Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
New Kayak Ergometer courtesy of ASRPWF
We have a new Speedstroke Gym! Thank You to Alberta Sport Recreation Parks & Wildlife Foundation for the Development Initialives Grant for its purchase. We can now train more accurately and do physical testing that you will all learn to love!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sundre Pool Session and Training Day
Saturday we left Calgary bright and early (well not so bright at 6:30), and drove through a typical winter storm to Sundre for the day. Even with three boats and two ergs, the van seemed empty, but drove well even on snowy roads.
By 8am we had 10 kids zooming around the gates, in the pool, being coached by Jim, AJ and myself. Stroke drills made way for gate drills, and then some timed runs on either a 4 gate course or the Standard Figure 8 course. Ryley, Lissy, Levi, AJ and Hayden, all challenged 10m figure 8 test to see how they stood up against the best in Canada. Pretty well.
Following lunch at Subway, we did a little training seminar on the Energy Systems, complete with real, painful, examples. See the summary here. http://docs.google.com/View?id=df6z2c9x_111f4xggkd5
The day was completed in the gym doing circuits and core. It was great to see so many kids under 15 training, learning, and having fun. The quality of the kids, coaches, and club in Sundre makes me optomistic about the future of our sport. Without having see what all the Zones have to offer, I suggest the Sundre zone is going to be one of the top at Alberta Summer Games in July.
Thank you Jim and Sue for organizing a great day. If any other club wants to organize a slalom training day, feel free to contact me.
By 8am we had 10 kids zooming around the gates, in the pool, being coached by Jim, AJ and myself. Stroke drills made way for gate drills, and then some timed runs on either a 4 gate course or the Standard Figure 8 course. Ryley, Lissy, Levi, AJ and Hayden, all challenged 10m figure 8 test to see how they stood up against the best in Canada. Pretty well.
Following lunch at Subway, we did a little training seminar on the Energy Systems, complete with real, painful, examples. See the summary here. http://docs.google.com/View?id=df6z2c9x_111f4xggkd5
The day was completed in the gym doing circuits and core. It was great to see so many kids under 15 training, learning, and having fun. The quality of the kids, coaches, and club in Sundre makes me optomistic about the future of our sport. Without having see what all the Zones have to offer, I suggest the Sundre zone is going to be one of the top at Alberta Summer Games in July.
Thank you Jim and Sue for organizing a great day. If any other club wants to organize a slalom training day, feel free to contact me.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
National Coaching Institute - Diploma and Level 4
I have recently be accepted into the Diploma Program at the National Coaching Institute at the Canadian Sport Centre in Calgary. This will give a vocational Coaching diploma on top of my BSC - Kinesiology, plus it will certify me as a Level 4 NCCP coach. At the NCI we learn all the bits and pieces that go into high level sports in Canada. There are 13 tasks, or courses to take to complete to the two year program. Each task is about 20hrs of class time plus a paper or report. As I go through the process I will update you on the tasks I have taken and try and relay relevant information to you on a consistent basis. The first two tasks I have started are 'Energy Systems' and 'Canadian Sport System'. Stay tuned for more information on these first two tasks.
Cheers
Mike
Thursday, October 22, 2009
It never rains in BC!?!
Our Camp in Rutherford has been somewhat...dry. We headed out to BC with the promise of rain in the forecast. But alas we haven't seen any. Now for most people that would make for a great trip, however for us it means boredom.
We spent two days in Chilliwack training, battleing fish and fishermen for the eddies. Now we're in Pemberton, hoping, wishing the water would come up.
We spent two days in Chilliwack training, battleing fish and fishermen for the eddies. Now we're in Pemberton, hoping, wishing the water would come up.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Provincial Championships!
Another great Provincial Championships has come and gone. We got the last good weekend of weather for the year and now its time for some hard winter training to get into even better racing shape for next year.
We had 36 racers this year with a few notables missing. While the schedule for Slalom, Freestyle and Downriver was tight, all went off without a hitch. Congratulations to the class winners:
K1-Paul Manning-Hunter
K1W-Jessica Groeneveld
K1jr-Graham Jobe
K1Wjr-Marissa Dederer
K1c-Idan Wolach
K1Wc-Veronica Oczkowski
C1-Bryce Shaw
C1jr-Hayden Daniels
C1c-Idan Wolach
C1wjr-Marissa Dederer
K1M-Greg Hunter
K1wnovice-Hannah Penner
K1jrnovice-Matt Alliban
K1cnovice-Sam Alliban
Thank you to all the volunteers who put the event together, made the races run smoothly and fed the swarms on Saturday night! A big Thank You to the sponsors that made the awards exceptional.
Donors
Aquabatics and Confluence (manufacturer) - Rx boat
Integral Designs - camping items
Undercurrents - Galasport paddle + store gift certificates
Paddle Performance - 3 Galasport helmets
Hi Level Canoes and Kayaks, Lethbridge - Tywarp paddle + nose clips + pogies
MEC, Calgary - 20 dry bags
Also big thanks to HiJinx Toy Shop of Canmore and Gracie and Gruff Fine Toys of Calgary for supplying much sought after prizes for the Settlers of Catan Tournament.
Other donors
Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge, Canmore - 2 x 1 night in single apartment depending upon season
Stoney Nakoda Resort - weekend stay + $50 gift cert
SMS Sports - slalom deck
Wholesale Sports Outfitters, Calgary - gift certificates x4
The Fudgery - 2 gift packages
The Outdoor Outlet, Pincher Creek - Gift Certificate
Level 6 - 3 t-shirts + hat
Glenmore Sailboats - 4 t-shirts
Sobey's and Safeway - gift certifcates to subsidize BBQ
Total prize package was over $4000
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Young paddlers shine at Canada's best Slalom Kayak World Championships.
