
River Aire, Bingley, West Yorkshire (by
Bradford and Bingley Rugby Ground, Wagon Lane). Permanent training gates,
floodlights and changing rooms. Main Club Session: Thursday Evening 6.30 - 8pm.
See website http://www.bradbingcc.co.uk for more info
or contact bradbingcanoe@gmx.com or
Anne Howarth 01756 791648
(updated 13/7/12)
Wagon Lane slalom site is located on the River Aire in Bingley, West
Yorkshire, and is home to Bradford and Bingley Canoe Club. The site is part of
the Bradford and Bingley Sports Club complex.
An easy grade 2 river, the course
is ideal for beginners and Division 3 paddlers who will find enough challenge
and interest to test their skills. The course offers opportunities to try all
the standard moves and to demonstrate sprinting prowess on the deeper, slower,
sections.
A natural river in an area prone to rapid rises in water level, the
water can vary by as much as four feet within a period of days and change from a
rocky, boulder- strewn river to a full-on surfers' paradise.
The course begins with a flat, shallow 20m wide clear water
stretch before dropping down shallow rapids to the Nibbler - a smaller version of
the infamous Muncher at Nottingham. A 20m run then follows taking upstreams in
safe eddies left and right on the way down to the "S" rock. As the name suggests,
movement around the rock usually takes the form of an S move from either
direction. The river then deepens and slows, allowing competitors to
show their sprinting skills, and sweeps between downstream gates before passing
the club boat store and steps. The final section is on steady and safe water
before a final sprint to the line approximately 200m below the start gate.
The annual slalom in May is always well attended and attracts a loyal band who appreciate camping by the river, a good social weekend and the
chance to visit some of the attractions in the Aire valley and Dales National
Park.