NUCC

National Student Rodeo has been running for 10 years now as the world’s largest freestyle kayaking event (well, no-one has corrected them yet).

Imagining amazing tricks and awesome stunts, NUCC left for Nottingham’s Holme PierrePont last Friday evening to compete.

After finally arriving at 10.30, the group tried to set up camp. Having been drinking since six o’clock, we then tried to sober up to sign up for our wristbands. Thankfully our amazing President was on hand to save the day by getting one for one silly person who had forgotten their ID (Christian Greenstreet).

The party took the usual turn, with sudden surprise nakedness and an intimate showcase from Alex Docherty. On return to the tents, there was more flashing, piggy back rides and apparently someone fell over, but luckily prevented any serious injuries by using her face.

In the morning, it was time for Extreme Slalom to see which category you were placed in (Novice, Intermediate or Expert). Those who can, show off with front flips, cartwheels and other tricks; those who can’t, well, swim. But, the more creatively the better.

In the afternoon, the Men’s Novice, Intermediate and Expert heats took place to see who got put through to the finals – congratulations should go to Ali Bradley for forgetting how to paddle and instead swimming through his novice category, even breaking the course at one point. Special mention must also go to Christian for getting into the Intermediate category, demonstrating the perfect hand roll followed by swim technique.

After this was all finished, it was back to the campsite for food, (lovingly cooked by River Legacy), a couple of drinks and then return to get in our costumes for a beach themed party. Most people started the night with flower necklaces, grass skirts and board shorts, some even ended it with them still on. Some gentlemen opted for the “tiny shorts” option, or in some cases, no shorts at all... Alex Docherty.

Sunday morning arrived, and was promptly told to go away again by everyone’s hangovers, while the previous night’s tent swapping was revealed, (a certain President got lucky).

After missing the 9am start time, Newcastle felt slightly better on hearing that nobody else had turned up for their heat until an hour later. A few swims afterwards we settled in to watch Peter Clarke coming 4th in the C1, and old school events (pictured), followed by the Duo Finals.

But the main event of the weekend had to be the Dance off between Newcastle and Falmouth Universities – clearly won by us, of course. Led by ‘Sketchy’ Pete and his unique blend of dance moves, Newcastle attracted supporters and finished the routine with everyone mooning.

Prizes, such as canoeing kits, Pyranha sponges and ridiculous amounts of ‘Monster’ condoms were given away throughout. There were also a few members journeying home in free t-shirts as they no longer had any clothes left (Lindsay Bradley).

All in all it was a brilliant weekend, and once the hangovers subsided and the photos appeared, there were several vows to never drink again.

The next trip lined up is to the Lakes, (May 13-15) for everyone and anyone else interested in this awesome club but just haven’t come along yet (don’t worry, you do not have to be a member to come along).

And for anyone unconvinced, statistics have demonstrated that more people drown whilst cycling than canoeing.

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