Category: Masters

Britain continues to be a strong presence at the Masters Canoe Marathon World Championships

   10 September 2025    International, Masters, Racing

The Masters team once again fielded strength with entries in many of the categories at the 2025 edition of the Canoe Marathon World Championships. Twenty seven paddlers took to the water to chase their goals and wherever possible bring home medals. Although the level of competition is clearly rising year on year, we were pleased to see our Masters deliver two golds and two silvers. 

We applaud Brian Greenham (Reading Canoe Club) adding to his collection of golds in the over 75 men K1 and Gilbert Speirs (Linlithgow Kayak Club) topping his over 70 men K1 class to clinch the triple of National, European and World Championships titles!

Melvin Swallow (Chester Canoe Club) delivered a strong silver in over 70 men K1 and Sarah Swallow (Chester Canoe Club) teamed up with him in over 65 Mixed K2 for a 6th place. 

Jane Millar (Nottingham Kayak Club) added a silver to her collection in over 65 women K2 (with Mary Parry formerly of Maidstone Canoe Club and now paddling for Spain) during a busy two days competing in K1, K2 and over 65 mixed K2 (with Bryn Price from Maidstone Canoe Club). In other mixed K2 races, Emma Watts (Wey Kayak Club) and Gina Moullec (Gloucester Canoe Club) fitted in similar multi race agendas, paddling with Robbie Molnar (Maidstone Canoe Club) and Billy Butler (Falcon Canoe Club) respectively.

Stan Missen and John Escott (both Bradford on Avon Canoe Club) had a tight race in over 65 men K2 missing bronze by a fraction of a second but beating the next boat by a similar margin. Matt Enoch (Nottingham Kayak Club) also scored a 4th in over 45 men K1 and again with Jason Graham (Shrewsbury Canoe Club) in over 45 men K2. While Dave Flynn (Exeter Canoe Club) secured a 5th (out of 22) in over 70 men K1. There were an unusual number of DNFs in many races, which probably reflected the choppy course and the commitment by all. 

The interesting course incorporated natural islands and sharp turns – many preferred its layout to the out and back nature of so many. Billy Butler (Falcon Canoe Club) and Jon O’Grady (Runcorn Canoe Club) agreed with a top Hungarian paddler from Gyor, saying the course is a particularly choppy challenge – apparently known for that amongst the Hungarians.

Well done all and our thanks to Bryn Price for co-ordinating and leading the Masters element of the team.

Thank you to Gina Moullec for creating this report and highlighting the competitive nature of the Masters international competition. If you are interested in getting involved, the Masters team welcomes all abilities and experience levels so please contact Bryn Price and visit our Masters Racing information webpage here.

Masters World Championships Trailer Details 2025

   19 August 2025    Masters

All masters boats going on the trailer to Gyor will be loaded on either the Monday 25th August or Tuesday 26th August  at Bryn’s House: 12 Bredgar Close, Maidstone ME14 5NG.

Please ensure that all your straps have your name on them and, if possible, let me know a rough time and day that you will be bringing your boats. Bryn can be contacted by his email here.

The return trip is planned to arrive back at Bryn’s House on the evening of Friday 5th September with unloading on Saturday 6th or Sunday 7th September. Please again contact Bryn directly to confirm collection of your boat.

Opening day of elite races at the Canoe Marathon European Championships produces silverware for the British Para athletes

   5 June 2025    International, Masters, Para, Racing

Wednesday 4th June saw the start of the Elite races for the 2025 edition of the Canoe Marathon European Championships in Ponte-de-Lima, Portugal. The 24-strong British team travelled out on Monday and Tuesday with the first para races taking place on Wednesday of the championship.

Charlotte Creamer (Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club) and Shaun Cook (Norwich Canoe Club) took to the water to race in the KL3 Women and VL2 Men categories respectively. Despite para canoe only appearing for the second time at the European Championships as an exhibition race, the para races are becoming more competitive with a larger number of entries from different countries. We are looking forward to seeing this category grow year on year, particularly as it has now been made an official World Championship category of race for the 2025 edition.

