Idaho Throwdown #5
Yet another awesome Throwdown for Idaho, but sadly, its the last one of the year. We had around hundred spectators for this event. The KWP wave was primo for smaller boats. It was shallower than the last few times, but it made up for it by being stickier. Our group consisted of more people from out of town than locals. Out of the nine of us, five were from Bend, Oregon. It was awesome having that group paddling with us. They did an excellent job, especially for having so few play waves over there. Also, my sister Paige surfed for the first time and got her first combat roll – she even rolled in the hole 
The water is still super warm- which makes it that much more fun to hang out in the water.
We had two ten-year-olds in the group. Blaine and my sister Paige. KWP is such a great place for beginner surfers.
We then had two boatercross heats. Boatercross is so much fun and you can never tell who is in the lead until the last ten yards.
After all that we gathered around to get our places, scores, and prizes. Big props to our event sponsors and to our local sponsors – H2OVelocity and River Gear and Grind.
Thanks to everyone for a good time, and we’ll see you next year!
Results:
Mens:
1- Daniel Dixon
2- Devin Hawkins
3- Mark Davis
4- Philip Robert
Womens:
1- Joan Davis
Juniors:
1- Troy Wilson
2- Walker Davis
3- Blaine Davis
4- Paige Wilson
Idaho Throwdown #4
ThrowDown number four is over for Boise. Yesterday I was up at Kelly’s Whitewater Park along with nine other competitors- two of which were from Utah. I think this was our first TD with only one junior, which was me. So I was thrown in with the mens category. Like before, we were on the second feature and it was perfect for our group. There were a few more kayakers new to surfing that were game to get in there. All of them did excellent and ended with huge smiles on their faces. We altered our boater cross course a little because Big Nasty (feature one) was so sticky the carnage would’ve been too much to handle. As usual, this seemed to be a hit with everyone. Afterwards we got together for scores and prizes. In my opinion that was one of the best ThrowDowns we’ve had and I’m looking forward to the next one on September 3rd. Make sure to show up for the last of the great flows and warm water.
Placements:
Mens K1 A:
1- Daniel Dixon
2- Troy Wilson
3- Brant Hoover
4- Devin Hawkins
5- Tyler Wilson
Mens K1 B:
1- Joe Petrilli
2- Chad
3- Josh Rodriguez
4- Matt Evans
Women’s:
1- Meredith Ruland
Boater Cross results:
Heat 1:
1- Troy Wilson
2- Joe Perilli
3- Josh Rodriguez
4- Meredith Ruland
Heat 2:
1- Tyler Wilson
2- Daniel Dixon
3- Devin Hawkins
4- Brant Hoover
Hey look, this time we got pictures! 
World Kayak Hometown Throwdown hits the West Kootenays!
Competitors waiting eagerly in G-Force Eddy!
Wednesday’ s have always been a special day for paddlers of the West Kootenays. Since the year 2000, The Slocan River has been the location for Borderline Boaters’ Wednesday Night Paddles. Every Wednesday from May to September paddlers of all skill levels and ages have joined together to meet up for some local paddling and enjoy some BBQ burgers afterwards at Whispers Takeout BBQ on location at the Endless Adventure Kayak Shop. This year marks the beginning of era for local paddlers with the introduction of World Kayak. For the past five years the World Kayak Initiative has been dedicated to the growth of Whitewater kayaking in local communities all across the globe. The Hometown Throwdown is a way new and experienced paddlers can compete in friendly grass roots style events for a chance to win great prizes donated by big name sponsors like Astral Buoyancy, Immersion Research, Shred Ready Helmets, and many more.
Competitors from the age of 12 to 60 met up just before Paddle night on Wednesday August 3rd, for many a first chance to try their hand at a kayak competition. The location for the Throwdown was at G-Force eddy of the Slocan River on a small sized wave with eddy access and a small hole at the entrance of the feature. Competitors lined the eddy for some practice rides before the event which promised to be a entertaining one with lots of paddle tricks and cheering support from onlookers. Paddlers were given two forty-five second rides to accumulate technical points for catching the wave, spinning, going vertical, and of course in Kootenay fashion creative tricks. Style points were also given for smoothness of control and movement. From start to finish the competition was a huge success, you could hear the cheering all the way to the takeout as paddlers were getting into the competitive spirit. Over 15 different paddle tricks amazed the crowd form the good ol’ fashion twirl to new and innovative paddle tricks like the robin hood and soaring eagle. After the comp paddlers enjoyed flowing down the remainder of the river with big smiles and even more cheering. The event wrapped up with the anticipated prize giveaway of t-shirts, videos, paddle wax, and other cool treasures. Thanks to all who attended and spectated the event, next year there will be more regular events in the area so stay tuned! Cranbrook will be the host of the next Hometown Throwdown on August 27th on the St. Mary’s River. The event will be a down river race and all skill levels are welcome!
