The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

Since my last update I have been kayaking, kayaking, and more kayaking.

Yesterday I met with about 30 members from every avenue of media down at the white water park and gave them a demonstration. That seemed to go well as everyone seemed very interested and there were smiles, clapping, and thumbs up from everyone.

The white water park has been really good but is finally starting to get low, as it has been dropping around 50 cfs a day for the last 10 days. So, this means that I am going to be moving my paddling sessions upstream to a little secret hole that I have, if it is still there after the floods this winter. My favorite hole upstream washed out two years ago, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Other then that I have been wrestling a couple of days a week Those who have known me for a long time know that I wrestled for years growing up, so I am enjoying doing a bit of that in my spare time.

I also finally finished the landscaping in the front and back yard. And I must say that if I was competing with my neighbors in the nice lawn competition, I would be dominating.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

Before coming to Jackson Kayak I had worked for another kayak manufacturer for the better part of ten years. A lot of things had changed during that time and in the end the only thing that kept me there was the friends that I had made along the way. The truth was, and is, that those friends will be part of my life regardless of who I work for, but that didn’t make telling them that I was leaving any easier. When I finally called Robin Culver with the news it actually took me about five phone calls that day before I could get it out of my mouth. She, like all of my friends with Dagger was very gracious and supportive upon hearing the news, as I knew that they would be.

At that point in my kayaking career the move to Jackson Kayak was really a no-brainer for me. EJ, the Jackson family, and myself had been friends for years. I loved to paddle with Eric, and just as much loved to compete against him. For us the two have always gone hand in hand. Everyday that we are on the water together it is “game on” as I believe that for both of us that kayaking with out competition would somehow be very different. I trusted and believed very much in Eric’s fresh ideas and philosophies regarding kayak design, the future of our sport, and business in the paddle sports industry in general. So, when the time was right for me to come aboard, I did so jumping with both feet despite what anybody else thought that I should do.

The truth is that I have never worked for a more professional and friendly group of people in my life as I do now with Jackson Kayak, and that is saying something as I have been doing this a long time. We have what I believe to be the best product in the world, and even more importantly at the best value. Jackson kayak is a 1 percent for the planet company and is surrounded by people who are more then willing to give what they have so that others might have the opportunity to live better lives. It makes me very proud to be part of a company with great people, great product, and great values.

Team Jackson Kayak, meaning the company as a whole, as well as the athletes making up what is traditionally thought of as a team is something awesome to be part of. It is the first time in all my years of kayaking that I am surrounded by a group of people who genuinely want everyone to do well.

Stephen Wright will come down to the water to help me with my competition ride knowing full well that his help might result in him being outscored, and that is inspiring to me. The amazing thing is that everyone on the team is like that, like a true team should be.

A lot of people; acquaintances, old team members, media, and friends, questioned me when I made the move to Jackson Kayak. Eight months later I don’t hear those questions anymore. I am now in what I believe to be an enviable situation, and I look at the company that I work for and what we are doing and can only smile.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

I am back out west from Colorado. The Teva Mountain Games went well but I am glad that it is over. I raced really well in the head to head race finishing in second in the time trial, less then 5/100’s behind EJ. I also finished second in the actual race, behind EJ, and in front of Tao and Brad Ludden in the final heat. Much to my surprise one of the gate judges said that I missed a mandatory gate, and that resulted in a disqualification, putting E in fourth place. I am not really sure of how exactly that mistake happened but never the less it was disappointing to be disqualified after being so fast all day.

The freestyle event in Vail has been my long time nemesis. I have finished in the top three there five out of the six time that I have competed and have never won. This year I finished third which was again disappointing, but the good news is that we once again had a Jackson Kayak sweep. Actually 5 of the 6 medals from the men’s and women’s classes went to Jackson Kayaks.

I like to call that DOMINATION!

EJ won and Stephen was seond, both having unbelievable rides.

So, I drove back to Reno after the event as fast as I could trying for an unofficial World Record. The way I see it is that if I wasn’t speeding I was wasting time. I made it from Vail to Reno in 12 hours and 15 minutes. You might want to Map Quest that one to get full appreciation.

I spent one day in Reno, surfed at the play park,and then hit the road for the Northern California Coast, and the home of Kokatat. I will be here until Thursday morning and then it is back to Reno for a few days.

I am looking forward to those days at home.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

I am back out west from Colorado. The Teva Mountain Games went well but I am glad that it is over. I raced really well in the head to head race finishing in second in the time trial, less then 5/100’s behind EJ. I also finished second in the actual race, behind EJ, and in front of Tao and Brad Ludden in the final heat. Much to my surprise one of the gate judges said that I missed a mandatory gate, and that resulted in a disqualification, putting E in fourth place. I am not really sure of how exactly that mistake happened but never the less it was disappointing to be disqualified after being so fast all day.The freestyle event in Vail has been my long time nemesis. I have finished in the top three there five out of the six time that I have competed and have never won. This year I finished third which was again disappointing, but the good news is that we once again had a Jackson Kayak sweep. Actually 5 of the 6 medals from the men’s and women’s classes went to Jackson Kayaks. I like to call that DOMINATION! EJ won and Stephen was seond, both having unbelievable rides.So, I drove back to Reno after the event as fast as I could trying for an unofficial World Record. The way I see it is that if I wasn’t speeding I was wasting time. I made it from Vail to Reno in 12 hours and 15 minutes. You might want to Map Quest that one to get full appreciation.I spent one day in Reno, surfed at the play park,and then hit the road for the Northern California Coast, and the home of Kokatat. I will be here until Thursday morning and then it is back to Reno for a few days.I am looking forward to those days at home.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

I have been in Colorado for over two weeks now and it has been a blast. I have participated in dealer sales events, taught clinics, paddled some creeks, talked at kayak clubs, and generally had a great time.

