Day 3 Round-up: Michal Smolen Takes Gold / USA Canoe/Kayak

 

Another beautiful day and another day of racing at the Penrith Whitewater stadium. Day three of the Junior & U23 World Championships featured the semifinals/finals and team races for the U23 K1-men, K1-women, and C2-men categories, but the real story of the day for Team USA was Michal Smolen (Gastonia, NC) winning gold.

Fast, clean, and victorious; those are the best words to describe Michal Smolen's winning run in the K1-men's final. Facing fierce competition from a class stacked with former U23 World Champions as well as World Cup and World Championship medalists, Smolen knew he had to be at his best entering the day's races. After qualifying 4th in semifinals, Smolen blazed down the course and to the top of the leader board with a time of 93.10 seconds, 1.29 seconds faster than the next fastest athlete, Italian Geovanni De Gennaro. Only Jiri Prskavec of the Czech Republic, had a time faster, but a two-second penalty at the top of the course left him 1.57 seconds behind Smolen and in third place. None of the other three athletes to start after Smolen were able to best his time, thus securing him the title. In the words of comedian Mel Brooks, "It's good to be the king."

Usually paddling C1, Zach "Bug" Lokken (Durango, CO) and Tyler Hinton (Boulder, CO) joined forces to compete in the U23 C2-men's class. In the semifinals, Hinton/Lokken finished 10th, just making the final. Then in the final, the two were able to improve their position, finishing 7th overall. 

In his return to international racing, Simon Ranagan (Bethesda, MD) finished 24th in the K1-mens semifinals.

Next up are the semifinals/finals and team races for the junior K1-men, K1-women, and C2-men categories. 

For live results and video stream, please visit the links listed below:

Live results:

http://www.canoeliveresults.com/event/2014/penrith-sydney-junior-u23-world-championships.php

               

Live video stream:

http://www.justin.tv/mattwebster24

Previewing the 2014 ICF Junior & U23 World Championships Canoe Slalom April 23-27

 

The Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the venue of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, will play host to what will now be the third ICF Junior & U23 World Championships on April 23-27. The competition will feature over 300 athletes from 31 different countries.

This year's team features a mix of internationally experienced athletes, and new-comers looking to mark. First-year Junior Team member Tyler Smith (Charlotte, NC) says the realities of competing in his first major international race are now beginning to set in, "We have one short training session left and then nothing until race day. Though I'm a little nervous, I'm also very excited to represent the U.S. here in Australia and hopeful to place well in both the K1 and C1 events." Other Junior Team members making their international debut include K1W Teegan Johnson (Lyons, CO), K1M Jordan Sherman (Rockville, MD), and K1M Tyler Westfall (Darnestown, MD), while K1W Evelyn VanHorn (Bellefonte, PA), C1M/C2 William Coggan (Boulder, CO), and C1M/C2 Gabe Machado (Louisville, CO) will look to build on their previous results.

What is Tuck Fest? / U.S. National Whitewater Center

Tuck Fest is three days out of outdoor celebrations. All images courtesy of Tuck Fest/ USNWC 

The 2^nd annual Tuck Fest is a three-day festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). The festival features a variety of outdoor sport competitions that include trail running, kayaking, biking, climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, slacklining and adventure racing. The name “Tuck Fest” comes from the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical landmark located at the USNWC.

New to trail running? Challenge yourself with the 5K Trail Race. Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding? Take it to the next level with the Flatwater SUP Race. Tuck Fest is rooted in the overall outdoor experience, giving guests of any age or skill level the opportunity to try something new. It’s about getting outside and enjoying our natural surroundings, by trying a new competition or simply enjoying the music and atmosphere. With more than 20 competitions in and around the river as well as live bands and participation from leaders in the outdoor industry, the festival invites athletes, spectators, and musicians to celebrate the active lifestyle.

More info: http://tuckfest.org/

Lefevre, Eichfeld headline the list of 2014 Slalom World Championship qualifiers

 

USA Canoe/Kayak is proud to nominate the following athletes to the 2014 U.S. Slalom World Championship Team:

Men's K-1: Fabien Lefevre (Bethesda, Md.), Michal Smolen (Gastonia, N.C.), Rick Powell(Parkesburg, Pa.)

