Immersion Research 2012 » Events

Alseseca Race 2012

Middy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:26:29 +0000

Rarely does a kayak race in a foreign country have good whitewater in combination with frogmen who are not stern and overzealous. Sofia and Antonio Reinoso and the rest of the Alseseca Race crew have combined these and many other desirable qualities into a fine racing experience. If the awards ceremony came with endless tacos, it might be the perfect race. The Alseseca Race is every year in early January and comes highly recommended.

2011 Yough Defense Party

Andrew Miller — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:40:52 +0000

Save the date for November 17, 2011– see you at the Falls City Pub in Ohiopyle, PA for our third annual Yough Defense Party! Doors open at 4:30. Live music by Lindsey and Ty and the Ferncliff Collective. Your $20 contribution at the door gets you one drink ticket and lots of great food! We have a flyer with more information available, please download and post a copy to help us spread the word! Hope to see you there!

For more information please visit this link…

Thanks,
IR

From Russia, With Love

jbecker — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:53:40 +0000

This fall, one of our Russian Retailers supported and organized a whitewater festival called WW-Run- here is a little report on the events that took place! Enjoy:

WW-RUN whitewater festival was held on the river Belaya, Adygea region, Caucasus Mountains, Russia in August 22-26. It was the first such festival in Russia and it was a big success. The festival was devoted to kayakers of different levels – from begginers to crazy paddlers.

The first day was kayak-ball. This was the most fun event. 4 big (about 1 meter in diameter) balls are thrown from the bridge. 4 paddlers should drive their balls to the finish line. Paddler can touch his own ball anyway (by hand, boat or paddle) but the balls of others only with hand or boat – not with paddle. Physical contacts are not allowed. 2 first paddlers, who crosse the line with the ball go to the next round. Here wins not the most experienced rider, but the most crafty. That’s because you can push your ball to the finish or you can push rival’s ball to the eddy or to the shore. And he will lose a lot of time.Next day was double-travers: Team competitions. The team consists of 2 paddlers. Each paddler of the team starts from the eddy of its own bank. On the start signal each paddler starts crossing of the river. After first paddler touches the bank he needs to wait until second paddler touches the banner or the bank. This action is one complete double travers. The task is to make as many as possible such double traverses on the restricted river section. The team which made more double traverses wins.

Such kinds of competition like double-travers and kayak-ball were held for the first time in Russia. Especially people liked kayak-ball, it was interesting to compete and funny to watch.

Next 2 days were long runs for normal paddlers and extreme race for crazy paddlers. It was very low water level on the river and water was more simple than expected. That’s why extreme race was really not so extreme. But all people were glad and everyone had a lot of fun.

Winners were awarded with medals and different prizes from our sponsors Piranha, Shred Ready, Immersion Research, Halti. Extreme race winner had got a new Piranha Molan, second place – IR Lucky Charm skirt; long run winner had got Standard Fullface helmet from Shred Ready. The best man and best woman got Union Suits from Immersion Research. Other winners got hoodies, t-shirts and caps from SR and IR.

And of course party every night is also important part of fistival!

We hope this festival will become an regular event and will collect more and more people. ~Semen Lurie

Ohiopyle Over the Falls Festival Aug 20, 2011

Andrew Miller — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:38:01 +0000

This years Festival will be on Saturday Aug 20, 2011. You can preregister or register at the event. We need plenty of help, and will require everyone 18 and over who wants to run the Falls to give the event at least one hour of safety! Registration fees have been reduced to $15 and volunteers who give us at least two hours of their time will receive a cool T-shirt. Registration forms and waivers are included on the Website www.FallsRace.com . We ask that you download the forms and bring them with you to the event in order to save time. You can sign up for the race and/or freestyle competitions or to just do practice runs the day of the event.

It is important that everyone realize that running this waterfall should be for experienced boaters only. Running this class IV waterfall has all the potential hazards involved with any other class IV rapid. Our safety at the base of the falls only involves helping swimmers if and when they wash out from under the falls. As with any whitewater activity you are responsible for judging your own capabilities and for your own safety. If you do not have the experience to run the falls please do not attempt to do so.

We have increased the prize money this year for both the Race and Freestyle Events. Tell your friends!

Even if you do not run the falls come on down and celebrate with us at the Town Party.

Activities Planned:
Over the Falls Race and Freestyle Event – 12-Noon
Practice Runs – 9am-Noon, then following Freestyle till 4pm
Silent Auction (including a Jackson Kayak)
Town Party with live band The HalfTime String Band 7:30pm to 10:30pm
Awards Ceremony – Town Party
Falls Under Lights

Those interested in assisting with registration or race administration should contact me in advance or just drop by. Volunteer forms are also on our website.

As you know AW got limited access to the Falls last year and this year. For Falls Access Guidelines see our web page.
Thank you!

