Ekstremsportveko 2010

We travelled out to Norway last week for the annual Ekstremsportveko. Established 10 years ago by a group of adrenalin nut-jobs, Extremsportveko has grown to become of the worlds largest Extreme sports festivals. With two kayak races (one head to head on class 3 and one full-on class 4/5 time trial) and some of Europe’s best whitewater paddlers to contend with, I flew out to fancy my chances.

It turns out that Europe’s best are pretty fast and big holes seem even bigger when you’re racing! Needless to say I didn’t come home with any medals but, for other aspiring racers out there, here’s my top tips for (a bit more) success:

No 1: Train

Training’s not cheating. Forget the gym though, try timed laps of Cardiff whitewater course or some flat water sprints. You’ll be thankful for it on race day when you’ve still got energy to punch through that last monster hole.

No 2: Practice the course

Whilst it’s tempting to put your poundings off until later, the more confident you feel on the course the more in control you’ll be when you have to do it at speed.

No 3: Don’t look back (& don’t fall over)

Do no.1/2 better than everyone else and you might find yourself out in front. Don’t turn around and congratulate yourself. It will line probably line you up perfectly for the slot/pin/hole, and last place!

No 4: Aggression

Everything goes as long as you keep your hands on your paddles. So take no prisoners!

No 6: Never Give Up

Don’t underestimate other competitors’ abilities to mess it up as much as you. There’s always a chance to pull it back if they get pushed off line.

No 6: Don’t forget to smile.

Could do with some practice. Check out these classic paddling faces!

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The next races (both at the end of September) are the Sickline World Champs in Germany and, closer to home, the Etive River Race in Scotland. So get training, hopefully we’ll see some of you there.

Tim

Images: Fri Flytt
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