Well folks we had our first 2017 race at the NW Canoe and Kayak Race Center and we had GATES to paddle! The level was 1200 cfs+ which is high water cutoff, but stoke was high and we went for it anyway. The weather was gloomy, but not too rainy, so here in the PNW that means it was perfect :) The course designer put together a tough combination of moves for the racers and it was an awesome challenge! There was a wide range of ages and abilities that showed up for the race.
Day 1 had two wildwater racers and that race was over QUICK! Those ladies and boats are FAST!
Day 2 there was a C1 paddler, several slicey slalom boaters, a few whitewater boats out there, and a DUO! I had never been to a slalom race or competed in one before, so it was fun to see it all go down. Jennie put alot of effort into getting it organized with the course designer, timers, and gate judges. Thanks Jennie, the League of NW Whitewater Racers, and the Washington Kayak Club for supporting the event!
A little C1 action for you:
Jennie assigned me as the race starter for the men's races. It was really fun!!!
This young guy came all the way down from Canada to compete! Not only does he have a very cool looking kayak, he knows how to use it. It was awesome to watch him. So fast!
Here's a map of the course and the gates. There are downstream gates and upstream gates. You better make your gates or it's a 50 second penalty addition on your time. Touching the poles is a 2 second penalty addition to your time. If you swim, you get disqualified. No swimmers this year!
Slicey slalom boaters!
The Duo in action! This was the most impressive!! Two people, one boat, and
some serious style!
Jennie giving Joni some pointers. It was her first slalom race!
Joey is STOKED!! She also got first in the lady's division, way to get after it!!
Results are yet to be officially posted. Here's a snapshot:
Awards ceremony after!! Fun was had by all!! Thanks again everyone for the support, advice, and encouragement!!! The slalom community is very welcoming and keen on teaching beginners!!!
The next race on the Cedar isn't until November! This gives people plenty of time to come check out the course and get some knowledge under your belt! First Saturdays are still going on. I'll also be hosting a couple more work party's before then to continue on improving the course. Cheers to everyone that has helped so far!! This includes the slalom community, the League of NW Whitewater Racers, Kayak Academy, the University of Washington crowd, the University of Puget Sound crowd, and the Washington Kayak Club, and anyone else who just has a love for the site and came to help out! The improvements on the Cedar couldn't have been done without you!!
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