World Kayak Event Coverage

Thursday Night Throwdowns 2008Summary: By KB

The second annual Thursday Night Throw-down series (T.N.T.) was a success story again in 2008. First off- HUGE thanks to every person who helped in making this event go off! T.N.T. is a local throw-down freestyle kayak event, so there is no money being made, therefore no money too pay anyone. The idea of the event is to involve the community, bring exposure to whitewater kayaking, and stoke out the competitors. Therefore, everyone from community businesses to industry sponsors will see increased exposure and profits from the event. When I say this event went off, I really mean it.
T.N.T. took place during four Thursday’s in July the final event was July 31st. There were over 5,000 plus spectators during the four events. This event featured live D.J.’s (The ZOO-KEEPERZ) spinning sick beats on the banks of the Clark Fork. T.N.T. had a rowdy cheering section in the middle of the river, known as “Party Island”. Zootown Surfers, a local rafting and kayak instruction company rallied a raft to each event, which took spectators back and forth from “Party Island”. Seriously, how many places in the world can you go where it’s a sunny 90 plus degrees, jump on a raft be taken across a river to a party, where you can get crazy and watch freestyle kayaking. The beauty found on this island rivals the Playboy Mansion or MTV Spring Break-yep! This is all going down while sick beats are thumping and MC “Its-Just-Me KB” gives the kayak play by play on the microphone. Lots of celebrity paddlers were in the crowd and volunteering as judges. Just to name a few Karl Moser (Team Riot), Luke Rieker (Team Jackson Kayak/EOW), Scott Doherty (World Class Kayak Academy), Jud Kieser (Team Jackson Kayak/EOW), were in and out judging. Willy Kern, Land Heflin, Tyler Bradt and other world-class paddlers were seen joining the party. If that isn’t enough Seth Warren showed up in his Bio-diesel rig known as “Baby” for the last event. He is about to embark on a new mission called the “Elements tour”. It is a follow-up to last years “Oil + Water project”. So once again Seth was back at T.N.T. to kick off his tour and unveil the latest in Bio-tech and the new version of “Baby”.
Oh did I mention the competition? The Comp was sick and up for grabs once again was a Jackson Kayak for first place overall. The individual total points decided first overall after four events. Last years runner-up Shawn Byron took home the boat this year. It wasn’t easy however. Shawn had to battle an equal group of paddlers, which included last years champ Ben Neilson (men), Frank Jackson (Jr.) and Chyanne Rogers (Female). It was awesome competition week after week, so big thanks to all those who participated and made it great to watch. There were also weekly winners, who took home sweet swag from all the sponsors. So a big Montana Ye-Haaaaa to the sponsors! Sponsors included: Red Bull, Worldkayak.com, Jackson Kayak, Edge of the World, Zoo-town Surfers, W.R.S.I., Kayak Sessions Magazine, Level Six, Snap Dragon, Smith, Mountain Khakis, Mion footwear and Astral Buoyancy. –I can’t wait for next July
–Thanks KB and Edge of the World –The worlds most progressive paddle shop!

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