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BoaterTalk: The International Information Site for the Whitewater Paddler
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 Quality and Quantity New
- Forum: BoaterTalk
Re:  Russell Fork Race results (long) jfd New
Date: Oct 29 2007, 15:07 GMT
From: mightswell
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I have had the privilege of participating in the Russell Fork Race since 1997 with two years off for shoulder surgery. This was by far the finest edition of the race i've seen. A scan of the history of times and racers will reveal that the crew that assembled included, with a few absent, the finest that the paddling community has to offer.
We were treated to the premier of the new Liquid Logic race boat. To me this represents a resurgence of the "Can Do" attitude that was once commonplace in the whitewater boat industry, but has been replaced by economic corporate priorities. Remember when you could order a kayak and say things like, "I'd like five extra pounds of plastic", or "make mine red on the ends and blue in the middle" and even more. These things aren't without some economic inefficiency, but they do wonders for the psyche of the sport. In the end, the boat performed well and mixed in with the rest of us "old school boat" racers. Way to go LL.
Though the race is a blur in my memory, I was well aware of the folks that lined the course both for safety and encouragement. It is thrilling to charge into a drop and to see plentiful onlookers cheering you on. The finish line was a sight with boats piled all over and a festival atmosphere in place. Fall foliage and one of the most spectacular gorges in the east rounded out an incredibly good time.
It is a great thing to be a part of event and watch record fall and rivalries play out. Mostly, it has been an event that brings together the best that kayaking represents in one of the all time great places. Many thanks to all who contributed.
Eric Henrickson |
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