East to West 2013

Chasing Haley during the SUP Cross

Two weeks ago, I got to travel to Richmond, Va for the Richmond Dominion River Rocks festival. I signed up for three events, the Boater Cross, SUP Cross, and the freestyle event. This event is super cool because we are in the middle of downtown Richmond the whole time and there are all sorts of other events going on at the same time. It is like the east coast version of what used to be the Teva Mountain Games, now called the Go-Pro Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado. 

Crossbow!!

 The boater cross was awesome and it ended up being three heats of going really hard for 2 minutes at a time. I won the event and all of the other girls were super stoked. We headed to the SUP Cross shortly after that and it was the same set up. We did a time trial, then on to the SUP Cross race. Three races again and we had three gates to go through. Haley Mills (my Partner in Crime) is a super good SUPer and she "missed a gate" so I ended up winning,  even though I fell over, head first, into the water during the race. 

Right before the head plant. 

 The next day we did a freestyle event but it was a downriver freestyle because there was no feature to surf. It was pretty interesting and we all did as well as we could, I think I won because I did an awesome rock spin :-) All in all, the Dominion event was awesome and I came home with some money in my pocket. I will most definitely be back there next year!

Courtney and I taking first and second in the SUP Cross.

Right after the Dominion event, I headed back to Greenville for a day just to re-pack my car and drive to Colorado, solo. I made it all the way to Salina KS and stopped for four hours, only to wake up next to Clay Wright's rig!! I finished the drive and was stoked to make it to Buena Vista, Colorado in good time. We have better water here than last year and the event went off without a hitch. Blog on that to come soon.  

Freestyle winners!

A small bag of 5 foot candy

There are a lot of things that I want to share with the kayaking world about the travels of the "Colorado Tour" because everyone thinks that it is this glorious lifestyle but it's really not. The tour is full of good times and hard times. Every day is not as easy as it looks.

Our days are full of selling gear, doing blogs, competing, and having fun. That sounds easy right? On the side, there are always other things going on; family problems, travel drama, where to shower, what to eat, not doing well in competition, and watching other people do really well.

I will share more of this later. I want to personally thank Jeff Turner and Matt Porter at Kokatat for housing me and taking very good care of me over the weekend during BV Paddlefest. I have been embraced by the Kokatat family and I feel really loved by them. So, thank you, Kokatat for all that you for me and the kayaking community.

2013 US Freestyle Kayak Team Trials

Even though it was a cold, rainy weekend, last weekend was great. We had the 2013 US Freestyle Kayak Team trials for Worlds, which are being held at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in September. I learned how to kayak at the NOC over 10 years ago and the Nantahala River was the first river I ever paddled on. I thought it would be pretty amazing if I could represent the US in this monumentous event. 

Trying to make the best out of a cold day.

 I was super stoked on Saturday when it was 55 degrees and raining that I had just picked up my newest sponsor, SurfFur. They have super warm sweatshirts and a full length, waterproof, windproof, parka that is big enough to change in. In prelims the day before, I ended up in 1st place going into semi-finals! Throughout the day on Saturday there were rumors of impending heavy rain and some speak of having finals on Saturday night. 

Flippy flopping my way to victory. 

 Saturday after semi-finals I was in 2nd place behind Haley Mills with Elaine Campbell in 3rd, Emily Jackson in 4th, and Devon Barker in 5th. Emily is heavily pregnant at over 7 months but we all knew that she had a lot of "tricks" up her sleeve for finals. Sunday morning we woke up to heavy rain and a  rowdy looking radar. As a "creek" boater I would normally be pretty pumped, but I had other things on my mind that morning. I knew what I had to do to come away with what I wanted, a spot on the US Freestyle Team. 

Dropping into a flushy, brown, feature.

The water came up over 400 cfs in under two hours and it was raining over an inch an hour while we were eating breakfast (at 1030). We were all watching the hole slowly disappear and we were all on edge not knowing if we were even gong to have a finals. The five women got into our kit and all of us were (abnormally) quiet in the eddy prior to competing. Haley, Elaine, and I are pretty well known for being a bit rowdy in the eddy. What's the point of competing if you can't have fun!!??

Nervous faces or game faces???

 I won't give the play by play but Haley and I had "good" first rides and we ended up 1st and 2nd respectively. We were (once again) the ones to beat. Elaine pulled out a ride that was up to par and placed her in 3rd again. For the first time ever Emily Jackson ended up in 4th place and just out of contingency for Worlds, she is first alternate however, so there is still a chance she will compete at Worlds in September.

Happy face!!

Stoked that even though the hole was not so good and it was cold and rainy, I still made the US Team!! I represented the US in Thun Switzerland in 2009 and I wanted to have another chance that this "kayaker" can do some freestyle!! 

Celebratory beers with my teammates. 

