SLALOM PROGRAMMES


Our Slalom programmes create a pathway up to the Olympics for young paddlers from Wales or a fantastic way to make friends and develop skills for life.  Getting used to making decisions under pressure, perform at your best and deal with uncontrollable elements are all fantastic experiences and these programmes support you all the way from beginner to competing internationally as an athlete. 



Choose which programme is right for you...


The Canoe Wales Slalom Performance and Talent Pathway is divided into a tiered, progressive squad structure with three clearly defined levels, each with its own defined qualification criteria and capacity.

 

Regional Development Programmes

Aims to support athletes across the whole of Wales by breaking Wales down geographically in to three regions: North, South and West Wales. This provides coaching on a local basis with one weekly mid-week training session and one weekend training camp per month. Each region supports up to 12 athletes at this level. The focus of these Regional Development squads is to develop the paddlers up to the point where they are competent and robust in training and able to confidently train at white-water sites as used on the Talent programme. This programme is specifically aimed to prioritise younger athletes due to the time required to gain all the skills to be successful and progress along the pathway and onto the Talent and Performance Squads.   


Age Range: J10-J15

Ability Level: Division 3 to Division 1

Numbers on Squad: Up to 12 athletes (per region)

     

National Talent Programme

Aims to support promising athletes on a national programme, with mid-week training support and access to training camps across the best slalom sites in the UK at weekends and in school holidays. It will support the best athletes in Wales within each class for the age ranges from J12 through to J16. Up to 12 athletes can be selected for this programme from across all three regions. The focus is to prepare athletes to make the step up to the Performance Squad by supporting them to qualify for the Premier Division before the age of J16 and tracking in line with ranking trajectory and performance funnels.


Age Range: J12-J16

Ability Level: Division 2 to Division 1

Numbers on Squad: Up to 12 athletes

 

National Performance Programme

Aims to support the most capable athletes on a National Programme, with mid-week training support and access to training camps across the UK at weekends and in school holidays.  Training is more individualised and focussed and periodised around key British Selection races. The priority is around preparing the Juniors and U23 athletes to qualify onto the GB teams and to make Junior and U23 World Championship finals.


Age range: Best Welsh athletes at Junior and U23 in their age classes, eligible from British Selection Races

Ability Level: Division 1 to Premier

Numbers on Squads: Up to 10 athletes


If you have any questions about any of the Slalom Programmes please contact Nick Fowler (Performance Manager) at nick.fowler@canoewales.com


For full details of the Canoe Wales Performance and Talent Pathway, the Selection Policy for the Slalom Programmes can be found on the link below.


See the Code of Conduct that athletes on the Canoe Slalom Performance and Talent pathway are expected to uphold


Important information - Please read before applying..


Applications are now OPEN (**from 03 October 2023) for the Canoe Wales Performance and Talent Slalom Pathway. It is strongly advised you read the above Selection policy, Athlete Code of Conduct and the Squad Dates, before starting the application Process.


**Please note - we are aware of the increasing costs associated with the participation in sport. We at Canoe Wales always strive to provide value for money and inclusive and accessible opportunities to progress in the sport. This last 12 months have seen the programme come under extensive financial pressure to provide the same level of coaching, access to World Class facilities and competition venues as we have historically done, with a freeze on Sport Wales funding. With rising inflation, this situation is no longer viable.  Therefore, we have come up with a fair, transparent 15% parental contribution for squad costs across all squad activities.  The exact amount for your squad will be detailed in your Notice of Training which you will receive once your place has been accepted.  If you wish to enquire before applying, please email admin@canoewales.com.  You will of course have the opportunity to turn down your place following receipt of the Notice of Training and the detailed squad costs.  Thank you for your understanding on this sensitive matter.


Applications close at 5pm on the 16 October.


Squads will be announced on the 23rd October and the first Camp of the Winter will then be on the 3rd - 5th November in North Wales (location TBC).

Share by: