Well first it is not a race in the true sense of the word but an individual time trial.
There is a choice of distances, either 2, 4 or 6 miles all participants start and finish at the Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett (our base). Click here for a .
Each participant starts his or her distance according to his or her estimated or previous time for the distance selected. The idea is that the slowest paddler starts first (Hare) and faster paddlers (Hounds) start later and 'ideally' all finish at the same time (the finish can get congested!).
The dates of our Hare & Hounds events are clearly listed in the newsletter every edition or here on the web site but are typically the third Saturday morning of every month.
The first paddler home gets maximum points, i.e. 20 points, second home 19 points etc etc. At the end of the season (September) there will be a winner with the most points for each class whether they are paddling in a single (k1) or double boat (k2 or C2) or a junior, male or female.
From the first time that anyone starts paddling your instructor or coach would have encouraged practice to paddle in a straight line. One of the main points of our sport of canoeing or kayaking is to move our craft from A to B. Hare & Hounds helps you improve your ability to paddle in a straight line, increasing your stamina for longer distances and increasing your speed and efficiency over the water.
So whether you are a tourist, slalom freak, white water raver or potential marathon paddler 'Hare & Hounds' will improve your paddling and be good fun in the bargain!
As a club we would encourage any paddler who is at or has just obtained his or her 1 star award that they would be advised to take part in a season of Hare & Hounds events. This would vastly improve their paddling technique, stamina and efficiency and prepare them for their next star award.
See you on the water!
For results and latest points please click here.