Women's K-1: Dana Mann (Washington, D.C.), Ashley Nee (Darnestown, Md.), Anna Maria Ifarraguerri (McLean, Va.)

Men's C-1: Fabien Lefevre (Bethesda, Md.), Casey Eichfeld (Drums, Pa.), Zach Lokken (Durango, Colo.)

Women's C-1: Colleen Hickey (Okawville, Ill.), Micki Reeves (Grand Junction, Colo.), Tracy Hines (Mount Holly, N.C.)

Men's C-2: Eichfeld/Devin McEwan (Salisbury, Conn.), Jeff Larimer (Marietta, Ga.)/Eric Hurd (Woodstock, Ga.), Benn Fraker (Peachtree City, Ga.)/Scott McCleskey (Sylva, N.C.)

The above athletes will compete at the ICF Slalom World Championships in McHenry, Md., Sept. 16-21, 2014.

Who: The best U.S. slalom athletes

What: 2014 USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team Trials

When: March 28-30

Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Why is it important: This is the qualifier for the 2014 Slalom World Championships, which will be held on U.S. soil for the first time in 25 years.

Links: Results. Deep Creek 2014 World Championships.

The U.S. will field a veteran squad at the World Championships, including a combined 8 Olympic appearances. Fabien Lefevre, a two-time Olympic medalist for France, will be joined on Team USA by Olympians Casey Eichfeld (2012, 2008), Rick Powell (2008), Benn Fraker (2008), Jeff Larimer (2012) and Eric Hurd (2012).

Lefevre finished first in both men's K-1 and C-1 and will look to improve upon his 4th place finish at the 2013 World Championships. Michal Smolen and Zach Lokken will compete in both the Senior and Under-23 World Championships in Penrith, Australia.

"It was quite windy and that made runs complicated to paddle for the third race," Lefevre said. "My two first places yesterday in K-1 and C-1 for the last race allowed me to be the winner of the US National Trials. I'm very happy and proud to represent the US for another season! ... The US Team looks pretty similar compared with last season and that certainly creates a good atmosphere in the group. Technically speaking, I am satisfied with my races and get new leads to work on for the next few months."

In women's K-1, Dana Mann and Ashley Nee battled all weekend with Mann recording the fastest time on two of three days. Colleen Hickey ran away with top honors among women's canoes. Coming off their Gold Medal performance at the Oceania Championships, the C-2 pairing of Eichfeld and McEwan continued their momentum at Trials separating themselves from the rest of the field. Rarely competing since the 2012 season, Fraker, Hurd, and Larimer returned to the water to qualify for the World Championships in men's C-2.

"Slalom Trials accomplished it's first goal - to select the best team possible to represent the United States and ultimately achieve great results at the 2014 Slalom World Championships in Western MD," said USA Canoe/Kayak CEO Joe Jacobi. "Our top athletes performed extremely well and are making incredible strides on their racing. We are grateful to the U.S. National Whitewater Center for hosting an excellent event."

IOC Confirms Lisa Carrington (NZL) as Athlete Role Model / Women Other Water Sports

Sporting legends to mentor athletes at Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games.The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced Lisa Carrington (NZL), the Canoe Sprint K1 200m Olympic Champion and multiple World Champion, as one of the of 37 Athlete Role Models (ARMs) who will attend the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games from 16 to 28 August in Nanjing, China.

Carrington, who was nominated by the International Canoe Federation, will join a group of other elite competitors from the world of sport. In Nanjing, every Athlete Role Model will play a key role in supporting, mentoring and offering advice to the 3,800 young athletes who will be participating in the Games.

Previewing the 2014 USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team Trials

(Smolen paddling C-1 at the Oceania Championships. Credit: SportScene.tv)

 

Who: The best U.S. slalom athletes

What: 2014 USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom Team Trials
When: March 28-30
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center in Bryson City, N.C.
Why is it important: This is the qualifier for the 2014 Slalom World Championships, which will be held on U.S. soil for the first time in 25 years.

For more info: Start lists. Results. Deep Creek 2014 World Championships.
Team USA hopes to crack the podium at the 2014 Slalom World Championships after recording two Top 5 finishes in 2013. The Adventure Sports Center International in McHenry, Md. will host the World Championships on Sept. 16-21.

