Osorno, Chile – Earlier this week the 2012 Whitewater Grand Prix kicked off in spectacular fashion with a whitewater enduro race on the Rio Gol Gol in Chile. Over thirty of the world’s best whitewater kayakers competed in the first stage of this 5-stage, 14-day event. Nouria Newman (FRA) placed first in the women’s division and Mike Dawson (NZL) placed first among men.

“The Gol Gol valley is beautiful; volcanoes, lakes and an intense river. Easily the hardest I've ever raced." said Mike Dawson. "The final drop is a beautiful rapid with a great run-in to a 30 foot waterfall with big consequence after 4 minutes of hard paddling."

During the whitewater enduro race, athletes raced against the clock on a nearly one mile-long stretch of class V whitewater, navigating not only extremely technical rapids, but several 15-20 foot waterfalls as well.

“I'm really looking forward to the next stages of the Whitewater Grand Prix and to try to get one better,” said Martina Wegman (NED), who placed second in the women’s division. “I'm also stoked the tour is bringing us all around the country and we are able to experience a bit of Chile.The Gol Gol is the sickest race I've ever competed in. The river had a juicy flow and looked very intimidating. I was stoked having good lines on my first run and place myself second after the first stage.”

Stage One Men's results: 1. Mike Dawson (NZL), 2. Isaac Levinson (USA), 3. Dane Jackson (USA), 4. Evan Garcia (USA), 5. Michele Ramazza (ITA)

Stage One Women's results: 1. Nouria Newman (FRA), 2. Martina wegman (NED, 3. Katrina van Wijk (CAN), Natalie Anderson (USA), 5. Louise Jull (NZL)

Schedule of Competition

Stage 1 (12/3 – 12/4): Whitewater Enduro Race, Rio Gol Gol

Stage 2 (12/6): Whitewater Sprint Race, River TBD

Stage 3 (12/8): Giant Slalom, Rio Trancura

Stage 4 (12/12): Big Water Boatercross, Rio Futaleufu

Stage 5 (12/14): Big Water Enduro Race, Rio Futaleufu

Links

Website: www.whitewatergrandprix.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitewatergrandprix

Twitter: @whitewaterGP 

*** UPDATE *** Stage 2 has been postponed until December 6. Our original plan for stage 2 was thwarted due to an invasive species of algae on the Rio Fuy known as Didymo, or Rock Snot. So the crew is currently scouting for a new section of river to run, possibly the Rio Truful Truful. See a scouting report here.