Bay of Plenty kayakers head to Europe this weekend to compete against the best in the world in a series of events culminating in the world championship in September.

Canoe slalom athlete Brent Bastin is hoping for strong finishes at a series of international events in Europe.

After a successful summer in New Zealand, Tauranga's Brent Bastin, Luka Jones and Michael Dawson will join Rotorua's Johann Roozenburg for more than three months of intense training and competition on some of the best manmade kayak courses in the world.
The European season is also part of the build-up for those hoping to compete in qualifying rounds for the 2012 Olympics.
The first major competition they will compete in is an ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup event in Seu, Spain, on June 26-27. The second World Cup event is July 3-4 in Augsburg, Germany. This will be followed by two months of training and less serious competition before the Kayak and Canoe World Championship in Slovenia from September 9-12.
This is 20 year old Brent's second year competing in Europe in the senior age group for C1 canoe slalom. C1 kayakers use a single blade paddle and kneel in their kayaks.
He will also compete with the four-man New Zealand raft team for the first time in mid-June.
The Bay competitors have been training at Waiariki Institute of Technology under French coach Thomas Masue.
'Having a top coach has really helped the top athletes move up to the next step,” says Brent.
'Having a good environment and base to compete from is really important. We're surrounded by a really good support team.”
The kayakers are funding their own travel and are still seeking sponsorship. Anyone interested in helping can email [email protected]
People can also follow Brent's progress at www.brentbastin.com or at www.brentcanoe.blogspot.com