So, we're about to head in to semi finals day at the U18/U23 World champs.
We have 4 paddlers in the semis. Unfortunately lightning struck twice and we had 2 bubble boys just missing the cut by less than a second and only one position.
After a late night with demo runs and managers reception we'll head down to the course. Each paddler walks the course with me giving advice as they tell me their race plan for every stroke pretty much. They plan their lines in to the gates, how hard they will pull on the strokes and what angle the boat will be at. Add in how much they will lean forward or backwards, repeat this process over 23 gates as well as how they will get through the various holes and waves and it's a very detailed process. It probably takes about 20 minutes to walk the course once, maybe a little more. They then relax for a bit, head up for warm ups, final gear check as they head for the pre start area. Race hard for 2 minutes....then re-assess the post run, watch the team videos that Dale takes and our spare bank paddlers, watch the video from the live feed and if they still have time watch the video from the best paddlers. Then back up to the start for another run.
Today they only get one run in an attempt to make the finals on the weekend. (They will all , except Jess be racing in the 3 man teams event anyway)
So, good luck Shaun, Finn, Cole and Jess....make us proud guys.
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