Rapid Advancement, April 2009

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:21:39 -0500

Howdy,
Your support whether as a student, volunteer, and/or sponsor is making it possible for us to achieve our goals of advancing this sport for people of all ages and abilities! You are not going to believe the fun and hard fought accomplishments of our Red River Racing Team this spring!

Of course we are always here to get you on the water and to help you to become the best paddler that you can be, and this spring San Marcos is the only place to be for paddling!!

So come join us, and Check out all the action below!

Red River Racing Team members
expand the sport!

C-1Women For the first time in US history the Jr. Team Selection Trials included women in canoes, and all of them represented the Red River Racing Team! This past weekend the local Red River Racing Team became the first whitewater kayak club ever to sweep the C-1W class at Jr. Trials. Chelsea Bourneman, and Becca Moore were coached by Michelle Kvanli on the Nantahala River. In addition we were represented by fellow mid-west paddler Hailey Thompson who won the new women's C-1 class which shows our dedication to equality in paddlesports. We want to help everyone to get out on the water!

With outstanding representatives like these San Marcos is fast becoming known world wide for its paddling (like in the recent article Whitewater Spots Worth a Visit in Forbes Magazine)!

Whitewater Racing in Texas? The question has been answered again with a resounding yes! These intrepid paddlers took on one of the Nation's top whitewater slalom competitions and came out on top!

Read the whole story here!

Where's the Water?
Snow in Durango Michelle may have arrived a bit early for paddling, but soon this snow will melt into some of the newest, and most beautiful rivers in the world in the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Let our adventure trip gallery melt your cares away while you dream of paddling in paradise with us this spring and summer first in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado June 15-21 for paddling the rivers during the FIBArk River Festival, and then in the Appalachians Sept 18-27 during the Gualey River Festival! Check out all of our up-coming trips at kayakinstruction.org, and let us help you with your next steps in paddling!
See you on the water
~Ben

Summer Trip to Canada

With our most dedicated and amazing team ever we will be representing the Red River Region at this summer's Jr. Olympics, and Jr. Nationals.

Schedule:
June 21 leave from FIBArk River Festival
July 4-5 Gulfest Slalom, boatercross, freestyle
July 8 MKC-MAdawaska Kanu Centre
Downriver race (am), Slalom race (pm)
July 10 WT-Ottawa Kayak School - Ottawa River Freestyle
July 11-12 Pumphouse, Ottawa Slalom

The fun begins with a road trip to Cascade Falls in beautiful upstate New York where we will train for and race in the Jr. Nationals June 27. The fun continues just across the border on the Gull River in Ontario where we will join boaters from all over the world camping by the river, and enjoying all of the festivities of the Gull River Fest.

We will move 1.5 hrs north to the famous Madawaska Canoe Center for a downriver and slalom race during the week, and a rodeo on Friday in Ottawa leading to the finally of the Jr. Olympics on the Ottawa River!

If you are interested in participating in this program please call Michelle Kvanli at 512.203.0093.

Hidalgo Falls Festival & Springs Fest

Steve Daniels once again invited the paddling community to join him at Hidalgo Falls this year with the promise of installing bathrooms, and showers at the rural, east Texas paddling preserve that many have donated thousands of dollars to protect. Thank you Steve for all of your efforts! This year brought a welcome peace to the festival. It was quiet enough to talk with your neighbors at the camp beside the river, and the Brazos even spiked with a little flow at the beginning of the event!

We celebrated the perpetual Springs in San Marcos, as always, the first weekend of April, and raised $640 for the Red River Jr. Olympic Team who qualified at the event including Erin Cambridge (15), Andre Sanborn (14), Henry Hyde (8), Chelsea Borneman (12), and Rebecca Moore (17). Debbie Carey and Tim Cooper raised $40 through the annual Springs Fest Cook Off, and Larry Lewis collected $600 for classes taught by Matt Fritz, Jeff Leach, Katie and Randy Bryant, Kelly Gosset, Robin Armstrong, Steve Ford, Bill Wibker, and Ben Kvanli. A big thanks also goes to the North Texas River Runners and Bayou City Outdoor Clubs who sponsored the event with logistical support and $300 cash!

