Foyle paddlers in the medals again

The participants raced head to head starting at Castlefin Bridge, in 53 separate boats and 15 different categories over the 11k standard and 15k elite distance categories, racing to the finishing line just below Lifford Bridge.

Although the Foyle Paddlers contingent was well reduced on previous years, those that did represent the club were well up the field.

The 11k - T2 Double Sea Kayak category which saw the teams competing in similar Necky Amurek boats, was an exciting tactical battle between the experienced Ken Moore/Brian Murray pairing representing Donegal Canoe Club, who have been racing together for the past eight years and the Foyle Paddlers pair of Paul Strawbridge/John McLaughlin competing together in only their second event.

Following a frantic bunched start, the Donegal crew of Moore/Murray took an early lead. The Foyle Paddlers crew of Strawbridge/McLaughlin were content to sit a boat length behind in the wake of the Donegal duo, watching the other teams river reading skills, biding their time and waiting their chance.

Downstream of Clady Bridge and with 4km left to the finish on this flat section of the river Finn, the Londonderry lads decided to up the pressure and eventually took the lead. However, a technical hitch with the rudder allowed the Donegal pairing to regain the lead and pull out a 100m advantage, which they held mainly due to their superior synchronised paddling technique all the way to the finish line, in a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 31 seconds.

The Foyle Paddlers pair crossed the line in Silver medal position in a time of 1: 04:05. The third placed pairing of Denis and Andrew Gallagher, Donegal Canoe Club finishing in 1:07:18.

In the 11k - Sea Boat, Senior Male category, popular club member Brendan Mc Elhinney had another good performance, finishing in a time of 1:08:43 to gain second place in an eight-boat field. Brendan who was paddling an Avocet type plastic Sea Kayak, was up against the eventual winner Neil Stevenson who finished in 1:05:16, but was paddling a faster fibreglass boat.

In the 11k - GP Fibreglass U15 Male class, and also among the medals yet again was young Ciaran McElhinney who finished in a great time of 1:21:40 behind the winner Alex Broderick from the Thomastown Club from Dublin who finished in 1:08:27. and Dean Harron, from Donegal Canoe Club in 1:11:18.

Meanwhile Winter training and club outings continue for all club paddlers. The outings include the usual River trips; Mourne, Finn, Duff etc and our Surf trips also continue as conditions allow.

Junior Pool sessions continue on Monday’s at 6pm in Lisnagelvin and the Seniors meet at 8. 45pm on Thursday’s at the Templemore pool.

Club coaches will be announcing a new series of introductory courses in the next few weeks. White water, Open Boating and Sea Kayaking courses will be available. Interested parties should watch out for future details, or contact Club Chairman, Enda Cummings on Tel: (0773) 621 3167.

A reminder that the first CANI league event of 2010 'The Doggy Paddle' starts and finishes at Swans Bridge on the river Roe near Limavady and is scheduled for this Sunday at 11am. All club members take note. Spectators and those interested in becoming involved are welcome to attend.