But before that can happen, the best U.S. athletes will vie for the chance to represent their country on home turf in September. Western Maryland also hosted the World Championships in 1989, the last time the event was in America.

USA Canoe/Kayak announces the 2014 U.S. Junior and Under-23 Slalom Team

USA Canoe/Kayak is proud to nominate the following athletes to the 2014 U.S. Junior and Under-23 Slalom World Championship Team:

 U23

Men's K-1: Michal Smolen (Gastonia, N.C.), Simon Ranagan
Men's C-1: Zach Lokken (Durango, Colo.), Tyler Hinton (Denver, Colo.), Smolen

 Junior

Men's K-1: Tyler Uthus (Darneston, Md.), Tyler Smith (Huntersville, N.C.), Jordan Sherman
Men's C-1: Gabe Machado (Louisville, Colo.), Smith, Will Coggan (Boulder, Colo.)
Women's K-1: Evelyn Van Horn (Bellefonte, Pa.), Teagan Johnson-Moore (Lyons, Colo.)
Men's C-2: Will Coggan/Gabe Machado

The above athletes will compete at the ICF Canoe Slalom Jr. and U-23 World Championships in Penrith, Australia, April 23-27, 2014.

2014 Canoe Slalom Trials | U.S. National Whitewater Center

 

The U.S. National Whitewater Center will host the USA Canoe/Kayak National Team Trials on March 28-30, 2014. Athletes will compete for a chance to represent the U.S. in the 2014 World Championships. 2014 is especially significant to the athletes as the Worlds will be held in the U.S. for the first time since 1989.

Practice sessions will be held Monday, March 24th through Thursday, March 27^th from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. each day.  Deadline for registration is Sunday, March 23rd at 12 midnight.  Registration fees cover practice sessions and the race only and do not cover parking.  The race is scheduled  for March 28 – 30. There will be two official runs per day, taking place at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively. The team will be chosen based on the results from all three days of racing.  Athletes will keep their four best runs out of six and must keep at least one run from each day.

Athletes will be racing in the following categories:

• Women’s Single Canoe (C1W)
• Women’s Single Kayak (K1W)
• Men’s Single Canoe (C1M)
• Men’s Double Canoe (C2M)
• Men’s Single Kayak (K1M)

The Team Trials will conclude with an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 30th at 2:00 p.m.

About Canoe Slalom
In Canoe Slalom, athletes must navigate their canoe or kayak through gates as they work their way through 300 meters of whitewater rapids in the fastest time possible. Hitting one of the hanging gates or missing one completely results in time penalties, which are added to the paddler’s time at the end of his/her run. A two-second penalty is given for a touched gate and a 50-second penalty if the gate is missed completely. There are approximately 18-24 hanging gates for each course. The gates are color-coded to indicate which direction the paddler must pass through. Green gates are negotiated heading downstream while red gates require the paddler to reverse direction and pass through them heading upstream.

More info; http://usnwc.org/

Video - Deep Creek 2014 presents the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships--What is it about?

The ICF World Championships represent much more than a simple competition. It is a gathering of nations from around the globe with over 600 athletes & team support staff from over 35 countries joining together in sport and camaraderie while celebrating the legacy of this Olympic-style event.

 

Dates: September 17-21, 2014

 

Location: Adventure Sports Center International, McHenry, MD, USA

200 days until the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

 

Deep Creek 2014 Set to Host the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in McHenry Maryland September 17-21, 2014. The Adventure Sports Center International is the prestigious venue for the event and is the Only Mountaintop re-circulating whitewater course in the World.

 

Be a Part of History! Olympic Level Athletes from over 35 Countries competing for the Gold!

 

The ICF World Championships represent much more than a simple competition. It is a gathering of nations from around the globe joining together in sport and camaraderie.

 

This is the 25 year anniversary of the 1989 World Championship held right here in Garrett County Maryland and only the second time in History this prestigious event has graced the United States.

