World Kayak Event Coverage

Last weekend we had a great time at the Payette & Boise River (PBR) Revival. Despite some threatening weather, even a little rain, the event was a blast! Jackson Kayak Regional Paddler Mark Cecchini wrote the following  report of the weekends event and results are posted at the bottom:

The 2009 PBR Revival went off just as the Payette River system marked peak water levels for the season.  The high water conditions created truly spectacular venues for the competitors throughout the weekend.  The events kicked off on Friday, June 5, with a freestyle kayaking competition for a talented field of seven junior competitors under the age of 18.  Despite the high water, the competitors voted to hold the competition on the world reknown Bladder Wave instead of a rather sticky hole in the Gutter.  Their choice was vindicated during a half hour jam session on one of the biggest and best waves in the west. The jam session format allowed each competitor to get a feel for the giant wave without the pressure of timed rides while providing room for the competitors to experiment with more difficult and higher-scoring manuervers.  In the end, Tyler Wilson captured third place with consistent flurries of spins, ends, and even a few paddle tosses.  Second place finisher, Ethan McCleod pulled ahead by using the entire wave to generate more consistent vertical moves.  But it was Seth Stoenner who stole the show with smooth style and rides that would leave many adult pros reluctant to leave the eddy.  Regardless of the results, each competitor showed guts and poise by adapting to the last minute venue changing and excelling on one of the best features in the coutry.
The PBR’s marquee event, a three mile sprint down the lengendary North Fork Payette, took place on Sunday, June 7.  While any race on the North Fork is a serious test of poise and stamina, the 2009 edition featured an extra juicy flow of 5,500 cubic feet per second rushing over every jagged rock on the course.  The immense flow combined with rapids like Otter Slide, Juicer, and Crunch saw competitors flying over house-sized waves at the speed of traffic on Highway 55.  A field of 18 expert paddlers assembled to see who would claim the title of Fastest Paddler on the Payette.  True to form, Ketchum local, Ryan Casey, parlayed his nordic racing background and considerable wingspan advantage into yet another unbeatable time.  PBR 2009 marks the thrid year in a row that Casey has dominated the North Fork race.  North Fork locals Jared Alexander and Tristan McClaren took second and third, respectively.  Special thanks is due to the team of safety kayakers, all worthy competitors, who selflessly volunteered to monitor various trouble spots along the course instead of racing themselves.  That kind of selfless attitude that makes the PBR possible and shows that the paddling community is alive and well on the Payettes.

Thanks to the volunteers, competitors, spectators, and organizers for making the 2009 PBR an unforgettable weekend. Look for more excitement on the Payettes in 2010!

JR FREESTYLE:
1) Seth Stoener
2) Ethan McLeod
3) Tyler Wilson

MARATHON:
1) Ryan Casey      1) Melissa Newell
2) Fred Corriel      2) Stacey Thompson
3) Brett Gleason
4) Brian Ward
5) Aaron Wydra
6) Jesse Murphy
7) Marty Rood

DOWNRIVER:

1) Seth Stoenner      1) Jared Alexander      1) Jess Brown   1) ORT
2) Tanner Griffith      2) Brian Ward             2) Stacey T     2)J. Krakk
3) Conner McLeod     3) Mike McKee
4) Ethan McLeod       4) Jesse Murphy
5) Conner Jackson     5) Marty Rood
6) Michael Hayes

EXTREME:
1) Ryan Casey 14:30
2) Jared Alexander 14:54
3) Tristan McClaran 14:55
4) Brian Ward 15:00
5) Jesse Murphy 15:01
6) Mark Cecheni 15:15
7) Brett Gleason 15:16
7) Shane Trapp 15:16
Ian McClaran 15:17
9) Andrew Dunning 15:17
10) Seth Stoenner 15:27
11) Mike McKee 15:30
12) Jess Brown 15:33
13) James McLeod 15:42
14) Skip Armstrong 15:43
15) Ty Bequette 16:00
16) Aaron Schwisher 16:14