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National Student Rodeo Review Paddling Scotland’s Greatest Glen The Austrian Lower Lech Gorge
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National Student Hits Hol
very year, hundreds of students from all over the UK gather at Holmepierre Point, Nottingham to be a part of one of the biggest student events in the social calender, The National Student Rodeo (NSR). This year was no different and from the 2nd -4th March students turned up by the shed load ready celebrate freestyle kayaking and the student lifestyle. With over 750 contestants, there was never a dull moment on the water, be it incredible tricks being performed or someone taking a big beating in the whirlpool, and having to be dragged out the water by the countless white water rescuers, who were waiting by the side of the water line. A variety of events, which catered for all abilities, were happening throughout both days, so there was a class of boating to suit everybody. From K1, C1, Duo, Squirt and Old School with novice, intermediate and expert heats, everybody was able to do their best and show off their skills to plenty of adoring fans. The individual heats started off with an ‘Extreme Slalom’ course on the lower part of the run, in which the contestants had to pull off certain moves to impress the judges, avidly watching from the side lines. The novice competitors proved to be the ‘crowd pleasers’ of the event by earning points for fancy dress and doing tricks like standing up in their boat and performing paddle spins, often resulting in an early swim for many. The expert paddlers ran the show by performing technical tricks such as front loops and cartwheels, wowing the judges and watching crowds with the biggest and best moves they could pull off. Even though there wasn’t much sun to put smiles on people’s faces, spirits were kept high with NSR’s very own live radio broadcast, providing the onlookers with happy music, live commentaries and competitions, to win lots of free stuff. At one point during the day, it seemed as though the hoards of dancing (and possibly still inebriated) university students had danced the clouds away, and the sun made an appearance, just in time for the old school heats. The Old School heats were a clear favourite for all, in which those that weren’t on the water, were found gathered around the Looping Pool, for the best view of the show. These old
school paddlers pulled out their most retro kit and kayaks to perform the best old school and new school tricks, in boats that were not quite designed for freestyle kayaking, let alone on moving water. But even so, some incredible and seemingly impossible tricks were thrown and they certainly did not fail to please. Once the day had seen us through the old school competition, duo races and the women’s expert and novice heats, and limited amount of sun we’d seen had started to set, everybody headed back to campsite to have some well deserved dinner and put the finishing touches on
Rodeo lmepierre Point
By Carrie Phillips
‘ A great weekend where you can meet other students who are into the same things as you. An awesome medley of kayaking, alcohol and dancing.’
Like any other student party, it wasn’t done in half measures! The jungle decorated student bar had all the hot deals and student priced alcohol, to fuel the party throughout the night. The party tent was full of vibrant colours and costumes, including several parrots, tigers and a whole university canoe club attached together to create a snake! With the lights flashing, the alcohol flowing and the students dancing, it surely was a night to remember, and one which many are sure to have forgotten come Sunday morning! Sunday came, and it was a pretty grey, cloudy day, a representation of the way many people’s heads were feeling that morning. For those that made it to the river on time, the men’s novice, intermediate and expert heats went on and the finals for the heats for those lucky qualifiers, after lunch. At 2 O’clock, all of the competitors were off the water and gathered at the Looping Pool for the prize giving, and a nice early finish. Some lucky winners bagged themselves a brand new, shiny boat courtesy of the sponsors of the whole event, and others once in a life time, coaching and holiday trips. Sponsors included PGL, Palm, Dagger, Pyranha, Big Dog and many more paddling brands, who all gave out some amazing freebies and prizes, and made this incredible event possible. Once everyone had collected their prizes, there was only one thing left to do, pack up and travel back home. So with boats, paddles and prizes in hand, everyone headed back to their cars, vans and minibuses to prepare themselves for their journey back. A very successful weekend was had by all, especially for the universities, which won the competitions, as well as the paddlers. Southampton University took the lead (possibly something to do with the large number of participants on their behalf), closely followed by the University of Bath and Durham University, who came 2nd and 3rd. If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t be down hearted because it is all happening again next year, and word on the street is that the circus is coming to town! So keep your eyes and ears open for NSR 2013, a must have event, to penned in on your calender. It really is a great opportunity to meet new people and take the stress of university away.