Results- Hometown Throwdown #2- Brilliant Wave

RESULTS

1. Mike Grant                                    165 pts.

2. Brian Jameson                             140 pts.

3. BA Belton                                        90 pts.

4. Sydney Gillman (wmns.)            75 pts.

5.  Dave Vanderveen                     65 pts.

6. Dragan                                        60 pts.

7.  Andy Lane                                  30 pts.

With the sun shining down on the emerald green Kootenay River, Brilliant wave appeared to be a place of magic and intrigue. In the last twenty-four hours both the Kootenay and Columbia dropped a staggering amount making the powerful and fast wave more gentle and forgiving. The trough of the wave was glassy green with reflections of the fist shaped rock underneath. The foam pile was gentle as a cotton ball but still big enough to land some arial tricks. Spectators lined the smooth rock shore with video and photo cameras waiting for the throwdown to go down.

In traditional Kootenay style the competitors were showing up at random times and for most part late. The call to judge paddler rides in a more relaxed first come first scored fashion was a good one as some competitors were over an hour late. Despite the small wave seven competitors hit Brilliant for both goofy and impressive rides. Paddle tricks, arial loops, blunts and enders were just a few of the many tricks laid out. Paddlers certainly made the best of the conditions and spectator stoke!

Local freestyle guru Mike Grant won the event with some snappy loops, back stabs, blunts and McNasty attempts. Washington visitor Brian Jameson placed second with some impressive air loops and flashbacks. Kootenay Kayaking’s Bachelor of the year BA Belton rounded out the podium with a solid third place finish after hopping in the new Jackson Rockstar from his WS EZG! Once again the only female competitor Sydney Gillman placed fourth.

Kelowna paddler Dave Vanderveen and Amundson Stand Up Paddle rep brought out a 10′6” board for some Brilliant wave SUP surfing. Almost everyone had a chance to test their balance on the SUP either surfing or practicing stylish falling. Thanks a bunch Dave for bringing the new toy! Thanks again to all the competitors and sponsors including World Kayak and Endless Adventure.