Junior Development Squad
The Junior Development Squad is a joint initiative by the Marathon Racing Committee, Sprint Racing Committee and British Canoeing’s Talent Department. This new series consists of racing skills days and camps aimed at junior paddlers (U18) who are looking to develop their flat-water racing skills. The training days and camps offer paddlers the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and paddle in new waters as well as clubs and coaches to share knowledge and learn from each other.
During the 2021/22 season, the JDS Steering Group hosted four winter training days in Guildford, Nottingham, Reading and Wokingham and a summer training camp in Norwich. All incorporated K1, K2 and K4 paddling and a variety of different marathon and sprint skills.
The eligibility criteria for kayak paddlers is as follows :
- Girls – Girls C sprint or above and/or Div 5 marathon or above for U16’s or Div 4 marathon or above for U18s
- Boys – Boys C sprint or above and/or Div 4 marathon or above for U16’s or Div 3 marathon or above for U18s
The eligibility criteria for Canoe paddlers is as follows :
- Girls and Boys – any paddler who has competed at a Sprint National Regatta
Additionally, coaches who are working with athletes in any discipline who have not met the criteria above, can put forward athletes they believe would benefit from the day.
If you would like to keep updated with the Junior Development Squad and any further training events, visit the Junior Development Squad website.