July 2003 - Newsletter

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Contents:
1) 2003 IRF WORLD RAFTING CHAMPS
2) OTHER EVENTS
3) RACE JUDGES - certification exams before Worlds
4) GT&E - Workshop in Czech after Worlds
5) BIDS FOR 2004 WORLDS

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1) 2003 IRF WORLD RAFTING CHAMPS
The World Champs are drawing near very rapidly and teams are scrambling to finalise their entries. We are looking at at least 22 countries being represented at the event, possibly even up to 29! Out of those entries we are looking at about 11 women's teams, which is an excellent number and shows how competitive rafting is on the increase among women. In Norway and Britain it seems the women are more organised and competitive than their men as they are only sending womens teams!

The event promises to be highly competitive and organised as the top teams from around the world prepare to face each other and the Czechs, who are very practised at running numerous large rafting events throughout their season, get everything and everyone in order. Any spectators keen to see the event can look at the details on www.e-rafting.info. The location is about 200km from Prague and not far from the Austrian border.

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2) OTHER EVENTS: -

a) European Cup: Come practise before the World Champs! 23-24 August in Ceske Budejovice, near Lipno.

b) Gauley Whitewater Challenge:
is one of the premier whitewater events in the USA. Held annually on the Gauley river in West Virginia this event offers something for everyone. The Whitewater Cup is the selection race for the USA National Rafting Teams (men and women). Any team, from any country can participate. There will be a sprint, slalom and downriver as per the IRF rules. This event will be held from September 18 - 22nd. On Monday the 22nd experience boaters can compete in the Animal Gauley Downriver Race. This race is open to rafts, kayaks, boogie boards or anything you think you can use to get down the river. A new addition this year is the Gauley Citizens Challenge. This race is designed for your friends who don't paddle on a regular basis to compete against other inexperienced paddlers on a world-class river.

Get your friends to sign up with one of the local outfitters on the Gauley River (17 to choose from) and they will supply the guide, raft, gear and transport for a small fee. This event is one of the larger whitewater events in the US and now there is a chance for everyone to compete in a race that is right for them and their experience. For more info log onto www.rapidpulse.com, send an email to gauley@rapidpulse.com or call 303 989 7194

All 3 events (whitewater Cup, Animal Gauley Downriver Race and the Gauley Citizens Challenge) make up the Gauley Whitewater Challenge.

c) 2003 -Asahan Whitewater Festival:
in Indonesia run by the Indonesia Rafting Federation (FAJI "federasi arung jeram indonesia). Multi event: Rafting International Open tournament and Kayak Pro-ellite tournement. Rafting event: 1. head to head; 2. slalom; 3. downriver Kayaking event : 1. head to head; 2. downriver; 3. free style 
Prize money: Rafting International :US $ 5.400. Kayak Pro-elite : US $10.500.
Entry fee: Raft : US $ .92; Kayak : US $ 120.
more info u can see www.intraftfed.com & www.raft.startkable.nl

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3) RACE JUDGES - certification exams before Worlds.
There will be an IRF Judges workshop at the World Rafting Champs venue (Ceske Vrbne whitewater course) on Friday evening, Aug 22 at 18:00. Judges will have a written exam and be certified according to the IRF Judges certification levels. Those working at the event will also be given their judging tasks for the event then. Contact us if you are interested.

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4) GUIDE TRAINING & EDUCATION
There will be an IRF Guide Training and Education workshop straight after the Worlds. Guide and Trip Leader exams will be held in conjunction with the Instructor workshop. Guide exam on Sep 2, Trip Leader exam Sep 2-3, Instructor workshop Sep 2-4. Location: still to be finalised but will be about 4 hrs drive from World Champs location of Lipno. (Either in Austria, Slovenia or Slovakia) Please contact us if you are interested.

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5) BIDS FOR 2004 WORLDS
All bids for the 2004 IRF World Rafting Champs should be sent to us as soon as possible. A decision as to where it will be next year will be made before the end of this year.