The Canadian Slalom Kayak Team had a lot to be proud of this weekend at the Slalom World Championships in Seu d'Urgell, Spain. A mix of veterans and rookies competed in what was Canada's best overall World Championships. Edmonton's David Ford, the 1999 World Champion on the same course, was looking to finish strong again, while half the team were youngsters looking to make a name for themselves.
Alberta's Ben Hayward had the races of his life. Inspired by some strong paddling by Canadian C1's on day two, the young Canadian kayaks stepped up under pressure in the qualifier with some impressive results. In a three minute stretch, Edmonton's Ben Hayward and John Hastings of Ottawa stormed down the qualifier course less than 1.5 seconds apart. They then had to wait for 50 boats to see if they would qualify for the top 20 semi-final. After an agonizing wait, Hayward finished in 17th position, while Hastings finished in 31st emphasizing just how tight the field was. David Ford had trouble on the day and finished well out of contention.
The following day, Saturday, the three Canadian men joined up in the Team race. They qualified easily for the top 10 final and were looking to build upon the Team's momentum from the day before. In the final, Hayward, the last of the three ran into trouble in gate 5 when a camera man accidentally lowered a camera boom into his way and actually hit him, sending him off course. A re-run was issued so the Canadian Team ran back to the top for a run following the last scheduled Team. They had a brilliant re-run till the big drop, 3/4's of the way down the course, and gave the 2nd and 3rd placed British and Spanish teams quite a scare. The Canucks were 2 seconds faster to the last split, but unfortunately a gate was touched in the last section, adding 2 seconds to their time and bumping them into 4th position, just .36seconds out of a medal. This result is the best ever for a Canadian Team and shows the depth and confidence of the squad.
Racing in the individual Semi-Finals, Sunday, along with Hayward, in Kayak, were James Cartwright of Ottawa, in C1, and Sindy Audet of Montreal, in C1women. Cartwright and Audet finished 18th and 15th respectively. Ben Hayward proved that the qualifier was no fluke and cemented himself as a name to watch by finishing 13th. This is the best Canadian Kayak finish since David Ford's Medals in 1999 and 2003 and shows the promise of the young man from Edmonton, and of the Canadian Program. Ben after the race; 'I'm just so happy right now, i can't wipe the smile off my face. This just proves we (Canada) are not slow and the rest of the World better watch out'.
Jessica Groeneveld, of Calgary, was the top Canadian women finishing in 43rd position. Groeneveld was the PanAm Champion earlier in the summer in Kananaskis and will be the Canadian to watch in the women's class. 'I had a lot of fun at my first World Championships' said Groeneveld after the race. 'It's hard to know what to expect at your first Worlds, and now I have a better idea of what we need to do to make the next step'. The other Canadian women Sarah Boudens, and Sara Potvin of Ottawa/Gatineau finished 47th and 50th respectively.
Alberta's Head Coach, Mike Holroyd, was borrowed by the Team, as an assistant coach for the event, as was Alberta native Brendan Curson, now the Saskatchewan coach. 'It's great to see our young Alberta athletes competing and succeeding at the International level' said Holroyd. 'When I look at these results and the depth of the programs here in Alberta and indeed across the country, it really gives me confidence that we are on the right track for 2012 and beyond'.
Alberta's Ben Hayward had the races of his life. Inspired by some strong paddling by Canadian C1's on day two, the young Canadian kayaks stepped up under pressure in the qualifier with some impressive results. In a three minute stretch, Edmonton's Ben Hayward and John Hastings of Ottawa stormed down the qualifier course less than 1.5 seconds apart. They then had to wait for 50 boats to see if they would qualify for the top 20 semi-final. After an agonizing wait, Hayward finished in 17th position, while Hastings finished in 31st emphasizing just how tight the field was. David Ford had trouble on the day and finished well out of contention.
The following day, Saturday, the three Canadian men joined up in the Team race. They qualified easily for the top 10 final and were looking to build upon the Team's momentum from the day before. In the final, Hayward, the last of the three ran into trouble in gate 5 when a camera man accidentally lowered a camera boom into his way and actually hit him, sending him off course. A re-run was issued so the Canadian Team ran back to the top for a run following the last scheduled Team. They had a brilliant re-run till the big drop, 3/4's of the way down the course, and gave the 2nd and 3rd placed British and Spanish teams quite a scare. The Canucks were 2 seconds faster to the last split, but unfortunately a gate was touched in the last section, adding 2 seconds to their time and bumping them into 4th position, just .36seconds out of a medal. This result is the best ever for a Canadian Team and shows the depth and confidence of the squad.
Racing in the individual Semi-Finals, Sunday, along with Hayward, in Kayak, were James Cartwright of Ottawa, in C1, and Sindy Audet of Montreal, in C1women. Cartwright and Audet finished 18th and 15th respectively. Ben Hayward proved that the qualifier was no fluke and cemented himself as a name to watch by finishing 13th. This is the best Canadian Kayak finish since David Ford's Medals in 1999 and 2003 and shows the promise of the young man from Edmonton, and of the Canadian Program. Ben after the race; 'I'm just so happy right now, i can't wipe the smile off my face. This just proves we (Canada) are not slow and the rest of the World better watch out'.
Jessica Groeneveld, of Calgary, was the top Canadian women finishing in 43rd position. Groeneveld was the PanAm Champion earlier in the summer in Kananaskis and will be the Canadian to watch in the women's class. 'I had a lot of fun at my first World Championships' said Groeneveld after the race. 'It's hard to know what to expect at your first Worlds, and now I have a better idea of what we need to do to make the next step'. The other Canadian women Sarah Boudens, and Sara Potvin of Ottawa/Gatineau finished 47th and 50th respectively.
