For the same reasons that the USNWC is a phenomenal training site it also make a superb testing site for new boats and equipment. Being able to dial in water flows and features allows the boats to be tested in a controlled situation and be compared very easily without anything except user error getting in the way of a truly subjective comparison. Even if some time has elapsed between tests the features can be brought back and like nothing ever changed.
Given the wide variety of features at the center, from small holes to large powerful features it gives the boat a full going over to see how it really performs.
One of our best features and favorite spots, Sketch Wave, has played host to the prototypes of Liquid Logic's new play boat, The Biscuit. While "Sketch" can be a touchy wave at times it is the most dynamic feature on the course with a good pile, nice shoulders and a deep trough if you end up throwing the bow a little to deep. Since the spot is fast enough to get some bounce you can see how well the boat will release and possibly more importantly, how it will land, since sticking it is the objective.
Not only is it the season for new things but it's also time to start talking smack about the Green Race. We started a little while back trying to goad the slalom paddlers to sack up and race. It finally worked, Butter has been getting a few runs in and our very own Chilean wonder, Pablo, broke out the long boat for some pre-race practice. While Zuzana may not be racing she did get over to the Green yesterday and ran everything for the first time, styling it in the way that only racers can. You can check out the video of her first run and several other great moments here.
Since there are way to many posts about the Green I am going to cut this one short. More after November 1st.
Cheers
