FROM river paddling to sea kayaking, Croesyceiliog Canoe Club appeals to people of all ages. JOHN PHILLIPS talks to members of the club which has paddled its way to success for more than four decades.

IN the late sixties, a kayaking enthusiast became involved in a youth club where youngsters spent hours making their own canoes.

On Sundays, the young people would don home-made wet suits and explore local rivers with their new crafts.

About two years later, in 1971, the canoe fan, Alan Baker, officially launched Croesyceiliog Canoe Club.

Pool sessions were held for many years at Bulmore Lido and later at Llantarnam School Pool.

Club members competed regularly in slaloms all over Britain.

Four decades later, Croesyceiliog Canoe Club has become one of the area's most successful sports clubs, boasting more than 150 members who train at the International Sports Village in Newport.

Mr Baker, the club president, used to do the gruelling 125-mile Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race with his colleague Glyn Stickler.

He also competed in canoe polo between 1969 and the early 1980s, and in slaloming in the late 1970s.

Titles to his name include the vice chair of the sport's governing body, Canoe Wales, and he is also on the board of directors of British Canoeing.

More than 40 years later, Croesyceiliog Canoe Club is still going strong with more than 150 members aged between seven and 74 and it is also listed as a “top club” by Canoe Wales.

Mr Baker said the club is seeking to increase the competitive side of the sport among young people.

But at the same time, the paddling sport has become increasingly popular with pensioners, who are particularly fond of seaside kayaking.

Mr Baker, 67, said: “I think it is because of the environment outside, the changing environment.

“You can see the coastline. You have short, sharp adrenaline runs. They enjoy the scenery, the beach and the wildlife.

“They are out at sea. Sometimes, they’re hugging the coast and looking at caves and generally they have been out in the fresh air - It’s just a different experience.”

The club takes part in a number of competitions, camps and it has just organised its 39th River Usk Canoe Race.

The eight mile race between Newbridge on Usk and the St Julian’s Hotel in Newport attracted more than 60 competitors this year, with people coming from as far afield as South West Wales and England.

The club rewarded the participants on Sunday by handing prizes to juniors and adults.

Croesyceiliog Canoe Club has also organised a number of paddles in the French Alps and Augsburg, Germany, in addition to the local events.

But while the club puts on a wide range of summer and winter programme of competitions and coaching activities, it is also a very sociable and family-orientated club, something members have enjoyed for decades.

John Cording, of Rogerstone, is the oldest member, aged 74, after starting around three decades ago.

He got involved after his son Phillip, then aged eight, took up the sport.

Although his son got into surfing, Mr Cording stayed at the club.

Another club member Martin Beer, 62, of Newport, said: “I have been with the club for more than 40 years.

“It is quite high on the social side and it is a friendly and family club.

“We try to work with all the disciplines of the sport.

“I have competed in slalom, long distance marathon racing, as well as sea paddling and also Canadian open touring.

“It has been useful using the pool we have been maintaining at the Newport International Sports Centre.

“We have maintained access to the pool for training and introduction to the sport and had a number of juniors we have helped to move onto Premier slalom.”

Club members also enjoy canoe camping in areas like Pembrokeshire and join an annual family camp over the May bank holiday weekend.

There is also a regular camp in Monmouthshire for juniors.

Garry Bell, 63, joined the club about three years ago and has now enrolled his granddaughters Cerys, 13, and 10-year-old Erin.

Mr Bell, of Caerleon, said: “I joined when I turned 60. Cerys has just won the Usk race in the under 14 category and Erin came second.

“It’s broadened them no end. They are a lot more confident.

“The youngest couldn’t even swim when she started. Now she can.

“My daughter in law said it has made a whole lot of a difference. They’re better at school.

“They can get on with people of all ages a lot better.

“I had just finished work when I joined. I was 60. I used to do wind surfing so I thought I’d give kayaking a go.

“It’s varied. It’s got a bit of everything for everyone. It’s also good exercise.

“When I was 62, I had a heart attack and the hospital were quite happy for me to continue in the pool because they are good cardiac exercices.”

Mr Baker added: “We’d like to get more youths into the elite section of the sport, the high level competition, as well as to expand and offer more.”

* Adult sessions are held on Tuesdays between 8.30-9.30pm and Thursdays for juniors and adults between 7.30-9.30pm.

For more information, log on to the club website at croesycc.creektech.co.uk or call Mr Baker on 01633 421 629.