cheoah update

On Saturday after a couple of fun Cheoah laps, the first unofficial race was held. Turnout was strong. A bunch of really fast paddlers showed up with long boats and good attitudes. This sequence was shot early in the race.

Shane flipped coming out of the second ledge on the middle line. Joe Barkley and Chris Hipgrave were right behind him, neck and neck.

Here Joe maintains his lead on Chris and passes Shane as he rolls his 16 footer.

Joe is still fighting with the long boys at the washout. Shane is now becoming hypoxic.

Shane is upright and on Chris' stern, Joe now in front (did I mention he is in a Jefe?).

The biggest rapids are below the bridge. I think we were all feeling pretty lactic by the time we got there.

Joe still charging strong. Joe has a background in wild water and it showed at the Cheoah. He was the first short boat across the line, and he beat a bunch of long boats. Results as I remember them:

1. Chris Gragtmans (Dagger Green boat)

2. Chris Hipgrave (Perception Wavehopper)

3. Chan Jones (Prijon Tornado)

4. myself (Prijon T Canyon)

5. Shane Benedict (Liquid Logic Pisgah)
6. Howard Tidwell (Perception Dancer)

7. Maria Noakes (LL Pisgah)
8. Joe Barkley (LL Jefe)

This is race should become a regular event. The timing was good as we roll into my favorite time of year-race season. Thanks to Ronnie Dilbeck for shooting the pics.