SCHOOLS from across the Isle of Man took part in the annual Christmas slalom event last week.
The event, which was organised by Steve Watt from Manx Paddlesports Canoe Club, took place at the Raggatt, near Peel, which offered some shelter from the gale force winds.
A total of 28 paddlers braved the weather. There were two team competitions – one for school students and one for a mixture of staff, students and ex-students.
Among the schools which took part were Ramsey Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth II High School and Castle Rushen High School.
Queen Elizabeth II High School teacher Lesley Sleight said: ‘Sea kayaking is very popular at Queen Elizabeth II High School both as a curricular and extra-curricular sport. It has been great for our students to try a new discipline of the sport. The slalom competition organised by Manx Paddlesport has enabled many students to try out this new event. Students had a chance to paddle slalom boats and enter their first competition. It was a great morning and great opportunity to meet other paddlers.’
During the event three paddlers had to negotiate a series of slalom gates down the river, swapping their paddling positions half way down the course. Two second penalty points were given for every gate touched by a paddler.
Kim Tastagh, who had the fastest junior time and was only 2 seconds behind the senior winner, was presented with the winning shield.
Steve Watt, teacher from St Ninian’s High School, won the senior competition in a time of 1 minute and 39 seconds.
The schools would like to thank Manx Paddlesports for hosting the event and giving opportunities for young paddlers to compete in a kayak slalom competition.
Ramsey Grammar School were the winners in the mixed team event.
In the school individual event the results were as follows:
Junior Boys: 1, Kim Tastagh QEII – 1 minute and 41 seconds; 2, Sam Sleight CRHS – 2 minutes and 29 seconds; 3, Colin Bankes-Jones QEII – 2 minutes and 32 seconds.
Junior Girls: 1, Breeshey Bond QEII – 2 minutes and 42 seconds; 2, Natasha McKenzie QEII – 2 minutes and 44 seconds.