Selection season is already underway for our wildwater paddlers, with the first races run last weekend in the north-east. Competition is tight for those aiming for this year’s World Championships in the USA in April, but Rob J got his campaign off to a great start with a 2nd in the classic on the North Tyne and 4th in the sprint at Abbey Rapids on the Tees.

Under 23s, Jack C and George U have other aspirations for the year, but had some good solid practice back on the moving water. In the classic George had the edge, finishing 10th, and Jack 12th, but in the shorter sprint race, Jack edged ahead again, and they finished 8th and 9th respectively. The second, and final, senior selection race takes place at the end of the month in Wales.