The freestyle event was scheduled to start on Friday. After working in Denver, I raced up to Lyons and arrived at 3:50. I had never paddled before in the Meadow Park playspot and was lucky that the freestyle started 30 minutes late so I could get a few practice rides in. The hole was small and had a funky surfers left corner, but kayakers could plug hard for big loops and still get all of the harder hole tricks.
With US Team members gone, there were only 5 women and 10 men competing in the prelims. The women simply reseeded and everyone moved on the finals and the 6 men moved on due to a 5th place tie.
On Saturday, Adrienne Levknecht won the South Saint Vrain creek race beating out 6 men. Then in the Team Boatercross, I had the opportunity to be an 8 ball. Paddlers had to do push ups, run with their boat, and finally paddle downstream past a few 8 balls. As an 8 ball I got in some good hits including a blow to Stephen Forrester’s face. Sorry Stephen!
Photo by Scott Sady
In the women’s finals on Sunday Devon Barker took the honors with great and consistent rides. In men’s finals Mattieu Dumoulin scored 1010 his first ride which would be hard to top. I had 560 and was sitting in second. The announcer, Jeff Campbell, told me I need 1020 to take the lead. In the eddie I told Mattieu I was going to score 1020 and then had a great ride scoring 1020. I was momentarily in first until Matteau’s second ride scored 1040 which I wasn’t able to top. Mike Patterson rounded out the podium with some impressive rides.
Thanks to the organizers and sponsors for putting on the event. Oskar Blues, Smith, and the town of Lyons.
Freestyle Results
Women
Devon Barker
Kat Levette
Elaine Cambell
Jessica Yurtinas
Adrienne Levknecht
Men.
Mathieu Dumoulin
Greg Parker
Mike Patterson
Jonny Meyers
Billy Bob Malesky
Quinten Barnett
