Paddling Challenge
Southampton Seven take on the Royal Challenge
The Paddling Challenge is a race with an unrivalled history. Royal Canoe Club was founded in 1866. The first club race recorded started at Kingston Bridge and came downstream to “one-mile tree” which was reputed to be an oak tree on the bank opposite the club. It wasn’t until June 1st 1874 that the club committee asked members to support the purchase of a challenge cup for its first official canoe race which was a mile long. This race has been run every year since, except during both world wars. The winner’s trophy is among one of the oldest sporting trophies in the world, playing a huge part in our country’s sporting history.
This year’s edition saw Seven, strong Southampton Paddlers compete for what was for many the first and only race of the year. The day has a cold cruel breeze steeling the heat from the paddlers and making warming up and staying warm a key part of race prep. First off were the Junior Men racing 5km in a lapped course on the Thames. Xavier raced in the U18, with Andre, Fletcher and Nathaniel racing in the U14 classes. The Junior Ladies raced next with Sofia racing in the U16 and Beth in the U14, and taking on the Royals at their own Race Lulu raced 2km in the Lightning Girls.
There was good tight racing across the majority of the races, with socially distanced spectators willing their paddlers on, as they raced towards the finish. Southampton’s results were notable for their progression: Beth 1st, Xavier 2nd, Lulu 3rd, Andre 4th, Sofia 5th. For all our paddlers it shows the gains they have made this year even without competition. Nathaniel realised it had been a good race, having had the grit to keep going without a group, and Fletcher raced to his excellent race plan that will help him in reviewing the race.
To find out more about Sprint Racing with Southampton Canoe Club please contact secretary@southamptoncc.co.uk
