National titles in the C2

WAIS canoeist Robin Jeffery and partner Ethan Hodson (NSW) pulled off the fastest time to win the national title in the C2 event at the National Slalom Championships at Eildon this past weekend. 

Although Jeffery and Hodson were upset in the C1 event, they managed to work together in their first race as a team, to win the national title later in the competition.

Jeffery placed third in the C1 event and was also involved in some coaching work with the WA state team whom produced great results throughout the competition. 

“I was WA canoe slalom team coach in the lead up and during the race.” explained Jeffery. “I loved helping the kids with their preparation and WA ended up as the most successful state, which isn’t bad considering we have no white water.”

Jeffery, who normally races with WAIS athlete Kynan Maley, said he is still getting used to the racing style of Hodson. 

“Hodson and myself had only been in the boat twice before nationals, so we are still adapting to each others styles.” Said Jeffery “Ethan is much more explosive but doesn’t have the finesse of Kynan Maley, so it’s really fun and interesting trying to work out how to use it and take advantage of that.”

Overall Jeffery is happy with his performance and has his eyes set on improvements towards the future.

“I’m happy with the race because we were able to learn from it and adapt our plan leading up to Australian team selection starting in February.” he said. “I still have a lot of work to do in the C1 and C2 but can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Another outstanding win in the C2 was produced by West Australians Isabella Choate and Demelza Wall. The two under 16’s paired together and took the victory over the much more experienced teams of Rosalyn Lawrence and Sarah Grant, and Jessica Fox and Alison Borrows.

For more information about the event, visit Australian Canoeing.