To read more and to find out about the Masters racing results, please visit the Paddle UK news post here.

Masters Team: European Championships 2025

   21 May 2025    International, Masters

We have 25 GB Masters racing in the European Championships this year. This is a significant increase in the previous year (Denmark 2023 we had 4 GB Masters).

Here is the latest update on the logistics:   

Details of the Trailer Loading Plan

The trailer will be loaded at Bryn’s home on Sunday 25th May.

The address is:

12 Bredgar Close

Maidstone

ME14 5NG

Please can you ensure that all boat bags have some form of identification (Name and K1/K2). This makes it easy for the team to ensure we have every boat that is booked on the trailer and in the right place.

The driving team will be leaving very early on Wednesday morning to catch the ferry from Plymouth and will be arriving on site on Thursday evening.

Unloading plan after the trailer returns

We have had an offer from Gordon Bullock, that it may be practical to take the trailer to his site near Dagenham. This may make it easier for collections.  Please let me know if this would be better for everyone. I will make a decision following your replies to me. My email is [email protected].

Masters International Racing 2025 Opportunities

   17 December 2024    Athletes, International, Masters, Racing

2025 will see three great international races that we hope to have GB Masters competing in.

The Waterlands International race, 12th April,  in Holland is a challenging marathon on canals and a lake. The windy conditions make this a true test of stability and stamina. Entries are now open and there may be places on the Paddle UK trailer or car share with other paddlers.

European Masters Championships will be on the 2nd & 3rd June in Portugal. Provided there is enough interest, we will be taking the Masters trailer.

World Masters Championships will be in Hungary on the 2nd & 3rd September. We will be taking the Masters trailer to this great event.

To help with planning and coordination please let the Masters lead, Bryn Price, know if you want to join the team for any of these events via his email here.

Masters World Championships 2024 Bulletin 1

   28 March 2024    Athletes, International, Masters

The organisers of the 2024 World Championships have released the first bulletin for the Masters programme of events. This can be downloaded using the below link.

Any questions on Masters racing should be directed to our Masters lead Bryn Price via his email.

Masters Races at the 2024 ICF World Cup Canoe Marathon in Brandenburg

   20 March 2024    Athletes, International, Masters, Racing

For those Masters considering entering the 2024 World Cup Masters event in Brandenburg, please see the attached bulletin and entry form.

As with previous internationals, there is the option of Masters boats being taken on the main team trailer if space allows. This will be at an additional cost.

Any questions, please contact our Masters Racing Lead Bryn Price here.

Master Marathon Racing Vests for 2024

   16 February 2024    Athletes, International, Masters

Following the decision by the MRC to standardise the Great British race vests for all paddlers racing at marathon internationals, we need to know who is planning to race at any of the following international events this year:

  • Waterlands Marathon
  • World Cup in Brandenburg, Germany
  • European Masters Marathon Championships in Poland
  • Worlds Masters Marathon Championships in Croatia

Please let Bryn Price, our Masters Racing lead, know if you are planning to attend any of the above and your vest and shirt size.

Masters Racing 2023: World Canoe Marathon Championships Report

   20 September 2023    Athletes, International, Masters, Racing

Jel, Denmark, 28th August & 29th August 2023

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This year the British Masters Team was made up of 34 paddlers, even bigger than the 30 paddlers we had in Portugal in 2022. The growth doesn’t seem to be just for our team either! The number of paddlers entered and racing was far bigger than in most of the recent World Masters Championships, with many of the starts having over 30 paddlers on the start line and causing some very intense racing!  

Similar to last year when Denmark hosted the European Championships, the weather was un-predictable. Monday was windy and Tuesday was rainy, with short sharp showers in the afternoon.

As typical, the Monday was dedicated to the K1 races and we soon showed that our strength was not only in numbers. Brian Greenham (Reading Canoe Club) got the Gold in the Men’s 70 -74 K1 with Gilbert Speirs (Linlithgow Kayak Racing) winning the bronze medal.

