US East Team Members in uniform peer out over the break at Santa Rita. - photo Effort.tv
The US East Surf Kayak Team 2009 - (Left to Right) Joey Hall, Tom May, Charles Salters, Matt Lewis, Lindsay Usher, Paul Scrutton, Anthony Bell, Russ Buskirk, Spencer Cooke, Andy Gates - photo Effort.tv
We have some news today from the US East Surf Kayak Team, reporting from the 2009 World Surf Kayak Championships in Santa Cruz Portugal. First, the conditions today were very big and heavy. This means there were more blown decks, some broken boats, and several swims. Comes with the territory.
Our final team standing was 8th place, a bit lower than any of us would have liked, but we gave it all our efforts. Our team has enjoyed surfing here and experienced an incredible level of competition.
Here is a status of individual competition standings: 3 in finals, 1 more pending
Women’s IC (long boat)
Lindsay Usher has placed 1st in the semifinal heat and advanced to the finals. She will compete against three other women in tomorrow’s championship heat.
Grand Masters (50 and over) HP (short boat)
Tom May and Russ Buskirk have both advanced to the finals and will compete in the championship heat.
Men’s IC (long boat)
Anthony Bell has placed 2nd in one of the quarterfinal rounds advancing to the next round.
Joey Hall and Charles Salters were eliminated in today’s competition.
Men’s HP (short boat)
Anthony Bell, Joey Hall and Russ Buskirk were all three eliminated from the quarterfinal round today.
South competition site in the AM, before quarterfinal elimination heats. - photo Effort.tv
Meditation before competition. - photo Effort.tv
Anthony Bell offers a nervous smile before long boat (IC) quarter-finals. - photo Effort.tv