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
A year in review: 2010 was great 2011 will be even better!
A new season is starting in the Seaway Valley and World Kayak is right there making sure that paddlers will have events to participate in.
2010 was a great year for us and we saw a lot of new paddlers step up to our friendly competitive arena. 2011 will be even better!
3 freestyle events and 3 survivors (Boater-cross format) are what you will see in Valleyfield Quebec at the Riviere St-Charles this year. You will be able to compete , challenge your friend and yourself. For those who wish to step it up a bit more WK is implementing a ranking system (more to come on that program soon).
In the mean time enjoy the short video by Zachary Zwanenburg. The video and the images speak for themselves:
Click here to view the embedded video.
See you on the river,
Robert Zwanenburg
www.cornwallwhitewater.com
A year in review: 2010 was great 2011 will be even better!
A new season is starting in the Seaway Valley and World Kayak is right there making sure that paddlers will have events to participate in. 2010 was a great year for us and we saw a lot of new paddlers step up to our friendly competitive arena
A new season is starting in the Seaway Valley and World Kayak is right there making sure that paddlers will have events to participate in.
2010 was a great year for us and we saw a lot of new paddlers step up to our friendly competitive arena. 2011 will be even better!
3 freestyle events and 3 survivors (Boater-cross format) are what you will see in Valleyfield Quebec at the Riviere St-Charles this year. You will be able to compete , challenge your friend and yourself. For those who wish to step it up a bit more WK is implementing a ranking system (more to come on that program soon).
In the mean time enjoy the short video by Zachary Zwanenburg. The video and the images speak for themselves:
Click here to view the embedded video.
See you on the river,
Robert Zwanenburg
www.cornwallwhitewater.com
Reno was Blown Away by the first HTTD of 2011
It was sunny! It was blustery! It was 1,300 cfs! It was the first throwdown of 2011 in Reno, NV!! This year we have more awesome sponsors, including Jackson kayak which has donated several 2010 Star series kayaks to be given away to those who use the new tracking system to follow their progress against the rest of the World Kayak Universe. We also have our awesome local outfitter Reno Mountain Sports who not only provides the newest demo boats at the HTTD but brings out the grill and cooks up dogs for everyone to warm their stomachs, thanks guys!! For our first throwdown we had 3 women and 7 men brave the gale force winds for their share of hometown glory, results were as follows: Women’s 1. Jessica (109) 2. Mary (44) 3. Rita (36) Men’s 1. Scott (232) 2. Jon (161) 3. Jason (97) 4. Chris (91) 5. Eric (68) 6. John (67) 7. Cyrus (34) Congratulations to everyone and we hope to see you out there next time trying to better your score!! Enjoy the pictures and see you in two weeks –Noah
It was sunny!
It was blustery!
It was 1,300 cfs!
It was the first throwdown of 2011 in Reno, NV!!
This year we have more awesome sponsors, including Jackson kayak which has donated several 2010 Star series kayaks to be given away to those who use the new tracking system to follow their progress against the rest of the World Kayak Universe. We also have our awesome local outfitter Reno Mountain Sports who not only provides the newest demo boats at the HTTD but brings out the grill and cooks up dogs for everyone to warm their stomachs, thanks guys!!
For our first throwdown we had 3 women and 7 men brave the gale force winds for their share of hometown glory, results were as follows:
Women’s
1. Jessica (109)
2. Mary (44)
3. Rita (36)
Men’s
1. Scott (232)
2. Jon (161)
3. Jason (97)
4. Chris (91)
5. Eric (68)
6. John (67)
7. Cyrus (34)
Congratulations to everyone and we hope to see you out there next time trying to better your score!!
