Reid competed at the World Girl Jamboree, riding the white water rapids, in the Apple Isle up until January 11.

The following day she began her tilt at the NSW Sprint Championships at the Olympic facility in Penrith.

The opening day of competition proved successful despite fears of a heatwave and a bare minimum five hours sleep.

Reid produced a time of 1:03.6 in her first up race, the 200m, setting a new personal best time in the process.

Unfortunately organisers placed her in the wrong event so no official placing was given.

The racing on January 13 was marred by a late afternoon thunderstorm, one that postponed Reid’s K2500m race. Pouring rain made for difficult paddling conditions once the race took place – an uncanny repeat of last year’s Sprint Nationals.

The conditions, coupled with the opening race cock-up, thwarted the 15- year-old’s chances. Under the guidance of coach Margi Bohm, Reid has been working overtime, especially on her technique. It’s inevitable this will culminate in faster times.

The next major item on the teenager’s agenda is the Marathon Nationals in Western Australia over the Easter weekend. The following weekend comprises the sprint nationals.

The local has a Grand Prix International Regatta at Penrith in March, a competition that will prepare her nicely for the competition in Perth.

Reid is facing a dilemma as the club has no under 16s girls interested in sprint and development squad selection requires performances in both K1 and K2 at Sprint Nationals in April.

This is why Margi and joined her in paddling in the K2 competition, to show other paddlers in her age group that she can paddle in that class.

Hopefully she can attract a partner.

If you’re interested in joining Reid or know someone who is interested, please contact Cherie (chez697@bigpond.net.au).