Wild water racing is executed on a course consisting of a river which is at least 3kms long, is fast flowing and which has a series of rapids, small waterfalls and possible weirs. Competitors compete one at a time and are timed, as in downhill skiing.
Wild water sprint is a shortened course version of the above. Wild Water Sprint can be executed on a single rapid or weir and moving water.
The BCU facility development objectives for wild water racing are:
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Secure more access to fast flowing, moving water stretches of 3kms in length for racing and training.
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Secure more access to fast flowing, moving water stretches of water for Wild Water Sprint.
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Secure more access for training near population centres.
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Develop a hierarchy of facilities to allow development of personal skills and the development of excellence.
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Develop the river Tryweryn as the National Wild Water Racing Centre and Course.
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Develop a network of Performance Centres and Development Centres.
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A key priority is the development of a national standard white water facility to serve the London, South East and Southern Regions.
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Wild water racing facility framework
The facility needs of Wild Water Racing have been identified as comprising:
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A national centre, based at the Canolfan Tryweryn, near Bala, North Wales.
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A spread of Performance Centres of at least one per region.
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Development Centres to develop skills and techniques of at least one per region.
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An infrastructure of clubs in all main population centres to introduce people to Wild Water Racing.
Current deficiencies to be overcome:
National Centre, Canolfan Tryweryn
Extended elite programming.
Re-engineer riverbed.
Increase built ancillary facilities and equipment.
Extension of periods of use in Access Agreements.
Develop the Bala Mill site.
Performance Centres
River Washburn.
Redesign 2nd Weir.
Remodify riverbed.
Upgrade facilities.
Extension of periods in use.
Holme Pierrepont
Encourage club on site.
Deficiencies in:
Eastern
North West
South
South East
South West West Midlands
Development Centres
Deficiencies in parts of all regions.