Ruth Gordon - photo by Tanya Shuman
The North American Cup Championships was a two series event. The crowned North American Champion is the person who racked up the most combined points of both competitions. There was a $5000.00 purse for the winners of this event.
The first part of the competition was held on the Route 3 Wave on the Black River in Watertown, NY and the second part was held on the Garberator Wave on the Ottawa River in Ontario, Canada. Both sites are world class and world renowned for white water kayaking and white water rafting.
Both competitions were exciting and thrilling with intense competition from all competitors and classes.
For the women, it was Ruth Gordon who dominated throughout the Championships with such style and finesse!! Ruth continually threw consistent rides with aerial blunts and back stabs. She came in 1st in the Blackwater Challenge in New York and second to her close friend, Cindy Jameson in the Canadian Cup, earning her the title of 2005 North American Champion.
***Little foot note both Hannah Farrar and Emily Jackson are young paddling stars and incredible to watch paddle. In fact, Emily was a silver medalist in the Cup and Hannah was top competitor leading into finals in the Canadian Cup. They both have moved into the Pro Women’s K-1 class and are a powerful force to contend with. It is exciting to see these two excel so fast in the World of kayaking.
Emily Jackson - photo by Tanya Shuman
As for the Juniors…..can you say Generation Next!?! What a strong group of kids!! Joel Kowalski and Todd Baker definitely stepped it up and respectively claimed gold and silver medals in the North American Cup Championships. Joel with the gold medal becomes both the Junior Canadian National Champion and North American Champion. He threw one of the highest rides of the competition even amongst the Pro Men’s K-1 class. His consistent aerial Air Screws were a definite crowd pleaser and high point scorer.
Last and not least, the Pro Men’s K-1…Eric Jackson's winning streak (he won every single event of 2005 till this one) was finally stopped by Andrew Holcombe, who won the Canada Cup and came in second at the Blackwater Challenge to earn the North American Chamionship. Eric Jackson won the Blackwater Challenge but dropped to second in the Championship after losing to veterans Clay Wright and Shane Benedict as well as 'the newcomer from downunder' Anthony Yapp at Garb.
Lotus Design's Ambassador, Clay Wright - photo by Tanya Shuman
Amazing rides from all competitors, truly showcasing the sport of freestyle kayaking. Next year, the World Cup will be held respectively again at these two venues as well as at Rock Island. The competition will be even more fierce with not only the North American paddlers competing but the whole World. Stay tuned for more updates…..next one US Nationals at the Coosa.
Andrew Holcombe going for Gold - photo by Tanya Shuman
