Fast times in Foyle Race

In this the third series of races in the CANI League, Foyle Paddlers were looking to gain league points following a slow start to the defence of their 2009 league win.

The Foyle Race is traditionally run over two courses. However this year saw the introduction of an Intermediate Race, making use of our new pedestrian bridge now under construction. Each of the three hotly contested races started and finished at Prehen Boat House.

The 'Short Race' going to Craigavon Bridge and back - approximately 1 mile. The 'Intermediate Race' going around the new pedestrian bridge - approximately 2.5 miles and the 'Long Race' setting out from Prehen, going around the red marker rock beyond the Foyle Bridge and back again to Prehen - approximately 6.5 miles.

With 30 points for a category win, 29 points for second etc. Each of the competitors was ranked into separate categories in order to allow fairer a competition between age groups and boat types. The points gained by each paddler adding to their personal and clubs league points.

The race finally got under way at 12.14pm when more than 40 enthusiastic canoeists, who were lined up across the Foyle at Prehen set off frantically in a mass start. There was a determination from each competitor to establish the best line down the river.

This resulted in a some slight barging manoeuvres in order find clear water ahead. However, with an in-coming tide, the boats, which maintained an inside-line on the outward leg and a slightly more middle river line on the return leg gained a slight advantage.

The most anticipated race of the day was the 'Long Race'. Last year's winners in the Men's Double Sea Kayak, the Foyle Paddlers veteran pairing of John McLaughlin and Paul Strawbridge were determined to retain their bragging rights for another year at least, crossing the finish line at Prehen in 00.57.13 followed by fellow club members - the youthful and much lighter crew of Harvey Futcher and Brendan McElhinney in 01.01.25 winners of the 'Plastic' category, followed by this years emerging talent of Gareth Blackery and Fergus McClean in 01.02.49 in second, with Alex Watt and Liam Doyle finishing third in 01.20.24 in only their first ever canoe race.

Club Chairman, Enda Cummins would like to congratulate all who participated and thank all who assisted on the day.

A reminder that the next event in the CANI League is the 'Shaws Bridge Sprint' in Belfast, which takes place on Sunday, June 20. Although a fairly new event to the current Foyle Paddlers members, sprints are a real fun event and everyone is asked to give it a go!

While this Saturday and Sunday as part of the Foyle days programme based at the Derry City Council offices, Foyle Paddlers will offer 30-minute taster sessions between 11.30am-4.30pm when members of the public will get the opportunity to try out various club boats in a safe environment.

The club will follow this up with two Open Nights on Tuesday 15th and 22nd June, when beginners or anyone interested, are invited to come along to Prehen at 6.30pm, where you will be able to try out kayaking & canoeing, under the guidance of our club coaches.