Sunday, September 13, 2009

photo upload a no go

I tried to upload photos taken of the silverback section of whitewater, but it turns out the files have all been corrupted. I will have to keep trying... But i haven't been able to get out paddling on my own much-Just as it looked like things were about to settle down, they've kicked up again. I've been working loads- and having a lot of fun with some more intermediate/advanced clients. Its been great because i've been able to push my own skills, in terms of coaching and on the river, and have even managed to do a few video sessions on some of the waves here. It is astounding how much more you gain from a training session by going back through and analyzing video- something i have really seen being put into practice from Lili coach/founder Sam Ward.

Jamie has gone to the UK for 10 days, and Jared has left us to go back to Canada for 6 months, leaving me in charge of KTN daily operations for the past week or so. Highly entertaining.. and good practice if i ever decide to attempt to run my own business! You start to realize how much working managing even a small company like KTN is.

It has been a busy month for much of the kayaking industry, with the World Championships for freestyle kayaking taking place in Thun, Switzerland last week. It has been highly entertaining, and mildly frustrating attempting to follow the news on what can be painstaking slow internet. I had lots of friends over at worlds, and a big crew of Ugandan residents/visitors were over there as well.

One of our guides, Ibra Mugembe, and Paulo Babi one of the rafting guides had the opportunity to compete for Uganda in the kayak championships- alongside another friend and former guide off the Nile.. All did well, With Timmy Flowers taking 76th overall, Paulo in 61st, and Ibra placing 36th, just missing a shot at quarter finals. Anton, one of the video boaters out on the Nile finished 26th overall- showing again how great this river is for training... and of course how much you can do with natural ability...

It was exciting and encouraging to see so many friends do well- the competition and the lengthy amount of time required to check results provided a welcome distraction from the work week. For full results, check out www.kayaksession.com

I have also just learned that Canoe and Kayak New Zealand Magazine has decided to publish an article on the Himalayan River Girls, and the progress they have made. One of the girls, Sussmita, was even able to go and compete at worlds in Switzerland. I'm sure it was an amazing opportunity for her, and a great way to build awareness within the international kayaking community. At any rate, Canoe and Kayak NZ has decided to use one of my photographs taken on the trip as their cover shot! Pretty exciting for me- I can't wait to see a copy.

Thats about it for now Photos to come, internet permitting... sigh..