Craig, how were the slalom nationals?

[Dooleyoc-1]

I hate it that I missed the race.

Any updates? Who won the Mens REC, Mens 13 Race and the X-Class?

As a small consolation it rained here so I got an 80 degree sunny August run in on the Little River in the Smokies. Still it wasn't fun missing the race.

Dooley

[Craig Smerda]

OC1 Open Race
Kazimierczyk, John 171.72
Walker, Andrew 172.69
Ewers, Dewey 197.16

OC1 Open REC
Walker, Andrew 174.02
Kazimierczyk, John 185.14
Ewers, Dewey 204.25

OC1 Open 13 RAC
Walker, Andrew 179.26
Kazimierczyk, John 180.06
Steffes, Pete 221.22

OC1 Open X
Crimmins, Roy 226.32
Helbert, Eli 30 237.71
McConville, John 247.30

results...
http://www.wausauwhitewater.org/Documen ... esults.pdf

pictures from the local paper...
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/p ... s=Itemnr=1

Kaz's "Inferno" is one bad-a@@ race boat. Wish I could've paddled it... but seeing Andy, Carolyn and him in it and hearing their feedback... it's is one silly fast short canoe. Fastest time of the weekend... Millbrook Inferno

Also... a huge congratulations to John for claiming his 100th first place finish at this years OCSlalom Nat's.

Roy won the "X" class in the L'edge followed by Eli (Eli ran faster/cleaner on his Fly run) and a local kayaker recently turned OC'er took the bronze in the L'edge as well. Not bad considering it was Roys second time in the boat and he has been living, eating and sleeping in the SpanishFly the past few months every day. Eli's split wasn't much different... but he's accustomed to the fly as well... John (the kayaker) ran faster and cleaner than he did in the Zephyr or anything else he was in. (Everyone that paddled the boat seemed to approve btw... hopefully some folks will post their impressions)

In the meantime... I get to go see a specialist to figure out exactly whats wrong with my hand and right index finger. I've gotta big problem. Left handed typing sucks... the mouse is even worse.

[Dooleyoc-1]

Thanks for the updates Craig. I really wish I could have been there to see everyone, race and try the L'Edge. I won't miss Nationals next year.

Here's hoping there will be a plastic L'Edge ready for me by GauleyFest.

Dooley

[Jim]

The race was GREAT! Even better was the Wisconsin hospitality!

This was my second time at Wausau and it continues to impress me. Pete Steffes, Ruth Jaeger, Brian Heikenen and Julie Walraven were wonderful hosts. Dewey Ewers gave us a challenging course- it kicked my butt during practice runs, but I pulled it together for the races. Craig’s work as the commentator was stellar, although I think the laughing he inspired may have contributed to those 3 touches on my run with my son.

Craig’s post covered some of the great races. Some of the other incredible runs that were put down were by Carolyn Peterson, the team of Roy & Dewey, and the downriver runs of Clayton Cole and Eli Helbert.

Saturday night was a celebration with great food, beer and videos (there was a videographer at the race and the camera inspired lots of river action). Pete had lined up many raffle items for Sunday so that we all left with a smile!

Arriving home today was sad as I hated for the trip to end. My family is grateful to Wausau Kayak / Canoe for making this a great vacation!

[DDraper]

Totally agree with Jim - except for the part about pulling it together for my solo races.

The course and the hospitality were outstanding. What a great chance to meet other paddlers and learn from watching and talking - learn a little from Andy, Caroline, Eli, Kaz, Vanessa, Dewey, Roy, Clayton...

And nice to see Craig's prototype in action.

I won't wade into the debate about the number of classes, but the event could certainly use some more of the excellent paddlers out there who were not able to come to Wausau or decided to give it a pass. I know the Ontario paddling community benefits from seeing and hearing about what's going on elsewhere.

Thanks to the good folks of Wisconsin for hosting!

David Draper

[Stingray]

Who won the boat at the raffle

[Craig Smerda]

pictures... http://tbratton.smugmug.com/gallery/9355270_UTc9M#P-1-9

[Alden]

Craig, how's that hand doing, anyway?

Is that even a paddling injury?

Alden

[Craig Smerda]

Craig, how's that hand doing, anyway?

Is that even a paddling injury?

Alden

I'm seeing a specialist Sep. 3rd

A tendon in my index finger is damaged... it happened while I was cleaning brush at the course.... well... pulling vines to be exact.

[kaz]

Good luck with that Craig. I'll let you know how my hand surgery goes on the 1st.
JKaz

[Craig Smerda]

Good luck with that Craig. I'll let you know how my hand surgery goes on the 1st.
JKaz

It'll probably just make you faster Col. Steve Austin.

[ezwater]

Don't know about hand jobs, but I've twice damaged my rotator cuff pulling brush.