Published: Friday, 28th May, 2010 11:00am

Training day for racing canoeists

by Adam Hewitt

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Louise Nolson and Ellen Palmer

KNEES were needed as women raced canoes to push for Olympic change.

The training day on Sunday (May 23) at the Wokingham Waterside Centre near Thames Valley Park, Earley, involved 23 girls and women aged from nine up to 45 trying out high-kneeling racing canoes.

Racing officer Samantha Rippington, who organised the training day, said: "Paddling a racing canoe is very hard, as you have to kneel on one knee with your other foot in front of you, whilst paddling with one blade. It requires a lot of balance and concentration when you first start.

"Canoeing is still one of the sports that is unequal at the Olympics. Only men can race in canoes at Olympics. One of the aims of the day was to show that women are interested in racing canoes and hopefully soon, women will be allowed to race in canoes at the Olympics too!"

For details visit www.wokinghamcanoeclub.co.uk