Alberta's Head Coach, Mike Holroyd, was borrowed by the Team, as an assistant coach for the event, as was Alberta native Brendan Curson, now the Saskatchewan coach. 'It's great to see our young Alberta athletes competing and succeeding at the International level' said Holroyd. 'When I look at these results and the depth of the programs here in Alberta and indeed across the country, it really gives me confidence that we are on the right track for 2012 and beyond'.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What a summer for Alberta Slalom!
What a summer indeed. Since my last post, which was a while ago, we have put 17,000km on our new van, paddled at least 7 different slalom courses, surfed on (arguably) the three best sites in Canada, several creeks and improved our skills at each step along the way.
National Team Trials in Ottawa in May were spectacular in several ways. The weather tore apart our poor little tent, and Alberta paddlers tore up the course. Jessica & Ben made the Senior National Team, while Marissa, Graham and Hayden did likewise on the Junior Team.
The first three weeks of July saw a full load travel to Ontario for the Summer Series and Junior Olympics. I can't possibly count the number of medals that came from the 4 slalom races, two freestyles, boater cross and downriver races , but suffice to say the van was weighed down by all the hardware.
During the three weeks we stopped twice at Sturgeon falls in Winnepeg and ran the Ottawa giving us a well rounded appreciation for big waves. One of the best parts of the trip was seeing the improvement in Veronica and Levi, who on the way out, were out of their league on Sturgeon, but on the way back were tearing up the wave like they'd been born on it.
The largest congregation of Slalom boats the Ottawa has ever seen, over 30 in all!
Nearly immediately after the trip east it was time for us to defend our own turf at the Kananaskis. The National and PanAm Championships were a huge success. With top European paddlers competing along side our Alberta athletes, it was amazing to be able to directly compare where we stand. We had over 21 athletes competing and were able to finally get our name on the Brian Creer Trophy for the first time since 2001. Well done everyone for your individual efforts and selfless work on behalf of the team.
Fastest Team: Alberta Men's Kayak - Paul, Chris, Ben
Nationals would not have been possible without this wonderful Team of volunteers!
From Nationals, a 12hr turn around led us out to BC to the newly opened Rutherford Creek artificial course. Innergex has built an excellent paddling course that will take paddling in Canada to a new level. The course is not for the weak of heart. It's fast, narrow and with rough concrete, provides a serious element of consequence should problems occur. Alberta took it is stride and by the end of the week were quite at home on the most powerful course in the World. Roughly 20 racers braved the course which will be the site of the 2010 Senior National Team Trials. Jessica was on top of her game, while in men's kayak coach Mike had to uphold the reputation of the Alberta team (thanks for the coffee Paul).
Monday following the race was epic. We climbed The Chief in Squamish, and then proceeded to Skookumchuck for another memorable surf.
As the summer winds down for most, Jessica, Ben, Mike and the rest of the National Team are in Seu d'Urgell, Spain for the World Championships. Three weeks here and then back to the Kan for the Provincial Championships September 19,20.
Till then...
National Team Trials in Ottawa in May were spectacular in several ways. The weather tore apart our poor little tent, and Alberta paddlers tore up the course. Jessica & Ben made the Senior National Team, while Marissa, Graham and Hayden did likewise on the Junior Team.
Not long after we took delivery of our new spaceship which has been a trustworthy transporter of delicate cargo across Canada since.
Farmer Joe's campsite in Saskatchewan
Farmer Joe's campsite in SaskatchewanThe first three weeks of July saw a full load travel to Ontario for the Summer Series and Junior Olympics. I can't possibly count the number of medals that came from the 4 slalom races, two freestyles, boater cross and downriver races , but suffice to say the van was weighed down by all the hardware.
During the three weeks we stopped twice at Sturgeon falls in Winnepeg and ran the Ottawa giving us a well rounded appreciation for big waves. One of the best parts of the trip was seeing the improvement in Veronica and Levi, who on the way out, were out of their league on Sturgeon, but on the way back were tearing up the wave like they'd been born on it.
The largest congregation of Slalom boats the Ottawa has ever seen, over 30 in all!Nearly immediately after the trip east it was time for us to defend our own turf at the Kananaskis. The National and PanAm Championships were a huge success. With top European paddlers competing along side our Alberta athletes, it was amazing to be able to directly compare where we stand. We had over 21 athletes competing and were able to finally get our name on the Brian Creer Trophy for the first time since 2001. Well done everyone for your individual efforts and selfless work on behalf of the team.
Fastest Team: Alberta Men's Kayak - Paul, Chris, Ben
Nationals would not have been possible without this wonderful Team of volunteers!From Nationals, a 12hr turn around led us out to BC to the newly opened Rutherford Creek artificial course. Innergex has built an excellent paddling course that will take paddling in Canada to a new level. The course is not for the weak of heart. It's fast, narrow and with rough concrete, provides a serious element of consequence should problems occur. Alberta took it is stride and by the end of the week were quite at home on the most powerful course in the World. Roughly 20 racers braved the course which will be the site of the 2010 Senior National Team Trials. Jessica was on top of her game, while in men's kayak coach Mike had to uphold the reputation of the Alberta team (thanks for the coffee Paul).
Monday following the race was epic. We climbed The Chief in Squamish, and then proceeded to Skookumchuck for another memorable surf.
As the summer winds down for most, Jessica, Ben, Mike and the rest of the National Team are in Seu d'Urgell, Spain for the World Championships. Three weeks here and then back to the Kan for the Provincial Championships September 19,20.
