Olympic athletes started today in Sydney. Jacqui and Robin are taking part in this tour.


Source: Yahoo

There are eight cities in the tour itinerary. More information can be found here.
September 15: Sydney

September 17: Melbourne
September 18: Adelaide
September 19: Brisbane
September 20: Darwin and Hobart
September 22: Perth
September 23: Canberra

13 September 2008

There is a bumper High Performance Newsletter (Issue 9) here.

Melbourne Canoe Club has news of the party to welcome Warwick and Mark home here.

12 September 2008

The World University Whitewater Championships are being held in Bratislava, Slovakia on 19/21 September. The event website has a PowerPoint presentation about the venue and the event. For results see here.

9 September 2008

Penrith Valley Canoeing News Update 1 is here.

A message about Australian Canoeing's email problems can be found here.

8 September 2008

The ABC has announced the appearance of a Twelve Canoes website. It is a website that celebrates and explores the history, art and cultures of the Yolngu people from the world-heritage listed Arafura Swamp in Arnhem Land. It is a continuation of the film project that produced 10 Canoes.

6 September 2008

News from the 2008 Slovak Open. News of results here.

5 September 2008

There is a new CEO for Australian Canoeing. See the announcement of Greg Doyle's appointment here.


Greg Doyle (Photograph: AC news item)

4 September 2008

Photograph Source: MCC Invitation

Melbourne Canoe Club invites the paddling community to celebrate Warwick Draper’s fantastic achievements at the Olympics.

Come and join in the activities of the night. We will be watching footage from the Olympics, and hearing from Warwick about his Olympic experience.
There will even be an Olympic trivia competition with special prizes for the winning group. This will definitely be a night to be remembered.
Friday the 12th September at 7:30pm. Canoeing Victoria function room on Fitzsimons Lane.

BYO Drinks BYO nibbles to share.

3 September 2008

This is a graphic of the visits the wiki had during and after all the wonderful Olympics' news. You can follow the use made of the site on this page by choosing this link.

You can search any month for viewing figures and if you choose this link you can discover what visits each page of the wiki has had.

Beijing Olympics News

Source of Beijing logo image: Beijing Olympics Website

29 August 2008

Robin Bell's letter on the Swan Canoe Club web site is here.

27 August 2008

Here is an article from the AC website with some pictures of the Olympic team's return to Sydney. This is Jacqui's post about her return to Australia.

This is a fascinating link to the Olympics from the National Sport Information Centre at the Australian Sports Commission. (Posted on the Links page too.)

The Dam.jpg at Old Bonalbo.

An article about Jacqui in the Daily Telegraph.

25 August 2008

An AOC press statement about Ken Wallace is here.

This is the blog entry about the last day of racing at the Olympics.


Source: Official Beijing website Shunyi venue page

24 August 2008

Some photographs taken by Gill Milne at Beijing are here.

Here is a link to a wikizine about Robin Bell.

23 August 2008

Ken Wallace wins gold in K1M 500m.

This is the Google news search result (accessed 23 August) for Ken's gold medal.

This is the news item on the Beijing website.


Source: Beijing Olympic website Photo by Xinhua

Blog report here.

Medal tally in Flatwater:

22 August 2008

Australian flatwater paddlers win two bronze medals.

Google search results (accessed 22 August)

Ken Wallace

K4W


Ken Wallace K1 1000


Source: Auscanoekayak blog

Women's K4 500m



Source: ABC Australia story and Getty Image

20 August 2008

Some more links are appearing in various search engines!

This is a link to Channel 7 Beijing video for canoe slalom.

This is a video link to Jacqui's AOC Press Conference.

This is a link to the FoxSport coverage of canoe slalom. This page (accessed 20 August) has a range of stories and appears to be updated each day.

19 August 2008

Melbourne Canoe Club's website has posted a link to Olympic canoe slalom blogs.

17 August 2008

Source of AUS photograph: Aus Canoe/Kayak blog.

This is a story about the team post-competition from the Aus Canoe/Kayak blog.

A Google search list for news articles on Robin.

A Google search list for news articles on Jacqui.

