This year marked the 22nd running of the Green Race outside Asheville, North Carolina. The Green River is a crown jewel for the whitewater community in North America with its consistent water and smooth, polished granite that make it a classic creek run. And in celebration of this fine piece of whitewater, the Green Race is as much a party as it is competition.
Each year, a safety crew sets up below Gorilla Falls, a 20-foot off vertical waterfall that racers must style in order to have any kind of chance of placing highly in the race. One missed stroke or off boat angle, and the “Speed Trap,” a recirculating hydraulic just below Gorilla will make athletes pay the price. And this year, the water was on the high-end of good, making for some spicy runs through the meat. With whitewater kayaking designer Shane Benedict hosting the video, the safety crew on the banks of the river was all strapped in and ready to make the perfect rescue. While France’s Eric Deguil won for the men and local girl Adriene Levknecht triumphed on the women’s side, truth be told, the crowd lining the banks was there to watch the carnage.