Till then...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Alberta Cup #2
The annual Cottonwood race was as usual a great event. The new club site north of Innisfail is ideal for club training. A giant boat storage bin, warm tent and fireplace make this an ideal site for introducing kids to slalom kayak.
On this weekend the two most important things ended up being the tent and heater as the skies opened up after the novice race and deluged us with rain, snow and hail! Great event though and thanks to the Cottonwood Club for putting on a successful event.
Below is the Alberta Provincial Team after two races. Provincial Team Criteria
A-Team
-K1W-
Jessica Groeneveld
Marissa Dederer
Haley Daniels
-K1M-
Paul Manning-Hunter
Chris McTaggart
Ben Hayward
Connor Curson
Toby Roessingh
Graham Jobe
Idan Wolach
-C1-
Vince Osborne
Mike Holroyd
Hayden Daniels
B-Team
-K1-
David Manning
Greg Hunter
Levi Severtson
Jesse Gillies
Adrian Cole
Mathew Frank
-C1-
Chuck Lee
James Waldie
C-Team
D-Team
Need skills signed off: (talk to your coach)
JJ
Darius
Ashley C1
Hanna
Veronica
On this weekend the two most important things ended up being the tent and heater as the skies opened up after the novice race and deluged us with rain, snow and hail! Great event though and thanks to the Cottonwood Club for putting on a successful event.
Below is the Alberta Provincial Team after two races. Provincial Team Criteria
A-Team
-K1W-
Jessica Groeneveld
Marissa Dederer
Haley Daniels
-K1M-
Paul Manning-Hunter
Chris McTaggart
Ben Hayward
Connor Curson
Toby Roessingh
Graham Jobe
Idan Wolach
-C1-
Vince Osborne
Mike Holroyd
Hayden Daniels
B-Team
-K1-
David Manning
Greg Hunter
Levi Severtson
Jesse Gillies
Adrian Cole
Mathew Frank
-C1-
Chuck Lee
James Waldie
C-Team
D-Team
Need skills signed off: (talk to your coach)
JJ
Darius
Ashley C1
Hanna
Veronica
Monday, June 15, 2009
National Team Trials - Ottawa
National Team Trials was a great event put on by the Ottawa River Runners. For the first time since 2000 the Pumphouse was able to host a National event, and the new and improved site is impressive.
Alberta paddlers represented their province impressively. A big Thank You to Toby & Karen for helping out with the coaching and logistics.
Congratulations to all the athletes who made their respective National Team.
Jessica Groeneveld & Ben Hayward paddled confidently onto the Senior National Team showing continued success from the Innisfail and Edmonton Clubs.
Graham Jobe, Marissa Dederer & Hayden Daniels showed fine form in qualifying for the Junior National Team. The Calgary atheles saw their hard work pay off.
Paul Manning-Hunter and Thomas & Daniel Purcell qualifed for the Senior Development Team in fine form while their junior counterparts AJ Cole & Jesse Gilles made the Junior B-Team.
See the link below for more news on the event.
Canadian Sport Centre newsletter
Full race results available here:
Alberta paddlers represented their province impressively. A big Thank You to Toby & Karen for helping out with the coaching and logistics.
Congratulations to all the athletes who made their respective National Team.
Jessica Groeneveld & Ben Hayward paddled confidently onto the Senior National Team showing continued success from the Innisfail and Edmonton Clubs.
Graham Jobe, Marissa Dederer & Hayden Daniels showed fine form in qualifying for the Junior National Team. The Calgary atheles saw their hard work pay off.
Paul Manning-Hunter and Thomas & Daniel Purcell qualifed for the Senior Development Team in fine form while their junior counterparts AJ Cole & Jesse Gilles made the Junior B-Team.
See the link below for more news on the event.
Canadian Sport Centre newsletter
Full race results available here:
Friday, June 5, 2009
Directions to Alberta Cup # 2
Take the second overpass(exit 368 I think) in to Innisfail. After you
loop back over the highway, merge right so you can turn right(north),
at the first set of lights(turn north on to HWY 2A). Head north on
hwy 2A for about 2 miles. You will see a big green grain elevator
with "NIOBE" on the west side of 2A. Turn left(west) just after the
elevator. Head one mile west to the next major road labeled "C&E
trail" on those little blue corner sings. Turn right(north) on the
C&E trail, which winds a bit, until TWP RD 364(township) and turn
left(west). Just before the township road there will be an elk farm
to the west with bird houses on the top of all the fence posts, then a
big pond on the left as well. After turning west on TWP RD 364 head
west all the way to the end of the TWP RD where it will curve sharply
to the left(south). Just after it turns south, turn right(west) down
on to the private road that leads to our site. Our site is all the
way down at the end of the road.
On the google it calls the C&E trail RR 283B, RR 283A and 50th Ave
(which it turns in to in Innisfail).
And if all else fails, here are the GPS coordinates of our site :
52.106317, -113.989463
I know it sounds kinda crazy, and yes, it is in the middle of nowhere,
but the map should help, and we are planning on having signs,
Looking forward to seeing you there,
James.
Driving Directions
Link:
loop back over the highway, merge right so you can turn right(north),
at the first set of lights(turn north on to HWY 2A). Head north on
hwy 2A for about 2 miles. You will see a big green grain elevator
with "NIOBE" on the west side of 2A. Turn left(west) just after the
elevator. Head one mile west to the next major road labeled "C&E
trail" on those little blue corner sings. Turn right(north) on the
C&E trail, which winds a bit, until TWP RD 364(township) and turn
left(west). Just before the township road there will be an elk farm
to the west with bird houses on the top of all the fence posts, then a
big pond on the left as well. After turning west on TWP RD 364 head
west all the way to the end of the TWP RD where it will curve sharply
to the left(south). Just after it turns south, turn right(west) down
on to the private road that leads to our site. Our site is all the
way down at the end of the road.
