LOWER Wharfe paddler Tom Quinn has been selected for the Great Britain Under-16 canoe squad in the Canadian singles class.

The 13-year-old from Bishopthorpe finished the three-race selection series second overall to earn a place in the squad, despite conceding several years to some of his rivals in the physically tougher discipline than the more traditional kayak.

Kayakers sit with their legs outstretched and use a paddle with a blade at each end, while in the Canadian classes, the paddle has only one blade and canoers kneel in the boat making it harder due to the higher centre of gravity and the more physical paddling motion required.

But in an ironic twist, he could prove too young to compete in the forthcoming prestigious Danubia Cup in Bratislava.

Competition rules state that competitors must be 15 or over because of the nature of the water. But, the British team are hopeful of overturning that mandate to get Quinn on the plane after several eastern European nations allowed U15s to race last year, setting a precedent.

But even if Quinn is forced to stay at home for the August Bank Holiday race, he will still have a place at the squad training sessions during the course of the year.

Coach Phil Stephenson said: "Technically it is more difficult than kayaking because you have less control but he made the switch from the kayak and has excelled."

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, May 04, 2005