Pools and Parrots.

Fortunately the rain has been co-operating and at least some of the runs have been up enough to enjoy. So far 2009 has been shaping up quite well. Despite not being to acclimatized to the cold and trying to convince myself that pogies are not necessary in the Linville when it's 27 degrees it really was quite a good time. I have not had ice form that quickly since the first New Years day paddle I did when I was fourteen back in England. Although that one ended with at a Pub and an open fire instead of a 1 mile hike out to the ridge.

So far things are shaping up to be fun and challenging year. The excitement of the Olympics has left us and the Slalom community has come out somewhat of hibernation and are starting to put their three and a half year plans together. Some have decided to focus on school and put the competitive world behind them or on hold. Others are balancing the two or trying to find time to train while working.
However despite the conundrums facing some of our athletes our biggest and most satisfying challenge will come from our development programs and trying to grow the next generation of paddlers. And also corrupting the current ones.
Here are Pablo and Scott Mann firing off Gorilla last week.


Our corruption extended a little further the next Sunday taking another slalom boater to the Green and away from his work out. Despite it being a rather demoralizing 60% he thoroughly enjoyed it. Another one comes to the dark side.
Either way this year's Green Race is going to be full of slalom boaters and with the final leg of the World series only three weeks before we hope to see a lot of the Euro guys stay for it too.

In the meantime we were treated to a short reprieve from the cold as we made our way to Rollapoolooza in Raleigh for this annual event. Raleigh Parks and Rec organize the event which is hosted at the Pullen Aquatics Center is a nice way to kick off the season seeing a bunch of fresh faces as well as going through the usual small world moments that the paddling community is good for.

The USNWC was well represented and had a variety of clinics from back deck rolling to cartwheels. It was especially good to have an Olympic sized pool to play with as it allowed the large number of participants to spread out.
In this shot there are around 68 people in Kayaks. Pretty cool.

Pablo helping out with a back deck roll.


Despite the new season there were not too many new boats. Most notable were the Biscuits from Liquid Logic and Jackson's new topoduo. Probably the best part of the day though was watching everyone's favorite Ginger up to his usual antics.

Corey

Beyond the pool the first event we will be looking forward to is the Shamrock Swap on March 14th. Come check out the used gear, new LVM, demo boats and race in the Boater X.
In the meantime though we will be enjoying what rain we get and I'll leave you with a gratuitously pointless picture of a Parrot.



Cheers.

The Roll Clinics were a huge success in 2008! They were so popular that we started them up again in 2009! Scheduled every Wednesday and Friday evening for the bargain price of $25.00 ($20.00 if you are a member of the YWCA)these two hour clinics have already taught dozens of people how to roll a kayak. Already have a roll? We can help fine tune your current role or teach you a new one. Learning to roll in a heated pool can't be beat! Join us at the YWCA Central Carolinas at 3420 Park Road. Call 704-391-3900 for reservations and more information.