Team Riot: Riot Extreme Race Weekend at the USNWC

Riot Kayaks will be hosting the second Head-to-Head Race of the Kayak Race Series being held at the US National Whitewater Center. Friday, May 4th at 7pm come on down to Charlotte to enjoy head-to-head action throughout the evening. Come race and enjoy the same quick course that will determine the USA Canoe and Kayak Olympic Team, but this time bring your elbow gaurds 'cause Rubbin's Racin' here in the South!!! If you don't want to be IN the action, come enjoy the evening's carnage under the lights and enjoy your beverage of choice at the newly open Eddy Restaurant and Bar next to the river. If you don't like kayaking, or even watching kayaking, then come enjoy some world-class Karaoke Acts as part of the 2007 Riot Karaoke Tour: Don't Quit Your Day Job! There's no excuse not to be at the US National Whitewater Center on Friday, May 4th!!!

On Saturday, May 5th come out and participate in the Extreme Racing Technique and Preparation Clinic hosted by Team Riot. Lead by Extreme Racing Legend, Chris Gragtmans, this two hour clinic will cover racing techniques and concepts to help start or progress your mad extreme racing skillz! More information about the clinic can be found HERE!

I've been working at the USNWC before it even opened. From pouring concrete to flipping the Stop/Slow sign to retailing it to cutting the grass to raft guiding to instructing to...well you get the point, I do it all out there as well as go kayaking! Here I am honkey-tonkin' a rock spin off the main drop on the competition channel. Thanks to Daniel Talley for taking the pics of me!

The river is constantly being tweaked, from improving playspots to switching race lines up, it's all able to change. Here I am splating one of the adjustable wooden wings. Dave Hepp, Paddlesports Dudeman at the Center, has been working hard lately to perfect Scott Shipley's design.

The Center's opening has really improved the Charlotte region's paddling community. More and more people are getting into the sport, and those who were already paddling have been seeing improved skills daily. Jon Angermeier, pictured here getting tricky with an Astro 54, is one of many stoked not to have to drive two hours away to get their fix.