US Freestyle Kayak Association

Congratulations to the 2008 US World Cup team

2008-10-08T11:31:00.005-04:00

The US team competed well during the 2008 World Cup. Overall results for the team are as follows:

Men K-1
3 Dustin Urban
5 Eric Jackson
6 Stephen Wright
13 Jed Selby
15 Clay Wright

Women K-1
1 Emily Jackson
9 Adriene Levknecht
10 Devon Barker USA
11 Jessie Stone USA
13 Nicole Mansfield USA

Junior Men K-1
2 Jason Craig USA
3 Michael Palmer USA
4 Dane Jackson USA
8 Jonathan Shales USA

C-1
5 Dane Jackson

Photos courtesy of Devon Barker

US Team for World Cup

2008-07-06T14:29:00.002-04:00

The US Team for the 2008 World Cup was chosen through a combination of results from the 2007 and 2008 US Nationals. For more information on the 2008 World Cup, see

KI
Stephen Wright
Eric Jackson
Dustin Urban
Jed Selby
Clay Wright

K1W
Emily Jackson
Nicole Mansfield
Adriene Levknecht
Devon Barker
Jessie Stone

K1Jr.
Dane Jackson
Michael Parker, Jr.
Jonathan Shales
Jason Craig

K1WJr.
Lauren Burress

C1
Dane Jackson
Jordan Poffenberger

Physician Coverage

2008-06-28T23:34:00.005-04:00

First of all, I would like to thank Risa for her help in making this happen. Also, having been a boater for over 25 years now, I would like to express how excited I am to support the team.

Being in sports medicine/orthopaedic surgery for the last 6 years, I know how important it is for a team and its athletes to have access to medical care. In addition, knowledge about strength training, injury prevention, and flexibility is vital to performance of the athlete. Most of you guys are familiar with this stuff but maybe there are still some things to learn. I would like to make posts every so often covering one of these topics and tailor them for freestyle kayaking.

In addition, I want to make myself available for medical issues. This could be related to an injury, whether something recent or from overuse, or a training or nutrition issue. Also, we have physical therapists available for consultation who are great for nonsurgical management of problems. It is my hope that none of you need any help, but if you do I'm here for you guys. My contact information is listed below. Please don't hesitate to be in touch.

Good luck,

Eric

W. Eric MacLeod, MD
wemacleod@gmail.com
404-931-6160 (c)

2008 Freestyle Nationals Winners - Congratulations!

2008-06-22T15:36:00.004-04:00

Results for the 2008 Freestyle Kayaking National Championships: Congratulations, all! Stay tuned to see which of these winning athletes will represent the US in the three upcoming World Cup events in Europe.

Men’s Pro Finals
1.Stephen Wright
2.Eric Jackson
3.Nick Troutman (Canadian)
4.Dustin Urban
5.Clay Wright
6.Jed Selby
7.Bryan Kirk
8.Kelsey Thompson (Canadian)
9.Andrew Holcombe
10.Alex Mohn

Women’s Pro Finals
1.Emily Jackson
2.Adrienne Levknecht
3.Nicole Mansfield
4.Eleanor Perry
5.Jessie Stone
6.Elaine Cambell
7.Kat Levitt
8.Devon Barker

Expert Men Finals
1.Daniel Stewart
2.Tommy Yon
3.Chris Wing
4.Sam Fullbright
5.Dustin Stoenner

Expert Women’s Finals
1.Jaime Goode
2.Haley Mills
3.Claire Jencks

JR Women Finals
1.Lauren Burress

JR Men Finals
1.Dane Jackson
2.Jason Craig
3.Jonathan Shales

Beginner/Sport Men
1.Ben Peters
2.Matthew Donnely
3.David Meyers
4.Scott Butler
5.Tyler Hinton

Beginner/Sport Women
1.Rebecca Cranor
2.Hannah Kertusz
3.Adrienne Prosser
4.Sarah Cranor

Cadets
1.Alex Voorhees
2.Alex Dunn
3.Simon Holden
4.Cully Brown
5.Wurl Kincaid
6.Jack Haymen
7.Nico Torozzi
8.Paul Palmer
9.Sage Donelly
10.JP Griffith

2009 Team Trials Awarded to City of Glenwood Springs

2008-06-19T08:49:00.004-04:00

Glenwood Springs has been chosen to host the 2009 Freestyle Kayaking Team Trials. The USA Freestyle Kayaking Committee made the site decision June 12 prior to the Freestyle Nationals, after evaluating bids submitted by Glenwood Springs, Watertown, NY and Missoula, MT.

