August 16, 2008

Photos

7:48 am and I just finished training this morning. I expected higher water with rain that lasted all day and night and is still going on. It is only slightly higher than yesterday which makes for a great level.

Ruth Gordon will lead off the Women’s K1 heats this morning at 8am. This means 8:30am by the look of things. She is paddling well and fun to have at the event. Very grounded, funny, and has a great outlook on things. She really adds positive energy to the event. Emily is in a later heat, while Jessie Stone is in the last heat of Women. I got out of the water as the eddy filled up with only women and they had their game faces on.

Yesterday’s prelims went well for me and I was quite please to come in first among so many great paddlers. The French, Germans, British, Americans, Canadians, etc. etc. all going for it and each with a reason why they should be first too.

The All-Star is perfect for this spot. The combination of huge air, slicey ends, and easy to control does the trick. I am very happy that I have the right boat! I can’t imagine being in another boat. The Europeans are still struggling to get them as every single boat we brought over is already spoken for. When you see someone in another brand of boat you normally assume that they want to be, but when they start asking you to buy yours after the World Cup it is clear that there is quite a void between supply and demand.

Time to go watch the women compete. Wish the ladies and C1’s good luck this morning, and then the Men’s Kayak Quarter finals cutting from 20 to 10! This is always a huge cut and not easy to make. Three rides, two counts, everyone knowing that they can’t hold anything back. Then it is wait until it is late and compete under the lights tonight at 10pm for the cut from 10 to 5 for Men, Junior Men, and Women, that will be a site to see! The 10 to 5 cut is nothing but incredible with 2 rides and 1 counts. No holding back there either and it is the final hurdle to get into the medal round. 10 of the best from 30+ countries. 30 countries and only 5 people in the finals. That will be determined tonight! I am getting nervous just writing about it.

Got to go:

EJ