After days of miserable cold, snow, wind, and rain, American Whitewater’s first eastern event on the Teva Tour lucked out with sun and minimal wind. All morning competitors readied themselves to compete in one of the most unique whitewater competitions in the United States. Athletes scurried up and down the banks of the Bottom Moose trying to learn as much as they could about a river that many of them had never run before. The Teva Whitewater Extreme Games presented by Perception allowed competitors to show off their best freestyle moves in Class IV and V rapids. Holes and rocks that had never seen the likes of a planning hull were soon providing the power for some of the biggest freestyle moves ever seen in the state. Competitors threw huge aerial loops and cartwheels above a bone crushing 8’chute. Competitors competed in Freestyle Through a Rapid (FTR) in Double Drop, a Huck Off at 18’ Agers Falls, and a three-way race down Powerline and Crystal Rapids.
Spectators lined the broad flat rocks of the Moose River at the three event sites applauding equally for both spectacular paddling skills and the ensuing crashes. Perception and Team Teva’s Pat Keller started off the competition with a spectacular ride that showcased his skills and confidence in technically demanding whitewater. He wowed the crowed with lighting fast cartwheels, huge loops, and an incredible meltdown into the chute’s seam. Riot’s Steve Fisher was the Men’s overall winner having a solid performance at Double Drop, struggling with the takeoff at Agers, but quickly regained his footing with the fastest time in the race. Dagger’s Anna Levesque was able to achieve first place for the women by having solid finishes at each of the three components. Full results can be found on the American Whitewater website.
A big thank you goes out to all of the local and national sponsors. Sponsors included Teva, Perception, Orosi, Northern Outdoors, Mountain Man Outfitters, Whitewater Challenges, Slickers Bar, and Fortis Power.