Worlds training begins... schedule change!

There's one thing you learn from any sport dependant on nature, expect the unexpected.  It started last Monday with 300 plus athletes, many from warm weather countries, waking up in tents to 20 inches of snow.  For many it was the first time.  Canada's rude welcome continued as they head to the waters of the mighty Ottawa River to swollen river levels, massive 25 foot waves, unbelievable holes and glacier water... again, many in shorts and light gear.  Welcome to Canada eh! 

The overriding factor as the training continues is the river levels.  With rain, snow, sun and now more rain coming, dam managers are struggling to maintain the perfect level.  At no point in their lives did they expect to spend three weeks being constantly called by panicked kayak championship organizers asking for them to "open it up a bit more", "no, wait, close it a bit", "OK, perfect".  I loooove technology ;-)

The latest is that the event will be shortenned, holding the competition over a 3 day period... May 2 thru May 4 with the finals on the 4th.  The good news, organizers expect levels to be at the ideal 14 feet (Ottawa river guage language... don't ask). 

My plans remain the same, head out for the semis and finals, that'd be Thursday and Friday.  Invite is still open to those wanting to make the pilgrimage.