Canoeing

Canoeing is such a varied sport that it can almost guarantee to offer something for everyone. Most clubs participate in a few different branches of the sport, depending on the interests of its members. The main disciplines that Scottish University Clubs participate in are:

• River Running and Playboating
• Kayak surfing
• Canoe polo
• Slalom

Scottish Universities are incredibly fortunate in their access to good rivers. We have more rivers, better rivers and better access than anywhere else in the UK (in our totally unbiased opinion!) River running is exciting and adrenaline filled, allowing you to push yourself and feel the power of nature. Scottish rivers range from bumbley rivers perfect for beginners or a bit of relaxation, to full on creeks with massive waterfalls, which we generally leave to the big boys (and girls).

For the show offs amongst us there’s Playboating. Short boats are used to perform all sorts of tricks and those who can do it well look very cool. The National Student Rodeo is hosted by Leeds University at Holme Pier Point.

Kayak surfing is similar to playboating except that the waves are on the sea rather than just a river. If the surfs up it’s sure to leave your heart in your mouth, even if you’re just watching from the beach.

Canoe polo is a fast paced and competitive sport that can get you hooked very easily. Two teams of five compete against each other and attempt to score into goals suspended at either end of the pitch. Pushing in is very much allowed! Polo seems to be growing in popularity within university clubs. Every year Scottish universities compete in the SUS Canoe Polo Championship held in Glasgow and many Universities enter teams to regional leagues and to the BUSA competition.

Slalom is another very exciting branch of canoeing and an Olympic sport. Competitors navigate down a section of river as fast as the can making their way through pairs of poles (gates) in either the upstream or the downstream direction. Time penalties are incurred for touching the poles or missing gates altogether. The slalom season runs over the summer, which limits university club involvement, but many clubs attend the BUSA slalom competition, a very enjoyable event.

Some clubs also have members who take part in Marathon, Sprint, Wild Water Racing and Boater Cross events as well as those who enjoy touring.