Glenwood Springs is the home of an extremely popular new engineered river park with features available at a wide range of flows - a key attribute and factor in the award decision. While the town has not held major whitewater events in the past its whitewater park advocates are stepping up to the task by forming organizing committee. We look forward to keeping you updated on their progress and news about the event (e.g., the timeframe) as it unfolds!

Competitors in the Freestyle Nationals 2008

2008-06-03T11:44:00.004-04:00

If you are planning to compete in the Freestyle Nationals event you must be a USACK member. Here’s the place to inquire or renew your membership. Adults $55/yr., juniors(under 18) $25/yr.

You can join just for the event for $10, too!

http://www.usacanoekayak.org/Join_USACK_Today.aspx

BRING YOUR USACK NUMBER WITH YOU or a receipt of your membership renewal confirmation, or your score may not be counted in the Nationals competition.

2008 BV Pro Rodeo Results

2008-05-24T19:22:00.001-04:00

Men K-1
1 Dustin Urban
2 Nick Troutman
3 Dane Jackson
4 Jonathan Shales
5 Jason Craig
6 Greg Parker
7 Stephen Wright
8 Bryan Kirk
9 Jed Selby
10 Eric Jackson
11 Jeremy Laucks
12 Jonny Meyers
13 Jake Greenbaum
14 Corey Volt
15 Clay Wright
16 Andrew Holcombe
17 Billy-Bob Malesky
18 Dan Gavere
19 Dave Fusilli
20 Jared Seiler
21 Chad Hixon
22 Graham Seiler

Women K-1
1 Emily Jackson
2 Ruth Gordon
3 Katie Selby-Urban
4 Brooke Bevin
5 Lauren Burress

USAFK accepting bids for 2009 team trials.

2008-05-15T12:29:00.003-04:00

USA Freestyle kayaking is accepting bids for hosting Team Trials for the 2009 World Championships.

Requirements:
1: Team Trials must be held no later than May 1, 2009. Fall 2008 is acceptable.
2: Team Trials must be held on a Wave feature, similar to the wave in Thun (see video here)
3: The site must be accessible for Judges/competitors/spectators
4: The site must have reliable/predictable waterlevels
5: The event must use use of sanctioned ICF judging and scoring guidelines (what is current and approved or acknowledged as likely to be used at the Worlds).
6: Results from the event must be posted online within 24 hours of the event and a follow up summary to provide feedback to USAFK what can be learned and utilized for the next Team Trials event.

Bids should include a description of the site and feature (photos and/or video are helpful), water level information, proposed schedule, and any other information that may aid the committee in site selection.

Bids should be submitted via email to Jeremy Laucks (Jeremy@ChasingRain.com) no later than midnight of June 4, 2008. A decision will be made during the committee meeting during US Freestyle Nationals (June 12th). Any questions or comments should also be directed to Jeremy Laucks

Judges needed for Lyons Outdoor Games

2008-05-13T15:19:00.002-04:00

Lyons Outdoor Games will be held May 30-June 1 in Lyons Colorado. Qualified judges are needed for the Freestyle event. If you're planning on being in Lyons and aren't going to be competing and would be willing to Judge, please contact Matt Solomon.

USAFK Sanctioning Guidelines

2008-05-05T20:03:00.005-04:00

Guidelines for Sanctioned Events - 2009

The following illustrates the intention of the USA Freestyle Kayaking Committee to create a skeleton for the Freestyle body. We're trying to balance the structure that we need to provide consistency for athletes and sponsors with flexibility that will encourage even cadets and squirt boaters to participate. Thanks to all who are contributing to this effort!

Competition

1- The event must include Men’s and Women’s Pro and Junior Kayak classes as part of the competition; other classes such as C1, OC1, Squirt, Cadet, and Amateur are optional.

2- The event is strongly encouraged to include a downriver, boater-cross or a creek race.

