2015 US Freestyle Team Trials

    After the GoPro Games, we were all tired and broken. But, there was one more job for me to get done, make the 2015 US Freestyle Kayak Team and represent the United States in Canada for the Freestyle Worlds. 

    From watching all of the other women, I knew the competition was going to be stiff and even hard to make it into finals. Most of us were doing all of the same moves with varying air and verticality. On Sunday, the lines were long and I was really, really, sore. I was trying my best to stay positive and work on the things I needed to, but it was really difficult. 

    Monday came around and I paddled once in the morning, I only did three rides and they all felt good. I also found a place in Glenwood Springs to get a massage, I was feeling super broken. This massage was mind blowing, I seriously walked out of there feeling like a new person. I slept super well on Monday night and Tuesday came around with me feeling like it was time to get the job done. I knew I had trained as hard as I could and if I didn’t make the team it was only my fault for not following through. 

The Glenwood Wave Photo by Evan Stafford

    Prelims was four rides, two count, so everyone gets a chance to show what they are worth. Well, my first two rides were pretty rough. My first ride was going really well until I fell off the back of the wave during an easy trick. My second ride, well, my second ride lasted about eight seconds and it was not nearly as exciting as riding a bull. I was paddling up under the bridge, where no one could see me, telling myself to calm down and find my happy place. 

    My thoughts: “#WWJCD? He would win this!” 

Missed but not forgotten. Ever

    My third ride, I dropped in and finally found my mojo. I got most of the moves that I wanted and knew if I just stayed on the wave the next ride that I was into finals. It was a nail biter for sure. 

    But, prelims didn’t matter. That was the first step. I needed to get top three to make the US Freestyle team to go to Worlds. My first ride was ok, it put me in 3rd place, I was comfortable at this point. I knew I would probably make the team with the first ride I had. My second ride, I was so loose and so stoked to know I would be on the team, I just went out there and had an awesome time. This ride is the ride that put me into the top spot for the Womens US Freestyle Team, beating out Emily Jackson by 20 points, for the first time in my life. The Womens' Freestyle Team consists of; Rowan Stuart (by from winning Jr. Worlds), myself, Emily Jackson, and Jessie Stone. 

I win!!!- Photo by Carsten Faulkner

    I won the US Freestyle Team Trials, my hard work, dedication, and positive attitude all aided with this win. I also could have never done it without the support of my family, my friends,  and my amazing boyfriend. Lets go to Canada!!!

My amazing parents were even there to see my success!! Photo by- Carsten Faulkner