When I turned 30, I would have thought
it would be ridiculous to even imagine that the year I turn
40 I would have my most winning season. Well, my season started
in Australia in January with the International Freestyle Championships
(previously known as the Pre-Worlds). This was my first ever
competition in a Jackson Kayak, my All-Star fiberglass prototype.
I paddled hard, and the boat and I got along quite well to
pull off the big win. I came home and managed to launch my
kayaks into production, while training at Rock Island. In
March I bought the Jackson Kayak RV and by April 1 I was on
the road with my family, off to California. The only boat
I had to compete in was the 2 Fun, which was designed for
my daughter, not me. It was still big enough for me to do
well. I got two seconds to start the season out there, one
to Andrew Holcomb (2003 World Silver Medalist) and one to
Jay Kincaid (2003 World Champion). Then it was off to Bob’s
Hole and the Oregon Cup. This was the first place I had the
Fun in my size. I showed the wave abilities of the boat by
winning the competition in that boat. The season took us to
the Reno Invitational, then to Colorado. My Nationals event
in Salida went like clockwork, winning every round and showing
off my two new moves the McNasty and the Lunar Orbit. I flew
to the Potomac Festival to help Valley Mill open up their
new kayak shop (currently the number one shop for Jackson
Kayak in the USA!) and compete. I won this event as well giving
me a perfect record for the Nationals so far. It was off to
USA Team trials where making the team is the only goal. I
have qualified for the USA Team for either slalom or freestyle,
or both every year since 1989 and it is never easy! This year
I won every round, only to blow the finals and get 5th boat
on the team, but at least I made it, just like my two kids!
The Ottawa was next, then finally the big event, the “Rock
Island Games” The finals counted double and I was in
the lead by over 45 points, meaning that I didn’t have
to place too high to win the championships. This is usually
an issue for me since I paddle better under pressure. Well,
luckily I was able to go and have a good time and win prelims,
and then after the first ride I was winning finals. I got
to watch all of the other paddlers compete and knew I had
it so the paddle got put to the side and I did a competition
no paddle ride, starting off with my new entry move, the “Phoenix”.
It was a great feeling, knowing that so much was on the plate
and I ate it all and never got full!
I am very happy about having a final score
of 150 points- the highest possible- all 1st places. This
is only my personal accomplishments, which is fun for me and
quite satisfying. I had two goals when I was 21. To be a world
kayak champion, and a millionaire before I was 30. Well, I
made one of them. Now my goal is to develop my business without
losing sight of what is important in my life. To sacrifice
kayaking for a kayak company would be a sure sign of giving
up on trying to have it all. I want a great family life, to
be in great shape and healthy, and to have a great business
life. The priorities are in that order too.
What about the kids? That is another story,
but I will say that Emily Jackson is the national champion
for junior women!
I am falling asleep and will be hitting
the sack, Kristine just got in bed and the day should be over!