We all ran into the dry area where, magically, there was a keg of beer!! We celebrated the night away with our victories and tried to stay warm and dry. 

I then traveled back to Greenville, SC on Monday and headed to an awesome 24 hour shift with Greenville County EMS, like nothing ever happened. I sure do love the split of lives that I am living right now!! Super shout out to my sponsors; Liquid Logic, Kokatat, Werner Paddles, Jen-ai Apparel Shred Ready Helmets, SurfFur, Watershed Drybags, and Smith Optics

Jerrys Baddle 2013

Direct Sunshine at 200%. That is FAST!!
Photo by:Shane Benedict

 Welcome to my blog about Jerrys Baddle! This was my fourth year doing the Baddle, the third time doing it all on my own, the 5 mile paddle down the whole Green River and the 26 mile road bike ride climbing over 4000 feet. The race is a fundraiser for the research of ALS and over the last six years has raised over $50,000 for ALS research. Not only is it a very painful race, but at the end I feel great about what I have done with my entry fee. 

Hammer Factor 200%
Photo by:Christine Boush

 This year, it rained the day before the race and no one was sure what the level would be on the Green. Everyone had to play it by feel the whole race and only three people ended up running Gorilla and I was not one of them! This was the first year that I have ever taken the time to walk around Gorilla and put my foot on the Jerry plaque, I felt it very fitting.

This year, I also got the joy of riding the road ride with Shannon Christy before the race and she was killing it!! I was borrowing a bike from Anna Levesque, what is the saying.... "it takes a village"? Its true with regards to me. 

Finally done with the 26 miles.
Photo by Christine Boush

 The paddle for me was great and it went by without a glitch, I even passed some people on the river. The bike was a different story. It started with the switchbacks and I stayed in my first gear for over three miles. I was already hurting trying to push up the hill. I got to Saluda and got passed by three people on the Saluda loop, that was rough. I was crashing. Coming down into Holbert Cove road I was almost out of water and I almost threw up the one Shock Block that I had eaten. I caught up with a guy from the Asheville Ale Trail and was on his butt for the next 12 miles, we switched places multiple times and I was hurting so bad but I am way to stubborn to back down. 

So happy its over
Photo by Shane Benedict

I passed another 4 people before the end of the road ride and I started hauling butt to the finish. The last three miles I averaged over 20 miles an hour. I was pushing hard. I had dropped the guy from the Asheville Ale Trail and I had passed a kid from Clemson who is a really good downhill mountain bike racer. At the end of the race I was stoked for it to be over and I knew that I had gone really fast. My back seized up and I ended up spending the next 45 minutes stretching on my yoga mat in the grass, tanning. All in all, my race was great. 

My best friend Shannon Christy

Shannon Christy took second in the race right behind me, on my coat tails!! We were both so happy to have the race done with and it was time to celebrate!!!

Results

Here are the results for the solo times, I ended up 12th overall and I was super happy with that standing. I had my best time by over 5 minutes! 

I went play boating at the NOC the day after the race to train for US Team Trials in freestyle, then headed home and worked 48 hours at Greenville County EMS just to head back to the NOC today (wednesday AM). It has been a big week and I am more than ecstatic to be here with everyone getting ready for Team Trials. 

Wish me luck!! Check back in very soon for Team Trials results!! 

Also if you get the chance; don't forget about the fundraiser I am doing for First Descents, I will be shaving my head in Vail Colorado and donating the 20 inches to Locks of Love. 

Check it out!!

http://teamfd.firstdescents.org/2013/fd/shaveQuickie/

Slaloming- The Beginning

2nd place in my first ever slalom event!

So, even though I'm relatively well known for "extreme" kayaking, I have wanted to do something different for years. I have never had the time, money, or ability to do anything different than the stuff right in my backyard. This year is different. I have a job, some money, and a little bit more "free" time. 

Whee!!! Probably my favorite move on the USNWC course.

 I have now done three different slalom races. The NOC Glacier Breaker (2nd), the NOC Bank of America Open (5th), and the Spring Race at the USNWC (3rd). Slalom is very different than anything that I have done in a kayak. Yes, its in a kayak, yes, there are two blades, yes, its on a river (kind of). But pretty much everything else is different. The edging is backwards, there are poles you have to go around and make sure you dont hit your paddle (or head), and its very serious! 

Be very careful!!!

I have been very lucky with my "transition" into slalom with the US Team members (and others), who train at the USNWC. Most of them already knew who I was because of my other endeavors and I always have a big smile on my face. It's hard for them to not laugh at some of the things that I do. On the other hand, they see how much I want to do well in this sport and my affinity for learning very quickly, this could help me very much in the future. I am also very blessed to have the boyfriend that I have and the support of my family behind me, for the opening of this new chapter. 

