RAF Danesfield Hosts Army Canoe Championships

Military canoeists have been enjoying a week of training and competition on the River Thames as RAF Danesfield played host to the Army Canoe championships.

The competition consists of sprint races, that take place over 200 and 500 metres and marathon races over eight miles.

The Army's Nick Hadland has had a week of ups and downs winning his sprint races but coming third in the marathon race: "In my sprints, I took a win in every one, which is pretty good.

"I'm a bit annoyed about yesterdays result, I came third, a second off 2nd place which is a little annoying, but overall I'm pretty chuffed".

Moving on to the ladies competition, Major Kirsty Milne won both her sprint and marathon race.

"I came into sprint and marathon from sea paddling and white water. When I first got into a boat I think I capsized nine times in the first kilometre.

"It does take quite a bit of core strength and balance and even the best paddlers have a wobble.

"Our men and women make it look very very easy, they are very very quick it is brilliant to watch, but it takes a lot of skill."

The Royal Navy entered a couple of competitors who raced against the Army team.

One of the Navy racers is Able Seaman Ryan Smith: "It is nice to compare yourself against each other because there are going to be the Inter Services competitions coming up soon as well.

"So it gives us a little headstart at knowing where everyone is today."

The week culminates with another marathon in the K2 double kayak before this lot likely meet again come the inter-services in August.