C-Forum

will be at the new WW park in Charolette NC in Aug. BTW everyone is welcome to stay in Chads dorm room

As soon as you get a set date, please post. It's been 12 years since I've done any SE paddling and I can't think of a better reason to head out.

Open Canoe Slalom Nationals will be August 18-20, 2006 in Charlotte, NC.
www.charlottewhitewater.com

Whoo hoo! Finally one in my neck of the woods! Where do I sign up?!

Scott

I don't currently own an OC, which one should I get? How are the classes separated, or is it 'run what ya brung'? Where can I find rules on boat specs?

Now I have an excuse to buy that GalaSport paddle

The only WW OC I have is the ME - once upon a time that was competitive. I don't know that it would make any difference what I'd paddle, I'll just be paddling for fun.

Then again, is there a class for a Rumba?

here is a link to the AWA slalom committees website.
http://users.bestweb.net/~keech/oc-nat.htm.
that may not work, so just copy it into the destination area.

there likely would be a kevlar rec class at the nationals. because its not a 13'2" boat, so it would be under the rec catergory, i think. at least all of my slaloms have been under the plastic rec, for a vertige(not a good slalom boat). if i got my hands on a good OC slallom boat, i might make a trip with some friends... but thats completely speculative.
maybe
cheers
-isaac
oh yeah, theres whole bunches of other stuff worth checcking out under the slalom/race info. i think there is an actual rules sub catergory which would have the most comprehensive answer to your question on the rumba. If i go can i paddle it?

I found the rules:
http://users.bestweb.net/~keech/oc-rules4.htm

Looks like you can race most boats. I guess my fleet will expand again

Bearboater -

I don't have a Rumba. Yet...

Scott

Scott,
All that it takes is some $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
JKaz

wow, that is going to be cool!! if it's anything like other artificial courses, it's going to be some fairly big water for open boat racing.
Alden

My artificial course experience.

Plan on wearing off a few paddle tips in the round concrete bowl. Eddies are so-so. Finding a good place to dump or get out of your boat sucks. If you flip... roll very quickly.... it's usually fairly shallow. Conveyor belt rides are quite amusing. You will know you aren't on a natural river.

I had brought this topic up a couple years ago when the Nationals was moved to MT on a class II section. Although a great event with some tough gates, it was class II. I'm of the opinion that Open Boat WHITEWATER National Championships. Should take place on a tough section of river. The argument is that we will not get as many competitors if some are scared to run. Those folks should not be at Nationals. Our numbers are dwindling, with that sponsors dwindle. Sponsors are always curious how many spectators are estimated at an event. Let's give them a show with tough sections of water first, then decide where the gates go. This is of course is more my style. I like to boof rocks and punch big holes. The fastest boat I have is a Phantom (very slow, doesn't go straight). Don't get mad, just curious as to how others feel. BOB

To me that sounds interesting, separate the men from the boys (sorry ladies) sorta.
Come to think of it, slalom should be really popular with American sports crownds because it controls the playing field, sort of like the Nascar oval versus the open road racing of the World Rally championship.
Don't get me wrong, many technical aspects of boating have been positively influenced by slalom. Boat control is critical when running difficult water, and some slalom thinking is beneficial, but the overall philosophies of slalom and just shredding are quite different. Unfortunately, I think slalom has a tendency to limit possiblity, producing a Class III-expert mentality, like running easy water in hairier boats - Not really that impressive.
Existing within the unpredictablity of the natural environment is to me, the most compelling aspect of whitewater.
Although, it sure would be cool to have a conveyor to take me back to town after a Loop run on the Yough.

Ambivalent boater

Just my opinion here. Boofing rocks does not involve any slalom technique or any technique for that matter. Come on, who can't boof a rock?
The Nationals were moved to Montana last year on short notice after the venue in California had some problems. The Montana race organizer did an awesome job putting together ths event with less than 30 days notice. Unfortunately, controlling the river level was impossible because it is natural flow. There are many things to look at in hosting a major event like nationals. Access on private property, parking, spectator access, camping, racer meals, etc. The Montana site was chosen because it could accomodate a large amount of people.
The number of slalom racers seems to be dwindling but we certainly don't want to discourage anyone from attending by saying they aren't good enough to attend. This event is open to anyone of any skill level. Setting a course with safety in mind is a primary issue. This is not a rodeo or a creek running event. There are events for those disciplines elsewhere.
I'm probably going to regret saying this but what the heck. If slalom racing doesn't interest you, then just leave it alone. Go boof a rock somewhere.
Respectfully submitted,
John Kazimierczyk