A special competition was recently held at Gwynedd Council’s Glaslyn Leisure Centre in Porthmadog, with over 20 children from leisure centres all over the county taking part in Gwynedd’s first ever indoor kayaking regatta competition.
Teams from Bala, Porthmadog, Bangor and Blaenau Ffestiniog competed against each other in a range of different kayaking events, including; sprint, relay, synchronised routine and other swim events. Although the emphasis was all about taking part, Blaenau Ffestiniog achieved the most points with Glaslyn, Porthmadog coming second.
Each leisure centre where there is a pool entered a team of young kayakers who had been trained at special kayak sessions at their local swimming pools. Each Gwynedd Council Leisure Centre have now trained their own pool staff to the standard of Canoe Wales Level 1 Coach, which means they are all able to offer kayaking lessons to Gwynedd residents.
Mark Jones, Gwynedd Council’s outdoor activities development officer said:
“The regatta was an opportunity for the staff and children to demonstrate the skills developed at the pool kayak sessions. Everyone had a great time, and all the children enjoyed taking part. Following its success we are planning on holding more competitions in the future.
“Thanks to Marianne Davies from Canoe Wales, who organised the races, to John Jones for assisting with the judging, and special thanks go to the Leisure Centre staff who did all the behind the scenes work and provided the refreshments.”
The regatta is part of a scheme being run by the Outdoor Partnership, Canoe Wales and Gwynedd Council’s swimming pools. The aim is to introduce as many people as possible to canoeing and kayaking, by introducing the sport in Gwynedd Council’s swimming pools. All of the leisure centres have kayaks and qualified trainers, and most offer kayaking sessions during school holidays, and special clubs for beginners.
Weekly kayaking sessions are held at every swimming pool in Gwynedd. For more information contact Dyfed Glyn Davies, Gwynedd Council’s Aquatic Activities Development Officer on (01286) 677983 or [email protected] – for more information about any of Gwynedd’s leisure centres go to: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/leisurecentres