3- The event must utilize ICF Freestyle and Squirt rules for both event procedure (e.g., number of judges) and scoring (not applicable for boatercross, creek, etc.) as posted and otherwise available from USAFK and USA Canoe Kayak. Variances will be stated in writing by the USAFK (e.g., pending updates by ICF that are already being implemented by the US and other countries). Submit requests for variances in writing and for approved by the USAFK prior to the close of event registration

4- Cash prizes will be awarded for a minimum of Top 3 places in both Men’s and Women’s Pro Level events.

5- A minimum of three (3) USAFK approved judges and one (1) administrator will be paid according to USAFK recommendations for duration of the event for all Pro and Junior classes. The USAFK recommends, but does not require, the use of a Head Judge.

6- The event will provide three experienced and/or approved scribes.

7- Squirt judges and/or scribes may be hired for their specific expertise.

8- Event scribes will use USAFK approved scribe sheets and scoring systems.

Communication

9- The event website will link to the USAFK site. Website links and use the USAFK logo and name must be prior approved. Non-sanctioned events may not use the USAFK logo.

10- Competition classes, rules, requirements, and registration information for events must be posted at least one month before the first registration deadline on the USAFK website and any printed material.

11- Provide event location directions and lodging information to the USAFK to post and share with the kayak community.

12- Provide event results to the USAFK for posting within 24 hours of completion of event.

Financial

13 - The USAFK seeks revenue and cost sharing such that the event enhances the value of the host city and site, and the competitors are able to experience the highest quality competitive experience possible. Partnership proposals are welcome

Events Interested in Hosting a Nationals or Team Trials Event

1- Provide the request two (2) years prior to the event year (i.e., apply in 2009 for 2011).

2- Host a USAFK sanctioned event prior to the request submission and must have met all requirements at that time.

3- Show the event has predictable, adequate water flow and quality for training.

4- The host city must provide a plan or set of options for lodging or camping for participants and spectators.

5- If request is for Team Trials, the venue must have a feature similar in nature to the World’s feature for the following year.

6- The event will provide for ALL classes: Pro M/W, Junior M/W, C1,OC1 and Squirt.

World Cup info

2008-04-03T12:32:00.001-04:00

Dear Competitors,

There is a slight chance that we will have to limit the entries for the World Cup this August in Europe. The USA Freestyle Kayaking board voted on the selection numbers below.

Salida, Colorado will hold the 2008 Nationals. We might not know until after this event if there will be a limit on team numbers. Be sure to come to 2008 Nationals if you want to go to the World Cup, as selections will be made there if the restrictions to 15 are put in place. Contact Risa Shimoda risa@theshimodagroup.com if you qualified at 2007 Nationals to verify if you are planning on attending the World Cup or not.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact USKA. As soon as we have more information we will send it out to you and post it on www.usfka.blogspot.com.

Nationals 2007 (7) Nationals 2008 (9) Total (15)

K1 3 2 5

K1W 1 2 3

K1Jr. 2 2 4

K1WJr. 0 1 1

OC1 0 1 1

C1 0 1 1

*Replacements will come from Nationals 2008 for Nationals 2007 people who cannot make it or for people who place at Nationals 2008 and cannot go.

Thun Video

2008-03-08T10:34:00.001-05:00

Here's some video from the Thun Wave, site of the 2009 World Championships

November Newsletter

2007-11-30T10:38:00.000-05:00

Freestyle is a USACK Discipline
Freestyle is now a recognized discipline of USACK, having submitted our approved Bylaws and elected officer roster to Chris Hipgrave, USACK Director of High Performance Sport (thanks go to Jeremy Laucks for having prepared these for approval this year!). Chris presented them to the Board of Directors at their recent meeting. Recognition doesn’t change our plans, but DOES allow us to have a voice in USACK governance. Freestyle Committee members will have opportunities to participate as time goes on.

2008 Nationals: after considerable discussion among committee members, we have approached FIBARK organizational leaders to consider hosting the Freestyle Nationals next year. We to work out what our responsibility will be to make this happen, but are optimistic that it will work out.

Key to our success will be an ability to create a strong judging/scribing staff that relieves our dependence on participating athletes. That means we’ll need to 1) recruit qualified, dependable judges and 2) raise the funds to pay them - as we did this year. We may not meet the objective totally this year, but will give it try under the leadership of Matt Solomon and Clay Wright, judging and scoring committee leaders, respectively.