RESULTS
-
Hector Darby 27 points
-
Nikita Chernoff 21 points
-
Sam “The Hammer” Butler 20 points
-
Sydney Gillman 19 points
-
David Roscoe 18 points
-
Nick Barisoff 17 points
-
Steve Ethier 16 points
-
Wyatt Riegel 15 points
8. Troy Bingham 15 points
9. Doug Pinkerton 14 points
10. Bob Dodge 13 points
10. Marly MacDonald 13 points
11. Eric Gemby 8 points
11. Andy DieLemar 8 points
Hometown Throwdown #2 Results
This morning while the steam from my coffee was filling my nostrils, bidding me to wake up, I began thinking about this weekends Hometown Throwdown. Normally, I would just post the results, throw up a few pictures, and be done. This morning, however, I’d like to take a little bit of time and talk about how important World Kayak, the sponsors, and Hometown Throwdowns specifically are very important to a sport we all love so much. The idea of promoting your kayaking community doesn’t sound so hard until you actually try to bring together a group of people, who by nature are very flaky. The people at worldkayak.com and the sponsors have made this a bit easier by giving away Free Stuff, which everyone loves. So a big round of applause to the sponsors for helping all of the regional ambassadors out. Without your donations and time, my next few statements would not be possible.
Here in Arkansas we’ve been putting on Throwdowns for three years now and every year, you can find a story like the one I’m about to tell. At every event there are a great mix of people. Here in Arkansas we’ve been know to have playboaters, canoeists, C1ers, boogie boarders, and rafters all participate. We’ve done relay races, boatercross, races for the prizes, standard rodeos, jam sessions, and tried all other types of formats to make each Throwdown unique. We always set up a PA system, pump some music, and usually there are a lot of people there videoing and taking pictures; all making the participants feel like pros. And of course some of folks who participate can really throw down. But THIS is what makes Hometown Throwdowns and Worldkayak.com special; getting people involved who may have just begun paddling.
Its here where our story begins. Last year, the hero of all the events hosted was by far Little Lizzy Lafferty. I believe she was 11 or 12 at that time. She didn’t have a roll, but didn’t let that stop her. She jumped in her mom’s purple 2Fun, left the skirt on the bank, and took off. She made the big ferry from the eddy on river left, to the eddy on river right, navigating the 100 yds with ease at a flow of 3600 cfs. At that point, it didn’t matter what loops were thrown, how many cartwheels were wheeled, or how many donkey flips were “donkied”…At that moment, Little Lizzy Lafferty was the star of the show. It was then, that I realized this was bigger than rodeo. The crowd ERUPTED! You could hear cheers up and down the river. “Go Lizzy!” “Alright Girl!” “Keep Paddling!” Now, Little Lizzy Lafferty didn’t win the top prize, she didn’t win the bragging rights of having the highest score, but people don’t remember who did. All they will remember is Lizzy and her awesome ferry from one eddy to another.
This year is no exception. Although Maggie Powell is not new to rivers, having done a lot of rafting, this is one of her first years in a whitewater kayak. Maggie has participated in both Throwdowns this year so far. In the first event, she was nervous and didn’t make it into the hole, but did roll up on every attempt; however, after the Throwdown, she was side surfing in a large hydraulic and looking comfortable, smiling, and having a good time. Maggie is one of those people who always has a smile on her face and during this Throwdown, you could see a lot of improvment, not only in her confidence, but in her abilities as well. If you’re keeping track of scores, keep an eye on Maggie Powell. I have a feeling that by our last event of the season in September, she’ll make the top 5! Way to go Maggie!
Another story of interest at this event is the Mathews family. Father Rodney, and his two sons Grant and Garrett always attend the Hometown events. Garrett even won the Smith sunglasses, which were the big prize at the first event. Grant, the older brother, is one helluva hand paddler. Always in control of his boat and his no handed loops are incredible. There has always been a bit of sibling rivalry between the two brothers and I’ve watched as Garrett is stepping up his game! Throwing down multiple ends and even some loops of his own. The Mathews family were all competing in the first heat of HTTD #2 when Rodney, getting a bit hung up in the hole, was forced to swim. Whatever competition between Grant and Garrett exists, was put on hold as they both peeled out of the eddy to help their father recover and re-enter his boat. All before his turn in line passed him by. THIS is Hometown Throwdown.
I know stories like this exist in other parts of the country, but I thought I’d share some of those that stood out to me. Worldkayak.com and the Hometown Throwdown events are so very important to local kayaking communities. Not only in bringing people together, but in the way that they inspire all of us in some way to share a sport that we love. Thanks World Kayak!
