After an all day drive we arrived in the city of Ottawa in Ontario Canada on Thursday, April 23th 2009. The drive was long but beautiful, we drove through wetlands and as we passed over the lake near the United States/ Canada boarder we saw an amazing sunset that reflected shades of pinks and reds off the sparkling water.
After a good nights rest at the Royal Hotel we were off to the Champlain Wave to train for the competition. Luckily there were not many other boaters at the wave giving us plenty of time to practice. After a long hard day full of sunshine and surfing we headed out for dinner at the Works. The works is a favorite among students serving up juicy burgers, onion rings and poutine (a Canadian specialty dish consisting of french fries covered in cheese curds and gravy).
When we arrived back at the Champlain Wave the next day the scene was quit different. The Level Six Competition was about to be in full swing. There were vendors and representatives from the local paddling community including Airborn Athletics and Level Six just to name a few. A fifteen foot bleacher stand had been erected for the large crowd. Everyone we met at the competetion was very friendly and helpful to our group, the announcer welcomed us over the intercom and everyone cheered. New River Academy did an excellent job in the competition:
Women’s Jr.
2nd Alexandria Shallhorn
3rd Tracy d’Arbeloff and Palmer Miller
Women’s
3rd Julia Fisher
Men’s Jr.
1st Keegan Grady
3rd Isaac Holden
6th Stephen Forester
Men’s Pro
4th Jason Craig
After the event we went to a local restaurant called the Honest Lawyer for the awards and a $5 hamburger and fries special for the competitors. Among the awards given were water bottles, throw bags, paddles and t-shirts. Everyone had a great time and we all look forward to coming back again soon.