Sincerely,
Risa Shimoda
Chair,
USACK Freestyle Committee

Freestyle Committee Elections results

2007-10-08T18:19:00.000-04:00

Election Meeting- Thank you all so much for coming to the meeting at the ASCI in Maryland the weekend of September 28-30th. It is up to us athletes to move our sport forward. Thanks for being part of the movement.

Election Results:

Chair & overseeing Rules Committee- Risa Shimoda
The Chair is responsible for herding the committee cats to meet our goals for the year and representing the committee to USA Canoe and Kayak and the International Freestyle Committee.
Rules Committee- Clay Wright *This committee is to make sure our rules for moves and the point values continue to lead freestyle and move the sport forward.

Vice Chair & overseeing Excel Scoring Committee- Matt Solomon *This committee is charged with developing a grassroots network of event workers (volunteer and paid staff) trained how to use the current scoring system. Matt will work with Kristine Jackson to help train individuals in the program. We need volunteers. At upcoming events we need recruit for those interested in being trained - this is open to all supporters, not just athletes.

Treasurer & overseeing Fundraising Committee- Brian Jennings
*This position will work with USACK and supporters of USA Freestyle Kayak Association to secure funds for team that augments the sponsorship secured by the event planners.

Newsletter/Ranking Editor- Jeremy Laucks & Devon Barker
*This position will update the blogs, website, and send out the newsletter to the list serve.
Events & Program Coordinator- Eleanor Perry & Emily Jackson
*This position will establish the annual schedule of events (some may be sanctioned, some listed for scheduling and travel-planning only) and will provide this information to Newsletter/Ranking Editors so they can inform you of all the upcoming freestyle events.

Athlete Representative- Brian Kirk, Andrew Holcombe, & Morgan Tidd (Jr. Rep.)
*These representatives are your link to the committee. Please talk with them and let them know how you want to help.

Media Contacts- Clay Wright & Andrew Holcombe
*They will field media questions regarding team activities.

Boater Cross & PA Organizer- Corey Volt
*This position will develop boater cross as a companion events at the freestyle competitions, explore how extreme creek racing can partner with freestyle and staff the PA to update all athletes about important information at the events.
Team Manager- to be elected by Freestyle Committee

Websites & Blog
Freestyle Committee Blog
www.usfka.blogspot.com
USA Canoe Kayak website-Freestyle page
http://www.usack.org/Freestyle.aspx

Email- please let everyone know they can join this list serve for email updates from the Freestyle Committee by emailing Devon Barker at devobarker@yahoo.com. We will be informing every one of upcoming events and important information regarding freestyle kayaking in USA.

Freestyle Nationals Results

2007-10-08T18:12:00.000-04:00

Amateur Women
1 Paige Teegarden
2 Tracey Kulesa
3 Michele Gasper

Amateur Men
1 Andrew Robinson
2 Chris Lee
3 Chris Poli
4 Chris Wing
5 Horace Holden
6 Noah Sunflower

Junior Women
1 Morgan Tidd
2 Lauren Burress
3 Charlotte Hardie

Junior Men
1 Dane Jackson
2 Michael Palmer
3 Jason Craig
4 Max Lentz
5 Eli Spiegel
6 Daniel Stewart
7 Matthew West
8 David Ruhle
9 Isaac Holden
10 Jonny Cochran
11 Sam Fulbright
12 Nate Garcia
13 Davis Grove
14 Skyler Mavor
15 Chad Skogsdad
16 Ben Hurd
17 Sean Johnson

OC-1 Results
1 Eli Helbert
2 Jeremy Laucks
3 Dooley Tombras

C-1
1 Seth Chapelle
2 Jordan Poffenberger
3 Dane Jackson
4 Jeremy Laucks
5 Thomas Lucier

Womens Pro
1 Emily Jackson
2 Eleanor Perry
3 Tanya Shuman
4 Devon Barker
5 Elaine Campbell

Mens Pro
1 Stephen Wright
2 Eric Jackson
3 Jay Kincaid
4 Andrew Holcombe
5 Bryan Kirk
6 Jared Sieler
7 Clay Wright
8 Brian Jennings
9 Alex Mohn
10 Corey Volt
11 Matt Fithian
12 Adam Johnson
13 David Fusilli
14 Jesse Shimrock
15 David Spiegel
16 Billy Boylan
17 Tino Specht
18 Jeremy Laucks
19 GrahamSieler
20 Billy Malesky
21 Josh Bechtel
22 Aaron Reimer
23 Joe Potoczak
24 Dave Zinn
25 Jake Greenbaum
26 Nathan St. Savious

