National Student Rodeo 2011: The best rodeo in the world?

We’ve just got back from the National Student Rodeo – what a weekend it was! Over 800 paddlers from university clubs all over the county travelled to the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham, UK for probably the biggest (and definitely one of the most fun) events on the European boating calendar.

 

But what makes it so brilliant?

1. Enthusiasm
I’ve never seen so many paddlers loving boating as much as I did this weekend. More a festival than a competition, the NSR is all about getting as many people on the water as possible. It’s not about being the best. It’s about grinning inanely whilst powerflipping, epic ‘King of the Wave’ competitions, or standing up in your boat and blowing kisses at the judges. It’s about swimming, grinning and coming back for more.

2. Carnage
Oh the carnage…. From the inflatable sofa-cross (geddit?) to the now infamous Duo final the carnage at NSR this year will take a lot of beating. Check out the shots and video below if you don’t believe me.

3. Organisation.
The event is meticulously organised. To get 800 paddlers down the course in one weekend is amazing. For it to all run on time is incredible.  And when you consider that the NSR is entirely run by volunteers (from Leeds University and River Legacy) it’s mind blowing. Here’s some of the 90 paddlers Leeds Uni brought with them. Well done guys.

4. The party.
Students know how to party and the NSR party is always epic. The beach theme provided plenty of inspiration for some brilliant fancy dress. In fact we were so impressed by the quality of the outfits we’ve decided to give a prize to the best dressed. If you were there and fancy your chances just post a picture of yourself at the party to the Palm Facebook Page. We’ll judge them on Friday and send the winner a free Kinetic or Lara WW jacket. Too easy!

Post pics of your fancy dress efforts here to win a free WW jacket!
(Now closed. Thanks for all the entries and to the winner, Helen “Birdeye” Cinnamond. – Ed)

4. The Prizes.
Nottingham University were eventual winners of the competition and took away our Dagger Axiom with custom NSR graphics.

Massive massive thanks to Jethro, Nic and the rest of Leeds University Canoe Club for organising a brilliant event. See you there next year!

Win a Free Palm Whitewater Jacket!

Got a spare 2 minutes?
Post a photo of yourself at the NSR party to the Palm Facebook Page.
We’ll judge the best Fancy dress
We’ll choose a winner on Friday and send you a jacket in the post.