Yesterday was a really big event called the Paddler magazine Invitational.

It was held in Steamboat Springs and was a very unique event. There was a race and a freestyle event with the goal of finding out who the best all around kayaker is. Anybody who knows me knows that I wouldn’t miss any opportunity to compete in this format. In the morning we had an extreme race on Fish Creek. I had what I thought to be a great run but ended up in third place. Then in the afternoon we had the freestyle competition which I was very confident about. In the end I won the rodeo and most importantly won the Over All Competition, proving that at the least on that day I was the best.

After many disappointing third place finished this year it felt really good to win a big event such as this.

Up next is the Teva Mountain Games. I will update you on that when it is finished.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

The third annual Reno River Festival was once again a great success. We couldn’t have asked for better weather and the local community as well as the kayaking community was there in full force. I am not sure of the numbers but I am sure that the foot traffic was well into the thousands.

This year we had high water and the freestyle competition was moved upstream to number two. It seemed to work well as a competition feature, and was certainly better then a lot of holes that I have competed in. I paddled well all day, never having a ride below 112 points, but in the end finished third. EJ and Steven Wright paddled awesome, as usual, and were able to finish first and second. Yet another Jackson Kayak sweep! The women also paddled really well and were very competitive. Tanya Faux finished first, Nikki Kelly was second, and Emily Jackson finished in a strong third.

Today was the Boater Cross and it was really fun to be part of and to watch.

Like most Boater Cross events it was full on racing and constant entertainment. EJ put his speed to good use and won, Bryan Kirk was second, and once again I was third.

I seem to have the third place curse going so far this year. At the Brush Creek Extreme Race I finished third; At the American River Fest I finished third; At the Reno River Fest freestyle I finished third: At the Boater Cross Time trial I fished third; and at the Boater Cross final I fished third. It is kind of frustrating but I know that I am paddling well, so I expect the curse to be gone by the next time I compete.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

2 weekends ago, Steven Wright and I headed up to Oregon for a couple of dealer visits with Alder Creek, and some great paddling. Saturday we visited the Portland store and then later headed up to Joe Bob’s which was epic. It was the best feature that I have ever seen at Bob’s and we had a great time.

Sunday morning we visited the Alder creek store in bend, helped out with a big boat demo, and then went kayaking at a hole called Area 51. I could tell you how good it was, but its called Area 51 for a reason.

We drove back to Reno late Sunday night and have been paddling here ever since. (Except for when Lisa and I have been doing yard work.) The river is high and it is hard to say for sure where the competition will be, but it will be great regardless.

Last Saturday we had a Jackson kayak Fun Tour event here in Reno. We met at the white water park at 1:00 with most of the Team, demo boats, high water, warm weather, and it was generally a great time.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

2 weekends ago, Steven Wright and I headed up to Oregon for a couple of dealer visits with Alder Creek, and some great paddling. Saturday we visited the Portland store and then later headed up to Joe Bob’s which was epic. It was the best feature that I have ever seen at Bob’s and we had a great time. Sunday morning we visited the Alder creek store in bend, helped out with a big boat demo, and then went kayaking at a hole called Area 51. I could tell you how good it was, but its called Area 51 for a reason.We drove back to Reno late Sunday night and have been paddling here ever since. (Except for when Lisa and I have been doing yard work.) The river is high and it is hard to say for sure where the competition will be, but it will be great regardless.Last Saturday we had a Jackson kayak Fun Tour event here in Reno. We met at the white water park at 1:00 with most of the Team, demo boats, high water, warm weather, and it was generally a great time.

The Reno-Tahoe Blog will occasionally feature entries from athletes sponsored by Reno-Tahoe, America’s Adventure Place. Jay Kincaid, professional kayaker, has been paddling over half of his lifetime, and is back to blog about his life as a professional kayaker living in Reno, NV. As 2003 Freestyle Kayaking World Champion, 2001 U.S. National Champion and three-time U.S. Point Series Champion, Jay is the most proud of the many first descents he’s done on rivers and waterfalls in his native Oregon and in California.

I left for the American River Festival last Thursdays morning. Lisa and I arrived at around noon, met up with the Jackson’s and headed up the river to the feature that we thought the freestyle competition would be. It was a hole just upstream of a rapid called Miya, and it was really good. We played there for a couple of hours timing rides and generally getting ready for the competition.

The next morning we got the word that the location for the event had been changed, so we headed just down river to that small hole and again practiced for the event. This hole was really small but we stayed positive about it, and everyone seemed to be doing a lot with what we had.

That night we went to the party at the River Store were we got the new update about the locations for the competition. It was to now be a freestyle through the rapid at Trouble Maker Rapid. So, the morning of the event we were all out practicing when we found a small breaking wave with eddy access just above the rapid. As a group we decided that this was the best option, so the event was now for sure going to be there.

In prelims I had good rides and ended up going to finals in first place.

Steven Wright was in second and EJ was in third. Finals were really close, but Steven was able to pull of a great McNasty on the small wave and won. EJ had a ride much like mine only he was able to get a little more pop on his moves, so he finished second, and for the second weekend in a row I finished third.

I was really upset to not have won, but I know that I am paddling well and am looking forward to the next event.

I am back in Reno now and will be until Friday when Steven and I drive to Portland and then Bend to do a couple of clinics.