Freestylers to Compete for National Honors at New Recirculating Whitewater Course

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.

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