91Èȱ¬

Raise Your Game: How can I get involved in canoeing?

Ian McHugh: The best way to get into canoeing is to join a local club. There are hundreds of clubs in Wales and you can get in touch with your local club through the Welsh canoeing association.

90% of people that get involved, do so through a come and try it session.

RYG: How expensive is it to start?

IM: Most clubs have their own kit. The average cost is about three pounds for an hour in a local swimming pool. They supply all the kit.

RYG: What skills can I learn from canoeing?

IM: Canoeing is like riding a bike. If you can ride a bike you can canoe. It's all about balance. There's no strength involved, it's just balance.

RYG: What can it do for you in terms of fitness?

IM: It's very good for developing upper body strength if you're on flat water. You're out in the fresh air so you can't get anything better.

RYG: What advice would you give to children to get them into canoeing?

IM: It's a fun sport. There are many disciplines and you also learn to swim. We teach people to swim in a river. It's important that you can swim if you go near a river.

It's with you for life because it's not just canoeing, you get taught how to tread water, what water to go near and what water to stay away from.

RYG: Can anybody take part regardless of ability?

IM: Any body can take part. We won't turn anybody away. No matter if someone has a disability. We will work out a way to get them on the water.

It's very easy. It doesn't take a massive amount of formal instruction. Just watch what your instructor does and copy it. It's as simple as that.

Our president is 88-years-old and he's still canoeing.

RYG: Do many people progress to the competitive aspect of canoeing?

IM: A lot of people move from the fun side of canoeing into competitions. You can get involved in slalom, polo, surfing and white water racing. The are a lot of different things you can do in a canoe.

RYG: Can it be done as a team sport?

IM: You can compete on your own or as a pair, but you don't have to compete. Lots of people buy canoes just to go round the coast and to look at our beautiful coastline. It's all about participation.