Youth Freestyle - end of series 2007

The end of series Youth Freestyle event was at Boulters some weeks back now (but I've only just got chance to write about it - I may be able to put the rest of the photos on my website at some point although I don't think I have a spare afternoon until just after Christmas!).
A fantastic series with over 100 youngsters entering over the 5 events (and 70 at one event - Nottingham) throughout the year.

There was some off the water coaching, including warm-ups, checking boat padding and paddle grip and also practising the moves - enabling the paddlers to get used to the movements required for cartwheels and loops

There was the usual on-water coaching.

As always all of the swimmers got huge encouragement from the crowds.

And everyone scored plenty of points as all moves, from sidesurfs.....

...to loops, were rewarded.

The series' winners took home some nice glass trophies for the mantlepiece.

As well as some great prizes from pyranha, Palm/Dagger Europe, Squarerock/Jackson Kayaks. Kara Expeditions also donated a prize of a day's instruction with Deb Pinnegar for the top 6 female paddlers.

World-Record Holder and local paddler, Shaun Baker presented the medals, trophies and prizes.

Thanks to Kayakojacko for organising the Boulters event and to the whole 'team' who helped throughout the series. Also to UK Freestyle for helping with the funding of the series.

Next year's series will start around April 2008 (keep checking http://www.youth.ukfreestyle.com/ for details), anybody wishing to donate prizes/cash/coaches should contact me via my website.