2003 World Freestyle Kayak Championships – Report 4, May 5

Arrive in Graz- See the hole for the first time- IT IS NOT THE HOLE ON THE WWW.RODEOWORLDS.COM WEBSITE!!!! IT IS A MUCH BIGGER MEATIER, ONE!!!

I spent much time analyzing the hole on the official website, that hole is called Terminator III, The worlds hole is on river left and is called Terminator IV, and it is a fully cybernetic cyberorganism sent back through time to trash all incoming paddlers from every continent not skilled and mentally prepared for their ultimate eminent battle with this beast. Surfing the hole can best be described if you can imagine yourself in a cage during the ultimate fighting championships. You go in willingly, but when things start going awry, you can’t just say time-out and expect the beast you are fighting to lighten up, they get worse.

Each side of the hole is protected with reactionary holes that feed you back into the pit anytime you say “I want out”, and don’t have the precision, timing, and power to back up your request. Certainly, you can stay upright, most of the time, but it seems that those most in need of air, get the most ends, the most abuse, and certainly, the longest rides.

Make no mistake, I am not afraid, nor do I wish the hole were easier for my own paddling pleasure. I truly enjoy the challenge. I have, however, watched the other three paddlers besides Tobi and myself in the hole. One of them took three beatings and left. One took two beatings and left. Another, a German K-1W paddler who got second last year, Jutta, goes in for ride after ride. She has a great combination of power skill, and sometimes epic crashes. In one workout, about 10 rides, she lost her helmet, twice, and spent another minute trying to get out of the hole with no helmet. She will do well in this worlds, why?.. because, she goes hard, and isn’t afraid. The hole is what it is, and that’s all I can say. There will be many tears shed during the event, most because of traumatic experiences with the Terminator IV (makes Arnold look like a wimp) Junior women and C-1’s will be the ones to watch if you are a NASCAR fan because of the crashes.

For those of you wanting specific feedback, like what kind of moves you can do…
Loops (air is difficult), and every other hole move. Any questions? Blunts too by the way, backstabs if you are really, really good.

I have 24 more days, 44 more workouts, 2000+ rides left, plenty of time to take my hits, and keep on swinging.

This is what the hole looks like from the bridge, big shoulders and deep pockets.

This is what it looks like when somebody is trying to get out