Trying to go faster

So far in my slalom fun; I have flipped in class 2, almost swam at the USNWC, head butted more than 1 gate, and learned loads!! I need to thank Pablo McCandless at the USNWC for not only letting me borrow his slalom boat and skirt, but for coaching me and pushing me to always be better. For the time being, I have Pablo helping me out loads, and a lot of learning on my own to do. 

Snowy and I taking the time between races to explore the other  super fun activities that the USNWC has to offer!

Redefining what slalom kayakers should wear!!

So here's to the beginning of another chapter of my kayaking experience. For anyone who does not know, I am also doing a fundraiser to raise money for a foundation called First Descents. It is easy to donate, wether its 5$ or 500$ all donations go towards funding someone who has either beat cancer or is actively fighting cancer to camp to learn how to whitewater kayak. In June, I will be shaving my head (20 inches of hair) and donating it to a cause that will help out people who are losing, or can't grow, their own hair. Just push the click the link below and go for it, every cent counts. 

http://teamfd.firstdescents.org/2013/fd/shaveQuickie/

Huge thanks to all of my sponsors; Jen-ai apparel (best quick dry and cute skirts around), Werner Paddles, Liquid Logic kayaks, Kokatat, Shred Ready, and Smith Optics. 

Reflections

2012 was a year of firsts for me. I had a lot change in my life in the year that the world was supposed to end. This blog is not so much about my "rad" kayaking but it is about me and people learning about my  interesting journey through life. 

I started the 2012 year with my final semester of Paramedic school at AB Tech in Asheville NC. My life was pretty busy trying to keep my grades up and making sure that I graduate. My first five months of the year consisted of books, studying, and dreaming of kayaking. 

My family at Graduation

So I finally graduated with an AAS with an emphasis on Emergency Medicine. That was a first. 

Evelyn Nine Volt and I

 Another first for me this year has been the excitement of watching Corey and Jessica Volts' first child grow up. She is the first child that a very close friend of mine has had and Snowy and I have had the joy of watching her grow up over the last year.

Space Godzilla in the composite boat

I drove to Buena Vista Colorado shortly after graduation and I had my FIRST composite play boat from  Liquid Logic. I'm not sure if anyone noticed I also changed my first sponsor ever. I have been kayaking for Immersion Research for 6 years and I decided, after a long deliberation process, to move to Kokatat. It was really hard for me to leave IR and they have been great to me through the years but Kokatat made me an offer that I could not refuse. 

Training for the race

Winner!

 

 This year I also had a bit of an "opposite year". I won my first ever Pro Rodeo at the BV rodeo, I beat out the current World Champion and the past World Champion. That was a pretty impressive moment for me.

Little did I know, a week later, I would be pinned during my race at Homestake Creek, the race that I won by 17 seconds the year before. In my six year racing career, I have rarely had a pin or even a little hiccup. This made me learn a lot about myself.

On the Saturday of the Teva Games I had to drive straight home because I was starting a new job with Greenville County EMS on monday.

First Descents

I also had the honor to help out with a First Descents camp over the summer that was based at the NOC. I had more fun kayaking on class two rivers with this amazing group of people than I think I had ever had before!! This program was the First Descents Rocks program, they were the caregivers of the cancer survivors. The stories and the hardships that all of them had been through brought me a new light to my life. When I am having a hard time I think about that week of my life and it always brings a huge smile to my face. "Call Me Maybe"!!!!

Like a little kid

 Snowy and I went to Skook this summer also. On the way up we found this random dude and he gave me a ride on his dirt bike. That is the first time I have ever ridden a dirt bike... tandem!!!

My dad and sister

My sister, dad and I try to go on a trip together every year. This year we decided to go to Cedar Point for a day and then up to Michigan to see my Grandmother. It was pretty much the best outing that the three of us could of had!! My sister and I drug around my 62 year old father for 12 hours of roller coaster riding and running around the park.  

Windy Lake Superior

This year I also got the honor to go to the Ladies of the Lake program that was on Lake Superior this year. It is a sea kayaking symposium for women to learn about sea kayaking and its many activities! I was the invited speaker at the symposium and it was amazing talking to women about kayaking and what scares or drives them. 

There is a little blip into my life, past kayaking, that I have. There is so much more to show though! Thanks so much for reading and following my alternative lifestyle. Hope you all enjoyed it.

Green Race 2012

Its the most wonderful time of the year, friends coming in to Western North Carolina solely to huck themselves, as fast as they can, off of some of the biggest rapids in the southeast. This year we got not only one Olympian but two (!!!) to join in on the festivities of the Green Race. Mike Dawson, who made it into semi-finals in London this year and Vavra who won the silver medal, they are both "really good kayakers" :-) and Dawson was coming back to win the Green Race, again. 

Heading to the middle of Go-Left

 This year was different for me because I am working full time as a Paramedic for Greenville County EMS so my training time was pretty limited. I thought for sure that I would be fine for the race.... I got really tired though.....

