(January 9-10, 2011)
January 12, 2011 -- Seattle, WA
West Coast Wildwater paddlers host successful training camps too! This past weekend, January 9-10, 2010, we assembled in Seattle for a weekend of critique and training. With a well-rounded schedule of flat water, sprint and classic training, the camp touched upon many different aspects of the Wildwater Racer’s training program. Thanks to Tom Weir, Andrew McEwan and Jennie Goldberg for helping organize, host and coach the event.
Saturday morning began with a clear and, surprisingly, not windy flatwater session on Green Lake. As we warmed up for a lap around the lake, I took a moment to look around at the other 6 participants and found comfort the fact that there really are others who enjoy the invigorating torture sessions in these boats that make up the majority of our training.
We filmed and held a 2K time trial, putting us all into a race mode as shouts from fellow boaters pulled us across the finish line. For sprint training we lapped a stretch of the Cedar, a technical section of water. Sharing thoughts on lines and even filming the last few laps allowed me to better understand how to use my boat in conjunction with the current.
Sunday morning a smaller group headed to the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie for a longer session in some harder whitewater. With Tom and Jennie’s extensive knowledge of Washington rivers, I am growing more excited to get on this section and many more like it in the upcoming year.
New to the Northwest, this training camp helped me to feel more of a connection to team members and, therefore, more motivation to continue developing my skills. I’m also pretty grateful that I have fallen into a group of athletes so dedicated to the sport. New team developing initiatives from USAWildwater are already forming stronger bonds amongst team members, both on the east and west coast. I look forward to more camps and races in the incredible Pacific Northwest this spring, with such a great group of local athletes!
Susan Hollingsworth
e: Susan@SMHollingsworth.com
p: 610.703.7074
w: www.SMHollingsworth.com
