The Canyon Creek Race was held this last weekend in the southern Washington Cascades. The creek is one of the many quality tributaries in the Lewis Drainage which covers quite a large area to the south of Mt. Saint Helens. With sunny skies, 80 degrees, and a well attended party Saturday night, it was a fun time.
Thrasher- the starting drop for the race. This hole can be damn sticky, but it only got a few out of over 40 competitors. The hole above this swam a lot of people however, probably at least a half dozen and some got looong recirculations out of their boat.
Boofing the Hammering Spot.
Scott and Paul smoked the r2 division.
This guy in the red bull helmet came in second.
Sunday morning we heard that Copper Creek bumped up to a solid flow. Seeing as how it was just a couple miles from where we passed out, it seemed like a good place to head to. I didn't take any pics of this one, but one of the drops is the last in the video.
I know I don't post a lot here (I'm more of a BoaterTalk guy...sorry), but I gotta chime in and give some props to Geoff Calhoun. He's a local boating/drinking buddy of mine from the Washington DC area. This was his first time racing Canyon Creek (or racing in the PNW for that matter)...and damn. 4 seconds over Tao, and they were both in Nomad 8.5's. Kid came in second in the Green Race last year, and that was his first race there too. Keep an eye out for him on the Little White race this weekend. I wish I could, but I'll be stuck in WV....
I know I don't post a lot here (I'm more of a BoaterTalk guy...sorry), but I gotta chime in and give some props to Geoff Calhoun. He's a local boating/drinking buddy of mine from the Washington DC area. This was his first time racing Canyon Creek (or racing in the PNW for that matter)...and damn. 4 seconds over Tao, and they were both in Nomad 8.5's. Kid came in second in the Green Race last year, and that was his first race there too. Keep an eye out for him on the Little White race this weekend. I wish I could, but I'll be stuck in WV....
Your boy came in 2nd overall in the LW race and I think 5th in the downriver. That's pretty remarkable for a non-local. He might as well come on up to the Robe Canyon Race this weekend for the trifecta.
I know I don't post a lot here (I'm more of a BoaterTalk guy...sorry), but I gotta chime in and give some props to Geoff Calhoun. He's a local boating/drinking buddy of mine from the Washington DC area. This was his first time racing Canyon Creek (or racing in the PNW for that matter)...and damn. 4 seconds over Tao, and they were both in Nomad 8.5's. Kid came in second in the Green Race last year, and that was his first race there too. Keep an eye out for him on the Little White race this weekend. I wish I could, but I'll be stuck in WV....
Calhoun might be the fastest man in kayak in the US right now. He won the Wildwater team trials this year if I am not mistaken. Tao is an incredible athlete and fast in a creek boat, but the guys that train wildwater are pulling on their blades with a power that you can not simulate paddling hard in a creek boat.
I have been training Wildwater for the last month and I have never felt as fit coming into a paddling season.
Props is right. I would like to see his boat lurch forward when he is really giving it.
Calhoun might be the fastest man in kayak in the US right now. He won the Wildwater team trials this year if I am not mistaken. Tao is an incredible athlete and fast in a creek boat, but the guys that train wildwater are pulling on their blades with a power that you can not simulate paddling hard in a creek boat.
Yeah, the kid is really quick. He's not a spectacular boater, or the best guy I've creeked with, but I've never seen anybody move that fast in flatwater. (Don't get me wrong, he's solid enough to paddle the LW). It's pretty cool to see him turning some heads.
I don't know if he's racing the Robe Canyon Race this weekend, but I'll give him a call to find out. He quit his job and is driving around the country hitting up all the creeky races.
And on another note, that Giant Slalom thing is so badass. I can't wait for the comp. on the Green in August...I really want to see it.
^^^
Yeah, and what's that? - You are never "stuck in WV". (unless, of course, you're a fucktard and you hate on your own search and rescuers)
The Little White and PNW creeking in general are great and everything, but don't kid yourself - when it comes to the density of high quality 6-10' boofs, Dub-V is hard to beat. Everything is soooo close. Waterfalls, however...come on out here - dammit!
Oh, and Geoff is definitely fast. Damn, that boy can milk blade purchase for all it's worth!
__________________ The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
^^^
Waterfalls, however...come on out here - dammit!
Ha, I'm not stuck in WV by any means. The boating out here is awesome, and is virtually year-round, with Upper Yough releases, etc. And when it rains, we've got quite the variety of V+ creeks to play on if that's your thing. As for waterfalls, my avatar of Wonder Falls doesn't come close to Spirit in yours.
And, hating on your own S&R...I won't go there but I've got some stories...
He should come on up, but he'll need to partner up with someone else who knows the run (it's a team race). Should be a fun little event with some good boaters at hand. Seattle is NOT a paddling town, so it's pretty cool to see something like this. I'd probably hurt myself racing so I opted to safety boat. More details just posted on ---> http://www.therangelife.com/
I hear ya. I moved out here from the playground of Wonder Falls and Splat , the UY, and the UB not long ago, after falling in love with the place (and the sandstone creeking) over a 10 year stay. Enjoy it while you can.
Oh, and I believe you have stories...I used to paddle with the hate-your-own-SAR group from time-to-time. I've since changed my mind
/Thread hijack
__________________ The greatest effort is not concerned with results.
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