Minutes of the Irish Wild Water Racing Committee

23^rd July 2007

Held at Wild Water Kayak Club

Present: Martin McCarthy, Caoimhe Ní Chuinn, William Irwin, Bruno Halter, Liam McCarthy.

International Grant and Return of Deposits to International Team Members

The committee went through the list of the paddlers who had competed abroad this season and identified those paddlers that are due a refund of deposits.

The International grant is now exhausted and there are no funds left to be distributed to team members.

William (treasurer) calculated that the committee will have €1115.00 in its bank account, after the return of deposits.

Martin pointed out that we need to buy some trophies for the upcoming Junior Liffey WWR series. He recommended that another Wavehopper be purchased, as the existing fleet is well used and some of the boats are in poor condition.

Review of the International Season

It was agreed that the international season was a successful one.

Liz Shouldice is now ranked 6^th in the World.

Kevin Pierce’s performance in Karlovy Vary came in for praise.

These results have led to Great Britain Wild Water Racing approaching us with a view to having some combined squad sessions.

The exemplary manner in which the team conducted itself and helped one another was noted. The committee are satisfied that each member made a valuable contribution to the team.

In order that international competitors continue to improve, the committee suggests:

· That for next year, in order to be considered for selection to World Cup events, paddlers should compete in at least 60% of the ranking races in the country in which they are resident.

· They should also take part in organised squad sessions at home and be encouraged to take part in training camps abroad.

It was pointed out that Lorcan Feely’s performance in the World Junior Championship is particularly encouraging as he has three more years in the junior ranks. It has also led to expressions of interest in wild water racing from other young paddlers around the country.

It is the desire of this committee that, in the future, the international grant be focussed on junior development. It is possible to use the grant to fund a training week leading up to an international competition.

Liffey Descent

Martin will write the ICU, asking them to restore a Women’s WWR class to the Liffey Descent.

The letter will point out that:

· WW boats are a racing class.

· The increased numbers taking part in WW races

· Liz’s 6^th place in the world rankings.

· If the number of entries is less than 5, then the men’s and women’s classes should become one. This last point should be noted on the entry form.

Calendar

One of the main aims of this committee is to encourage the participation of juniors in domestic events. To this end it is decided to hold 4 events in October aimed at primarily at juniors. The main features of this series of races will be:

· Events to be held on relatively easy courses on the Liffey .

· Inexpensive entry fee for all races to be paid at the first race if possible.

· Races will be held at 11 am on consecutive Saturdays (in order to be more ‘family friendly’)

· In the sprint races, the paddlers’ best time counts as some may not feel up to a second run.

· The same courses will be used to make it easier for parents and organisers. Hopefully this will also allow a competitor to see an improvement in performance.

· A river trip and/or a team event may be held at the sprint event(s).

· There will also be a race for seniors, as it is important that there are as many people as possible at these events.

The dates for these races are:

1. 6^th October. Castletown Rapids Sprint

2. 13^th October. Temple Mills to SLCC Classic

3. 20^th October. Castletown Rapids Sprint

4. 26^th October. Temple Mills to SLCC

In considering the venues for the ranking races next season the committee took the following into account:

• The importance of having well attended events. This dictates that more events be held near Dublin.
• That there should be 10 events, consisting of 5 sprints and 5 classics.
• That events should, if possible be held in locations that showcase the sport.
• Water levels
• The suitability of the Avonmore in low water.

After a lot of deliberation it was decided that the Mourne and Moy races will lose their ranking status. However, the Mourne in particular was singled out as a great race that can be held at any water level. Every effort will be made to encourage paddlers to attend both races. It was suggested that the races be used as training weekends.

It was decided, after a lot of discussion, that the Avonmore will be retained as a ranking race. However a water level on a gauge will determine whether the race will be held on the usual course or on the flatter section farther downriver. The new online gauge on the Annamoe and the weather in the previous few days will also help decide.

The ranking races for next season are:

1. Liffey (WWKC to Chapelizod) Classic
2. Avonmore Classic
3. Inny Classic
4. Boyne Classic
5. Castleconnell Classic
6. Castletown Sprint
7. Aghade Sprint
8. Barrow Sprint
9. Curragower Sprint
10. Sluice Weir Sprint

As it was quite late, Martin agreed to identify possible dates for each of the races and circulate these to each of the committee members for their consideration.