Monterey to Hawaii Kayakers | Blueforce Development Corporation

On June 8, 2013, two military veterans, R.W. Hand, and Clay W. Biles set out in two tandem kayaks on an unaided kayak voyage from Del Monte Beach, Monterey, CA to Hawaii (2,200 - 2,300 miles). Their mission is to raise awareness for two of the most honorable and hard working non-profit organizations that serve our veterans; the Navy SEAL Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project. For those that served, and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, these veterans will be fulfilling their dreams for those that can no longer fulfill their own. Please help support them by donating to either the Wounded Warrior Project or the Navy SEAL Foundation.

Blueforce has outfitted RW and Clay with DeLorme InReach satellite trackers which send their position on a periodic interval when powered on. The map, at left, is updated as we receive pings from their trackers.
  
Please think of these men, and the men and women that serve this great nation, while they are paddling to Hawaii, and show your support. Tracking ; Monterey to Hawaii Kayakers | Blueforce Development Corporation

More Info; https://sites.google.com/site/montereytohawaii/

Kern River Festival April 20-21 adds new events this year

Back this year is the wildly popular Hooligan B.Y.O.B "Build Your Own Boat" Competition--as much fun to watch as it is to race! Other events on the program include Brush Creek Extreme Slalom & Downriver Races complete with waterfalls, slides, a great granite amphitheater for spectator viewing.

The traditional TJ Slalom & SUP race and new this year -- a downriver Triathlon race. Back again this year is a new addition to the events, a Standup Boarder-Cross will be held in Riverside Park in downtown Kernville on Sunday; there is sure to be plenty to keep you entertained as you hang out on the banks of the mighty Kern. All events have easy access for boaters and spectators.

KRBC Beer Garden, Dinner catered by James Store BBQ Wagon, and awards Saturday immediately following the Hooligan Race. The Festival Silent Auction will be on Saturday, and Raffle on Sunday.

One night FREE camping will be available for all registered boaters (except Hooligan) at Camp Kernville, the official Campground for the Festival. See the Camping & Lodging page for details.

Everyone is invited to come to the Festival and be a part of this long-running whitewater tradition! There is no charge to view any of the events. Sponsor and vendor booths will be setup in Riverside Park throughout the event. Come check out all the latest boats, paddling and outdoor gear!

Please see the Kern River Festival Map for more information.

2013 Whitewater Kayaking Competition Season is underway- Mexico Creek Racing- Alseseca Race- Veracruz- Karma report

It is winter time in the Northern Hemisphere, but here in Veracruz we are so far south that winter is like a mild summer day in TN. Highs in the 80’s, lows in the 60’s- a mix of sun and clouds most days. However this is like a cloud forest area and the fog comes in fast and heavy at times. It will be sunny and clear in Tlapacoyan and by the time you get up to the put in a heavy fog could easily be covering everything making it darker and kind of eery looking, but also adds to the magic of the place. Yesterday, however, was a crystal clear day, the first of 2013, and it was race day.

Read more; 2013 Whitewater Kayaking Competition Season is underway- Mexico Creek Racing- Alseseca Race- Veracruz- Karma report

Chattahoochee Write Up For 2013

Jackson Kayak - Posted by Hunter Katich, 20/01/2013

For an optimal training and learning environment, no matter what your skill level, come paddle with me here at the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, GA. There is something for everyone! I’ve paddled the Chattahoochee for many years, and the changes that are being made are incredible! During the past year, this amazing river has been under construction to become the longest urban 2.5mile whitewater course in the world. If you’re a play boater then this river is a paradise for you! A normal day for me on the water includes an awesome feature, great for every hole trick in the book. When the bottom pool fills up and the feature washes, I go up above the biggest rapid on the river, Cutbait, where two big waves stand. These back to back waves, “Clicket-or-Ticket” and “Interstate” are about 6 to 10 foot standing waves (depending on the flow) and are perfect for almost every trick performed on a wave! To top it all off you can go big and take your chances on punching one of the biggest holes in the South East, “Cutbait hole”. The rapid is named Cutbait for a reason, so scout it out before charging down blindly.

Read More; Chattahoochee Write Up For 2013

Extreme kayaker and professional rafter; Sam Sutton’s rival mindsets

Sportscene - In a gig-venue and shop named The Store near Okere Falls, Rotorua, New Zealand, SPORTSCENE Director Rob has a morning coffee with extreme paddling poster-boy Sam Sutton. A little bit on Sam before we get into his dual personalities.