On the google it calls the C&E trail RR 283B, RR 283A and 50th Ave
(which it turns in to in Innisfail).
And if all else fails, here are the GPS coordinates of our site :
52.106317, -113.989463
I know it sounds kinda crazy, and yes, it is in the middle of nowhere,
but the map should help, and we are planning on having signs,
Looking forward to seeing you there,
James.
Driving Directions
Link:
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Alberta Cup # 2 - Innisfail
Cottonwood Kayak Club
Novice Race and Alberta Cup # 2
June 6th & 7th , 2009
*Saturday June 6th *
Registration 9:00 AM
Morning Clinic 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Lunch break
Afternoon Clinic 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Bar-b-que 5:00 PM
Evening paddle 7:00 PM (possible Polo or river trip)
Campfire
*Sunday June 7th *
Registration 9:00 AM
Racers / Judges meeting 9:30 AM
First Runs 10:00 AM
Lunch 12:00 noon
Second Runs 1:00 PM
Awards
Saturday Bar-b-que, buy hamburgers & smokies, potluck desert and salad
Concession on site Saturday and Sunday
Event cost $ 60
Breakdown: Clinics each $ 15 / Camping $ 15 / Race $ 15
Pre-register at _slcgelb@xplornet.comslcgelb@xplornet.com>_
Pay on site
No Camping hook-ups, must be self contained
For info call Mac 403 – 506 – 7502 or email _callmac@xplornet.comcallmac@xplornet.com>_
Camping available Friday night
Novice Race and Alberta Cup # 2
June 6th & 7th , 2009
*Saturday June 6th *
Registration 9:00 AM
Morning Clinic 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Lunch break
Afternoon Clinic 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Bar-b-que 5:00 PM
Evening paddle 7:00 PM (possible Polo or river trip)
Campfire
*Sunday June 7th *
Registration 9:00 AM
Racers / Judges meeting 9:30 AM
First Runs 10:00 AM
Lunch 12:00 noon
Second Runs 1:00 PM
Awards
Saturday Bar-b-que, buy hamburgers & smokies, potluck desert and salad
Concession on site Saturday and Sunday
Event cost $ 60
Breakdown: Clinics each $ 15 / Camping $ 15 / Race $ 15
Pre-register at _slcgelb@xplornet.com
Pay on site
No Camping hook-ups, must be self contained
For info call Mac 403 – 506 – 7502 or email _callmac@xplornet.com
Camping available Friday night
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Alberta Provincial Team after race 1
| A Team | B Team | C Team | D Team |
| Vince Osborne | Chuck Lee | Jesse Gillies | Levi Severtson |
| Jessica Groeneveld | Adrian Cole | Hayden Daniels | |
| Marissa Dederer | Mathew Frank | ||
| Paul Manning-Hunter | David Manning | ||
| Chris McTaggart | Greg Hunter | ||
| Ben Hayward | Haley Daniels | ||
| Connor Curson | |||
| Toby Roessingh | |||
| Graham Jobe | |||
Alberta Cup # 1 - Results
The First Alberta Cup of the 2009 season is behind us. It was made a great success by all the volunteers who organized the race and help judge and time. The electronic timing and penalties got its warm up for the Nationals and PanAms held here the August 2009 long weekend. Results were up between runs, adding to the success of the event.
The Alberta Cups are the qualifiers for the 2009 Alberta Team. Below are the results plus your current Alberta Team Standings. Congratulations to all those who made their respective teams! For information on the criteria please visit the ASCK website http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/asck/AB_team.htm. ASCK coaches and Club coaches can sign off on the skills portion of the C and D teams. If your skills have not been signed off yet, please organize a time to have this done.
The quality of paddling was great to see so close to National Team Trials. With 14 Alberta athletes, and two coaches, going to National Team Trials it looks like it will be a great race. We will keep you posted on progress.
The next Alberta Cup is hosted by Cottonwood June 6,7th. Till then, keep your blades in the water!
The Alberta Cups are the qualifiers for the 2009 Alberta Team. Below are the results plus your current Alberta Team Standings. Congratulations to all those who made their respective teams! For information on the criteria please visit the ASCK website http://www.albertawhitewater.ca/asck/AB_team.htm. ASCK coaches and Club coaches can sign off on the skills portion of the C and D teams. If your skills have not been signed off yet, please organize a time to have this done.
The quality of paddling was great to see so close to National Team Trials. With 14 Alberta athletes, and two coaches, going to National Team Trials it looks like it will be a great race. We will keep you posted on progress.
The next Alberta Cup is hosted by Cottonwood June 6,7th. Till then, keep your blades in the water!