Barry Adams – Festival Coordinator
AW Ohiopyle Access Committee
www.FallsRace.com
412-242-4562

Upper Yough Race 2011

Andrew Miller — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:34:23 +0000

The Upper Yough Race will be held this Saturday July 23rd. Registration will be at Wilderness Voyageurs from 9am to noon. The cost is $30 and racers will receive a shirt and drinks at the finish line and take out.

The race starts at 5pm from wait rock above Gap Falls and ends at Kendall Rocks.

You can find more details at Wilderness Voyageurs.

Good luck and enjoy the extended release brought to us by American Whitewater and Team Friendsville.

2011 NW Creeking Competition a Success!

jbecker — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:38:52 +0000

This past weekend marked the 5 year anniversary of the Northwest Creeking Comp, which takes place on the EF Lewis River, and Canyon Creek in Washington State each spring. This years event yielded to some brutal rain the Friday night prior to the event, which spiked the EF Lewis up 1000 cfs overnight, and Canyon Creek had gone up about 1200 cfs. With a few race course modifications, the race was underway! With some 85 racers, the weather certainly did not scare too many NW boaters off! Big thanks to Next Adventure and Luke Spencer for organizing the largest whitewater event on the West Coast! Congrats to Jon Shelby, raffle winner of a brand new, 2011 Comp Semi-Drytop!

What would a festival be without an eating contest?

Awards Ceremony

Make-shift Bivy Sack

As far as the eye can see!

Top 3 ladies of the Womens Pro- Susan, Kim and Christie

Just about every type of boat was raced over the finish line that day!

Tao Berman...winning, as usual

IR Team Member Susan Hollingsworth getting a good bite on the Sunset Falls finish line!

Bryan Dorr, Store Manager at Next Adventure givin 'er

Lewis River Downriver 2011 April 16, 2011

K-1 Men Pro

Tao Berman 21 14 : 45.50

Darren Albright 23 15 : 2.20

Ben Hawthorne 9 15 : 41.30

Mike Gottlieb 41 15 : 46.40

Paul Kuthe 32 15 : 55.90

Brian Door 26 16 : 1.20

Dave Hoffman 10 16 : 9.50

Brett Barton 3 16 : 16.60

Chris Totten 60 16 : 26.90

Connor Dixon 59 16 : 28.80

Luke Spencer 40 16 : 30.90

Jure Poberaj 13 0 : ?

Louis Geltman 5 0 : ?

K-1 Men Expert

Dan Rubado 97 15 : 23.60

Jeremy Bisson 33 15 : 41.10

Trevor Sheehan 61 16 : 11.30

Matt King 62 16 : 12.40

Nick Hinds 48 16 : 15.70

Jeff Hortley 30 16 : 23.00

Chuck Taylor 47 16 : 45.50

Dave Martin 44 16 : 46.70

Ryan Young 49 16 : 51.40

Logan Farrell 12 16 : 58.40

John Camp 54 16 : 58.40

Josh Armagost 1 17 : 0.10

Jon Shelby 45 17 : 9.20

Ben Hayes 52 17 : 20.20

Dave Porter 34 17 : 36.90

Ira Munkvold 53 17 : 40.30

Andrew Broder 58 17 : 43.10

Raymond Capone III 7 17 : 50.20

Luke Maddux 29 17 : 55.20

Jeffery Steehler 57 18 : 35.90

Joe Goldes 28 19 : 3.70

Chris Gabriell 6 23 : 37.70

Brandon Bloomquist 96 0 : ?

Willie Illingworth 11 0 : ?

Harrison Rea 16 0 : ?

K-1 Women Pro

Kimberly Russell 15 16 : 19.60

Christie Glissmeyer 38 16 : 22.00

Susan Hollinsworth 31 16 : 34.00

Anna Herring 35 48 : ?

Kate Daniel 43 0 : ?

K-1 Long

Tao Berman 92 14 : 18.50

Darren Albright 91 14 : 26.80

Louis Geltman 98 14 : 32.20

Jure Poberaj 93 14 : 49.10

Bryon Door 90 15 : 10.00

Paul Kuthe 88 15 : 31.50

Susan Hollingsworth 89 16 : 58.70

Jed Hawkes 18 18 : 40.80

Dave Hoffman 95 59 : 0.00

Ryan Young 87 0 : ?

K-1 Fun

David Pool 14 16 : 53.70

Josh Overly 55 18 : 5.30

Erik Frebold 4 0 : ?

Brandon Bloomquist 8 0 : ?

Riley Baxter 37 0 : ?

George White 17 0 : ?

RAFT

Tim B. / Matt L. 24 19 : 0.00

Dan 64 19 : 3.00

Bruce R. / Jamie C. 25 19 : 27.00

Jake S. / Karl L. 20 21 : 16.00

Raleigh B. / Jim S. 19 22 : 0.00

Jake B Jens M 56 22 : 36.00

Caitlin F / Meghan F 63 23 : 0.00

Scott M. / Mitch G. 36 0 : ?

