Week One: Sault Brenaz 🏞️

The first week took place at Sault Brenaz and saw the participation of 25 paddlers from across Wales. Each day was structured with two coached sessions, allowing paddlers to hone their skills and gain valuable experience in the water. In between these rigorous training sessions, paddlers enjoyed some downtime through recreational play boating and Hydrospeeding, adding an element of fun and relaxation to their schedule.

Week Two: St Pierre De Boeuf 🌊

The second week shifted to St Pierre De Boeuf, where the Welsh paddlers were joined by 37 paddlers from the English programme. This brought the total number of young paddlers to 72, creating a vibrant and dynamic training environment. The cross-border collaboration was a tremendous success, with paddlers from both nations training together and socializing during breaks. The unity and friendship fostered during this week were truly inspiring.

Competition and Celebration 🏆

The camp culminated in an exciting competition race simulation on the last day of the second week. Paddlers participated in a structured event complete with bibs, number boards, and simple Slalom results. The competition featured two-timed runs and concluded with a prize-giving ceremony. Following the Slalom event, paddlers enjoyed a thrilling Kayak Cross event, akin to a mini Olympics, which added a celebratory finale to the camp.

Looking to the Future 🌟

The success of this cross-border training camp has sparked plans to replicate it next year. The collaboration and camaraderie witnessed during these two weeks have highlighted the benefits of such joint training initiatives. It was heart warming to see paddlers from England and Wales not only improving their skills but also building lasting friendships.

This training camp was a remarkable testament to the power of sports in bringing people together and fostering mutual growth. Here's to many more successful camps in the future! 🙌