Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 9:13 am
My thoughts,
I would go back to the original point, what is the objective of the Junior British Championship? By definition it should be looking for the best junior paddlers in the country. However, take into consideration:
o The holy grail for the top juniors is getting into the Junior GB team
o The top juniors are in the premier division or are trying to get promoted from division 1
o The priority outside of the GB junior selection races is the divisional ranking races, which means training, maximum water time at venues like HPP, Tryweryn and Grandtully etc
My personal view is in order to attract the top juniors you need to:
o Hold the race on a premier course, no disrespect to Llandysul, but the top juniors are not going to travel to a Div 2/3 venue
o Combine the event with a Premier race and/or British Open
However, more than likely, the J13s and below would be intimated (not all, but most) by racing on bigger water. Therefore, maybe there should be a split, and have two junior championships on separate courses, which reflect the ability/development of the paddlers at that age. For example, Llandysul for the J13 and below and HPP for J14 and above – that way I think you would increase the attendance and profile of the Junior British Championship.
I would go back to the original point, what is the objective of the Junior British Championship? By definition it should be looking for the best junior paddlers in the country. However, take into consideration:
o The holy grail for the top juniors is getting into the Junior GB team
o The top juniors are in the premier division or are trying to get promoted from division 1
o The priority outside of the GB junior selection races is the divisional ranking races, which means training, maximum water time at venues like HPP, Tryweryn and Grandtully etc
My personal view is in order to attract the top juniors you need to:
o Hold the race on a premier course, no disrespect to Llandysul, but the top juniors are not going to travel to a Div 2/3 venue
o Combine the event with a Premier race and/or British Open
However, more than likely, the J13s and below would be intimated (not all, but most) by racing on bigger water. Therefore, maybe there should be a split, and have two junior championships on separate courses, which reflect the ability/development of the paddlers at that age. For example, Llandysul for the J13 and below and HPP for J14 and above – that way I think you would increase the attendance and profile of the Junior British Championship.