Divisions

Slalom paddlers are grouped so that they can race others of similar ability, on water that is appropriate to their skill.

There are five divisions – Premier and Divisions 1 to 4.

Newcomers usually start in Division 4 which isn’t a ranking division.

In Division 4, where you start, it won’t be too hard – a rush of water from a weir, or moving water in a stream. Find out more about what happens at your first race. When you get to Division 1 and Prem it will be big and tricky!

You build up your skill, and work your way up to bigger water and tougher competition as you progess through the divisons (see promotion).

How do I move from Division 4 to be ranked in Division 3?

You can race in division 4 until you are ready to progress to race in divison 3. Many Division 4 races run alongside divisions 3 races allowing you to see how you compare.

If you win 3 quorate races at divisions 4 you must apply for ranking in divison 3. These three wins need to all be in the same class (K1 or C1). Quorate means a race with 3 or more people racing in your class (K1 or C1). A ‘win’ means first overall, not being the first in your age group (unless you also win the race).

You can also apply to be ranked in divsions 3 when you think you are ready – you should also talk to you coach to see if they think you are ready for this. When you apply to be ranked in divison 3 you will be asked for some information about your experience to help us decide if you are ready – this should include some information about which races you have been to and your results, and details of a club coach that we might contact for information. Please note, if our Ranking Status Offcier doesn’t think you are ready we may ask for more information or ask you to gain some more experience before we rank you.

Also, to be ranked in division 3 you need to be a Paddle UK/Home Nation member and we need your year of birth. These details are also requested on the form so we can add you straight into the ranking list. If you are not yet a Paddle UK/Home Nation member you can still complete this form but we will have to contact you for these details before we can add your to the ranking list.

When you have ‘3 wins’ or feel you are ready to apply to be ranked in divsion 3 please complete the form below.

In C2 there is only one combined division.  New pairs can race at Div 2, 3 and 4 competitions without needing to be ranked, which allow scratch pairs to come together and race fro fun.  If you want to race together regularly and record points from races you shoul ask to be ranked.  To race C2 at Division 1 and Premier races you must have applied to be ranked.

If you are an experienced paddler there are a number of ways you can start:

• if you have previously raced slalom you can apply for reinstatement into the last division you raced in (see the reinstatement page)
• if you have some experience you can ask to be ranked straight into Division 3 (see the form below).
• experienced white water paddlers can race at a Division 2 race as an unranked paddler and then use your results to get ranked (after racing use the form on the reinstatement page to apply for ranking.