Provincial Championships

What a turnout!

Thanks to the great organization of Joanne Cole and Lynn Jobe, among others, we had 38 athletes competing this year. 15 senior racers, 14 Juniors and 9 cadets makes this one of the biggest Provincials that I can remember. Congratualtions to all the racers for some inspiring performances. I was especially impressed by the cadets, many of whom had only been on the river a couple times. You all did wonderful!

A huge thanks to all the coaches who helped out over the weekend, coaching and safety boating, to take care of the new, current and elite athletes. Saskia, Amy, Kyle, Marissa, Matt, Connor, Glen, Graham & James. You guys did a great job and everyone appreciates your efforts.

I big thanks to Chuck and Rich and other volunteers for all the river upgrades and work on the gates so we had a great race course and novice course.

Now we're into fall & winter training. Continue working hard to improve your fitness and when spring comes you will see another big jump in your abilities. Everyone should check out 'Evil in the upstream' on YouTube. It is a movie put together for the International Canoe Federation (ICF) that explains the sport of Slalom Kayak from the point of view of some of the top athletes in the world. Alberta's own David Ford has a large role. If you think about paddling even when the water is frozen, you will get better.

Good luck to Jessica Groenveld this weekend at the final World Series Race in WISP Maryland. After a stellar performance last weekend at provincials we are hoping for more successes.

Stay fit, Have Fun. Hope you see you all at a pool race this winter.

Mike
Alberta Slalom Canoe/Kayak Head Coach