The teams are excited to report back from a full weekend of competition at the U.S. R4 National Championships. Both teams have reclaimed the U.S. National titles, which qualifies them for the 2010 R4 World Rafting Championships in Zoetermeer, Netherlands.
This years U.S. Rafting National Championships were held in two locations on the east coast. Six men’s and three women’s teams from near and far participated this year. The sprint and slalom events were held at Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) in Deep Creek Lake, MD. It was the first time the teams have competed on a artificial course for the titles. It was great practice for next years World Championships which will also be held on a man made course. The facilities at ASCI were outstanding! The course is in a beautiful area up on top of a mountain in western Maryland. It had a great community atmosphere and I hope to make it back there and spend some more time on the course. The sprint event was precipitated by a time trial event in which both teams took first place. The head to head sprint was won solidly by the current U.S. Men’s team and the U.S. Women placed second behind another Team Colorado (which is made up of a great group of strong women also from Timberline Tours.) It was eye opening for the current Women’s team and we were more determined than ever to win the next two events. The slalom course that was set was extremely fun! Two runs through and the best of the two times was taken. The U.S. Men and Women both placed first in this event.
The downriver was held on the lower Youghiogheny River near Ohiopyle, PA. It was about four miles of river that had a lot of flat water and only slightly less amount of dodging knub rocks. A good test of mental strength. The U.S. Men and Women took early leads and never looked back.
It was a fantastic weekend of racing and we would like to thank the Matt Taylor from ASCI and all the other organizers and volunteers that helped put on a very fun event!
