My first World Championships!

The 2011 World Championships in Plattling, Germany will be my first attendance at an international competition, and by far the largest athletic event I have ever participated in. Needless to say, I am very excited!!! I think the biggest challenge is going to be getting mentally prepared to compete against the world’s top paddlers and on the international stage. I have been training all winter, on the water and in the gym, in order to stay strong, learn new moves, and to have fun. Now I also need to think about how many points I can score in 45 seconds, under pressure, without flushing, and in front of the international paddling community. I am not the most experienced competitor, so the more practice I get before Worlds the better. The Reno River Festival, which will be an open competition this year, is where I started competing and has been a great place to learn to compete with elite paddlers. Many of the top freestyle paddlers compete at this event, so it is a great opportunity to test my skills and see how I hold up against some of the world’s best female boaters. The following weekend is Best in the West in Missoula. This competition will also be great training for Worlds because it is held on Brennan’s wave, a feature that is similar to the feature in Plattling. Then I have to take a break from competing and work for a month before Worlds. During this time I can still paddle, work on technique, and take timed rides. I don’t know if I will ever really feel mentally ready to compete in Worlds, but I’m going, and I can’t wait to have this experience!!!