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May 23, 2005

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Sunday’s Big Cajones Rodeo was an unbelievable display
of kayakers willing to surf the biggest, fastest, most powerful waves
on the Ottawa. Although we were all hoping for Bus Eater, the snowpack
(or hydro stations) didn’t cooperate. With water levels somewhere around
7 feet, we moved the largest rapid on the Ottawa: Coliseum! At the top
of the rapid is a huge wave/hole that rivals Buseater for intimidation
factor and hatefulness. It’s nearly impossible to stay in control, big
air occurs without warning, and staying on the wave is a challenge. Just
front-surfing here is an adrenalin-inducing roller coaster ride. Highlights
for the day include Devon’s dead-vertical air-blunt on the third wave,
Hannah Farrar’s big-wave boat control and big air, Rusty Sage’s repeated
great rides, Rush Sturges’ HUGE entry moves, Anthony Yapp’s insane entry
orbit, and Skippy’s giant pan-ams. We saw air blunts, pan ams, air screws,
silly flips, multiple mystery moves, survival cartwheels, back stabs,
and a near Bread and Butter. The event was filmed, and after a fantastic
Wilderness Tours dinner, all the competitors watched the film and voted
to judge the event. In the end, Ruth Gordon and CJ walked-away with the
top women’s awards, Rusty Sage and Skippy took the men’s cash prizes,
and Brian Kirk won $50 for the best trashing of the day-it was BRUTAL-a
huge slam on entry, expertly brought back under control, immediately into
a HUGE wa-thunk to violent mystery-move. Thanks to Ottawa Kayak School
and Sharky for organizing and running this completely unique and extremely
cool event. Check out www.ottawakayak.com
for info on more exciting Ottawa River events. Discovery Channel Canada
covered the event for television and the Web. The dates it will air will
be available on www.discovery.ca
Next year, we all want "Big Cajones" T-shirts!

Live from the Ottawa,
Stephen and Devon

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