Jim Stuart put on a fun Sladeo competition for a fun group of paddlers! The results can be seen on the Red River Racing Team website. Sladeo was notably won by Andre in Kayak, Arrianne in the Women's Kayak with spectacular slalom runs and some heart in the rodeo. Mark Poindexter won the Canoe division with record times in the slalom and a record number of rolls in the rodeo :) Ms. Carey won the dessert competition with a rich flan, Tim took the main dish event with vegetarian lasagna to die for, and Tam Thompson won the side dish category with the perfect compliment of bread. Congratulations to all who participated!

Thank you who got to sample the benefits of membership in the Olympic Outdoor Center where you can always try out the latest kayaks, and get top quality instruction for just $10/hr! We could not do our Jr. Olympic or Veteran's programs without you.

Henry Represents for the Men
(already at 8yrs old!)

The Junior Trials were really a lot of fun for me. I got to see some people I had not seen since last year in Colorado. JP Griff and Jordan Poffenberger are really great paddlers, and Jordan let me try out his really cool C1 boat. I like C1 too! The Trials were also hard too. I think the course looked easier than it really was. Coach Smolen makes some sneaky gate placements on the course. It looks easy, but it isn't. But I like that too, because it made me work harder and think more about what I was doing. I was still the youngest and smallest one out there on the course, but that's okay. I am mighty!

Everyone was nice and the Nantahala River is a great place to paddle. My coach and my Dad challanged me to elevate my game while I was there. I think I accomplished that challange. I learned to memorize the course and the moves needed for the course. That is something I will try again in Durango at the US National Team Trials in May. My first run on Saturday saw me making a huge back-ender in Nantahala Falls. I probably scared everyone when I did that. but I rolled up and made my upstream gate. It was a really cool backender, I felt like I was a rocket going into space. My second run on Saturday was a tough one and that's all I want to say about it. It made me focus for my runs on Sunday and I did way better on Sunday, I was the top male Cadet on Sunday and for the Trials. So that was pretty cool.

I learned once again that no one can stop me when I focus and work hard, that might be the best thing from the Trials that I can take away from it. I don't think there is a course out there that I can't run now.

-Henry Hyde

It is miracles made by supporters like you who have kept this non-profit alive, and kicking! I hope that you take as much pride in our paddling community as I do, because this adventure is getting better by the day as more opportunities arise to serve our region through paddling.

Please forward this to anyone you think might be interested in helping us to spread the word about the exciting adventures that await those who journey into paddling!!
Sincerely,
Ben & Michelle Kvanli

Red River Racing Team
Power Olympic Outdoor Center
512.203.0093

Rapid Advancement, February, March 2009

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:14:24 -0500

Through the help of everyone who has gotten excited and shared our dreams, and put your own time and energy on the line, we have seen many of these dreams become reality! Thank you for your support!
Already we are excited about what this year is bringing, as we have seen huge improvements in a record number of people's paddling, and we look forward to paddling with you, and working with you to help you achieve your goals!

TG's Canoe/Kayaks has been an integral partner in our growth. So we started the Springs Fest event with them when the whitewater course was constructed three years ago to give you the opportunity to sample all of the great manufacturers that they bring to us in a great learning environment. Included in this issue of Rapid Advancement is a schedule for this weekend's events.

Michelle's Dream Coming True with her first win of the Season - The US Open!

Everything worth having has its sacrifice. Michelle Kvanli has proved this to be true, but she has taken this one step further by giving the very thing that she wants most: true excellence in paddling. Through this non-profit kayak school she is starting to see the rewards that her sacrifices have brought her.

Michelle graduated near the top of her class in Arlington, Texas, and was happily accepted at Trinity University in San Antonio where she wanted to begin her studies to become a doctor. Instead she began training full time, and then began writing a curriculum for teaching kayaking. So not only does she pursue excellence personally but she encourages everyone she meets to strive higher right along with her.

Michelle just won the 2009 US Open, the main national whitewater event of the spring, by more than 20 seconds! For Michelle, "It was truly amazing to be able to compete again, and then to be able to break into the medals. This was my highest finish to date, as well as the first race that I have been able to truly put my all into in since 2005 due to my shoulder. I had so much fun, and can't wait to go for it at this year's upcoming US National Team Trials!"