The medal table for canoe slalom:

16 August 2008

There is an ABC video link about Jacqui here.


Source: Getty Images, Beijing web site.

Jacqui's blog entry.

15 August 2008

Jacqui wins a silver medal.


Photograph from ABC web site news item.

Within an hour of the race finishing this story appeared on a FoxSports news site:





Jacqui's web site link is here.

14 August 2008

Picture: Australian Sports Commission

News from Mark and Lachie's blog:

I guess most of you will already know our result - 7th. I don't know how much was broadcast and hence how much of the race you saw. In short, we paddled really well except for a short section in the middle where we picked up three penalties in three gates, giving us 6 seconds of penalty points. Our time was a competitive low 98 seconds, and would have placed us in 4th had we been clean, and comfortably in the final with one touch fewer. That's canoe slalom though, and that's why we love it. If it was easy, it would be boring.
A huge storm arrived about an hour before our race and after letting the semi final of the C2 run, the competition committee delayed the start of the women's event, and later postponed it until tomorrow.
We'd both really like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has offered us support over the last few days, weeks, months and years. Many people will see the result of 7th, and like us, be disappointed with it, but I know we will look back on it in the future and be proud of what we have achieved. More importantly, we have had an incredible opportunity to get to know each other and more importantly, ourselves, through the constant challenge of training, competing and travelling together. It has been an amazing journey and we'd like to thank you all for contributing and being a part of it.
Beijing, August 14, 2008

13 August 2008

What a wonderful result for Robin Bell in the Olympic C1 Final. This is how ABC Grandstand's Gerard Whateley summarised "a day of intrigue and drama on the slalom canoeing program".



Here is an ABC interview with Robin. This is an ABC news story about Robin.

This photograph is from a gallery of photographs on the FoxSports web site. It is taken by Michael Dodge.

Warwick Draper had a fantastic semi-final run that placed him 1/100th of a second from the outright lead.

Alexander Grimm had the run of a lifetime to win gold in the Final run and Warwick finished 5th. Warwick's outstanding performance meant that at the end of the first two finals Australia was the leading nation!

This great picture of Warwick appears here.


Nine TV's website ran this story about Robin and Warwick here.

11 August 2008

Day 1 of competition at Beijing has arrived.


(Picture source: AusCanoe Kayak blog)

31 July 2008

There is an Australian Canoeing blog site for the Olympics here.



There will be a daily update of Olympic canoe slalom news on the blog.

Mark and Lachie have their own blog too. Here is the link to Jacqui's web site.



Melbourne Canoe Club will be including Olympic news on its web site.

29 July 2008

See our paddlers arrive in Beijing at the start of their Olympic campaign

Video: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/video/?vxSiteId=1f619e3c-96cb-4ff4-83d4-141f5ece0b0a&vxChannel=Olympics&vxClipId=1383_356478&vxBitrate=300

Photos:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/beijing_olympics/beijinggallery/0,27379,5033377-5017127-4,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/beijing_olympics/beijinggallery/0,27379,5033377-5017127-5,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/beijing_olympics/beijinggallery/0,27379,5033377-5017127-6,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/beijing_olympics/beijinggallery/0,27379,5033377-5017127-7,00.html

6 June 2008

The High Performance Department have published Newsletter 6. It is available here.

5 June 2008

News of an interview with Dr. Lachlan Milne is on the Nestle web site.

WHY ARE ANTIOXIDANTS GOOD FOR YOU?

Discover why antioxidants are so good for you. Liz Ellis chats with Dr Lachlan Milne.
This is the link to the site:



The interview is stored here as the file Lachlan Milne Interview.wmv. It is a downloadable Windows Media Video (wmv) file. There is an mp4 version of this file too stored as the file Lachlan Milne Interview.mp4 for your iPod.

5 June 2008

ICF has announced the quotas for the 2008 Canoe Slalom event at the Olympic Games.

30 May 2008

Opportunities to be Coached
Steve Etheridge is co-ordinating plans for coaching of athletes who are currently without major coaching support. This is an important response to issues raised by respondents to the recent questionnaire about canoe slalom in Australia. See the announcement here and find out more here. This item is included on the Coach page toot