Training at Tamihi

Hello from the Chilliwack River. We arrived yesterday at the Tamihi campsite located near the race site and the kids had the river to themselves for a couple of hours in the afternoon. The water level is higher than what we remember from the 03 Nationals but still lots of exposed rocks. Boat control and river reading skills are definitely tested on each run.

Most of the paddlers who were with us in North Bend have arrived. The Chinese team are part of Chris Weigand’s Front Range Paddling Association out of Colorado and were out this morning on their team run at 6:45a.m. However, Team Ontario and l’Equipe du Quebec hit the gravel road at 7a.m. for a 30 minute run which got everyone warmed up for a good breakfast.

The Tuesday morning session went well as Dita had the kids doing brokens. The river was a little busier as the groups from North Carolina and Pennsylvania have also arrived. The weather remains excellent – cool but sunny with no bugs or humidity.

Marion expects around 100 competitors this weekend. The Junior Olympics race is Saturday and only cadets and juniors will be racing. Sunday’s is U.S. Cup #2 and a full race program is expected.

We’re camping across the road in the Tamihi campsite. It’s clean, well cared for and constantly supervised. We continue to bring boats back to the campsite at night.

On Wednesday, the organizers have planned a lasagne supper combined with boat measuring (perhaps a motivational approach we should consider).

Everyone is well and starting to really show the benefits of daily training, high calibre coaching, access to a great stretch of whitewater, and a superb support staff.

Another session is scheduled for later this afternoon. Thanks to the Chilliwack Public Library for the Internet access.

Signing off from Chilliwack.