January 2017
Pumped for what would be my third Nationals and first on the Penrith course, I was excited to finally be able to showcase my development over the past year against others. Racing both C1 and K1 and having a good laugh along the way, I was able to put down solid runs in each earning respectable results in each.
In the K1 I took the only advantage I had, having a smaller boat, I swept my way into 12th place overall. Hitting the bottom of the concrete chanel on multiple occasions, I had a blast paddling carefree down the raging rapids.
In the C1, the focus was back on as I put down two solid runs putting me into 10th and into the finals despite having multiple touches on both runs and minor whiplash. From there I looked forward to the finals and teams run that would conclude the nationals but first we held the interstate Kris Kringle.
Not having the greatest of runs because of touches and being off line, I couldn’t improve on my poll and finished 10th. But with an all-star team for the C1 teams event things looked up, and after a last second diverted disaster involving Christians head and the nose of my boat, we slid into second just behind the guys from Western Australia. Ending what was once again a fantastic Nationals.
Kaylen Bassett | Canoe Athlete 