| Alberta Cup # 1 - Kananaskis AB, May 10, 2009 | |||||||||||
| First Name | Last Name | Best time | Percentage behind class winner (AB Team Percent) | Percent Behind fastest | Alberta Team | Skills signed off by | |||||
| C1JM | Hayden | Daniels | 274.26 | 227.9 | 294.0 | D | Mike | ||||
| C1MM | Vince | Osborne | 120.32 | 100 | 129.0 | A | N/A | ||||
| Chuck | Lee | 186.75 | 155.2 | 200.2 | B | N/A | |||||
| K1JM | Graham | Jobe | 101.57 | 108.9 | 108.9 | A | N/A | ||||
| Adrian | Cole | 120.5 | 129.2 | 129.2 | B | N/A | |||||
| Jesse | Gillies | 169.13 | 181.3 | 181.3 | C | Mike | |||||
| Levi | Severtson | 254.2 | 272.5 | 272.5 | D | Mike | |||||
| K1JW | Marissa | Dederer | 123.99 | 116.6 | 132.9 | A | N/A | ||||
| K1M | Paul | Manning | 93.3 | 100 | 100 | A | N/A | ||||
| Chris | McTaggart | 93.45 | 100.2 | 100.2 | A | N/A | |||||
| Ben | Hayward | 94.36 | 101.1 | 101.1 | A | N/A | |||||
| Connor | Curson | 98.13 | 105.2 | 105.2 | A | N/A | |||||
| Toby | Roessingh | 102.33 | 109.7 | 109.7 | A | N/A | |||||
| Jon | Allen | 103.01 | 110.4 | 110.4 | N/A | N/A | |||||
| Matthew | Frank | 113.7 | 121.9 | 121.9 | B | N/A | |||||
| David | Manning | 121.88 | 130.6 | 130.6 | B | N/A | |||||
| K1MM | Greg | Hunter | 151.93 | 162.8 | 162.8 | B | N/A | ||||
| K1W | Jessica | Groeneveld | 106.36 | 100 | 114.0 | A | N/A | ||||
| Haley | Daniels | 132.18 | 124.3 | 141.7 | B | N/A | |||||
Monday, May 4, 2009
Penguin Race results
eat Race! 20degrees, sunny, no wind. Can't get much better. We had 27 racers on the weekend ripping it up at Deerfoot Meadows. Prizes ranged from PenguinWine, Penguin books, Penguin chocolate and some cool Peguin etched glass.
Thanks to everyone who helped making food, judging and making it fun and safe for all. This was the first Annual, and I hope it will become a staple of the Alberta slalom season.
We had some new comers, some former National Champions, and lots on the way up in their careers. Everyone raced hard and it showed. I got to be at the finish line for the race and there was plenty of pain during the finish sprint.
Below are the results from Saturday. Congratulations to all, especially those whose first race, on the river, this was. See you back next year!
| Name | Age Cat | Class 1 | Best total | Percentage |
| Paul Manning- Hunter | Sr | K1M | 74.9 | 100 |
| Chris McTaggart | Sr | K1M | 75.9 | 101.3351 |
| Connor Curson | Sr | K1M | 76.4 | 102.0027 |
| Toby Roessingh | Sr | K1M | 81.2 | 108.4112 |
| Matt Frank | Sr | K1M | 87.2 | 116.4219 |
| Graham Jobe | Jr | K1M | 81.8 | 109.2123 |
| AJ Cole | Jr | K1M | 96.9 | 129.3725 |
| Levi Severtson | Jr | K1M | 113.1 | 151.0013 |
| Idan Wolach | Cadet | K1M | 123.6 | 165.02 |
| JJ | Cadet | K1M | 139.7 | 186.5154 |
| Bradan J | Cadet | K1M | 182.7 | 243.9252 |
| Darius R | Cadet | K1M | 253.8 | 338.8518 |
| Tate | Cadet | K1M | 322.9 | 431.1081 |
| Jessica Groenveld | Sr | K1W | 90.7 | 121.0948 |
| Haley Daniels | Sr | K1W | 93.9 | 125.3672 |
| Colleen C | Sr | K1W | 378.4 | 505.2069 |
| Karen Daniels | Masters | K1W | 299.3 | 399.5995 |
| Marissa Dederer | Jr | K1W | 97.9 | 130.7076 |
| Roni Wolach | Jr | K1W | 118.8 | 158.6115 |
| Vince Osbourne | Sr | C1M | 90.4 | 120.6943 |
| Toby Roessingh | Sr | C1M | 107.3 | 118.6947 |
| Matt Frank | Sr | C1M | 111.3 | 148.5981 |
| Hayden Daniels | Jr | C1M | 124.7 | 166.4887 |
| Chuck Lee | Masters | C1M | 117.9 | 157.4099 |
| Purcell/Purcell | Sr | C2 | 92.7 | 123.765 |
| Frank/Curson | Sr | C2 | 111.5 | 120.2805 |
| Colleen/Toby | Sr | C2 | 176.5 | 235.6475 |
| Karen/Logan | Cadet/Masters | C2 | 278 | 371.1615 |
| Karen/Kylie | Cadet/Masters | C2 | 320 | 427.2363 |
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
kayakers have other talents
http://www.myspace.com/theadrenalinerush
check it out hes a kayaker and he raps about kayaking!
click on the song the river
check it out hes a kayaker and he raps about kayaking!
click on the song the river
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Penguins postponed one week
Due to inclement weather we will postpone the Calgary Penguin Race till May 2nd. Everything else will remain the same.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Calgary Penguin race
This is the week! Saturday April 25th is the Calgary Penguin Race.
It looks like it might just hold up to its name and be cold. As this is the first Annual, this will be the one we look back at and say ‘Remember that first Penguin race and the weather we had’! With some luck the forecast will warm up as the week progresses, but regardless, make sure you are dressed appropriately.
Chili, fruit and hot chocolate, and a reusable cup will provided at a cost of $5.
Check www.albertaslalom.blogspot.com for more updates. Feel free to pass this on to your friends and club members. This is a perfect paddling site for those paddlers who have just learned how to paddle this winter. Those of you who are retired slalom paddlers, this is a great opportunity to see if you can still do it. In the new short boats, you'll feel just as good as if you never left your 4m boat! Or perhaps you are a sprint paddler and think you can turn a boat, come give it a try. We'll have boats and equipment you can borrow.
