First Paddle Clinic at CIWW was "excellent and informative"

Canoe Wales held its first Paddle Clinic recently on Saturday 21 May at Cardiff International White Water (CIWW). Six members of Cardiff Canoe Club received hands-on coaching from Canoe Wales staff and the fastest female paddler in Wales, Hannah May Stephens (Canoe Sprint medal winner).

It was a full day's work starting in the classroom where we explored the science theory and history of the stroke. Together with the benefits of protecting our joints, in particular the shoulder. This was followed by individual coaching on the Slider Ergo and Greenland Balance Board.

In the afternoon there was an on-the-water session which gave the opportunity to put into practice all that was discussed in the classroom.

This was a new experience for most of the paddlers and the feedback was very positive, including the request to run a follow up clinic in the next few weeks.

Here's what Cardiff Canoe Club had to say about the session:

"Last weekend we had a great time at the Forward Stroke Clinic run by Canoe Wales’ James Pigdon at CIWW in Cardiff. After hearing all about the science behind the forward stroke, we tried to put the theory into practice. Some harder-than-they-look exercises on dry land and testing our new skills on the water really brought home the importance of posture and movement when developing a healthy paddling technique.

Thank you to Jim and Canoe Wales for an excellent and informative session and thanks to CIWW for access to the facilities."

James Pigdon

Talent Pathway Officer (South Wales)