S-MAX Extreme

Month: September 2008
Organiser: Czech Canoe Union
Where: Tyn nad Vltavou, Czech Republic
Why you should go: OK, so it’s not kayaking but this marathon version of its close relation is certainly worth watching. Marathon canoeing involves paddling over long distances, with portage sections where competitors have to carry their own canoes. Each lap of this race is over four-kilometres long, with the elite men completing seven and the elite women completing six.
Contact info: canoemar.cz

Month: 18-26 October 2008
Organiser: British Canoe Union
Where: River Tay, Grandtully, Scotland
Why you should go: During their run competitors charge along a whitewater course, paddling around a series of up to 25 gates. Slalom kayakers need extreme upper-body strength, quick reactions and the ability to stay focused in the numbing waters of the River Tay.
Contact info: bcu.org.uk

Month: 12 October 2008
Organiser: Youth Freestyle Series
Where: River Trent, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Why you should go: Your chance to get the kids involved, too. This event (one of five taking place in the UK) is split into two sections. The first part of the day is given over to coaching, the second to a freestyle comp and boater X race, where groups of kayakers race each other down a course. Expect some argy bargy.
Contact info: youth.ukfreestyle.com

Month: 22 November 2008
Organiser: British University Sports Association (BUSA)
Where: River Washburn, Yorkshire Dales National Park
Why you should go: 55 per cent of GB Olympic medallists come from British Universities so you’re likely to see some of the sport’s future stars strutting their stuff here. There are a variety of different race classes from K1 to playboating.
Contact info: bucs.org.uk

Month: June 2009
Organiser: British Canoe Union
Where: National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Why you should go: There are more than 20 nations competing and you’ll see some of the best canoeists in the world doing their thing. This will give you a good indication of who’s likely to win medals at the 2012 Olympics.
Contact info: bcu.org.uk

Month: 14 December 2008
Organiser: Wey Kayak Club
Where: River Wey, Guildford, Surrey
Why you should go: There’s nothing like marathon racing to test a kayaker’s strength, stamina and sheer willpower. This event, held on a ten-kilometre course through Guildford, is open to all-comers, whatever your boat and skill level.
Contact info: Weykayak.co.uk