After looking through the results for the LVM Giant Slalom event on OBJ, I was really suprised to see so few Rocky Mountain locals on the list (see link below). Hell, the first person that even lives in CO came in 7. The Little White Race was about a 70/30 locals to visitors ratio, and a local won. For the North Fork Payette Giant Slalom we had about 20 locals on the course, plus some visiting paddlers, and again a local won. These results look like a who's who of pros traveling Colorado for the season.

Personally, I thought that the Giant Slalom was one of the most fun competitions I have ever entered. The super challenging course, great venue, and grass roots vibes combined to make an event that is fun to watch and compete in. This is exactly what competitive kayaking should be, in my humble opinion. I love watching really good kayakers stress about lines and miss gates.

So, what gives? Water too high? Gas too expensive? Not enough pre-event hype? People didn't like the format? Too many out of town pros there stealing the lime light? If I understand the rules, most of the top 10 will still have to qualify back east, in their home region.

For those who competed, what did you think? Is this the event that will take competitive kayaking to the next level?

 OH BE JOYFUL LVM GIANT SLALOM

-Mark