Down River

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.

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows