December 2009

Dear Whitewater Alumni and Friends,

1. It is official, C-1 W in the Worlds.
Women’s C1 individual and team events are now added to the World Championships as full medal status, for both the junior and senior classes. Find "C1 ladies" on Facebook to share the love.

2. New Pool Slalom format this winter
A new single pole, parallel slalom format is available for testing. Contact Silvan or kentford@gobrainstorm.net for details

3. WHO AM I? QUIZ QUESTION
When I escaped from Czechoslovak national team, after 1968 Russian invasion, I wrote Mark letter from Belgium and asked him if he would be willing to be my sponsor. I needed sponsor for immigrating to US. He signed my immigration papers without hesitation and I arrived on US soil in New York February 26, 1969.
BONUS QUESTION: MARK's Last name? What other stories can you share from the long and successful relationships between Czech and US teams?
ANOTHER QUIZ QUESTION: 5th Place in Mens kayak 1979 World Championships

4.  Tough News: I wanted to pass on to the many folks that know Chuck Lyda and his wife Carol Schick that Chuck has been in Mercy San Juan Medical Center in Carmichael, California for the last two weeks.   He has been diagnosed with Escophigial (SP) and Stomach Cancers.  Carol has implied that he has been having a very hard time of late and I would hope that you folks could help get the word out to his many friends and former teammates about his condition.  Words and cards of support could help.   Carol and Chuck are private folks and calls and in person visits are not being encouraged.  Chuck is at MSJMC, 6501 Coyle Ave,  Carmichael, Calif.  95608 News relayed via Charles Albright

5. Fun footage of the 2009 Charlotte Open Slalom Race at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxZmT5D9X7A

6. Surfs Up:
Coach blog of the month: http://www.cathyhearn.com/

Eric Giddens and Rebecca Bennet Giddens brew beer! http://www.kernriverbrewingcompany.com/

Dave Curran travels! http://web.mac.com/dwcurran/iWeb/Kayakslalom/WelcomeKayakers.htm

Happy and healthy holidays to all!

Kent Ford

p.s. Visit the US Whitewater Slalom Foundation http://www.whitewaterslalom.us/whitewater-slalom-foundation.html