Wild Water Racing
Wild Water Racing is an opportunity to experience the freedom of white-water in a fun and competitive atmosphere. It has a simple aim: complete the course as fast as you possibly can. The paddler with the fastest time down the river is declared the winner. For many wild- water racing is a way to get close to nature and see the rivers of Ireland. For others wild-water racing offers a chance to push themselves physically in white-water. This includes the excellent opportunity it offers for cross-training for paddlers in other disciplines including canoe-polo, marathon, sprint, freestyle and slalom. One of the oldest canoeing disciplines, wild-water racing first held World Championships in 1959 and they are held bi-annually ever since. Irish races will be held across the four provinces with an overall National Championship in the season that runs from September to May. Safety is to the fore in wild-water racing with boats fitted with airbags, and paddlers wearing helmets and buoyancy aids in competition. If you want to experience the freedom, fun and competition of wild-water racing try one of our races this season. What is Wild Water Racing? Wild Water Racing is an exciting form of
canoeing & kayaking which sees competitors race down stretches of rough
river negotiating rapids, weirs, trees and rocks in time trial format. It is
the canoeing equivalent of Downhill skiing. Races consist of two types. l The sprint event where
competitors race twice down a stretch of rough water approx. 500 metres in
length, with the times of their two runs combined to count towards the race
result and l The classic event where
competitors race once down a stretch of rough river between 2 kms and 8 kms
long. In both event types, the competitor with
the fastest elapsed time is deemed the winner. It is a true test of a paddler's
speed, strength, stamina and skill. What types of canoes and kayaks are
used? l Wild Water Racing Kayaks
(composite racing boats, and plastic Wavehopper kayaks) l Wild Water Racing Canoes (both
singles and doubles) l Open Singles / General Purpose
type Kayaks (such as most plastic kayaks) l Open Canadian Canoes Separate classes for people competing in
different boat types are provided at races and competitors race against others
of similar sex and age group, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance. When are the races? Wild Water Races in Ireland run from
typically early October until the end of March, taking advantage of the usually
wet months to swell the rivers. Full details of the domestic Irish Wild Water
Races are available on the race calendar at www.irishwildwaterracing.com Can I race? If you are interested in trying out Wild
Water Racing, it couldn't be easier to get involved. If you are thinking of coming along to do a
race, you can enter on the day. The only requirement is that you are competent
on the type of river that the race will be run on and that you have the
necessary equipment (canoe or kayak*, paddles, helmet and buoyancy aid). If you
are not familiar with the stretch of river in question, the best way to
determine this would be to contact the race organiser (their contact details
are provided on the race calendar) in
advance of any event you are thinking of doing and they will be able to provide
you with information on the course, the grading of the river, etc. Note – races marked as junior series on the
race calendar are typically on easier stretches of river. Note - sprint races involve paddling
shorter distances so consequently may be more suitable for those wishing to try
Wild Water Racing for the first time. * If you don't have a suitable canoe or
kayak, the Wild Water Racing Committee have a number
of plastic Wild Water Racing Kayaks (Wavehoppers) available for use at races.
For further details, contact the Wild Water Racing Comittee via at email
at wwrcommittee@ irishwildwaterracing.com or via phone on
085-1742261 If you are still
unsure, contact the committee and we will be able to
arrange a come and try it session for you, so that you can try out the
Wavehoppers on flat or rough water and get the feel of them. We will also be
able to give you some tips, pointers and practical advice in advance of your
first race.