Hungry for Homestake?
By Christopher Wing • Jun 4th, 2009 • Category: Feature Story, Pro Circuit Results, Teva Mountain Games, WK Pro Event Coverage
Unlike the last couple of weeks, the skies were blue and cloudless… that was until predictably the rain clouds organized around 2:30. Fortunately the race was over at that point, so competitors were treated to 70 deg temperatures and sunny skies whereas last year it was raining and sleeting.
Last year was one of the most entertaining in regards to carnage, the lines today were for the most part smooth and uneventful. The level was around 115 cfs for the event and manky as usual. I figure if this is any other day of the week, most paddlers would choose to paddle a different creek. And for this reason, it is one of the most spectator friendly for any event.
I guess you could say this is kind of like NASCAR, people don’t come to see you do well, they come to see you crash. With drop names such as upper and lower Junkyard, Champagne, The Perfect Boof, Little Sunshine and Leap of Faith, you know there is some action to be had.
The most notable carnage of the day was Alex Hotze side pinning near the top of the course where he was rescued by one of the safety crew. Another unfortunate paddler ran the majority of Champagne on his head, though he recovered quite well and greased the remainder of the course.
The competition was stacked in both the men’s and women’s classes and placement was made by tenths of seconds in many cases.
I like most of today’s spectators would have loved to see more NASCAR style crashes, but are always happy to see the competitors remain uninjured. That being said I am hoping for some additional carnage on Sunday during the 8-Ball Race for the lack of adrenal rushes.
Full results are below, make sure to click on the text Steep Creek Sheet 1, I will be providing results in PDF format for the remainder of the season. Some video will be following as well.
STEEP CREEK CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS
Christopher Wing is I currently work at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC as an Instructor Trainer. The 2008 season is my most ambitious to date as I pursue becoming a professional athlete while I expand my programming horizons in professional level instruction.
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