Aussie Xmas Freestyle Comp

Freestyle in Australia

What an awesome weekend. This Saturday freestyle kayakers took over the Penrith White Water Course to showcase some impressive tricks. It was a great demonstration of Australian freestyle kayaking.With a whole mix freestylers coming together  (National team athletes, World Champions, up and coming young paddlers and the very impressive wrinklys crew) all paddling and competing together and coaching and cheering each other on.

The young guns gather for a pre event briefing

With sun, smiles and big tricks this was truly an Aussie style Xmas Freestyle event. The action took place in two holes Skippys and Wrinklys. Judged by some of the worlds top athletes the scores were calculated using the Wave Monkey scoring system. The same system used in Canada this summer at the ICF World Championship event. This was the Wave Monkeys debut in Australia and it did not disappoint. Thank you Andrew Kaar and Dave Hajoglou 'Hojo' for making this happen. Another new addition was the official countdown clock. Sue Robb worked hard to get this impressive system from Canoe Polo revolutionising the Australian Freestyle event.

The Judges getting ready

The Wave Monkey in Australia!!!

I had an awesome time throwing down loads of tricks. What was most impressive though was the young kids. Jez has been running a youth development programme for the last few years and as a result the standard of young paddlers has grown massively. This weekend really showcased that with young paddlers aged 12+ throwing some of the biggest moves and tricks including entry moves, cartwheels, huge air loops, space godzilla's and splits.

Liam nails a big entry move

Jack Clean Cartwheels his way into first

Luke setting himself up for a trick

Christian sets up to go big

Georgia throws a massive loop

Jack shows of with some huge pop

In the end it was James Rowlinson, myself , Jack Newland, Georgia Clarke, Christian Hliounakis, Eileen Callaghan, Vix Crawford, Peter Newland and Sue Robb who took home the wins in their respective classes.

Junior Womens 1st Place Georgia

Junior Mens Champ Jack

Junior Wrinkleys Champ Christian

Thank you to everyone involved in organising the event and everyone who took part for making this such an awesome day.

This years Australian Xmas Freestyle event was kindly sponsored and supported by Mountain Khakis and the Australian Freestyle Kayak Committee.

Mountain Khakis Gear up for grabs

Its Xmas :)

With the temperatures a mere 36 degrees its hard to believe it already only just over a week to Xmas

Thank you Vix Crawford & Peter Newland for capturing the action in these awesome shots.