That dedication to excellence is expressed in every aspect of how you learn at her kayak school. Michelle cares about you and your experience, and it shows! Michelle has been paddling for over 14 years and has been coached by some of the best, including Olympic medalists, and internationally known teachers and instructors. She began sharing her experience eleven years ago when she founded this non-profit kayak school. She continues to direct the non-profit kayak school while coaching and competing with her own Red River Racing Team, and representing Team Braca-Sport paddles, and Team Spokiz eyewear!!

This weekend she will be coaching three young local members of the Red River Racing Team as they compete for spots on the US Jr. National Team. You may remember Chelsea Bornemann and Rebecca Moore from last year's Olympic Team Trials Qualifier, but you would hardly recognize their paddling because they have been training hard since getting their combat rolls last spring. A new addition to the Team is 8yr old Henry Hyde who shows that it is never too young to get started.

Don't be surprised if you call to hear her cheerfully ask how she can help you to get started on your quest in kayaking. Michelle goes out of her way to make sure that you are comfortable with the challenges at hand. She believes that you can learn the most when you are safe, and having fun. She is an extraordinary paddler with a strong desire to share and care for others. Michelle is a USACK certified coach and an ACA certified Whitewater instructor.

Join us in supporting Michelle's quest for excellence in paddling by participating in events like the annual Springs Fest, Sladeo, and trips to Colorado, Canada, Appalachia, and Mexico, so you can enjoy the fruits of her quest.

Springs Fest 2009 Schedule

Friday                                                     Time
Set Slalom Course                                           10:00am
Intermediate Kayak Instruction Courses       12-6:00pm

Saturday
Set Up                                                             7:00am
Kayak Instruction Courses                            8:00am-6:00pm
Presentations                                                   8:00am-6:00pm
TG Canoe's and Kayaks Demo Beach           9:00am-5:00pm
Kayak Polo Tournament                                 8:00am-5:00pm
San Marcos Organizational Booths                8:00-6:00pm
Canoe Club Cook-Off                                               4-6:30
(*voting will take place during dinner, with awards!)
Red River Racing Dinner and Fundraiser      6:30-9:00
            Join us for food, fun, and presentations on Red River
            Racing Team Programs!

Sunday
Set Up                                                            7:00am
Kayak Instruction Courses                             8:00am-2:00pm
Sladeo Competition                                        8:00am-12:00pm
            (*Slalom Part of Sladeo counts as the Junior Olympic Qualifier
                for all of our Junior Racers! Junior Olympics in Ottawa, Canada)
Kayak Polo Instruction                                   12:00-2:00pm
TG Canoe and Kayak's Demo Beach            9:00-2:00pm

Please check out our site here, and or call us at 512.203.0093 with any questions that you might have.

Helping Hands
So Many People like you have helped us here over the years!! You are the best!! We appreciate each and every individual who has donated their time, energy, and care.  Every year seems to be more incredible than the last.  We know that we could have done our programs without the help that you have contributed. We value your friendship, your time, and all of your help and support!!

Special attention must be paid to Bayou City Outdoors. Without Kelly, Phil, and Bill not only would we not be able to send you this newsletter, but we would not have even known how. Kelly, Phil, and Bill have so transformed this non-profit through their contributions of time, money, and hands on support that there is not one aspect of the Olympic Outdoor Center that has not been affected.

Bayou City Outdoor Club members helped to make it possible for Michelle to get the shoulder surgery that she needed for so many years, by getting so many people signed up for classes and trips. They contributed to her not only reaching the National Championships last year one year after the surgery, but helped her to buy a new boat there to be competitive with the new rules in place after the Olympics. They donated the services of this computer and the newsletter company that I am writing this on.

In short they have taken us from the virtual stone age into a modern interactive non-profit. For example, though most would have said that it was impossible to pry Ben out of the water to write news (or anything for that matter) down, answer e-mail, etc. They have persevered, and he even carries a cell phone with him now for you to reach him!