Now onto the pictures and the scores!
Grant Mathews 255 pts. 1st PLACE
Bryan Pinnell 250 pts. 2nd PLACE
Lance Jones 205 pts. 3rd PLACE
Garret Mathews 200 pts. 4th PLACE
Cole Mullican (open boat) 190 pts.
Jerry Hale (boogie board) 180 pts.
Joe Tarver 175 pts.
Rodney Mathews 150 pts.
Lisa Iadarola/Adam Willard (tandem open boat) 150 pts.
Michelle Ashford 150 pts.
Paul Cox 145 pts.
Taylor Muse (boogie board) 145 pts.
Billy Lafferty 135 pts.
David Morring 135 pts.
Maggie Powell 115 pts.
Harlan Hughes 115 pts.
Kristi Cox 110 pts.
Sean Speckles 105 pts.
Cowper Chadbourn 100 pts.
A Big thanks to all of those that took pictures at the event and helped out with ‘judging’ etc…
Hometown Throwdown #2 Results
This morning while the steam from my coffee was filling my nostrils, bidding me to wake up, I began thinking about this weekends Hometown Throwdown. Normally, I would just post the results, throw up a few pictures, and be done. This morning, however, I’d like to take a little bit of time and talk about how important World Kayak, the sponsors, and Hometown Throwdowns specifically are very important to a sport we all love so much. The idea of promoting your kayaking community doesn’t sound so hard until you actually try to bring together a group of people, who by nature are very flaky. The people at worldkayak.com and the sponsors have made this a bit easier by giving away Free Stuff, which everyone loves. So a big round of applause to the sponsors for helping all of the regional ambassadors out. Without your donations and time, my next few statements would not be possible.
Here in Arkansas we’ve been putting on Throwdowns for three years now and every year, you can find a story like the one I’m about to tell. At every event there are a great mix of people. Here in Arkansas we’ve been know to have playboaters, canoeists, C1ers, boogie boarders, and rafters all participate. We’ve done relay races, boatercross, races for the prizes, standard rodeos, jam sessions, and tried all other types of formats to make each Throwdown unique. We always set up a PA system, pump some music, and usually there are a lot of people there videoing and taking pictures; all making the participants feel like pros. And of course some of folks who participate can really throw down. But THIS is what makes Hometown Throwdowns and Worldkayak.com special; getting people involved who may have just begun paddling.
Its here where our story begins. Last year, the hero of all the events hosted was by far Little Lizzy Lafferty. I believe she was 11 or 12 at that time. She didn’t have a roll, but didn’t let that stop her. She jumped in her mom’s purple 2Fun, left the skirt on the bank, and took off. She made the big ferry from the eddy on river left, to the eddy on river right, navigating the 100 yds with ease at a flow of 3600 cfs. At that point, it didn’t matter what loops were thrown, how many cartwheels were wheeled, or how many donkey flips were “donkied”…At that moment, Little Lizzy Lafferty was the star of the show. It was then, that I realized this was bigger than rodeo. The crowd ERUPTED! You could hear cheers up and down the river. “Go Lizzy!” “Alright Girl!” “Keep Paddling!” Now, Little Lizzy Lafferty didn’t win the top prize, she didn’t win the bragging rights of having the highest score, but people don’t remember who did. All they will remember is Lizzy and her awesome ferry from one eddy to another.
This year is no exception. Although Maggie Powell is not new to rivers, having done a lot of rafting, this is one of her first years in a whitewater kayak. Maggie has participated in both Throwdowns this year so far. In the first event, she was nervous and didn’t make it into the hole, but did roll up on every attempt; however, after the Throwdown, she was side surfing in a large hydraulic and looking comfortable, smiling, and having a good time. Maggie is one of those people who always has a smile on her face and during this Throwdown, you could see a lot of improvment, not only in her confidence, but in her abilities as well. If you’re keeping track of scores, keep an eye on Maggie Powell. I have a feeling that by our last event of the season in September, she’ll make the top 5! Way to go Maggie!
Another story of interest at this event is the Mathews family. Father Rodney, and his two sons Grant and Garrett always attend the Hometown events. Garrett even won the Smith sunglasses, which were the big prize at the first event. Grant, the older brother, is one helluva hand paddler. Always in control of his boat and his no handed loops are incredible. There has always been a bit of sibling rivalry between the two brothers and I’ve watched as Garrett is stepping up his game! Throwing down multiple ends and even some loops of his own. The Mathews family were all competing in the first heat of HTTD #2 when Rodney, getting a bit hung up in the hole, was forced to swim. Whatever competition between Grant and Garrett exists, was put on hold as they both peeled out of the eddy to help their father recover and re-enter his boat. All before his turn in line passed him by. THIS is Hometown Throwdown.