First Annual - Calgary Penguin Race
Where: Deerfoot Meadows Slalom Course
Moving water class I with easy eddies
When:
Registration at
Practice 9:30-11am
Race starts at 11
Who: For anyone who has held a kayak or canoe paddle
Cadet, Junior, Open & Masters classes in Kayak, C1, C2. Race and Plastic boats.
Race - $10
Food - $5 including a reusable cup(first 20)
Great Penguin Prizes await!
Directions: South on Deerfoot Trail, East/Left on Glenmore Trail, South/Right on Heritage Meadows Rd, East/Left on
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Perogie extravaganza
I know all of you eat perogies. I also know each person has their own way to prepare the tasty little guys. Boiled, fried, baked, BBQ. Well here's a little deliciousness I made up yesterday. It takes the best of the perogie feast, Indian, and mexican. How does it get any better?
Perogies 10-30
1 onion
1 tomato
100ml cream
Some taragon
Some cayenne pepper
Some ground cumin
Lettuce
Sour creme
Shredded Cheese
Salsa or tomatoes
Take and onion and blend it up. Fry the onion paste in canola oil till light brown. Add the tomato mush, cream, and spices. Place the frozen perogies in and cook till done. Place perogies on a plate, add cheese, shreded letuce, sour creme and tomatoes or salsa. It's delicious!
Perogies 10-30
1 onion
1 tomato
100ml cream
Some taragon
Some cayenne pepper
Some ground cumin
Lettuce
Sour creme
Shredded Cheese
Salsa or tomatoes
Take and onion and blend it up. Fry the onion paste in canola oil till light brown. Add the tomato mush, cream, and spices. Place the frozen perogies in and cook till done. Place perogies on a plate, add cheese, shreded letuce, sour creme and tomatoes or salsa. It's delicious!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 5 +18!
Calgary blesses us with surprises of warmth and cold, this Sunday we had the privileged of having a beautiful day of +18 at the kananaskis river. It is not a usual occurrence to have to debate between weather to put on pants or shorts in the month of April at the kananaskis. The penguin race is only 2 weeks away so Marissa and I decided to make a mascot for our race!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Team Race 2005 World Championships - Coolest picture ever?
We will try and include the Team race in each Alberta Cup in 2009. Get your Teams ready!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Chilliwack Training Camp
Well I guess it didn't help that Jess and Connor didn't go to the Rich Weiss Cup, but they won it in the hearts of the voters. Paul, Chris, and Matt were 2nd, 3rd and 5th, while Graham won the Junior men's with AJ and Levi 3rd and 4th. Haley and Marissa were 3rd and fourth over all while Marrisa was 2nd in Junior. The Purcells looked impressive in C2.
Chilliwack was great...if you like rain, cold and good water. Two training camps went on simultaneously and everyone had great training. The Alberta athletes on the National and Development Teams worked with Michal Staniszewski, Canada's Head Coach, while the rest of the HP athletes worked with me, Mike.
The National group worked hard and their results show good improvement over the winter. It was excellent to have Michal's expertise around. It was a nice break for me to have smaller groups and focus on some technique with my 5.
Our one afternoon off I treked up Elk Mt with Seo. Tons of snow and trail finding made for a fun hike and great views.
Chilliwack was great...if you like rain, cold and good water. Two training camps went on simultaneously and everyone had great training. The Alberta athletes on the National and Development Teams worked with Michal Staniszewski, Canada's Head Coach, while the rest of the HP athletes worked with me, Mike.
The National group worked hard and their results show good improvement over the winter. It was excellent to have Michal's expertise around. It was a nice break for me to have smaller groups and focus on some technique with my 5.
Our one afternoon off I treked up Elk Mt with Seo. Tons of snow and trail finding made for a fun hike and great views.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Sundre Pool Slalom & Polo
Great Weekend!
59 people competed in Slalom and Polo competitions on Saturday and Sunday in Sundre. At least half were under 18 and both events ran smoothly. A huge thanks to Keegan and the Sundre Club for organizing the event. Thanks to Cottonwood, AWA, ASCK & individuals for boats, gates and support during the clinics and competitions. Well done Connor and Hayden for your team's win in the polo! Next time...
Keegan and Scott getting ready to race
Jessica on her way to victory!
Dan and Hayden duel in C1
K1 boys neck in neck
The big boys playing polo
Connor learning how to ref from Jesse
JJ working on some stroke tech on the PaddleOne
Morning clinics in full swing. Watch out for each other!
Slalom Results
Kayak Boys - age under 14 - 1st JJ (Innisfail), 2 Connor Bourgonje (Sundre), 3 Darius Rattan (Innisfail)
Kayak Girls - age under 14 - 1st Chelsey Campkin (Sundre), 2 Katrina Devisser (Sundre), 3 Lissy Methorst (Sundre)
Kayak Mens - 1st Mike Holroyd (Calgary), 2 Connor Curson (Innisfail), Scott Forbes (Edmonton)
Kayak Women - 1st Jessica Groenveld (Innisfail), 2 Kristina O'brien (Edmonton), 3 Marissa Dererer (Calgary)
Canoe Single Men - 1st Thomas Purcell (Innisfail), 2 Daniel Purcell (Innisfail), 3 Hayden Daniels (Calgary)
Canoe Single Women - 1st Jessica Groenveld (Innisfail), 2 Ashley Cunningham (Innisfail), 3 Hannah Gillies (Innisfail)
Canoe Double - 1st Thomas & Daniel Purcell (Innisfail), 2 Mike Holroyd & Connor Curson (Calgary/Innisfail) 3 Keegan Smith & Richard Allen (Sundre/Edmonton)
59 people competed in Slalom and Polo competitions on Saturday and Sunday in Sundre. At least half were under 18 and both events ran smoothly. A huge thanks to Keegan and the Sundre Club for organizing the event. Thanks to Cottonwood, AWA, ASCK & individuals for boats, gates and support during the clinics and competitions. Well done Connor and Hayden for your team's win in the polo! Next time...
