Freestyle kayakers latest sport to hit Penrith

FREESTYLE kayaking is the latest sport to hit Penrith with the junior freestyle national competition to be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

Freestyle Kayaking

FREESTYLE kayaking is the latest sport to hit Penrith with the junior freestyle national competition to be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium tomorrow.

Australian Freestyle Kayaking Committee chairman "Jez", a former competitor who did not want his full name used, said the aim was to increase the profile of the sport, which involves performing tricks.

"We've already got one person representing Australia at the world championships this September and in the future we can have three," he said.

"We want to promote the sport and get as many people in Penrith involved.

"At the moment we are a showcase sport at the Olympics but we are aiming to be a part of the Games in years to come."

Women's world freestyle champion Claire O'Hara, from England, has been training here over summer.

"Penrith has a fantastic venue for freestyle kayaking," O'Hara said.

"This weekend's event should be exciting and anyone interested in the sport should definitely come down and check it out."