Down River
photos by Stephen Eginoire

Durango Whitewater kicked off the weekend with the 2009 USA Canoe/Kayak Slalom Senior Team Trials. The course was set in the Animas Whitewater Park with challenging flows upwards of 5,000 cfs. Spectators were, to say the least, impressed with the extent of Olympic class talent paddling their very own hometown run. The events included men and womens kayak, men and womens single canoe, mens double canoe and kayak, with the excitement lasting all through the weekend.

Mens C2 competitors dice through the waves during a practice run below Smelter Rapid. Isaac Schmidt cuts a hard ferry angle to the next gate during the Mens C1 on Saturday. Spectators and officials alike find front row seats above Corner Pocket on Saturday. Michael Smolens wet gear dries out in between runs. Scott Mann kayaks through the final gates of the course on Saturday.

 

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