The Guyana Canoe Federation has been working eagerly to see the growth of kayaking here by conducting a number of coaching clinics in various communities throughout the country; the most recent was held at the Coverden Marina last Friday.

The special coaching clinics were conducted by junior national team coach of Canoe Kayak Canada Robert Stott of Toronto, who was on a ten-day visit to Guyana and he was assisted by Guyanese who are experienced in kayaking.

The clinic at Coverden Marina was attended by several people who are interested in the sport of kayaking, including residents of the Santa/Aratak, Amerindian missions and Sand Hills Settlement on the Demerara River.

President of the Guyana Canoe Federation Maurice Amres said he was very impressed with the attendance at the clinics. He said mastering kayaking would be good, especially for Guyana‘s young athletes, as it is a very popular sport internationally and could also augur well for the country’s fledgling tourism sector. “Guyana being the land of many waters, what better place for the sport to thrive?” he asked rhetorically.

Speaking with Stabroek Sport yesterday via telephone, Amres said the federation is excited as this is the first time many Guyanese will be exposed to kayaking and be given the opportunity to receive coaching in the sport.

The federation is aiming to push the sport, especially in the hinterland areas, as most people in the interior are already versed in paddling. This was evident after a coaching clinic was held at Wakapau in the Pomeroon.

According to Amres, “kayaking captured the imagination of people in the interior. A lot of people in the interior use a canoe to go to church, school and paddle for recreation.” He added that kayaking could earn recognition for those who really develop an aptitude for it given that it is contested at the Olympics.

Because of the interest Guyanese have displayed in kayaking, Stott has arranged to issue the Guyana Canoe Federation with a number of kayaks upon his return to Canada. The federation also plans to place canoes in the National Park for public use. “We want to get people trained and get exposure,” Amres said.

The Guyana Canoe Federation is mostly supported by the corporate community, but the body held discussions with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport last Monday and received positive responses as the ministry recognises the sport’s significance in the interior and promised to give its cooperation.