Chelsey gets help from Christy with a Slalom deck.
Keegan and Scott getting ready to race
Jessica on her way to victory!
Dan and Hayden duel in C1
K1 boys neck in neck
The big boys playing polo
Connor learning how to ref from Jesse
JJ working on some stroke tech on the PaddleOne
Morning clinics in full swing. Watch out for each other!
Slalom ResultsKayak Girls - age under 14 - 1st Chelsey Campkin (Sundre), 2 Katrina Devisser (Sundre), 3 Lissy Methorst (Sundre)
Kayak Mens - 1st Mike Holroyd (Calgary), 2 Connor Curson (Innisfail), Scott Forbes (Edmonton)
Kayak Women - 1st Jessica Groenveld (Innisfail), 2 Kristina O'brien (Edmonton), 3 Marissa Dererer (Calgary)
Canoe Single Men - 1st Thomas Purcell (Innisfail), 2 Daniel Purcell (Innisfail), 3 Hayden Daniels (Calgary)
Canoe Single Women - 1st Jessica Groenveld (Innisfail), 2 Ashley Cunningham (Innisfail), 3 Hannah Gillies (Innisfail)
Canoe Double - 1st Thomas & Daniel Purcell (Innisfail), 2 Mike Holroyd & Connor Curson (Calgary/Innisfail) 3 Keegan Smith & Richard Allen (Sundre/Edmonton)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Sundre Pool Slalom & Polo - March 14/15
We're excited to confirm that Sundre will host a combined Slalom / Kayak Polo pool event MARCH 14-15 THIS YEAR!
The fun will start Saturday morning, with an 8-11 clinic session (choose the polo clinic or the slalom clinic.)
After a break for lunch and rest, we'll spend the afternoon and evening playing 3on3 polo (2-10pm). Teams will be created on site.
Sunday morning we start bright and early (7am) for a slalom show-down that runs until 11am.
(*Times are subject to wiggle depending on participants*)
The community center (1 block from the pool) will be available for lodging (bring a sleeping pad and bag) on both Friday and Saturday night for a fee.
We hope that this event will offer both beginners and experienced paddlers a chance to learn, have fun, and maybe try something new.
Cost for the entire event will be $30-45 (TBA), plus a fee for lodging at the community center if you choose.
You can register and pay on site, but it would help us out a lot if you could email me with your intent to come, so we can figure out approximate numbers and cost. (Sooner is better!)
Once again, please forward this to anyone who may be interested, and we hope to see you there!
Thanks,
Sundre Paddling Club
Keegan Smith
ksmith@mancroft.ca
Monday, February 23, 2009
Mexico - Two weeks in.
We've been here a couple of weeks now, training hard is a variety of weather conditions. The first week was warm with bugs and the last few days were cold (actually cold) and rainy. Now that Paul, Connor and Alex have left the clouds have parted and it is beautiful again. The air is clear and everything is drying out after what seemed like unstoppable rain. So what do we do here?
Get up to the sound of the noisiest birds ever at 6:38am. Try and sleep till 7:30 for breakfast. Wrestle with the Czechs for fruit in the breakfast line, and dig in to an amazing feast of fruit, Juice, eggs, sugar toast and banana wrapped deliciousness.
Time to go paddle. First we have to drive down and crazy little road to the river. 9min in the jeep, 15-20 in the car. The pics don't really do it justice.
Then we get to paddle. The course is about a 5min paddle downstream. We have roughly 30 gates and it is possible to do fulls, loops etc. The river level fluctuates little (Except yesterday due to the El Norte that blew in and raised it by 1.5meters!). If you've seen Paul's waterfall video on facebook you'll know how high it got.
After the session we either paddle/walk back to the cars or run a shuttle to the takeout 10min below. Lunch is another delicious smorgasbord at the Palapa. A brief rest and we're back at it again.The biggest nuisance is the bugs. Liberal application of bug spray does work though. Lina managed a week here without a single bite! Forget to apply and your legs will look like Grahams. Paul has a great solution, his skiing tights!?
To stay strong you must work out! What to do without a gym?
On our days off we've had a few adventures.Ancient Ruins at Tajin, 1.5hr away.
La Costa Esmeralda, 1hr away.
Connor on the Alsesseca in flood, 30min drive.
While is isn't as easy to train as say, Australia, it certainly is a good option. At about 1/3 of the cost of Aus it isn't to be disregarded. The locals are great, and we haven't felt unsafe anywhere. While a slightly higher vehicle is nice, cars can do the job. The accommodations are perfect and the people here at Aventurec are great. With the Czechs and Americans we were 26 this year, and it wasn't a problem coordinating sessions. There is also the possibility of setting another moving water site if needed. We will leave our gates here at Aventurec. Maybe PanAms should be in Mex in 20??
La Costa Esmeralda, 1hr away.
Connor on the Alsesseca in flood, 30min drive.
While is isn't as easy to train as say, Australia, it certainly is a good option. At about 1/3 of the cost of Aus it isn't to be disregarded. The locals are great, and we haven't felt unsafe anywhere. While a slightly higher vehicle is nice, cars can do the job. The accommodations are perfect and the people here at Aventurec are great. With the Czechs and Americans we were 26 this year, and it wasn't a problem coordinating sessions. There is also the possibility of setting another moving water site if needed. We will leave our gates here at Aventurec. Maybe PanAms should be in Mex in 20??
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