Extreme kayaker and professional rafter; Sam Sutton’s rival mindsets

Expedition Florida 500 Launches in Pensacola » Panhandle Outdoors

Here's an excellent writeup on Expedition Florida 500 from University of Florida's Carrie Stevenson

It is human nature to explore.  We are a curious species, yearning from birth to stimulate our senses of sight, smell, touch…from an infant’s grab at a colorful toy to an astronaut setting foot on the moon, we thrive on new adventures and understanding. A legend of the Age of Exploration, Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon set foot on Florida’s coast in 1513, and 500 years later, another water-based expedition is taking place.  This time, the explorer sets out not to conquer, but to celebrate the unique ecology and history of Florida. On January 1, University of Florida graduate Justin Riney, founder of a nonprofit advocacy group called Mother Ocean, launched a 365 day standup paddleboard journey around the state. Several standup paddleboarding enthusiasts (myself included) joined him at Big Lagoon State Park in Pensacola to begin the 1,515 mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, which hugs the coastline south through the Keys and back north to Jacksonville.

Expedition Florida 500 Launches in Pensacola » Panhandle Outdoors

Expedition Florida 500

Mother Ocean has launched a yearlong project in 2013 called Expedition Florida 500 (XF500) with numerous partners including Quiksilver, Tahoe SUP, Viva Florida 500, and more. XF500 is a modern-day exploration of Florida’s coastline, waterways, and aquatic ecosystem as seen through the eyes of the waterman. 2013 is Florida’s 500th anniversary since Ponce de Leon landed on Florida's coastline back in 1513; in celebration of this momentous occasion, the organizations will unite to embark on a yearlong journey combining the best of exploration, adventure, stewardship, science, and sport into a package that will include the full gamut of the waterman’s lifestyle.

The 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships

The Nantahala is going huge this September 2-8, as top international paddlers converge on the Gorge to compete in the 2013 Freestyle World Championships.

This prestitious international event has been brought to Western North Carolina with the support of the Golden Leaf Foundation, and through a community focused effort led by the The Nantahala Gorge Organizing Committee, the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, Swain TDA, Smoky Mountain Host, USA Canoe Kayak, and the International Canoe Federation.

A Week of Festivities

More than being just another kayak competition, the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships are a celebration of the vibrant cultural and paddling history here in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. In addition to watching the world’s best freestylers duke it out on the 2013 Wave, spectators will enjoy live music from regional bands, craft fair specializing in traditional appalachian handiworks, and a variety of interactive family activities. Other featured events will include a raft race, special rates on rentals and activities, Cherokee tribal dancing and cultural presentations and demos by top performers from across the southeast.

For more information about the event, ticketing information, and to learn more about freestyle kayaking competition, visit the official event website: http://www.freestylekayaking2013.com/.

2012 Whitewater Grand Prix / Chile

Pucon, Chile – Thirty of the world’s best kayakers competed in a Whitewater Sprint race on Saturday, December 8th, in stage three of the 2012 Whitewater Grand Prix on the Rio Nevados in Central Chile. Isaac Levinson (USA) took first place among the men and Nouria Newman (FRA) placed first among the women for the 3rd race in a row.

 The athletes now move to the Rio Futaleufu in the Patagonia Region for the final two events to be held on December 12th and 14th. The events will include a “Big Water Boatercross” and a “Big Water Enduro Race.” In addition to paddling this amazing river, the Whitewater Grand Prix hopes to increase awareness of the environmental threats facing the region, including a massive hydro electric dam on the Futaleufu (please see http://www.pressking.com/press-releases/Whitewater-Grand-Prix-raising-awareness-for-the-endangered-rivers-of-Chile-035494 )

Isaac Levinson now enters a 3-way tie for first place overall with Dane Jackson (USA) and Eric Deguil (FRA) who placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Stage Three event. Evan Garcia (USA) is in 4th and still in the running, only trailing by a few points with the possibility of catching up over the final two stages.

In the ‘Whitewater Sprint’, paddlers raced against the clock on a short stretch of class V whitewater on the Rio Nevados that included a long entry slide and a 20′ waterfall. This was the third event of the 5-stage, 14-day competition.

For additional information, please visit www.whitewatergrandprix.com