This years team trials were held at the Rt. 3 Wave on the Black River in Watertown, NY. This is an extremely small feature, but with the right levels can be tons of fun and give up some air. The Flirt performed quite well at this feature due to its speed on a wave, aggressive carving rails, and stiff hull for huge bounces. Much of the US Fluid Team was on hand to try to get on the team and make the few spots that will travel to Australia in January for the World Championships. Joe Stumpfel and Seth Chapelle competed in the C-1 class, Tracy Sage competed in K-1 Women, and Jeremy Adkins competed in K-1 Men.
Team Fluid's standing at this years Team Trials are as follows:
C-1: Joe Stumpfel 1st place (On US Team), Seth Chapelle 2nd place (On US Team), K-1 Women: Tracy Sage 6th, K-1 Men: Jeremy Adkins 23rd
A huge congratulations goes out to both Joe and Seth for their outstanding performances. Joe's score would have been enough to get him the alternate spot on the Men's K-1 Team!!! Watch out for big things from these two when they head off to Australia in January.
I would like to thank Sera Jansen and Heather Chapelle for competing as well. They both had very strong performances in the womens K-1 class while paddling S Flirts.
When the crew wasn't out surfing the wave we managed to play a round of mini golf. The Chapelle family definatly rulled on the mini golf course. Below is a shot of Sera lovin' life in Watertown with good friends.
J3 helmets was also a title sponsor of this years team trials and signed both Seth and Heather onto their paddling team. Seth and Heather both got to sport very flashy and cool helmets at this years team trials.
I want to thank the Paddle Hut, which is a great shop located across the street from Hole Brothers on the Black, for supporting Fluid and helping to make this years team trials possible. I would also like to thank all the people in Watertown for being so friendly and inviting as we, the kayakers, overtook their town.
2005 US Freestyle Team