There was a great turnout from the Tigers, as well as those from Hexham and Cleveland clubs, for the  inter-regional slalom championships on 13th May at Nottingham.  Best results for the North East in the main categories were Darren Cresser in the K1, finishing 14th, with Wendy Morris finishing 8th in the women’s K1 and Zac Allin 8th in the juniors. All paddlers put up a good show on a course which had a few key moves where valuable time (or 50s!) could be lost.

Special mention should be made of the gutsy paddlers who stepped up to the mark to ensure we had a C2 boat in the race and a full senior and women’s team.  First of all it was fantastic to see the youngest Tiger Jake Brown show his teeth and overcome his fear as he went back around and through the gate in the looping pool … and I don’t think his Dad was the only one with tears in his eyes!  I hope the new C2 pairing of Bethan Kelly and Brandon Watson were also smiling as they stayed upright all the way – which is more than Zak Franklin and his partner did!  Maeve Woodhouse from Hexham was also facing her first time at HPP and with support and encouragement from all, also managed to get down (first run anyway!) and do really well to get us a time in what wasn’t an easy course for a Div 2 paddler!

Final results for the region are being put togther by John Sturgess and will be put up as soon as we have them….it was the taking part that counts…..(though I hope we beat the southerners!) .

Linda Allin