event World Kayak – encouraging whitewater kayaking globally

World Kayak – encouraging whitewater kayaking globally

WV Hometown Throwdown #1

I have been wvtd2 working to get representataion in WV since the begining of WK, and now finaly after a number of years we are on. A great group of stoaked boaters has taken the reigns and hosted a fantastic event. keep your eyes set on the new WV region at WK for all that these guys have to offer. Thanks a bunch guys and great job. Here is what the WV Boys have to say about their first event.

Monday brought the first in a series of World Kayak Hometown Throwdowns to the Southern WV region. Paddlers from the local rafting companies, including videoboaters and their families, descended into the New River Gorge for a laid back downriver competition through Fayette Station. This first event boasted a turnout of twenty-three participants, armed with countless different river craft. Creek boats, play boats, long boats, river boards, and inflatable pool toys cycled through the rapid displaying only the most artful downriver techniques. From the elusive shutter rudder, to the mysterious beat down, and even the well known carp roll, all those involved threw down the most impressive move within their arsenal.

Jeremy and his two kids put on a good show with a family ducky run down the rapid. A brief out of boat experience at the top progressed into big wave hits and paddle twirls, not to mention a few good laughs. Marcus had the best ride on the top wave in his C1, throwing a few roundhouses and a back loop to leave him with the best ride of the event. Charlie, Evan, and Steve showed what video boating is all about, with big wave wheels, kick flips, and lots of imaginative splats. Lil’ Perkins got the best carnage, wheeling off into the big pour over for a brief but brutal ride. All skill levels were represented, with Kyle getting his first run down a rapid ever.

We ended the day with a cookout provided by Jeremy and his family, sharing stories about the day and eagerly awaiting the events of the future. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude all of those who participated and made this event a great success. Stay tuned for more information on future events.

Click here to view the embedded video.

2010 Nolichucky Hometown Throwdown Event #1

The first event in the 2010 Nolichucky Hometown Throwdown series was a blast for all in attendance! We had 16 competitors join in on the fun. The event was held at Jaws in the Noli Gorge. The river level was around 1,200 CFS which made for a friendly play level! The weather for the day was good with sunny skies, occasional breezy winds and temps in the mid 60’s. Thanks to the good weather, we had several spectators who boated & hiked down to watch the show.

2010 Nolichucky Hometown Throwdown Event #1 Results:

Women’s K-1:

1. Jennifer Bradley – Hand Paddler (36)

Men’s K-1A:

1. Michael Patterson (191)

2. Kerry Porche – Hand Paddler (141)

3. Brandon Dale (91)

3. Duane Gibson (91)

5. Wesley R. Bradley (76)

Men’s K-1B:

1. Michael Bianchi (106)

2. Jason Bordwine (83)

3. Eric Hoffman (78)

4. Steve Moore (67)

5. Justin Benton (65)

6. Brian Pickett (59)

7. Jeff Weatherford (58)

8. Mike Dorsey (47)

9. Brian Plant (46)

10. Adam Gudger (44)

Thank you to all the competitors for their participation! Congrats to “Mad” Mike Patterson (K-1A), Michael Bianchi (K-1B) & Jennifer Bradley (WK-1) as our winners of Event #1 and current series leaders!

Jennifer hand paddles Michael

Event Highlights:

*Brian Pickett & Eric Hoffman did some blue angel surfing in the feature together.

Pickett & Hoffman

*Brian Pickett showed us how to do a serious body board throw down in Jaws!

*Justin Benton entertained the crowd and scored some big style points with the judges by revealing a hidden beer in his PFD & chugging it down while surfing in the hole!

Justin beer

* Mike Patterson showed us all that he was back and better than ever to defend his title from last year! It will be exciting to see if anybody will step up to challenge him this year…

Mad Mike

*We had 1 swimmer during the event who went home with with the coveted River Gypsies “Everybody Swims” sticker.

Adam

*We had one “seasoned paddler” , Mike Dorsey, who was +50 years old, compete in the event.

Dorsey

*Everyone who competed or volunteered in the event went home with a prize!

Pickett & Hoffman High 5

Cheryl Killman’s Noli HTTD #1 photo album#1

Cheryl Killman’s Noli HTTD #1 photo album#2

Cheryl Killman’s Noli HTTD #1 photo album#3

Noli HTTD Award Ceremony photo album

A big thank you goes out to all of our great volunteers for their efforts in event #1:

Kristen Gunn & J.D. Driscoll – Judges

Ian Watson & Natalie Pickett – Scribes

Erin Weatherford – Time Keeper

Cheryl Killman – Photographer

A very special thank you goes out to my wonderful wife, Jennifer Bradley, for her support. She does a lot of behind the scenes work to help prepare for the events. She does a great job with the paperwork & registration at the events too! I would also like to give Cheryl Killman, Colin Kemp & James McBeath a shout out of thanks for their coordination & prep work for the event series!