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Geoff Sanders/U14 Racing Format for 2021/22

During the summer the new Geoff Sanders  format for U14 development racing was run successfully at a number of events. As we move into the 21/22 season the new format is now live. The first point scoring races will be Pangbourne and Shropshire this weekend.

We felt now was a good time to clarify a couple of points:

  1. The rules on the website are the most up to date. You can find them here from page 22:  http://canoeracing.org.uk/marathon/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Marathon-Rules-SECTION-F1-July-21-v10.pdf
  2. In line with discussions at the ACM, Division C is open to all mini K1s (including lightnings).
  3. In Division B & A any boat that would be considered acceptable to race at a Hasler can be used, including lightnings, mini K1s, Standard K1s, C1s and Surfskis.
  4. There is the occasional race (for example at Oxford this year) where the timetable allows for a GS paddlers to race GS K1 and the Hasler in K2. We would like to highlight there is no rule that prevents this. While rule 25b prevents a paddler racing at 2 Hasler qualifying events this does not apply to Geoff Sanders races so Geoff Sanders paddlers are able to race GSK1 and a K2 at the same event, (this may include 2 GSA paddlers racing together in Div 9).  It should be noted that while this is not prevented in the rules, there is no expectation that organisers should adjust timings to accommodate it.

Our overall aim is to get young people racing. We want to remove red tape and make it accessible whist also having a fair and fun competition. It is not just about points and prizes, it is about developing our future athletes and giving a load of kids some great racing along the way.

If you have any questions, feedback or ideas about the Geoff Sanders Series, please get in touch.

Evan, Julia & Kat

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2021-22 Hasler Season starts

We are delighted to announce that the 2021-22 Hasler season has started, from 1st September. The inter-club Hasler competition and paddler qualification rules will re-start from the first races of this new season, with qualification towards the 2022 Hasler Final in September next year.

Hasler races will now be available to enter through the new Race Entry System

The start of the season will see one rule change: the first in-region boat in each division will earn 50 points (100 for K2s/C2s), with points decreasing by one for each position as usual. The reason for increasing the points is that some start lines see over 20 paddlers, so there will still be points to race for below this position. There will still be a 110% cut-off time, where paddlers outside this time will earn a single point.

An organising club and venue for the 2022 Hasler Final have been proposed – confirmation and announcement to follow.

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“Standards for Racing” table

The Standards for Racing table compares performances and times with Sprint and Marathon rankings, and the Handicap system.

It is used in the marathon race management system to guide promotions and demotions, with promotions to Div 3 and above decided by the MRC Rankings Officer, Roland Lawler. Coaches and paddlers can use it to understand and compare sprint and marathon rankings and potential performances.

STANDARDS FOR RACING (use for marathon racing)
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Junior Development Squad – Skills Day, 18 September

The Junior Development Squad is being now being run jointly by the  MRC, SRC  and British Canoeing’s Talent Department. 
These are events are for paddlers of the following minimum standards:
Girls –
U16s – Girls C and/or Div 5 marathon or above
U19s – Div 4 marathon or above
Boys –
U16s – Boys C and/or Div 4 marathon or above 
U19s – Div 3 marathon or above
The first event of this new collaboration is on 18 September at Wey Kayak Club, and Ivan Lawler will be the lead speaker.  There are are more details and information on how to sign up
on the web site here.
Coaches
The JDS is also aimed at those seeking to develop their knowledge and engage with other like-minded coaches.  You do not need to have a paddler attending the events – just come along with a desire to learn, engage and share ideas.
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British Canoeing Team for the French National Championships

The announcement of a British team to compete at the French National Marathon Championships is being delayed until early August following the change to the date of the Olympic Hopes regatta, which concerns many of the same athletes and now clashes directly with the French National Marathon Champs.