Headed to the Rouge River to catch up with the Day 2 event – Boatercross! This is one of my favourite things involving kayaks, so much can go right and so much can go wrong, tons of excitement all around for both the competitors and spectators.

As luck would have it I left Ottawa in the bright sunshine to arrive at the river in a solid rain, all day it came down, but it did not dampen the spirits of those competing. Wet day and even wetter hikes back up to the top as people qualified for the next heat

The competitors all had huge smiles after the first heat, all 20 guys at once down the course, a mass start, the Rouge was at 450 on the gauge, it was pumping huge and powerful. The adrenaline of heading downriver with 19 others all going full out was addictive. Every wave was monstrous, and seams would open up and swallow paddlers at will. The next hets were in groups of 4-5 and the top 2 advanced to the next round, the final was 8 paddlers strong, loads of fun again

I had a blast watching and photographing these folks, my only disappointment is that I will not be able to catch the next 4 events, they are headed North to even bigger waters, hats off to the organizers, a tremendous event, I look forward to next years! Check out all the fun at the website, White Water Grand Prix.

Good luck to all the competitors!

Enjoy!