Enjoy the pictures and see you in two weeks --Noah
6th Annual BCC Demo Day, Eternity Hole Pro-Am
Base Camp Cullowhee’s 6 th Annual Kayak Demo Day we off without a hitch this past Saturday. Pyranha, Jackson, Bliss-Stick, and Wave Sport athletes arrived the Eternity Hole just before noon, staging up todays freshest kayaks for an afternoon session which won’t soon be forgotten. Dagger and Liquid Logic boats were also available for demo, with a solid 2 ½ hours of demo time before the first event of the 2011 World Kayak Hometown Throwdowns
Base Camp Cullowhee’s 6th Annual Kayak Demo Day we off without a hitch this past Saturday. Pyranha, Jackson, Bliss-Stick, and Wave Sport athletes arrived the Eternity Hole just before noon, staging up todays freshest kayaks for an afternoon session which won’t soon be forgotten. Dagger and Liquid Logic boats were also available for demo, with a solid 2 ½ hours of demo time before the first event of the 2011 World Kayak Hometown Throwdowns. Everyone attending the demo was encouraged to participate in the Pro-Am format event scheduled for the afternoon. Competition participants would be split into teams of three with one boater, a second good boater, and a third better boater. With 24 local paddlers registering for the event, an even eight teams were easily divided. The competition would run in 3 heats with each paddler getting two rides, each lasting for one minute. Individual scores within a team were compiled for an overall team score.
Scoring was done by the team of Jason and Samantha Miller (Charlotte Region), as well as the team of Brad Caldwell (Nantahala Region) and myself. Points were awarded as such: 1 point (any 180 degree rotation), 4 points (loop, Godzilla, or any variation), 6 points (loop, Godzilla, or any variation with air), and 10 points for the more advanced tricks (McNasty, Phonics Monkey). In addition to technical points, all paddlers were able to score a maximum of 10 style points (brow claw, paddle guitar, blowing kisses to the crowd, ECT).
Heat #1 brought the teams of Tommy Pagles/Jay Mahan/Brand Caldwell, Hugh Willard/Mike Dorsey/Paul Butler, and Andrew Blease/Michael Thurmond/Kerry Porche to the water for their much anticipated minute ride in Eternity. Heat highlights included kickflip entry moves from Kerry and Mike, well established side surfs, loops, paddle tosses, and stealth beer chugging.
With Heat #1 coming to an end the boat swap began, everyone eager to be in their favorite demo boat. Heat #2 would welcome to teams of Shannon Christy/Trent Thibodeaux/Tommy Yon, Spencer Redmond/Ian Kennedy/Casey Jones, and Shawn Sheffield/Ashley Doty/Sam Fulbright to the Eternity Hole for a round full of cartwheeling, air-looping, and a little swimming. Big style points go to Shannon and Tommy for their excellent team work (it does take two for the Hand of God; twice…)
Heat #3 was the smallest of the rounds with only two teams. After watching the beginning of the competition, the final teams of Matt Redmond/Mich Beardon/Chan Jones and Zach Agneu/Jackson Amburn/Chris Wing took to the water. More big loops, a few snappy window shades, and a Brown Claw or two made for a thrilling final heat.
With the competition complete, participants packed up and headed back to the Illusions Club at Western Caroina University for some prizes, pizza, and paddling porn. Final scores are as follows:
1st: Team 4 – Shannon/Trent/Tommy 219 points
2nd: Team 6 – Shawn/Ashley/Sam 188 points
3rd: Team 8 – Zach/Jackson/Chris 142 points
4th: Team 5 – Spencer/Ian/Casey 134 points
5th: Team 1 – Tommy/Jay/Brad 119 points
6th: Team 2 – Hugh/Mike/Paul 118 points
7th: Team 3 – Andrew/Michael/Kerry 114 points
8th: Team 7 – Matt/Mich/Chan 104 points
Shwag!
Ready to charge…
Many thanks go to all of our participants for starting off the 2011 World Kayak Hometown Throwdown Series off with a bang. For more information on upcoming World Kayak Events in your region check the Hometown Throwdown Site. We would like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters of this event: Base Camp Cullowhee, World Kayak, Diamond Brand, ERA, Pyranha, Jackson Kayak, Bliss-Stick, WRSI, Team Scum, Outdoor 76, LVM, River Roots, Eno, Watershed, Monster Energy, Mountain Kahki, Ripple Noseplugs, NattyShred, WCAT, and Tuck Reader.
