This past weekend I went over to the Nantahala Outdoor Center to show boats at the store as well as watch the action at the Shootout, which is the first event in the USAFK point series. Liquidlogic had a few entrants and they showed proud for the event both in the new playboat Biscuit series, and older freestyle designs. John Clark from NOC rocked a Skip in the C-1 category and was amazing out there slicing an dicing and throwing in the big loop on just about every ride. Jordan Poffenberger came in Second to John in C-1. He was throwing massive loops and doing this crazy McNasty entry move. Maria and Adriene represented in the Women's category really well with 2nd and 3rd places. Maria consistently threw blunts and roundhouses to tally up the points while Adriene looked destined for a disappointing performance when in the last few seconds of her last ride she threw a huge loops and stuck it in the very flushy feature.
We also had a big winner in the Attainment race. Chris Hipgrave took the gold, beating a field of 20 plus by paddling UP river to Nantahala falls and then paddling back down the fastest while. This race was fantastic to watch because it was a La Mans start. Everybody started out of their kayak, then ran to their boats, jumped in, and paddled away all together. The fun was watching people try to put skirts on quickly and then battling in the eddies for position to paddle upstream while 20 other people hacked away with ther paddles as well. Chris was in the Remix Stinger race boat and made it look oh so fast. Congrats Chris!
The Nantahala is also going to be home of the 2012 World Cup and 2013 World Championships. It is going to be a great place to be during the time. It should be like a world paddling village. I can't wait. Some of my favorite paddling experiences have been in situations where paddlers from all over the world are camping, paddling, and living together. It is always a good time.
The NOC demo day was great as well. Almost all the our boats were out at some time or another but none were out as much as the Remix XP 9 and 10. It just seems like this is the boat of choice for a bunch of paddlers both new and old to the sport.
All in all a great time. Here is a slide show of all different parts of the event.
Enjoy
Shane
