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Freestyle Team Selection Peak UK team paddlers, Jenny Chrimes, Claireo Hara, Richard Chrimes and Joe Bradley headed down south to Hurley Weir to compete in the GB freestyle kayaking team selection event. The river was very high and despite having spent the best part of the previous two weeks practising at the weir, everything was now looking very different, with the amount of rain over the last few days effecting the level of water in the river and changing the shape of the surf features . The first event was the squirt boating competition which was held directly below a very powerful and dangerous weir just round the corner from the freestyle weir. Claireo finished 1st in the ladies and to many of the male competitors, judges and spectators surprise scored high enough to place 2nd in the men's event. Next up was the main freestyle event where Jenny Chrimes and Joe Bradley took top spots, beating all the local hotshots and showing that wherever selection is held, the same paddlers will be on top!!
Sunday morning and the second days events were to be held at Nottingham. With the river levels across the country now really high the decision as to whether the event would be able to run was left to 9.30am Sunday morning, as the National Water Sports Centre site of the competition was in flood. Again the day started with the squirt boating. Claireo had a really nice run and a deep mystery move, disappearing beneath the freezing cold mucky brown water to gain more points in each ride. Again she finished 1st lady securing her place on the team. Next up was the freestyle. Again Claireo threw down three solid runs, scoring some really complex moves and finishing in first place for the second time in a day!! Followed closely by team mate Jenny Chrimes. Jenny took the ladies overall win in selection, with her brother Richard finishing second overall in the senior mens event. Our newly signed team member Joe Bradley took his second junior win and selection title.
What a weekend, an emotional rollercoaster on some murky brown freezing cold british rivers, the passport to the British Team and the key step to a sunny spanish European Championships next summer. Jenny, Claireo and Joe all paddle the Riot Flair 47, showing that this little missile is still the top contending freestyle design for girls and juniors. Come and demo one soon at the Peak Shop. Holme Pierrepont.
Words Claireo Hara. Pics: Pete Meares www.petermeares.com
 
 (Posted on the 5th Jan 2008 by timb) |
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