HANWELL girl Amelia Combes is celebrating being promoted to National Division 2 in the Ladies Kayak singles (K1), despite her young age.
Amelia, 12, a pupil at Drayton Manor High School, started paddling with local canoe club The Sharks last year, and regular training has given her the edge over her rivals.
This year, she won an entry level slalom at Islington and was promoted to Division 3, before becoming the youngest Shark paddler to be promoted to Division 2 after a race at Symonds Yat on the Welsh borders.
Club coach Neal Underwood led the plaudits for Amelia. “She is amazing,” he said. “She works hard and deserves the success. She is not only excelling in slalom, but also in wild water racing.
He is keen for more adults and children to follow in Amelia’s footsteps and become involved in the sport, regardless of their knowledge of canoeing.
He added: “You don’t need any experience or kit. We can provide it - all we need is you!”
The Sharks hold regular sessions at Havelock, Spikes Bridge, Harefield and Uxbridge Pool.
For more details about The Sharks, visit: www.thesharks.org.uk Or you can email: canoeing@thesharks.org.uk
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