Last weekend saw the first ever Gladiator of the Sluice competition. This comp was held in the evening and ran into the late hours of the night. As the light faded the competition really came to life with the full effect of the lighting and strobes coming into action. The hole was set up with a curtain entry and paddlers began their run under a flurry of fake snow and smoke! It really was the best UK competition I have ever been to and I hope it sets the standard for future ones. The atmosphere was incredible and every aspect of the event was well organised.
Kayaking wise, I was really impressed with the extremely high standard of paddling – particularly in the senior mens class with more 1000+ scores than ever before. A big trick competition was also ran and was won by Rob Crowe (who else!), a king of the wave session happened to finish and James Weight was the last man standing!
I cant wait for the next competition in this style and i can only hope they will become more regular than annual! Jon Best ran the event and the organisers and judges deserve a huge thankyou! If you couldnt make it this time, dont miss out again on the next one! www.gladiatorofthesluice.co.uk/
Here is a video summary of the event from Bren Orton, Jack Gunter and Martyn Butler.
http://vimeo.com/39368051
Results
SENIOR MEN
1ST JAMES WEIGHT – 1146
2ND ROB CROW – 1045
3RD ANDY BRINKLEY – 916
SENIOR WOMEN
1ST JEN CHRIMES – 336
2ND EMILY WALL – 250
3RD ISLAY CROSBIE – 60
JUNIOR MEN
1ST JAMES BENNS – 1166
2ND BRANDON HEPBURN – 856
3RD BREN ORTON – 736
JUNIOR WOMEN
1ST JENNIFER MCGALEY – 76
