University to help top paddlers make waves

The University is hosting a tough two day training programme for determined kayakers and canoeists who want to develop their slalom skills.

And an Olympic medallist has agreed to help out with the coaching.

The Slalom Talent Development Camp will take place from 15 - 16 November and will be held at the University for the sport science and land-based training sessions and the Tees White Water Course, at Stockton, for the water-based sessions.

It has been organised in association with Sport University for the North East of England, a partnership between the five North East universities to help transform the delivery of sport and physical activity across the region.

Activities planned for the Slalom Talent Development Camp include:

• flat and white water coaching
• video analysis
• fitness testing
• land-based conditioning
• sports psychology.

Top class coaching Campbell Walsh, who won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and is a former World Cup Champion, will be on the coaching team, along with a number of other experienced paddlers and members of the University's Sports Science staff.

'Canoe slalom is a technically, physically and mentally demanding sport,' explained Campbell Walsh.

'A well advised training programme is essential if you are looking to make big improvements. The talent camp will be an excellent introduction to some of the more advanced techniques and training methods.'

Delighted to have inspirational athlete on board Matthew Wright, the University's Sports Development Officer, believes Campbell Walsh is an inspired choice to help coach the Slalom Talent Development Camp.

He said: 'We feel we have a great programme which will really challenge the young paddlers and are hugely privileged to have a world class athlete in Campbell Walsh on board.

'Campbell has been an inspiration to paddlers since his silver medal at the Athens Olympics.'

The Slalom Talent Development Camp costs £69 and is open to kayakers up to the age of 23.

To enrol you must:

• be a Grade 3 river paddler or above
• have the drive to compete at the highest level in slalom
• have a club/coach reference stating your level of competition and that your club/coach are happy for you to attend.

For more information contact Matthew Wright on 01642 342267 or email m.wright@tees.ac.uk

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