The inaugural USA Freestyle Kayak Points Series kicked off at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in April. National Champion hopefuls compete in a series of five events, culminating with the National Championships and 2011 Team Trials in July in Missoula, Montana.

The series' five events are:
Bryson City, NC - April 17, 18
Lyons, CO – June 11-13
Salida, CO
Gunnison, CO- June25-27
Missoula, MT- June 30-July 2

Athletes earn points at each event, with final scores being tallied at the National Championships in Missoula. The Championships will also serve as US Team Trials for the 2011 Freestyle Kayaking World Championships to be held in Plattling, Germany, next June.

“We are excited about kicking this series off after years of discussion,” notes Jeremy Laucks, reigning OC1 World Champion, USAFK Steering Committee member and architect of the point series. “USAFK has stepped into the sport to provide trained judges and administrators to ensure consistency and credibility at each event; finally, scores from a variety of events will be relevant to one another.”

The point series events will encourage young paddlers by including a Cadet Class for 14-16 year olds, in addition to the Junior Class for ages 16-18. In addition, competitors will be invited to participate in community service projects through which they’ll have an opportunity to meet citizens in the host communities.

Team Wave Sport manager and reigning US Freestyle Kayak champion Bryan Kirk took the series' early lead with an incredible 450 point score at the NOC Shootout. Haley Mills won the women’s pro division.

Learn more at USA Freestyle Kayaking.

Photo credit: Casey Jones, Paddler Bryan Kirk