David is a former World Champion and World Cup Champion and is a five time Olympian in the sport of Whitewater Slalom Kayaking. In 2003 he was voted Canada's Male Athlete of the year.

Friday, August 10, 2007

China

We are not in Kansas anymore Toto!

The flight over was uneventful and almost comfortable as a few of us were upgraded to the new Air Canada "pod" business class. Isolated in your own little pod with a TV and a seat that goes flat to form a bed the eleven hour flight literally flew by. To Air Canada's credit they made no fuss over our equipment and we had all of our boats arrive safe and sound.

The drive to the course and our hotel was only a short distance on brand new multi lane divided hi way but for some reason our bus driver stuck to a 60 km/hr speed limit and it took forever. Our venue is next to the rowing venue and we share the same entrance gate, the Junior Rowing world championships are on as an Olympic test event and there is a definite Olympic feel to the place with security screening and lots of walking.

We were all very anxious to see the whitewater venue and it didn't disappoint. I was very surprised to see that our venue is practically fully complete and ready to go. In the past we have trained in a construction zone right up to the last minute and to have the site ready a year out is impressive.

The course itself is a gem, fast, steep and continuous, it is a real test of paddling skill and concentration. We have had six sessions out there and it has been a lot of fun, if a little tiring. The drops are big but manageable and this course is one of only three in the world that turns clockwise, something you don't really notice on the water but an interesting side note. I will post some pictures of the course and the venue in the next few days.

Today we are going to the Great Wall, I am very curious to see this wonder of the world and my body is welcoming the rest day.