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May 15, 2006
Reno River Festival 2006
The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he's done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.
The third annual Reno River Festival was once again a great success. We couldn't have asked for better weather and the local community as well as the kayaking community was there in full force. I am not sure of the numbers but I am sure that the foot traffic was well into the thousands.
This year we had high water and the freestyle competition was moved upstream to number two. It seemed to work well as a competition feature, and was certainly better then a lot of holes that I have competed in. I paddled well all day, never having a ride below 112 points, but in the end finished third. EJ and Steven Wright paddled awesome, as usual, and were able to finish first and second. Yet another Jackson Kayak sweep! The women also paddled really well and were very competitive. Tanya Faux finished first, Nikki Kelly was second, and Emily Jackson finished in a strong third.
Today was the Boater Cross and it was really fun to be part of and to watch.
Like most Boater Cross events it was full on racing and constant entertainment. EJ put his speed to good use and won, Bryan Kirk was second, and once again I was third.
I seem to have the third place curse going so far this year. At the Brush Creek Extreme Race I finished third; At the American River Fest I finished third; At the Reno River Fest freestyle I finished third: At the Boater Cross Time trial I fished third; and at the Boater Cross final I fished third. It is kind of frustrating but I know that I am paddling well, so I expect the curse to be gone by the next time I compete.
Posted by Nadia at May 15, 2006 09:46 AM