Polish up Those Paddles! Midwest Freestyle Championships are almost here!

Can it be only a few short weeks until the Midwest Freestyle Championships?  Only two more weekend releases to practice your moves? It's coming up fast! 
  The Midwest Freestyle Championships are rapidly becoming a premiere event attracting several Pro Boaters last year.  The moves are more daring and complex and it takes a whole lot to shine in the expert class now.  Last year had a huge showing in all of the men's divisions from novice to expert...the number of men competing keeps growing. I have been watching the men grow as playboaters over the summer and there is some very, very solid competition out there this year.
  I remember a few years back when I first started coming to Wausau the women's division could only be described as scant.  Very few wanted to brave throwing themselves in a hole in front of...well...everyone.  Last year with the combining men and women in the  Beginner, Intermediate, and Expert classes encouraged a lot of first time beginner women to give it a try.  The result was a very large turnout and incredible fun had by all.
  The Women still have a division of their own.  Last year had the most women participating to date.  I expect even more this year!  What is even more fantastic is that the Midwest women really have a tight Sisterhood and encourage each other to do their best.  The resulting synergy is really a reflection of the love and respect we have for each other. The women have come a long way over the last few years with a few competing in the Expert division and everyone really throwing it down.  The Midwest girls are rocking!
  If you seem to be short on "moves" Colin Kemp and John McConville from Jackson Kayak have a Freestyle Clinic on the Thursday and Friday before.  Awesome teachers that have paddled around the world. These classes fill up very fast so be sure to register today.
   Think you're too old to throw down....not so!  The Masters division is for anyone over 40.  And of course if you just want to bomb down a river, racing some other bomb dudes, the Boatercross is for you.  Fun to do and fun to watch the carnage. You never know what to expect here.
  There will be an OC1 and C1 division.  I have a lot of respect and admiration for these men and women.  You'll see some amazing moves here from our local home gown paddlers!
  Free camping as always and the swagg is like none other with top prize being a Jackson kayak of your choice.  Now how awesome is that?
  Here is my post from 2009.
  Here is my post from 2008
Check out the photos and moves from the recent past!  I hope to see everyone there this year!