Kayak Polo Team Fun

Nothing gets you to focus on one thing like a ball. Either you are going to get it or "they" are . . . which is it going to be? It is so much fun to get out and paddle a game of kayak polo. The annual tournament at Springs Fest is a highlight of the event. Paddlers and non-paddlers alike enjoy this fast paced game.
      You can try it at Springs Fest with the help of the US National Championship kayak polo team from Austin or you can join Bayou City Outdoors to play at the University of Houston or at the Colony pool north of Dallas! Kayak polo will make learning to kayak fun by giving you clear, easy to attain goals, and giving you the support an camraderie that comes naturally from being on a team.

We hope that you have enjoyed catching up on all the action here at the Olympic Outdoor Center through this installment of Rapid Advancement! We also hope that you and your friends and family can join us this weekend to celebrate our springs during Springs Fest 2009!!
See You on the River,

Ben and Michelle Kvanli
Olympic Outdoor Center
Red River Racing Team
512.203.0093

Rapid Advancement, January 2009

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:14:24 -0600

Friends and fellow Adventurers:

This is your call to keep paddling! We are so excited about all of the opportunities that are available this year. Springs Fest 2009 is full of clinics to help you warm up your skills, and we have several clean-ups to help get our beautiful rivers back into shape. Ben will be traveling around the state sharing information with our Canoe Clubs, and giving presentations on our newest Guatemalan Adventure Trip! We have even added a new calendar at Kayakinstruction.org to make sure that no one misses any of the fun.

Thank you so much for all of your past support, and we will look forward to paddling with you in this new year!

Our Mission

We believe in Goals. With the New Year, it is important to re-state our mission and why we are so passionate about what we do.

We are here to provide as many people as possible with the best paddling instruction available, while providing opportunities for junior and senior racers, and recovering veterans to go as far as they want to go with the sport.

We would like to offer you:

Our Weekend Classics and Samplers that give you a good solid foundation in paddling skills, while our intermediate classes and private lessons help you build upon your knowledge. If you only have a few hours, we can work with you on our Wednesday (Austin), and Thursday (san Marcos) night paddles. Our Adventure Trips provide the opportunity to warm up in the winter time, as well as giving you the chance to explore some of the best rivers that the US, Canada, and Mexico have to offer. If you are interested in learning to race, or want to sharpen your boat control skills, then our Saturday morning training sessions with coach Jim Stuart are available to give you as much feedback as possible. Do you know of a scout troop or a church group that would love the adventure of a lifetime? We offer all of our programs for these organizations at half of our regular prices! Our memberships make it possible to continue your progression and contribution all year long!

Call soon, to help set up your lessons and trips to help assure you won't miss anytime on the water! Classes are filling up fast, and we want you to succeed!
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Announcing SPRINGS FEST 2009!
April 3-5
Come out to join us for this year’s Third Annual Springs Fest at Rio Vista Park! We are so excited to have this event once again. We will be bringing together paddling enthusiasts, competitors, and the City of San Marcos to celebrate the Springs and paddling in the Texas Hill Country!
Classes
Do you want get started boating, or brush up on some skills that may have gotten a bit rusty during the winter? Springs Fest will be loaded with short courses designed to get you on the water, and having the most fun! We will have Junior boating classes as well, and introduction to the Junior Olympic racing program through the local Red River Racing! ( A full list of courses as well as on-line registration can soon be found at KayakInstruction.org, if you are interested in helping to teach a course please contact Michelle at 512.203.0093!) 
Presentations
Are you looking to get out of town? We will have several presentations on amazing places that you can get wet with Red River Racing and on your own. Vacation destinations like Mexico, and Canada, as well as beautiful local Texas Rivers!
Demonstrations
Do you need to find that perfect boat? Is it time for something new this season? Don’t miss all of the boat demos at Springs Fest courtesy of TG Canoes and Kayaks. They will have all kind of boats and equipment for you to try before you buy! You will also have the benefit of their extensive the industry knowledge to help guide you to your new best friend!
Competitions
Are you ready to try your hand at some fun competitions at Rio Vista Falls? The polo tournament returns at the base of the San Marcos River Pub, while the freestyle rodeo, and Sladeo will be held down on the beautiful Rio Vista Falls! On Sunday, come join us for a fun slalom race that will double as our Texas Junior Olympic Qualifier! The local Junior’s from the Red River Racing Team will be showing us how it’s done, while they secure their spots to compete this summer in Ottawa, Canada.  How about some healthy club competition? Have your club represented by fixing your favorite river meals and compete in our Club Cook Off for some great trophies! Categories include appetizers, main course, and dessert! Voting will be done by a jury of your peers at the banquet on Saturday evening!!  With something for everyone, Springs Fest is not to be missed? So come enjoy the warm, welcoming waters of the San Marcos River, and get your paddling season off to a great start!
Do you want to teach a class at this year's Springs Fest? Would you like to volunteer to help? We are now looking for class instructors, presenters, and volunteers! Please Call Michelle at 512.203.0093

