World Kayak Event Coverage

Saturday June 6th. Riviere St-Charles in Valleyfield, Quebec.

Our first regional throwdown took place on a beautiful summy day in Valleyfield.

The day started with a volunteer effort in conjunction with the Valleyfield Kayak Club (CEEVV). The section of river that we are all privileged to play in is unfortunately also subject to vandalism… So there are regular volunteer efforts to clean it up. All morning before the start of the throwdown, about 30 volunteers (mostly parents of kids and the kids who make up the CEEVV and 10 of the CReW members pulled sopping carts, bicycles, bike tires, TVs, tires and other lovely items out of the water. Not a fun way to spend time but worth the efforts. Thanks to all that helped.

At noon we were done and started taking registrations for the throwdown. 12 people signed up and the fun got under way.

The frist events was for kids, new paddlers and even a new C1 paddler. Held at mini wave the kids and newbies had a blast surfing spinning and even the occasional ender Most importantly it was a lot of big smiles. Sam (11-years old and hist first big surf on mini wave)), Max, Zachary (in a C-1 for the first time) Jennifer and Emily. Each doing what they could and having fun while encouraging each other.
The highlight here was definitely Sam. Sam came out with his mom and Dad to play around in Valleyfield. Sam’s dad Francois is a C-1 paddler his mom is a rafter and he and his brothers are all in Kayaks. Another paddling family! This little guy was nervous and when he got on Mini Wave he rode well for a bit then flushed. The judges followed him down to an even friendlier wave for his second ride and he rocked it! Thanks guys. Well done Sam!

The second event was the men’s and Junior K1-A and C1-A on Manic.
Here we had some local paddlers that could rip! Aime-Jean, James, Pierre-Yves, myself, Zachary (in a kayak), Francois (C-1) and Max (yup Max wanted to participate in every event he could. 12 years old and lots of enthusiasm)
Aime-Jean killed it in the men’s category with a few loops, cartwheels, a Space Godzilla and a bunch of spins. Every one was throwing loops and we even saw an “almost” McNasty from James. Good try sir. The feature is not well suited for that but it was good to see someone try to go big!
(Unfortunately for myself it ended with a pulled muscle and I di not finish the comp… Teach me for not stretching before I paddled)
Francois was the only C-1 in his class but it was great to watch. The boat was an old school Dagger and to see someone handle a long boat so well in Manic was inspiring. Spins, front enders and back enders. Nice
The Junior put Zachary and Max against each other. Again we saw some great loops, lots of spins and some great attitude form both kids. Max is a bit young than Zachary and brings some good slalom skills to the table. Zachary will have to watch himself throughout the rest of the season:)

It ended with the Women. Sylvie Cheryl and Jenn competing in a hole called Bob. All 3 ladies were about the smiles and fun. Enders were new to their repertoire and Cheryl threw her best donkey flip ever! Nicely done.

This year we actually had spectators. It was a really nice day so lots of people were out and about. A lot of other local paddlers came to watch as well.

When the points were announced and the prizes drawn we were blown away by the thanks with which we were rewarded. The biggest smiles and thanks came from Sam who won a Shred Ready Helmet in Camo colors. He says he will definitely come back again. The little guy makes the helmet look good

Here are the results of the day:

Juniors
Zachary Zwanenburg: 76
Maxime Leboeuf: 17
Emily Zwanenburg: 7
Samuel Lizotte: 4

Men’s K-1A
Aime-Jean Lavigne: 105
Pierre-Yves Lecompte: 66
James Golic: 60
Robert Zwanenburg: 9

C1
François Lizotte: 24
Zachary Zwanenburg: 14

Women’s K-1
Cheryl McGregor: 44
sylvie Lebel: 24
Jennifer Tytula: 16

So another World Kayak Throwdown goes off and the freestyle season has begun in Valleyfield.

Thanks to everyone who came out to participate, our volunteers who judge and help make this fun or the kids and to all the sponsors that make this all possible.

So the next Throwdown in July 25th. Sign up and I hope to see many people there!

The next Seaway Valley Slaom Survivor is June 17th! Come out and and run the course and have some fun!

See you on the river,

Robert Zwanenburg
www.cornwallwhitewater.com