CIWW is predominantly known for the great slalom facilities, however, on Saturday 3rd May, almost 40 freestyle paddlers from across the UK descended on the capital's course for GB's first event of the season. Aiming to increase participation in the area, a jam format was used: 6 paddlers in a 20 minute heat performing tricks until you flush.
As the noise of rushing water got louder, everyone rushed onto the water for the open practice before the competition began. With the course on 10 cumecs, the features were deep enough for all moves but were still very different to the majority of UK features.
I was in heat 2, so decided to run to the car to swap to my carbon Jackson Rockstar. In each heat, there was 18 minutes to perform moves of the ICF appendix, and then a further 6 to throw down your biggest move and essentially show off. As the heat got underway, I struggled to finish moves in my first few rides, but soon settled down as I got used to the feature.
Overall I scored 100 points, from a flat spin and loop!
Before watching the super final, we had a practice on some of the other feature, and I almost got a phonics monkey!!
It was great to watch the super final, which included a mix of top paddlers for different categories: Pringle, Alan Ward and Rob Crowe (MK1), Nicola Beeby (WK1), Jake Norman (JMK1) and Kim Aldred (JWK1). During the super final, I also took part in a photo shoot with Canoe and Kayak Trader.
Results: http://gbfreestylekayak.com/etive/?p=548
CK Store Photos: https://www.facebook.com/canoeandkayakstore?fref=photo
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