2007 Teva Lea Xstream Race

October 13 and 14th saw the running of the 5th annual Teva Lea Xstream Race, Australia’s longest running extreme kayak race. The Lea River is located in Tasmania’s northwest, nestled in the foothills of the World Heritage Cradle Mountain region. As anyone who has been to Tasmania would know the weather here is somewhat random and we can truly experience 4 seasons in a day and although it was Spring I managed to leave Hobart in the south of the state in brilliant sunshine, 3 hours later I was in Burnie in the rain, and then another hour later at the takeout to the Lea in the snow.

Race briefing.

The Lea ranges from a nice class 4 at low flow to a solid 5 at high flows. For this year’s race the level was quite low, but still high enough to make for a good race level. The main drops including “Screaming Plastic Surgeon”, “Proctologist’s Twist” and “Ankle Breaker”, tested competitors skill and nerve, while a few short flat sections between the tested their fitness.

Race Winners Dan Hall & Justin Boocock Photo: Scott Williams

Kayak 4 Play team paddler Dan Hall dominated the weekend of racing, recording a win with partner Justin Boocock in the premier teams competition on Saturday, and backing up with another first place in the individual head-to-head contest on Sunday. Stewart Bennett/Andrew Maynard were the 2nd placed team, with the Ben Maynard/Tanya Faux pairing taking 3rd. Fluid paddler Adrian Kiernan finished a respectable 6th with race partner Colin Furmston, both arriving back from overseas just in time for the race.

Dan Hall & Justin Boocock on “Screaming Plastic Sugeon”Photo: Scott Williams

Tim “superman” Robinson on Screaming Plastic SurgeonPhoto: Scott Williams

Carol Hurst and Kate Mollison took out the women’s division, and also recorded a top 10 finish outright. In total, 49 paddlers lined up to compete in the event.

Saturday night was the presentation for the main race and party. Sponsors including Teva, Fluid Kayaks, Immersion Research, Kayak4Play and Cumec Magazine gave away prizes to competitors and volunteers and then everyone partied the night away to a live band.

“The Bull” trophy and some of the booty.

Race Winners Justin Boocock and Dan Hall with “the Bull”

Kayak 4 Play used the race to (re)launch Fluid into the Australian market and gave away a $500 voucher. Ian Smith was the lucky recipient and just happened to be in the market for a new creeker. Needless to say “Smiffy” is now the happy owner of a Fluid Solo Expedition.

Smiffy and his brand new Solo Expedition. Photo: Leigh Wighton

Another great weekend of boating down under.

Outdoor Retailer - San Francisco Part 2

After a whirlwind tour of San Francisco this morning i am now in Salt Lake City. I obviously "went left" and didn't meet my end at the hands of some crack head. In fact the hotel in San Francisco turned out quite well.

I managed to get a quick photo while the locals were distracted by a fight on the opposite corner.

It was only a 100 metres from the cable car and then a short, steep ride over the hill to Fisherman's Warf.

Cable Car

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz

Unfortunately I didn't have time to visit all the local attractions.

On another note Liquid Logic released their new website today, showcasing their new boats and outfitting for 2008. Basically they have a new river runner in multiple sizes, a bigger and smaller Jefe, and more sizes in the CR range. The new outfittinng looks pretty fancy and they have some limited edition colours/graphics as well. Check it all out at http://www.liquidlogickayaks.com/

I'll see what further info I can find out over the next few days. The open Air Demo starts tomorrow afternoon and companies with booths at the main show will start setting up.

Outdoor Retailer - San Francisco Part 1 ...finally

After 30 hours of sleep deprivation, 3 or 4 movies, 0 showers, I have finally made it to San Francisco. My first time to the States, let alone San Francisco, I just winged it and booked some accommodation on the net. Seems I could have done some more research. Walk out the door and turn left and I'm in the heart of the shopping district. Turn right and i will most likely trip over a homeless guy, get caught up in a crack deal, mugged, and shot. Will venture out to check out the sights tomorrow, before heading off to Salt Lake City.
The Open Air Demo starts Tuesday with the main show starting Thursday.
Must remember "go left or die", not "go left and die'.

Outdoor Retailer

Over the ext 2 weeks I willl heading off to the Outdoor Retailer Show in Slat Lake City, Utah. OR is THE biggest outdoor trade on the planet. It's a gear freaks paradise with all the outdoor companies, including the paddle sports industry, unveiling their new products for 2008. So stay tuned for lots of updates and some sneak peeks at what's in store for 2008.