23rd Annual Great Texas River Clean Up
Saturday, March 7, 2009
On Saturday, March 7, folks from all over Texas will be participating in the world's longest river clean up. We will be picking up trash along the entire length of the San Marcos River (approximately 90 miles). BANK CREWS Everyone is urged to help. If you are unable to participate in the water, we need volunteers to work the banks of the river, especially at parks and highway crossings. Scuba divers and snorkelers are also urged to participate. RECREATIONAL PADDLERS The upper sections of the San Marcos River, particularly just downstream of the City of San Marcos, will require the most attention, and the short mileages set for these sections reflect this. Furthermore, the river becomes less accessible and more hazardous as one goes downstream. For that reason, novice boaters should volunteer for either section 1 or 2 and more experienced boaters for the other sections.  CANOE RACING ENTHUSIASTS The lower river, from Luling to Gonzales, has several long sections with few bridge crossings and for that reason, we are asking canoe racers (especially teams that have competed in the Texas Water Safari) to volunteer for sections 9 - 11. CAMPOUT AND GET-TO-GETHER Everyone participating in this event is invited to camp free at either Shady Grove Campground/ Spencer Canoes (http://www.spencercanoes.net) or at the San Marcos River Retreat (http://www.sanmarcosriverretreat.com) for the weekend. Starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening there will be a meal provided by the San Marcos River Foundation (http://www.sanmarcosriver.org) at Shady Grove/Spencer Canoes.  SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE On Sunday morning at 8 a.m., there will be a non-denominational Christian worship service at the San Marcos River Retreat. MEETING TIMES AND SHUTTLES A group meeting will be held for everyone paddling the sections of river between the San Marcos River Retreat and Luling at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning at Spencer Canoes. Canoe racers paddling the lower river will meet at Palmetto Park at 8:30 a.m. Contact Ginsie Stauss for more info:ginsie@io.com Persons working sections 1 and 2 will meet at City Park in San Marcos at 10:00 a.m.
RIVER SECTION LISTINGS
1 San Marcos City Park to Thompson's Island (2 miles)
2 Thompson's Island to The San Marcos River Retreat (3.5 miles)
3 San Marcos River Retreat to Spencer Canoes (6 mi.)   4 Spencer Canoes to Staples - Hwy 1977 (5 miles)
5 Staples to Fentress - Hwy 20 (9 miles)
6 Fentress to Stairtown (7miles)
7 Stairtown to Luling - Hwy 90 (6.5miles)  8 Hwy 90 to Luling City Park (6 mi.)
9 Luling City Park to Palmetto State Park (14.4 mi.)
10 Palmetto State Park to Gonzales Hwy 90A (14.8 miles)
11 Gonzales 90A to Gonzales 183 (10 mi.)
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: To get to the San Marcos River Retreat: coming from Interstate 35 in San Marcos, get on Highway 80 and head toward Luling for 1.8 miles. Take a right on county road 101. Take an immediate left onto county road 102. Go 1/2 mile on 102 and take a right on Pecan Park road. Keep going straight (past TG Canoe Livery) and the road will end at the the San Marcos River Retreat office. For more info call Tom Goynes at 512-392-6171 or visit our website at http://sanmarcosriverretreat.com.
Tom Goynes (coordinator) 512-392-6171 e-mail: goynes@centurytel.net

When we start to think about all the possibilities this year it makes our fear of the future disappear, and our passion for providing the best paddling experience possible deepen. I hope that you have enjoyed taking part in our non-profit mission, and will find time to come back again soon!