Not to be out-done, Edgar Boehm (Reading Canoe Club) got the Bronze in the Men’s K1 45-59 category.

Edgar Boehm (Reading) racing for his bronze medal

Tuesday saw the K2 and C2 races.  Edgar Boehm (Reading Canoe Club) and Juan Abellanas (Barking & Dagenham Canoe Club) showed the way with a gold medal in the  35-39 Men’s K2 race after a dominant performance.

Our team was made up of some experienced British Masters paddlers and boosted by some of our International novice paddlers who showed that they were equal to the challenge. We were honoured to have Ivan Lawler (Elmbridge Canoe Club) join us on the water as well, when his commentating duties permitted.   

Full results

Men’s K1 65-69:

  • 15th – Derek Marshall (Linlithgow Kayak Racers)
  • 18th – Peter Gorman (Wey Kayak Club)
  • 21st – Kenneth Fraser (Independent)
  • 27th – Bryn Price (Maidstone Canoe Club)

Men’s K1 70-74:

  • 1st – Brian Greenham (Reading Canoe Club)
  • 3rd – Gilbert Speirs (Linlithgow Kayak Racers)
  • 18th – Gordon Bullock (Barking & Dagenham Canoe Club)

Men’s K1 75-79:

  • 8th – Robert Scholey (Chester Canoe Club)

Women’s K1 65-69:

  • 10th – Jane Millar (Nottingham Kayak Club)

Men’s K1 35-39:

  • 6th – Juan Caruncho (Barking & Dagenham Canoe Club)

Men’s K1 55-59:

  • 15th – Onno Bokhove (Cambridge Canoe Club)
  • 27th – Calum Urquhart (Nairn Canoe Club)
  • 28th – Donald Gardner (Linlithgow Kayak Racers)

Men’s K1 45-49:

  • 3rd – Edgar Boehm (Reading Canoe Club)

Men’s K1 60-64:

  • 20th – Mark Blatchly (Nottingham Kayak Club)

Women’s K1 45-49:

  • 7th – Gina Moullec (Gloucester Canoe Club)

Women’s K1 50-59:

  • 10th – Kelly Barkway (Broadland Paddle Sport)

Men’s K2 65-69:

  • 5th – Brian Greenham (Reading Canoe Club) & Peter Gorman (Wey Kayak Club)
  • 6th – Kenneth Fraser (Independent) & Gilbert Speirs (Linlithgow Kayak Racers)
  • 12th – Andy Nevitt (Worcester Canoe Club) & Julian Gilbert (Worcester Canoe Club)

Women’s K2 45-49:

  • 4th – Gina Moullec (Gloucester Canoe Club) & Emma Watts (Wey Kayak Club)

Women’s K2 50-54:

  • 7th – Kelly Barkway (Broadland Paddle Sport) & Caroline Banson (Broadland Paddle Sport)

Men’s K2 35-39:

  • 1st – Juan Caruncho (Barking & Dagenham Canoe Club) & Edgar Boehm (Reading Canoe Club)

Men’s K2 55-59:

  • 7th – Simon Derham (Runcorn Canoe Club) & Ono Bokhove (Cambridge Canoe Club)
  • 9th – Calum Urquhart (Nairn Canoe Club) & Mark Blatchly (Nottingham Kayak Club)
  • 10th – Donald Gardner (Linlithgow Kayak Racers) & Derek Marshall (Linlithgow Kayak Racers)

Mixed K2 65+:

  • 4th – Brian Greenham (Reading Canoe Club) & Ann Green (Australia)
  • 8th – Bryn Price (Maidstone Canoe Club) & Jane Millar (Nottingham Kayak Club)

Thank you to Bryn Price for his help in putting this report together. We look forward to hearing all about the Master’s adventures in the 2024 season next year.

Masters World Cup 2022

   6 November 2022    International, Masters, Racing
Kristin Queeney and Catherine Ayling on the podium after winning bronze in their K2 race

The Great Britain Masters team had 32 Paddlers competing in the Masters World Cup in Portugal in September. This was a huge increase in the 4 who competed in the Masters World Cup 2021 held in Romania and the European Cup held in Denmark back in July.

