About the Vikings

Our aim is to promote ski racing of all kinds from basic club level through to National squad level and beyond. Vikings aims to teach children (and adults) how to race through slalom poles on dry slope and snow. It does not teach skiers how to perfect their general skiing techniques, this is taught in workshops set at other times.

Vikings are active in both the Eastern Region Ski Association (ERSA) which is the governing body for the region and the national governing body The English Ski Council (ESC).

Coaching Team:

Specialist coaching and race training, free to all Vikings, is normally provided on the Saturday morning and Monday evening sessions. Our experienced coaching team consists of:

Carl Reeder

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Head Coach

Assisted by:

Chris Anderson

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Adele Forster

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Craig Wright

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Katy Kolthammer

The coaches are assisted as necessary by current racers that are also members of the Suffolk Ski Centre's Instructing team, including:, Paul Trinder, Bev Anderson and Guy Nason.

Registration and Membership:

Vikings membership may also include membership of the Suffolk Ski Centre. Annual membership year runs from 1st October to 30^th September. Once registered, members are eligible to compete in

both Viking and ERSA competitions. The Annual membership fee covers the cost of providing new equipment such as slalom poles, timing gear, training courses for club officials and Public Liability

Insurance.

Club Rules and Privileges:

We aim to make ski racing and training as much fun as possible. To protect our skiers and to ensure we comply with regional and national rules, there are a few basic rules that need to be followed.

1. All Vikings must wear approved ski helmets when racing or training through poles. These can be purchased through Snow Sun or elsewhere. Second hand helmets can occasionally be found advertised on the ski centre notice boards. Please ensure that helmets fit correctly, and that they are fastened up tightly enough. At training sessions where poles are not being used, the helmets are optional but we still do recommend that they are worn.

2. Vikings taking part in ERSA races must wear helmets as required under ERSA rules

3. When skiing home or away, gloves must be worn and arms and legs must be covered.

Vikings have their own club racing wear; this is available to those members whom compete in ERSA and Snowsport England races.

'Blue Ribbon' Championship

'Blue Ribbon' timed slalom races take place on the first Saturday of the month, and all Vikings are encouraged to attend and to compete. Racers compete in four categoriesFemale under 13

· Male under 13

· Female over 13

· Male over 13

· Masters (Over 21, well physically anyway)

Based on their age on 1st January 2010.

Based on their best time recorded that day compared to others in their category, racers are scored from 50 (first place) to 2 (last place), and the best nine scores over the year (which runs from December to November) count to their overall score for the year.

At the end of the year (at the Annual Presentation Evening), cups are awarded for first, second and third place racers in each category.

Racers must compete in six races over the year to qualify.

Fundraising and other events

A number of social and fundraising events are held throughout the year for Vikings and their families - while this will vary from year to year, recent events have included barbecues, sponsored walks, and fireworks/bonfire evenings (thanks Chris!).

Annual Presentation Evening

This takes place in November each year, and provides an opportunity for Vikings to get together socially, and to celebrate achievements (both club and individual) over the past year. Cups/awards are awarded to:

· First, second, and third placed skiers in the female under 13 category

· First, second, and third placed skiers in the male under 13 category

· First, second, and third placed skiers in the female over 13 category

· First, second, and third placed skiers in the male over 13 category

· First, second, and third placed skiers in the Masters (over 21) category

· First and second placed skiers in the 'Most Improved - female' category

· First and second placed skiers in the 'Most Improved - male' category

· Vikings award (by simple voting of all Vikings) for 'Viking of the Year'

· Coaches Award - Skier of the Year

Suffolk Vikings Committee:

The club is organised by a committee elected by the Vikings each year. These people give generously of their time and effort to help the club run smoothly. Currently, the committee are:

Rolf Toogood

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