EVENTS
LOFER RODEO 2018, SALZBURGER, GERMANY, SEPTEMBER 2018
The weekend of September 14th to 16th was a blinding success for the Whitewater Slaves of Lofer. 149 participants from twelve nations watched as Daniel Klotzner from Italy successfully defended his title and the best party of the season lit up at the Lofer Rodeo. Despite optimistic planning, the Whitewater Slaves Lofer Rodeo, in Salzburger Saalachtal, far exceeded all expectations. 149 participants from Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Sweden, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand registered for the boatercross on the Saalach. After the rain the week before, the slalom course had a sweet, sporty water level. The sun came out from behind the clouds just in time for the head to head finals; ideal conditions for the numerous spectators of this exciting and quick race. Last year's winner Daniel Klotzner (ITA) won the title in the K1 Men's Championship after a duel with Andreas Brunnen (AUT). Third and fourth places were awarded to Gregor Becke (GER) and Michael Buchtec (CZE,) who had been eliminated shortly after the start from a gate penalty. In the K1 ladies, Pavlina Zasterova (CZE) won ahead of Lena Grüb (GER), Susanna Halbach (AUT) and Denise Rebenegger (AUT). The C1 class title was taken by Martin Karabec (CZE) ahead of Sabrina Barm (FRA), Vilem Klepac (CZE) and Bernhard Steidl (AUT).
Even in the 90s, the Lofer Rodeo was known for its legendary party. Twenty-five years later nothing has changed. The sun-downer clubbing on Friday lured racers and visitors to an illuminated Saalach River. The last paddlers were spotted on the water at 1:30 AM. On Saturday night, the party bear was let loose on a party bursting at the seams. Shortly before midnight, the bar was crushed under the weight of more than 40 dancing paddlers. Unfortunately, the beer dried up - contrary to expectations - far too early. Nevertheless, the party continued until the early morning hours. Save the date: Lofer Rodeo 2019 – September 13th and 14th 2019
Report and Images: Tim Starr & Judith Hackinger
FOURTH ANNUAL QUEBEC EXTREME WHITEWATER SERIES, QUEBEC, CANADA, MAY-AUGUST 2018
Whether through word of mouth, pictures or photos, the infamous steep creeks, waterfalls and big water runs of Quebec never fail to deliver, year after year. This year marked the 4th annual Quebec Extreme Whitewater Series, spanning five races and four regions of Quebec over four months. The 2018 event series featured the Neilson, the Rouge, the Kipawa and the St-Lawrence rivers for a well-rounded and diverse competition. After battling high water levels throughout the entire race season, some well-deserved congratulations go to Louis-Phillipe Legare for taking home the title this year for his first time, and to Genevieve Royer for securing her 3rd title in four years. Given the wealth of rivers spanning the province, it
