calvin-o-brienCongratulations to Durrow paddler Calvin O’Brien who has qualified for the Junior Men’s Irish Freestyle Kayaking Team after a tough qualifying tournament in Tuam, Co. Galway last weekend. Seventeen year old Calvin who paddles with Laois Kayak & Canoe Club will represent Ireland at the European Championships in Slovakia later this year. This discipline of whitewater kayaking involves the paddler performing various technical moves in specialised canoes known as playboats. The moves and tricks comprise of spins, flips, loops and turns and normally take place on a white-water river. Competitors are then scored on the intricacies of these moves. Calvin’s success in this dynamic sport adds another title to Laois Kayak & Canoe Club’s list of wins over the last number of months where members are competing at National level in Canoe Polo and Canoe Marathon Racing. The club which is affiliated to the Irish Canoe Union has a number of qualified and trainee instructors who all are certified in river safety, child protection and first aid, thus maintaining a safe but fun environment. Spending time on the water is a relaxing yet invigorating way to enjoy our waterways and kayaking can appeal to everyone no matter what their canoeing level or preferred discipline. Anyone who is interested in taking up the sport should contact www.laoiskayak.com online.