Sincerely,

Ben and Michelle Kvanli
Power Olympic Outdoor Center
Give us a call! 512.203.0093

Rapid Advancement, December 2008

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:26:01 -0600

Rapid Advancement, November 2008

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:29:05 -0600

Friends and fellow Adventurers:

This is your call to keep paddling! Not only do we have some of the greatest people around to paddle with (Like YOU and Eric Jackson, several time World Champion, Olympian, and fun hog coming to TG's the day after Thanksgiving), but we have the best climate, and water to paddle in the country this time of year! To see more opportunities check out the rest of this letter. . .

What do you want for Christmas?

My Christmas present this year is to finally be able to return to Guatemala after 15 years of being away. Better yet, some of the most impactful people in my life are going to join me this year. When I left Guatemala the first time it was war time so I took nothing, but my Mom and what I could carry on the bus. The last time I left kayaks were round, and I was a very young man. Now, with people like you supporting this non-profit that I love it is hard to get me to leave San Marvelous, but I am sure that it will be good to be back in my birthplace. Certainly, a lot has changed, but one thing remains the same: I want to kayak for Christmas. . .
How about you? Do you have your own boat yet? Did I mention that Eric Jackson is coming the Saturday after Thanksgiving to help you to select your Christmas presents at Texas biggest kayak shop: TG Canoe and Kayak? Did we mentions that we are selling some of our Jackson Demo Boats?
(Check here for the full list and prices!)
Do you want to join us for a trip? Guatemala may be the most personal gift that I can give you, but Mexico is heavenly and a whole lot closer. So come join us for the holidays in Mexico for Thanksgiving, Guatemala before Christmas, and send '08 out right in Mexico for New Years!

Guatemalan Whitewater Adventure

Enjoy the land of eternal spring and feel the rush of some of Central America's best whitewater. For this excellent new trip, we will be returning to where Ben Kvanli learned to swim, and got his first job guiding on the river. We will be hitting the awesome water's of the Rio Cahabon and Rio Nahualate as well as enjoying some Mayan culture, history, and cuisine!

This unique trip offers 2 chances at adventure to fit your schedule and suit your needs! You can raft or kayak, and you can paddle all week or just for the extended holiday weekend.

The first option is that you may fly to Guatemala City on December 16th, and then head to the Rio Cahabon where we will camp on a Micos like tributary called the Lanquin. You will then get to spend 3 days on the Cahabon camping in beautiful Jungle settings before heading back to Guatemala City to pick up folks who can't leave before Friday the 19th.

The next day, Saturday, we will run the Rio Nahualate, the perfect one-day whitewater kayaking trip out of Guatemala City. The whitewater gives one an exciting blend of tunnel chutes to big wave trains for great action. We will enjoy a night out on the town that night in the historical capitol of Antigua.

On the 21st, you will have a chance to see some of Guatemala's ruins before returning home or continueing to the put in of the Rio Cahabon.

The Rio Cahabon is one of Guatemala's classic whitewater run's. It combines crystal clear, emerald green waters and pristine jungle with the exhilaration of class III-IV rapids. Explore caves along the river, enjoy a natural "jacuzzi" at "El Pequeño Paraiso", formed by a natural thermal spring. Sighting of toucans, parrots, great blue herons, king fishers, oropendula and many more bird species abound.

We will have raft support for the entire Cahabon trip, so if you are not an experienced kayaker, we would still love to have you on this adventure! This trip is a 2 day expedition and we will be camping along the banks of the river.

On the 24th we will drive back to Guatemala City, and you will be able to fly home that afternoon for Christmas activities.

You may choose to come for part or all of the trip. The support van for this trip will be leaving on December 6th so we are asking that you bring or ship all of your necessary gear that you do not want to fly with to our center no later than December 6th. You may use any boats and equipment that we have here at the center in the interim for free!

Price for the trip is Red River Racing Membership ($300 or $350 for families-learn about memberships here) and then the $300 trip price. There will be an additional group fee for split gas costs and Guatemalan insurance. Food, Camping, and Souvenir costs are also each participants responsibility.

