World Kayak Event Coverage

Yesterday morning started with a bit of apprehension, apprehension that any organizer would have with their first major event. Daniel Dutton informed me that around 8:00 AM that there were only 16 competitors registered for the event, but that he was anticipating at least ten more. Not so surprising to me, the event ended up with nearly 50 competitors, extremely respectable for a first-time event and extremely well organized. The scoring format that was used catered to both the beginners and the pros alike and allowing everyone to score points and get the feel for a major competition. The format with 2 minute rides proved to be more of an endurance run than anything else, making a flush and attainment even more cumbersome.

Most of the local talent really showed what they are capable of at this feature throwing some huge air. Some of the highlights were local Josh Burton in the Men’s Expert where he separated his body, boat and demonstrated some of the biggest air of the day. The Men’s Expert class was extremely stacked and showed very little difference from the Pro’s.

The Women’s class was owned by Kiwi and long time local boater Maria Noakes with her trademark smile. A total of 4 women came to compete. There is no doubt that more women need to become involved with this sect of the sport. Most of the ladies that I speak to after trying freestyle events convey a sense of “why haven’t I done this sooner?”

Today the competition continues with the finals where the top six from yesterday will move on. Photos were provided by Chris Port and Scott Sidener. I will be posting the links to their site tonight. Photos can be checked out here for now until we get our uploader back up on World Kayak. More photos and video to follow soon.

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM DAY 1

K1 – Open Novice
1. Matt Smink
2. Emerson Clauss
3. Chris Erdahl
4. David Stone
5. Steven Brooks
6. Scott Abla
7. Chad Grindstaff
8. Adam Ott
9. Scott Byers
10. Rick Thompson
11. Lando Calrisien

C1 – Open
1. Jon Clark
2. Jeremy Laucks
3. Tommy Yon
4. Garret Bryant
5. Phillip Young

K1 – Jr men
1. Matt Wright
2. Alex Jamison
K1 – Expert Women
1. Maria Noakes
2. Anna Mattson
3. Crystal Gustin
4. Rebecca Cramer
K1 – Expert Men
1. Josh Burton
2. Chris Wing
3. Craig Parks
4. Daniel Dutton
5. Alan Young
6. Tyler Sansoci
7. Andrew Koch
8. Matt Anger
9. Sean Corbett
10. Jason Aytes
11. Mark Przybysz
12. Jason McClure
13. Zach Thomason
14. Andy Gates
15. Steven Brooks
K1 – Pro Men
1. Bryan Kirk
2. Chris Gragtmans
3. Tommy Yon
4. Spencer Cook
5. Brian Jennings
6. Jeremy Laucks
7. Craig Parks
8. Chris Wing
9. Josh Burton
10. Andrew Koch
11. Matt Anger