I know stories like this exist in other parts of the country, but I thought I’d share some of those that stood out to me. Worldkayak.com and the Hometown Throwdown events are so very important to local kayaking communities. Not only in bringing people together, but in the way that they inspire all of us in some way to share a sport that we love. Thanks World Kayak!
Now onto the pictures and the scores!
Grant Mathews 255 pts. 1st PLACE
Bryan Pinnell 250 pts. 2nd PLACE
Lance Jones 205 pts. 3rd PLACE
Garret Mathews 200 pts. 4th PLACE
Cole Mullican (open boat) 190 pts.
Jerry Hale (boogie board) 180 pts.
Joe Tarver 175 pts.
Rodney Mathews 150 pts.
Lisa Iadarola/Adam Willard (tandem open boat) 150 pts.
Michelle Ashford 150 pts.
Paul Cox 145 pts.
Taylor Muse (boogie board) 145 pts.
Billy Lafferty 135 pts.
David Morring 135 pts.
Maggie Powell 115 pts.
Harlan Hughes 115 pts.
Kristi Cox 110 pts.
Sean Speckles 105 pts.
Cowper Chadbourn 100 pts.
A Big thanks to all of those that took pictures at the event and helped out with ‘judging’ etc…
Idaho Throwdown #3
We had another Throwdown up at KWP last Saturday. We had thirteen competitors, three new to throwdowns. The high water changed the waves a bit so the second feature wasn’t too sticky but nice and deep for loops and cartwheels. The top wave was super sticky and big, so we opted for the second feature. Having the bridge to the island sure was convenient and even allowed for spectators to come over to watch. After two hole rides we held a boatercross again. The boatercross seems to be a hit – though a bit tiring. Men’s K1B devision was a three way tie, which was pretty cool. It was great to have our two cadets again – Connor and Buey. Everyone seemed to have a great time and it was nice to have the sun with us, unlike the last two throwdowns. We hope to see even more people at our next Throwdown in August. See you on the river!
Here are some pictures, We had camera problems or else we’d have more.
Idaho Throwdown #3
We had another Throwdown up at KWP last Saturday. We had thirteen competitors, three new to throwdowns. The high water changed the waves a bit so the second feature wasn’t too sticky but nice and deep for loops and cartwheels. The top wave was super sticky and big, so we opted for the second feature. Having the bridge to the island sure was convenient and even allowed for spectators to come over to watch. After two hole rides we held a boatercross again. The boatercross seems to be a hit – though a bit tiring. Men’s K1B devision was a three way tie, which was pretty cool. It was great to have our two cadets again – Connor and Buey. Everyone seemed to have a great time and it was nice to have the sun with us, unlike the last two throwdowns. We hope to see even more people at our next Throwdown in August. See you on the river!
Here are some pictures, We had camera problems or else we’d have more.
Idaho Throwdown #1 2011
Last Friday we had our first Idaho Hometown Throwdown of the year at the gutter. We had a good turn out for a chilly April evening, 10 competitors and a bunch of spectators Alpenglow was nice enough to bring a gaggle of demo boats for whoever wanted to try them, including the new Rock Stars from Jackson kayak which drew lots of “Oooo’s and Ahhhh’s” from those that tried them out.
The wave wasn’t the best for aerial tricks, but a great front surf and spin wave. Mychal Hayes was the only one to throw a big move, a sweet aerial loop – but we saw some cartwheels other advanced moves from Jackson paddler Devon Barker and regional paddlers Micah Kneidl and Alec Voorhees. It was good to see a couple of kayakers new to surfing out there, one of them threw the biggest window shade I’ve ever seen – getting blasted under the wave and shooting vertically out. Big cheers and worth some ‘That-was-Awesome’ points from the style judge Where else can newbie surfers rub elbows and compete with veteran world class paddlers like Devon Barker and Jim Grossman? After two hole rides we held a boatercross. Then wrapped it up because it was getting chilly. Overall it went well and it was a great time. I hope we’ll see you at the May Throwdown at Kellys Whitewater Park in Cascade!
On Saturday we had a booth at the Whitewater Expo / boatswap at Alpenglow. This was a first of what I hope to be many Put on by Chuck and Anne Cremer. Quite a few vendors were there and educational seminars were held. They even had a drawing for a Jackson Star as well as a bunch of other WW gear. If you missed it this year make sure and check it in 2012!
Here are the scores:
Adults:
K1 A:
1: Mychal Hayes
2. Devon Barker
3. Micah Kneidl
4. Jim Grossman – Boatercross only
K1 B:
1. Gary Mattos
2. Will Howerton
Juniors K1:
1. Alec Voorhees
2. Hayden Voorhees – Troy Wilson
Cadet:
1.Buey Grossman
2. Connor Voorhees
