Local paddlers from Ross-on-Wye, travelled to Holm Pierrepont National Water Sports Centre at the weekend to compete on the White Water Course in Canoe Slalom.

After spending most of August in the French Alps training on an International Slalom site and then traveling to Grandtully Scotland for last weekend’s division one Slalom, everyone was looking for improvements.

So in the K1 Men, Daniel Lafford got 17th and William Lafford 21st, both achieving personal best results.

In the C1 [Single Blade paddling] David Mitchell achieved an excellent sixth place and by far a personal best in this, his third Division 1 Slalom after starting the season in Division 2.

Next weekend is the National Interclubs Slalom Championship and all will be competing for team Wyedean Canoe Club.

On September 16th they will be at the British Open, taking place on the Lee Valley Olympic Course.

All the paddlers belong to Wyedean Canoe Club based at Symonds Yat. Club nights are Thursdays and beginners are welcome. The Club also runs river trips and pool sessions throughout the winter.

The Slalom squad regularly train at Symonds Yat and have just received a Sport England lottery grant for Youth Slalom Development. For more information please visit the website www.wyedeancanoeclub.co.uk