What is wildwater racing?

Beunos Dias 

Como estas?

I have realsied that many of you may not really know what wildwater racing  really is. The video yesterday has probably helped a little but I thought I would spend the time and try to explain what it is.

Wildwater racing is a time trial, generally starting with 1 minute gaps between each competitor. It is the ultimate kayak sport requiring the paddler to be both skillful, fast and strong. The Paddler chooses his own route down the river in an attempt to find the fastest water. He must avoid being hit by waves and stoppers and going into dead water as this will slow the boat down and require an extra effort to reacclerate the boat. It is important to keep the boat as flat as possible so avoiding bouncing around in large waves is also important. 

There are two types of wildwater racing classic and sprint. 

The classic is a long race that is typically 7 to 25 minutes long. At sort we are looking at 6.8km in approximately18-22 minutes depending on the water level.

The sprint is typically raced over a course 300-800m long 40"- 2' in length. You have two runs down the course and your times are added together so it is important to be not only fast but neat in both runs.

This year I am only racing the classic at world championships.

There is also teams racing where teams of three competitors race together on the river. A good team will help it's slowest member go faster than in the individuAl race. Teams racing is often the most exciting to watch with competitors closely following each other on the course there is great potential for carnage.

I hope tis has given everyone a better understanding of what it is that I do...

Adios amigos