See everyone on the water real soon,
Justin Kleberg
2010 N.O.C. G.A.F. Hometown Throwdown Event Coverage
The N.O.C. Guest Appreciation Festival Hometown Throwdown was HUGE FUN! We had 36 competitors join in for some fun & friendly freestyle competition at the NOC Wave. We had hundreds of spectators who watched and cheered on the competitors from all sides on the river and on the old steel bridge below the feature. We also had a really cool whitewater wakeboarding show going on beside the feature between heats that wowed the crowd. This event turned out to be one of the biggest Freestyle events of the year in the southeast! 2010 N.O.C. G.A.F
The N.O.C. Guest Appreciation Festival Hometown Throwdown was HUGE FUN! We had 36 competitors join in for some fun & friendly freestyle competition at the NOC Wave. We had hundreds of spectators who watched and cheered on the competitors from all sides on the river and on the old steel bridge below the feature. We also had a really cool whitewater wakeboarding show going on beside the feature between heats that wowed the crowd. This event turned out to be one of the biggest Freestyle events of the year in the southeast!
2010 N.O.C. G.A.F. Hometown Throwdown Results:
Open Novice K-1:
1. Mike Dorsey (45)
2. Emerson Clauss (35)
3. Mitchell Bearden (27)
4. Alex Verson (21)
5. Gordy Davenport (18)
5. Walt Johnston (18)
Junior Men K-1:
1. Hunter Katich (149)
2. Elliot Berz (95)
3. Garrett Mays – Hand Paddler (87)
4. Miles Murphy (33)
5. Jack Orr (28)
6. David Jaben (22)
Open C-1:
1. Dane Jackson (271)
2. Tadd Dennis (257)
Expert Women K-1:
1. Rowan Stuart (68)
2. Alexis Grace (33)
3. Haley Popp (15)
Expert Men K-1:
1. Will Rudisill (139)
2. Ty Caldwell (113)
3. Brad Caldwell (112)
4. David Wei (106)
5. Kerry Porche – Hand Paddler (90)
6. Eric Hoffman (60)
7. Michael Biantchi (52)
8. Chase Simmons (47)
Pro Women K-1:
1. Emily Jackson (138)
2. Adriene Levknecht (97)
Pro Men K-1:
1. Eric Jackson (429)
2. Johnathon Shales (412)
3. Dane Jackson (375)
4. Michael Patterson (293)
5. David Fusilli (266)
6. Eric Bartl (211)
7. Casey Jones (184)
8. Stephen Forester (143)
9. Duane Gibson (131)
Click here for a copy of the 2010 G.A.F. HTTD Competition Results
Congrats to all of our division winners & thank you to all the competitors for their participation!
Event Photo Album Links:
Cheryl Killman’s GAF 2010 HTTD photo album#1
Cheryl Killman’s GAF 2010 HTTD photo album#2
Cheryl Killman’s GAF 2010 HTTD photo album#3
Event Video Coverage:
Thanks to David Wei and his lovely wife for these videos:
Whitewater Wakeboarding & Junior Men K-1
Click here to view the embedded video.
Open C-1
Click here to view the embedded video.
Expert Men K-1
Click here to view the embedded video.
Pro Women K-1
Click here to view the embedded video.
Pro Men K-1 – Heat #1
Click here to view the embedded video.
Pro Men K-1 – Heat #2
Click here to view the embedded video.
Don Frank’s Hometown Throwdown Slide Show
Click here to view the embedded video.
A big thank you goes out to all of our great volunteers for their assistance in the event:
Steve Moore – Technical & Style Judge
Wesley R. Bradley – Variety Judge
Shirley Tharp & Billy Long – Scribes
Francheska Barreto & Amanda McDaniel – Registration & Gofers!
Ian Watson – Time Keeper
Cheryl Killman – Photographer
A special thank you goes out to our World Kayak Program Partners listed in the banner at the top of this page & the local sponsors below for all the great prizes & support of this event! Thanks to them everyone who participated in the event went home with a prize!
That’s a wrap for me as host for the 2010 World Kayak HTTD Season… It’s been a fun one and look I forward to throwing down with folks next year; but until then drag the creek boats out and I hope to see you getting your boof on 
