The Global Paddling Community

Latvian paddlers invented a new boater cross start ramp.

This spring, the Latvian kayak community organized a kayak cross competition for the first time. Although there are no difficult rivers in Latvia, the kayaker's head to head battles were awesome. It was organized by the Latvian paddle club Campo (with support from Red Bull Latvia) and comprised two laps on different rivers.

Very attractive was the special start platform invented by Kaspars Celmins (who came up with the idea of a Latvian kayak cross) especially for this event. The idea came when watching rally and motocross starts: a 2 m high platform with falling down start face, making sure all participants start at exactly the same time.

The first lap of Latvian kayak cross took place on April 8 th on a creek with triple drops; the second lap was on April 16 th on a river with a slightly pushy section. The qualification had 26 participants, 6 of them ladies, and in the finals there were 16 men and 3 ladies.

The Grand Prix of Latvian Kayak Cross 2006 was won by Anete Posiva and Atis Berzins.

For more info: kaspars{at}laivas.lv