The team that headed out to Portugal had a hard act to follow after the 2021 team won a gold and a silver medal and the recent European Cup team all managed to get onto the podium in their respective age group races. These set the scene for Portugal, with our team’s reputation running high. 

The masters events always start with the single boats racing on Monday and Brian Greenway paved the way by showing that his many years of racing still counts as he took the Gold medal in the Men’s K1 70+  race. 

Following on, we had paddlers in most of the other age group races with many of our paddlers competing in their first World Masters. Unlike 2021, the fields were huge, often using more than the start pontoon’s 20 places. The men’s team earned many top 10 places, including Edgar Boehm getting a 9th place in a highly competitive over 45 K1 men’s race and Robert Scholes and Antony Nolan achieved 5th and 6th respectively in the over 75 K1 men’s race.

The women’s team were not to be outdone and showed how this team has grown in size and confidence. Jane Millar took 4th in the over 65 women’s K1 and Sue Hawthorn earned 5th in the over 55 women’s K1.

Tuesday was the turn of the double crew boats and the British medals continued to come. Our over 75 Men’s K2 team of Keith Durham and Paul Newman won an unopposed Gold.  Not to be outdone, Brian Greenway dropped down an age-group to paddle into a medal winning position with Simon Davies. The Kristin Queeney and Catherine Ayling completed a bronze medal winning performance in the over 55 women K2.

Some of the members of the Masters World Cup team

To conclude the programme of events, some of our paddlers took to the water for their 3rd race in 2 days to compete in the mixed K2. Unlike in previous years, the mixed K2 was merged into only 2 age-group based races. In the over 50 mixed K2, Chris Sze and Catherine Ayling achieved 10th with Micheal Hawthorn and Sue Hawthorn finishing close behind in 11th. It is worth noting that if the mixed K2 had be seperated out into the previous age categories like at last years world cup, Chris Sze and Catherine Ayling would have had 3rd place in the over 55 and Bryn Price and Jane Millar would have had a 2nd place in the over 65.

After racing team dinner

The full results for the masters team are as follows:

  • Men K1 Over 65 – Dave Marshal 9th Julian Gilbert 12th, Gordon Bullock 16th, Andy Nevins 20th, Kenneth Fraser 21st and Bryn Price 22nd.
  • Mens K1 Over 70 – Brian Greenham 1st, James Parker 7th, Micheal Hawthorn 11th, Ian Bainbridge 12th.
  • Mens K1 Over 75 – Robert Scholes 5th, Antony Nolan 6th
  • Women K1 Over 65 – Jane Miller 4th
  • Mens K1 Over 35 – Juan Caruncho-Abellanas 24th
  • Mens K1 Over 55 – Donald Gardner 21st, Calum Urquhart 22nd
  • Mens K1 Over 45 – Edgar Boehm 9th
  • Mens K1 Over 60 – Chris Sze 24th
  • Women K1 Over 55 – Sue Hawthorn 5th, Catherine Ayling 7th Kirsten Queeney 10th
  • Mens K2 Over 65 – Brian Greenway and Simon Davies 2nd, Bryn Price and Micheal Wibrew 6th, Andy Nevit and Julian Gilbert 7th,  Ian Bainbridge and David Walsh  10th
  • Mens K2 Over 75 – Keith Durham and Paul Newman 1st
  • Mens K2 Over 35 – Edgar Boehm and Juan Caruncho-Cardozo 5th
  • Mens K2 Over 50 – Edward Martin and Nick Gardner 12th
  • Mens K2 Over 60 – Chris Sze and Gordon Bullock 6th
  • Women’s K2 Over 55 – Kirsten Queeney and Catherine Ayling 3rd
  • Mixed K2 Over 50 – Chris Sze and Catherine Ayling 10th, Micheal Hawthorn and Sue Hawthorn 11th, Gordon Bullock and Kirsten Queeney 15th, Bryn Price and Jane Miller 16th.

Thank to Bryn Price for his support creating this write-up.

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