Each move is shown in regular speed, then broken down into slow motion and labeled – super useful.  And while obviously some moves are not ones you’d do in a creekboat (like the reverse/bow draw pivots, in which your stern is underwater the whole time), pretty much any of these would go a long way towards making any kayaker better on all types of whitewater.

Looking at these moves I think you can see that quite a few of the components are also in that Eric Jackson ‘Strokes and Concepts’ video that I’ve recommended before.  I’ve broken that one out again recently and am planning to head out to the lake to practice those drills too, but it’s awesome to find a bunch of videos that focus completely on slalom.

If you want to see some amazing boat control in action, check out this video of Campbell Walsh.  (It’s a good example of what Eric Jackson talks about in his video – that every turn should be controlled on the inside of the turn.)  I’m sure that’s not a new concept, but it’s amazing how long we can paddle without really learning some of this stuff – speaking for myself, anyway.

I can’t say someone like me can pick a whole lot of actual how-tos out of here, but there are some pretty amazing moves that are worth watching, (plus, not to mention, of the type that can keep you alive when you’re creeking) - and, of course, the obligatory decent song.

Update Feb. 2011:  I just found a great site with a ton of whitewater kayaking slalom instructional videos, click here to go to the post about that one.

CEDAR RIVER WHITEWATER RACES

Photo from the 2009 race.

This event is Northwest Cup Race #1 for Slalom and Downriver and is a USA Regional Team qualifying event for Juniors, Seniors and Masters.  It’s also just a lot of fun and a perfect event for those new to slalom racing.  The race is open to all ages of boaters and types of whitewater craft.  The Cedar River is class II+.  Flow will be 390 cfs. Flow and river information is available from the American Whitewater website.

Location: Landsburg Bridge – where the Cedar River crosses the Issaquah-Hobart Road.  Adjacent to the City of Seattle park at the Cedar River Watershed and the King County Regional Cedar River trail.  Home of the League of Northwest Whitewater Racers permanent slalom training site about 40 minutes east of Seattle.

Cost: $25/racer ($5.00 discount with proof of ACA membership.  Most WKC members are ACA members).  FREE to Spectators and Volunteers!  Special deals for Juniors!

SCHEDULE – Downriver races on Saturday and Slalom races on Sunday.  The course is open for practice all day Saturday and Sunday until 10:30 am.  (Practice gates are always up – race course will be set on Friday afternoon if enough folks are available.)  E-mail Jennie if you can help!  Otherwise will be done Saturday morning – if you come help, should be done in an hour.

Saturday – March 13

Registration – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

11:00 am – Downriver sprint runs

12:00 pm – Boater Cross sprint event??

3:00 pm – Downriver Classic race

Sunday, March 14

2:00 am — Daylight savings – Don’t forget to move your clock ahead one hour!!

9:00 am – Late registration ($5.00 extra fee)

10:00 am – Registration closes

10:45 am – Racer’s Meeting

11:30 am – Morning Runs

1:30 pm – Afternoon Runs

3:00 pm – Team Runs

AWARDS – following course take-down

VOLUNTEERS always needed and appreciated for:

Course construction on Friday or early Saturday morning.
Timers for the Downriver sprint and classic races on Saturday.
Judges and Timers for the Slalom race on Sunday.
Registration assistance on Saturday.

THE CEDAR RIVER RACES are organized by the Washington Kayak Club, www.washingtonkayakclub.org,  and the League of Northwest Whitewater Racers, www.nwwhitewater.org.

Sanctioned by the American Canoe Association: www.americancanoe.org.

With specials thanks to Seattle Public Utilities.

To help out, or for more information, please contact:
Jennie Goldberg, Director
League of Northwest Whitewater Racers
206-933-1178
www.nwwhitewater.org

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I was really impressed by the canoeists – that looks twice as hard as trying to maneuver a whitewater kayak around those gates.

There was also a display by Keen Footwear.  The guy there (whose name I of course have forgotten) was nice enough to give me a couple of pairs of socks to try out, one of which were these.

I have to say both are great, the one thing I should point out is that the sizing appears small, so the ones that fit the best are in the size range above what I would normally take.  But other than that – two thumbs up on the socks, especially since the ones I’ve been using are these lame-o cotton ones.