USA Canoe/Kayak holds National Championships along with International Charlotte Open

Stacey Hepp October 06, 2009

Charlotte, NC, Oct 2009 - USA Canoe/Kayak holds National Championships along with International Charlotte Open at the US National Whitewater Center Oct 2^nd and 3^rd

USA Canoe/ Kayak completed the USA Canoe/Kayak National Championships along with its first International Canoe Federation's rankings race, "Charlotte Open". It was a first time and great opportunity for the American athletes to compete for World Ranking points on home soil. France, Slovakia, Canada, as well as Chile were among the other Federations present on the water. The courses were very tight on an already technical stretch of water. There were commanding performances as well as some surprises.

In an impressive final run, C1 Benn Fraker successfully defended his home turf as he held off 4-time Olympic Medalist, Michal Martikan, and the rest of the Slovak C1's. Jim Wade took home the Men's K1 National title, followed by Scott Mann in 2^nd, Eric "Butter" Hurd in 3^rd. Hailey Thompson, a 15-year old from Wisconsin, took home the Gold for the newly integrated C1 women's class.

The weekend of Whitewater Events was a great scene for Charlotte. Surrounding the National Championships was the 4^th Annual USNWC Whitewater Festival, World Kayak Hometown Throw-down Rodeo, and the Dagger Head to Head race. We would like to thank our sponsors, US National Whitewater Center, Bealer Distributors-Monster Energy, Vidration Vitamin Water, Braca Sport, McAllister's Deli, Streetwise Music, Cliff Bar, Sysco Foods, Water Shed, Animas Timing, Smith Optics, Level Six, Mountain Khakis, Dagger, Liquid Logic, Shred Ready and the many volunteers, judges and officials who gave their time to support the events. Thank you to our US Athletes and the International Federations for making the trip to compete in the Charlotte Open.

2009 U.S. Slalom National Championship Results

K1-Men