Darren A. 22 0 : ?

Tim W. / Josh S. 46 0 : ?

Wonder Ray 51 0 : ?

K-2

Orion M. / Andy M. 66 16 : 17.60

Ryan Y. / Anna 50 17 : 9.20

Joel M. / Kate D 42 18 : 19.70

Race Report: Bliss-Stick US New Haven Ledges Open

John W — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:33:33 +0000

This report comes from Mountain Man’s resident creeker Chris Morelli:

On Saturday April 9th, the second annual Bliss-Stick US New Haven Ledges Open took place in Bristol, Vermont. There was a great turn out of over 60 boaters combined in the pro and amateur divisions. With a cash purse and prizes over a 1500 dollars, boaters traveled from all locations. Last year, with freezing temperatures and low water, being the first race only 22 racers competed, I included. This year, with warm April sunshine and a decent low to medium flow the race was a hit. The road side run attracted boaters and spectators alike. With four man heats down the 1/3 mile long race course that drops 245′ per mile, the lines were tight. With the lower water level boaters had to stay in the flow to keep the lead and there were only a hand full of opportunities to make a pass. The top two of each heat moved on to a winner bracket, and the bottom two moved on to a loser bracket, to keep competing for the cash. It was a long day, heat after heat brought it down to the finals. The victor being a ex olympic slalom boater from canada. Pros came from all about, big names included Patrick Camblin, Joel Kowalski, and Ben Marr. It was great to see heats with big name paddlers, and local heros. I, myself had a slow start in my first heat, but placed first in my second heat. That moved me to semi finals, but by then a long day on the river, and practice laps all day before had gotten to me, and I didn’t precede to move on. The New Haven ledges are a classic Vermont creek, with the continuous nature, mixed with technical moves, and the short lap after lap shuttle makes for a great weekend. Over the weekend I made 13 laps. This was the first gathering for the Northeast paddlers for the season, and with a great turn out it seems everyone is Stoked and ready to boat!

Paddlers Cove Sale- New Jersey

jbecker — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:41:55 +0000

If you are planning on attending the NJ Paddler 2011 Paddlesport Expo this weekend, be sure to stop in and say Hi to John at Paddlers Cove, just down the street! Paddlers Cove will match sale discounts on kayaks and accessories for the weekend of the Expo, March 25-27th.

Paddlers Cove- 888-835-5295

384 East Washington Ave
Washington, New Jersey 07882

Midwest Sale on IR Products-Starting This Friday!

jbecker — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:00:40 +0000

Hello Wisconsin! Two of our retailers have stepped up to offer 15% off of any IR products from their store locations- to match the discount given at the Canoecopia Show. Both retailers have a good assortment of products on hand, and have a willing and helpful staff, that will be happy to answer any of your questions. The Sale will run from Friday, March 4th to Sunday, March 13th, 2011.

If you are in the market for items from IR that are more touring oriented, contact:

Paddle & Trail, 7307 North Alpine Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111- Give them a ring: 1-855-playoutside

If you have an itch for whitewater gear, please give Bear Paw a ring:

Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort, N3494 Hwy 55, White Lake, WI, 54491- Phone: 715-882-3502

Both shops can custom order items, at the discounted price during that time frame- please reference “canoecopia sale” when calling or visiting either of these stores.

Happy Paddling!

The Search is on for an EU Ambassador!

John W — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:27:24 +0000

IR is now accepting applications for a new European Ambassador for 2011, and applying is fun and easy. Simply send us the link to a Youtube or Vimeo video showing us why you would be a great representative for IR gear. That’s it. The chosen athlete will receive $1500 USD worth of IR gear of their choosing. Interested? Read the rules below:

The 2011 IR EU Ambassador Contest:

Applicants must live in the EU.
The deadline for applications is April 30th
Entires can be submitted as links to youtube or vimeo. Please don’t send us gigantic HD quicktime files, etc.
We will post all videos submitted to our website.
We are looking for someone to help us grow our whitewater brand in the EU- a winning video will show us that you are the right person to do that. Being a really good whitewater kayaker will certainly help your chances, but by no means do you have to be a superstar.
We receive lots and lots of videos of people throwing loops and running waterfalls- you may want to consider that while putting together your entry . We understand that you want to show us what you can do in a boat, but we’re also interested in how you interact with the paddling community.
If you win, all we ask in return is that you make somewhat regular, interesting posts to the .eu website documenting your year.
The terms of the “Ambassadorship” will be until the end of 2011. This is not an on-going sponsorship.

Send the youtube or vimeo link or any questions you may have to contest@immersionresearch.com Along with your entry, please include your name, age, where you live, and anything about yourself that we must know that you couldn’t get into your video.

You can follow along and see all of the entries at our EU site