Hurley Classic 2008

Last weekend it was Hurley Classic and, as it was my first year, I was really looking forward to it. The day started with a fairly cold Sunday morning and a long trek down a muddy hill, thankfully without falling over, to get the the wave. When we got to the wave it was a strange looking 3 gates – thanks to a high pool level, which came up to 4 for the competition.

 

I was the only junior girl there and one of only four women, so I was though to the superfinal just by turning up! They had divided al the paddlers up in to around 8 heats. I was in the 5th heat which gave me plenty of time to walk back up and down the hill several times and cheer everyone else on.

The heat runs were ‘jam sessions’ with around 8 paddlers on the water and going on the wave with no set time. There were 15 minutes for each jam session so everyone got time to perform as many tricks as they could. Unfortunately I didn’t do that well in the heats, only scoring a flat spin, but I still was through to the final against the three senior women.

By the time it was the final for the women (we were on second to last) it was cold. I couldn’t feel my hands waiting for my runs and, judging by the looks on everyones faces, they weren’t too warm either. I had better runs this time. They haven’t put the scores up yet but I think I scored at least two enders and a flat spin both sides.

Getting a good run certainly made me forget the cold water, off the water I was actually pretty toasty in thermals and dry kit, unlike some boys who tried to man it up in shorts and stood around shivering!

As for the results; I came first in the junior women’s (and last as well!). I was also entered in the senior ladies and came 2nd to current European and British champion Flea.

 

Massive well done to everyone who took part and thanks to all the organisers for organising such a great event.

I’m taking a couple of weeks off paddling now, until after Christmas when I’ll be at the freestyle get together Palm team paddler Lowri has organised for the 27th at Llangollen.

Have a great holiday and see you on the water

tasha

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