Kayak Competition in Golden

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Here are some pics from a kayak competition in Golden this weekend. There were over 40 kids from 12-18 years old competing in various categories of racing. Kelly competed in the downriver and the slalom categories and Leah took on the downriver race.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mullerb/2009_05ColoradoHighSchoolKayakChampionship#

The girls have been out once a week practicing since late March with a really experienced coach, Chris Weigand. Chris trains the US Junior Olympic team and consults with the Chinese, Australian, and several other internationally competing junior teams. It's pretty cool to see how he instills the confidence and motivation in the girls to tackle a challenge like this! White water kayaking on race courses is very safe but it is never the less intimidating and it gets the adrenal glands flowing. It takes a really fine balance of skills, strength and grace to make a kayak go where you want it to go on moving water. And since the girls haven't fully mastered an eskimo roll yet, they only get one shot in a race - if they go over, they won't be able to get back in their boat in time to complete the race course.

Anyways, no illusions that they'll be off to London to compete in the next Olympics. But it is a great way for them to learn some fine motor skills, push themselves in challenging situations, and to have fun with a great group of kids and adults.

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