Please call us at 512.203.0093 with any questions that you may have and to reserve your spot!

This trip is sure to become one of our winter classics, and will be an adventure of a lifetime! Come with us to enjoy "La Tierra de la Eterna Primavera" or The Land of Eternal Spring!

See Packing List Here
Learn More about Guatemala from the Lonely Planet!!
Guatemalan Culture and Tourism

Sladeo Crowned New Local Champions
The action was fast and furious the first weekend in November in San Marcos where whitewater and flatwater paddling came together.

The Canoe Polo National Championships were played on an open water section of the clear San Marcos River just beside the San Marcos River Pub and Grill. A big change from the swimming pool pitches that are often used.

Teams traveled from San Francisco, New York, LA, Boston, Dallas, and Canada to play in the tournament. The victors were the Men's Austin Aquabats and the Ladies the New York Women. The Austin Bat Babes placed second. The New York Women then took on the best Canadian Women's team to finish out the tournament Championships. In a tight match, playing 2 sudden death overtime periods, the New York Ladies prevailed 1-0. In the under 21 league, the home team Austin Aqua-brats took home the bragging rights.

The Whitewater Sladeo Events were super fun, with 15 competitors showing off their skills. In the Sladeo Competition, each competitor does 2 slalom runs, and 2 free-style rides and then their scores are added together. The new champion in the Men's class is David Mooring, followed by Olympic Outdoor Center Instructors Bruce Litton, and Jeff Leach. In the Women's class the winners were Olympic Outdoor Center instructor and Athlete, Michelle Kvanli, Junior Olympian, Chelsea Borneman, and long time Red River Racing Team athlete Tam Thompson. In the C-1 Class, Mark Poidexter, Matt Fritz, and Jennifer Fritz took top honors! See the full results here!

Thank you to all of of our Sponsors: City of San Marcos, San Marcos River Pub and Grill, Red River Racing Team, Spokiz, Mikasa, REI, Austin Paddling Club, Braca-Sport, Dude Girl, Whole Earth Provision Company, Cliff Bar, USA Canoe Polo

Thanksgiving - Barry Gay Family

You just never know when someone is going to walk in the door, and change your life forever. One hot day after cleaning up from kids camp I got a call from a Dad who wanted to show his kids some adventure. He didn't believe that we had much whitewater, but that was OK so long as his kid's had a good time and he could convince them to go find some whitewater with him. Barry and his family were clearly going to be some unique individuals.
Michelle had our Jr. Olympic Team in Colorado that week, so I thought that this might be my reward for staying home. I love to take families and groups of friends out paddling together, because they are the most likely to stick with it when they have folks to paddle with. Little did I know that I was about to meet one of the toughest, smartest, most generous adventurers that I've ever run into. . .
With Barry's patient help his sons learned to roll in a warm little eddy on the Llano river that weekend, and he almost went to Colorado with me the next day! Since then Barry has done almost every trip including sponsoring and volunteering for the Disabled Veteran's Trip to Mexico. He has such a good attitude that he is an asset to any situation, and he started teaching the moment that I put a paddle in his hand. He is such a great friend! Not only has he brought his friends and family to learn to kayak, and along with Larry Bracken and Phil Pilkington, helped Michelle to get her dream boat, the 2008 Olympic boat of US Team member Heather Corrie, but Barry donated the most precious piece of equipment that we at the Center has ever dreamed of: a big van!
Bridget Gay found this beautiful 2002 Dodge 3500 Van while we were on the Appalachian Trip in September, and they donated it to the Center last month. After packing 8+ people into our Toyota mini-vans for adventure trips over the past decade having the big 15 passenger 3500 van is a commodious and spacious gift. Thank you Barry not just for your generous gifts, but for your confidence in our vision to make a difference in our world through kayaking!

Happy Thanksgiving! There is nothing like giving thanks to help us to realize how fortunate we are. When I start to think about all that we have accomplished together this year it makes my fear of the future disappear, and my natural curiosity return to life. I hope that you have enjoyed taking part in our non-profit mission, and will find time to come back again soon. Happy paddling Holidays!
Sincerely,

Ben and Michelle Kvanli
Power Olympic Outdoor Center

Give us a call! 512.203.0093