Another angle of Go-Left

 We also got a surprise 12 inches on the gauge when we had, for the two weeks prior to the race, about 7 inches on the gauge. This added to the anticipation of the race and scared all of us even more! I just wanted to to fast and clean. All the way up to Go- Left I had been super clean and I was really happy with how I was feeling..... I let my guard down. 

Zwicks Backender taught me some humility this year. I came into the top hole slow and super far left... I flipped left and rolled up in the eddy on the left side of the river. I had to go wide at the bottom horseshoe hole so I headed all the way to the wall on the left side. I styled the last drop but I came out so fast that I petoned the massive bottom rock going straight ahead (really fast). I violently flipped to the right and floated under water for a second to try and get my bearings. I rolled and told myself to "clean it up".... using different words. 

Coming into the Notch, trying to get as much air as I could.

After Zwicks.... Gorilla is always there. I knew I had to get some good deep breaths to be sure that I didn't mess it up. I came into the notch and took the biggest breath I could, soared around the corner, and came smoothly off the pad. 

Off the pad, note the people lining the side of the river.

Landing in the veil I knew speed trap was coming up quickly and I tried to keep it as straight as I could. I could hear the crowd yelling at me, I thought "oh the stadium of the Green Race". I would never wish to be anywhere else.

Amazing moments.

 Down into the slides I went and I was plum tuckered out by this time. 

Entering Jason Hales downfall.... Scream Machine.

Just a side note, I am not a betting woman, but every year Jason Hale thinks he is going to beat me in this race. For the last two years he has come close but gotten no cigar. This year, after a couple of glasses of classy wine, Jason caught me in a good mood. The bet was, if I beat him by over 6 seconds he owes me 100$, if I beat him by less than 6 seconds, I owe him 100$. For the record.... I beat Jason by 28 minutes. I will say no more.

 So after my "misfortunes" at Zwicks I was pretty tired and I was bummed that I got my hair wet. But, alas, I flipped one more time at the bottom of Power Slide only to roll up and breath heavily all the way to the bottom of the course. Thank God I made it one more year safely. Only, I had to go do it all again in my short boat. 

Stoked to have another Green Race done!!

My short boat went well.... I broke my record that I set three years ago so I was pretty happy about that. As for the long boat run.... even with flipping three times and taking some "alternative" lines I only missed my best time by one second, leaving me at a 4:58. 

I was victorious again but Katrina (my Canadian sister who is 6 feet tall and blonde) was only 8 seconds behind me. Gotta step it up for next year.... I've finally got some girls out there breathing down my neck for the gold in this awesome race. Stay tuned for some more photos and if I ever figure out how to do it, some video too. Thanks for the support from everyone, especially both of my parents who drive down to support me from Michigan every year. 

Liquid Logic kayaks, Kokatat, Werner Paddles, and Shred Ready, I could never do any of this without your help and support. 

Summer 2012

So this summer has been pretty interesting for me. I have had a lot of life changes as of recent and none of them are really allowing me to push my kayaking to the next level. I got a full time job being a Paramedic for Greenville County EMS and I moved further from the Green. I work 12 hour night shifts four times a week, makes for a sleepy Adriene during the day. 

Getting ready for competition

Any who.... I have been up to a bunch of no good this summer which includes a lot of freestyle kayaking. I won the BV pro rodeo and placed 5th at the Teva Mountain Games. I used the whole month of July to make some money then headed to the World Cup of Freestyle kayaking after winning the Canoe and Kayak Female Paddler of the Year award. 

Elbows up!

 The first part of the World Cup was at Rock Island Tennessee. The same place where Jackson Kayak is made. The water levels were a little off because of the lack of rain around the area but we made it happen no matter what. At one point, during a training session, there were 53 people in the eddy..... that made for some really fun times. 

All play boating jokes aside, the first event went well and I couldn't complain with a strong 3rd place finish. It was definitely my type of feature, flushy but sticky and you could do both wave and hole moves, that was the type of feature that I would like to see more of. 

Poison Ivy vine that I just wrapped around my face....

Doing all that I can do....

Mr and Mrs Andrew Moore

The second spot was great but only yielded hole moves. I ended up 8th overall but I also had a wedding to attend in Michigan over the weekend.

The competition must go on though. Over to my real backyard which is the NOC. I began kayaking at the NOC 13 years ago when I was 11 years old, it is like a second home to me. Being back at the NOC makes me really happy. 

Even though I fought really hard to get into the finals I was beat out by a girl who did two felixes to get into finals and I ended up 6th place. Overall for the whole World Cup I ended up 5th place. Pretty impressive for a girl who spends like 15 days in a freestyle boat a year. Its training time for the Green race now. 

Sooner rather than later!!

Adriene