UK kayaking trainer moulds local team

KOZHIKODE: For Callum Strong, the kayaking expert from UK, training a seven-member team from Kodencherry was not  a big  task.  He was amazed at seeing the incredible moves of these youngsters  and the speed of  learning the sport though it  was not for competing for the title of ‘Rapid Rajah of the Malabar’ for the third edition of International Kayaking Championship.  He was here exclusively for training them under the banner of Kerala Kayaking Academy.

Callum told DC, “the expedition is a trip in search of some of the world’s finest white water and the youngsters  here have taken  the first step to the world sport  in their native river.   This was not  my first experience in training beginners in the kayaking sport. But what gives me a new experience is the eagerness and the spirit of the youngsters for this international sport,”  he said.

“I have taken my seven-member  team to Kodencherry after a long selection process. Since Kerala is all set to take up the sport seriously,  the  champs here can be representatives for kayaking from Kerala to any international championship and they have already proved their calibre,” he said.

The long selection process  ensured that when the students are on expedition they will be able to pull through the tough times, operate as a well-oiled machine in the river and will be able to talk, laugh or cry themselves out of any range of the ridiculous and difficult situations that they will find themselves in, he said.

It was a month ago  the team started their training session under Callum and Jerron Tom.  One of them  emerged as the third prize winner for the Kayaking Intermediate Men category.