Womens Boatercross
1 Eleanor Perry
2 Emily Jackson
3 Tanya Shuman

Mens Boatercross
1 Issac Levinson
2 Jesse Shimrock
3 Nick Troutman

Squirt
1 Jeremy Laucks
2 Risa Shimoda
3 Brian Jennings

Video of the event courtesy of Bill Kirby

Register Online to Recieve Early Registration Discount

2007-09-13T14:20:00.000-04:00

Registration online for the Nationals before midnight Pacific Time, September 23. Registration online will continue but with higher rates ... until Thursday September 27th at 5 pm Pacific Time.

So register online, and early! www.adventuresportscenter.com

Are You a USACK Member? Why Does it Matter?

2007-08-24T11:39:00.000-04:00

US Nationals competitors need to be a member of USA Canoe and Kayak, the governing body for competitive paddlesports and our representative to both the International Canoe Federation (ICF), in turn our sport's representative to the International Olympic Committee.

You can join or renew at http://www.usack.org/Join_USACK_Today.aspx
$55 Adult Bronze Membership (Annual)
$145 Adult Silver Membership (3yrs)

NOTE: You can obtain an Event-Only Membership for $10 (essentially to cover your insurance) when you register online for the competition. We'll make sure USACK gets the $.

To renew or sign-up by fax/mail you can download the Membership Application and Waiver here: http://www.usack.org/Forms.aspx, and if you are a member and you know your membership number you can obtain login information here: http://www.durationinc.com/clients/wwwUSACK/membership/

As a default, you can call Gerald Balbao with membership inquiries: 704-348-4330, ext 225. That should cover it!

Freestylers to Compete for National Honors at New Recirculating Whitewater Course

2007-08-20T17:20:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release

August 21, 2007 Contact

Nancy Beakes (301) 387-3250

Risa Shimoda (301) 502-6548

Event Set to Re-energize a Young Sport as it Reaches for Olympic Status

(McHenry, Maryland) – The US Freestyle Kayak Association and Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) have announced that they are co-producing the National Freestyle Kayaking Championships September 28-29. Located atop Marsh Mountain overlooking Deep Creek Lake, the ASCI course features one-of-a-kind adjustable rapids capable of producing ideal conditions for freestyle kayaking.

“This changes everything about US freestyle competitions,” says professional paddler Brian Jennings. “They can adjust the rapids right before your eyes and tweak them to perfection, so we’ll be seeing athletes performing everything they’ve got, for the very first time.”

“Kayakers and canoeists from across the country will be vying for the prestigious national title in wave surfing,” notes Nancy Beakes, ASCI Events Coordinator. “We will also host a 'Boatercross,' the extremely popular event in which paddlers race head-to-head through our steep, twisting class III-IV rapids. Amateurs are encouraged to participate: they will be judged by the same national caliber judges as the professional athletes.”

“During a break on Saturday competitors and organizers will meet to approve By Laws and elect officers for the Freestyle Committee, now that Freestyle is a recognized International (i.e., Olympic) discipline,” notes Jimmy Blakeney, one of the US Freestyle Kayak Association founders. “Paddlesports is one of our nation’s fastest growing leisure time activities, and whitewater kayaking is its most exciting, youthful aspect. We are very excited about the future!”

Register today at www.adventuresportscenter.com: look for the US Freestyle Nationals link on the left side of your screen. Contact the United States Freestyle Kayak Association at info@usfka.com call Risa Shimoda at 301-502-6548.

# # # #

Blackwater Challenge Aug 24-26 2007

2007-07-03T20:31:00.000-04:00

The Blackwater Challenge is once again on the calender for August 24-26 2007 in Watertown NY.
For more information, see www.blackwaterchallenge.net

US Freestyle Nationals, Sept 28-29

2007-07-03T20:04:00.000-04:00

US Freestyle Nationals will be held Sept 28-29 at Adventure Sports Center International in Deep Creek, MD. See the ASCI website or watch this space for more information