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Freestyle is having fun in your boat whilst performing moves. Freestyle boats are less than 2 meters long and sacrifice forward speed for manoeuvrability and vertical stability. Freestyle has progressed very quickly over the last decade due to boat design improvements. Moves can be as simple as an ender or as complicated as a McNasty. NACC has many freestyle paddlers who compete in events.

Freestyle is a white water sport where the name of the game is to perform a range of acrobatic tricks and stunts on a river feature (artificial or natural) such as a wave or hole. Freestyle boats are less than 2 meters long and sacrifice forward speed for manoeuvrability and vertical stability. Freestyle has progressed very quickly over the last decade due to boat design improvements. This form of the sport is enjoyed by many as a recreational sport and at the top level by those participating in competitions both nationally and internationally. The sport is constantly moving forward with paddlers developing new spectacular moves all the time. Most paddlers use kayaks but you do find the occasional C1 paddled too!

Constant progression, the necessity to always improve technique, the possibility of cross discipline development and the ability to show of in front of your mates are some of the many reasons freestyle has become so popular. This coupled with a strong community feel and the possibilities to travel around the world make this amongst the most appealing areas of paddlesport.

Competitions are a big part of freestyle and are easy to get involved in, most are open for anyone to enter and are split into separate categories such as Juniors, Seniors and Old gits. The competitions can vary slightly in format although most are structured on 45-second "rides" in which paddlers perform as many tricks as they can and are scored by a panel of judges. One example of the tricks performed would be a loop, where the paddler perfoms a full front somersault in the air before landing back on the wave. North Avon Canoe Club has many freestyle paddlers who compete in competitions.

Another of the most popular freestyle series is the ‘Youth Freestyle Series’. Young paddlers are split into 3 age categories; U12s U15s and U18s. It is a great competition for all abilities, those paddlers who are just starting will find helpful coaches ready to offer advice and for the advanced freestylers tips on how to perfect the latest moves or put together a brilliant run will be given. There are 5 locations around the country where the events are held. Your 3 best results will make up your series ranking. Each event brings nearly 100 competitors so there is a great supportive atmosphere.

Once you have some basic boat control skills, progression in this area of canoe sport is fast and hugely exciting. There are a number of artificial white water courses in the country, these run through the summer months. Winter rain provides an abundance of rivers and man made features to experience, many of which the club will be running trips to at some point - check out the events calendar for these.

Here are some competitions you may wish to have a look at...