Today I took part in the first Wey U14’s Biathlon, a 3km paddle to Seven Arches and a 2km run around the ‘big block’. This was my first home race after taking part at Richmond last week.

I paddled well and I had got ahead by a couple of places when I came off the water for the start of the run. The run was tiring but managed to find some energy for the finish.

I came 1^st in the U10 boys’ race and 6^th overall. It was great being presented my trophy by Rachel Cawthorne.

I enjoyed taking part, although it would have been nice if the sun was shining!

BY ALEX BICKNELL

Richmond Hasler 23/10/10

Kuba Cranmer's Post on the Richmond Race

I was a little more confident because it was my second race so I knew more what i was doing, but I still felt a little nevous.

At first i thought that I woudn't be able to keep up with them, but I managed it more or less by conserving my strength till i got round the second island and past the bridge.

I now see what they mean by river conjestion.

I really appreciate the support I was given - thanks to all the people cheering me on I managed it.

I would recommend racing to everybody out there, it's incredible fun.

thank you all,

kub(a)

Richmond Hasler 24/10/10

Ten of our U14's (plus Max J) bravely competed in the Richmond Hasler last Sunday. They all took it very much in their stride- I was far more nervous than they were! Kuba Cranmer & Alex Bignell raced the U10 lightening Race coming 3rd & 4th ! Josh snell, Jack Oliver & Rian Butler raced the u12 all doing incredibly well, Rian getting 2nd place.

Matt Esselens & Charlie Singlton raced the U12, K2 & looked like they had been paddling together for years rather than weeks ! Alice Fellows & Ella Jamieson paddled U10, K2 & looked very comfortable together, coming 3rd. Max J did really well in Div 9 coming in 1st placed Canoe. Well done guys! They are all now looking forward to competing in the H& H's over the winter.

Helen Weston & myself also raced at Richmond together only for the second time, with much trepidation, as virtually everyone we spoke to had a bad word to say about the conditions there!

We started well- well we didn't fall in, & quickly saw off a couple of mad teenagers from Richmond. We paddled on in our own unique style 'grannies on a day out' & finished in 2nd place.

Meanwhile we understand that although we had got away from the mad,bad teenagers Amanda & Alison hadn't & they ended up being paddle battered - drawing blood ! & pushed into the trees! Sorry girls- but as Eric says "A win's a win!" well almost- the K2 in front of us was so far in front it felt like one to me! Oh & according to Dave Halliwell & son their race was greatly impinged by a hole in the boat - yes Dave it's called a cockpit ! (Only joking Dave !) Happy paddling - sort of , Pam