Kayak Freestyle
-
AvailableFreestyle Men'sEntry Fees: $25.00
-
AvailableFreestyle Women'sDistance: OtherEntry Fees: $25.00
-
Youth AvailableFreestyle Junior BoysEntry Fees: $25.00
-
Youth AvailableFreestyle Junior GirlsEntry Fees: $25.00
-
Youth AvailableFreestyle Cadet BoysEntry Fees: $25.00
-
Youth AvailableFreestyle Cadet GirlsEntry Fees: $25.00
Freestyle Kayak Competition
Big waves, big tricks, and some of the sport’s top athletes—this is freestyle kayaking at Animas River Days. Held in one of the country’s best whitewater parks, this event gives competitors the chance to throw down their best moves in front of judges and battle for the top spot on the podium.
Athletes in each division will compete in a jam session format in an assigned start order. Only competitors within that division will be allowed in the eddy during competition. Each athlete will have 30 seconds on the feature to show the judges their best tricks and build their score. If a competitor flushes off the wave, that turn is over and the next paddler goes. The heat will continue until the judges signal the end, and all athletes will receive the same number of turns on the feature.
Point values will be assigned to each unique trick, and cumulative scores will be calculated for each athlete at the end of the heat. Style, variety, and execution all matter, so competitors will need to make every ride count.
All athletes must attend the mandatory safety meeting 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Required equipment includes a PFD, whitewater helmet, paddling attire appropriate for river conditions, and protective footwear.
The final competition wave will be selected by the race coordinator the day of the event based on flow conditions. Smelter Wave, located near the midpoint of the whitewater park, is the preferred feature for adult classes. Junior competitors may choose to compete at Clock Tower Wave at the bottom of the whitewater park or at Smelter Wave alongside the adult divisions.
