welshkate

The original plan for the event was to use “muncher” hole, but given the river levels (which floods from the bottom of the course upwards) this was not possible. As a result, the initial rounds of the freestyle event were run on the entry hole (2 rides) followed by two rides on the lower wave (45 secs). Having never played here before, I took two practice rides on the upper hole. It is the deepest hole I have ever been in. No fear of whacking the bottom of my boat and loops here are incredibly easy and clean. It was fantastic to see the pros/ GB team competing and learning how they utilize the feature. Clean cartwheels, McNasties, loops, airloops, phonics monkeys, space godzillas, back loops- you name it; we saw it; men and women!

The lower wave was very fun. There is a nice surfer’s left shoulder that it was possible to get right blunts off. During my rides, I tried to back-stab but it didn’t quite work. Most of the GB ladies team were there and were getting nice clean spins, blunts. Fun times. Suffice to say I didn’t make the ladies final- or come anywhere close to that.  However, it was great to see the GB team member’s routines and cheer them on- well done ladies; excellent performance. I think the ladies winner was the super friendly Clare O’Hara.

The boater-X was an entertaining event and game some interesting viewing.

I don’t know the overall results of the competition as left early, but I’m sure they’ll be up on some website somewhere soon.