My thoughts of the 2022 Freestyle World Championships Feature

submitted by James Ward

Over the past few weeks I’ve managed to paddle at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. This is where the 2022 Freestyle World championships will be taking place. The feature that it’s taking place has been made ready for the competition and I’ve had some time training ready for Team Great Britain selections in October. The hole it’s quite tricky as it’s hard to control the boat with the boiley foam pile. The feature is on a turn which makes it tight at one end and then wavey at the other. On my time training in this feature I’ve managed to throw down a few good tricks such as McNasty and SpaceGodzilla and even almost got a TrickyWoo which I’ve been practicing a lot recently and can do on flat water. Also at HPP is the, well known, Inlet gate which is the perfect freestyle hole for learning new tricks.

The inlet gate is at the top of the white water course. It is deep, stable and extremely consistent which is exactly what you need when trying to get that new trick. Recently I’ve been improving very quickly and my Space to Space combos are coming along particularly after a great training session from Harry Price. When I’m looking for a new trick I go and watch some of the worlds best freestylers such as Ottie RS and Gav Barker playing around on the course. I’ve also had some time playing in a hole called muncher (which is very appropriately named) and I’ve had a great time just being eaten by the refreshing water. The whole just throws you about but if you manage to control it, it can be so much fun.