Ottawa Kayak School’s Big Cajones Rodeo! by Will Richardson | May 23, 2005 | Whitewater | 0 comments May 23, 2005 Photos Sunday’s Big Cajones Rodeo was an unbelievable display of kayakers willing to surf the biggest, fastest, most powerful waves on the Ottawa. Although we were all hoping for Bus Eater, the snowpack (or hydro stations) didn’t cooperate. With water levels somewhere around 7 feet, we moved the largest rapid on the Ottawa: Coliseum! At the top of the rapid is a huge wave/hole that rivals Buseater for intimidation factor and hatefulness. It’s nearly impossible to stay in control, big air occurs without warning, and staying on the wave is a challenge. Just front-surfing here is an adrenalin-inducing roller coaster ride. Highlights for the day include Devon’s dead-vertical air-blunt on the third wave, Hannah Farrar’s big-wave boat control and big air, Rusty Sage’s repeated great rides, Rush Sturges’ HUGE entry moves, Anthony Yapp’s insane entry orbit, and Skippy’s giant pan-ams. We saw air blunts, pan ams, air screws, silly flips, multiple mystery moves, survival cartwheels, back stabs, and a near Bread and Butter. The event was filmed, and after a fantastic Wilderness Tours dinner, all the competitors watched the film and voted to judge the event. In the end, Ruth Gordon and CJ walked-away with the top women’s awards, Rusty Sage and Skippy took the men’s cash prizes, and Brian Kirk won $50 for the best trashing of the day-it was BRUTAL-a huge slam on entry, expertly brought back under control, immediately into a HUGE wa-thunk to violent mystery-move. Thanks to Ottawa Kayak School and Sharky for organizing and running this completely unique and extremely cool event. Check out www.ottawakayak.com for info on more exciting Ottawa River events. Discovery Channel Canada covered the event for television and the Web. The dates it will air will be available on www.discovery.ca Next year, we all want "Big Cajones" T-shirts! Live from the Ottawa, Stephen and Devon Submit a Comment Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