Event details:
Every year, over a thousand students make the pilgrimage to Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham for the National Student Rodeo: the annual university freestyle kayaking competition. It's also world-renowned as the biggest and best kayaking party there is.
Competition starts on the Saturday morning, with the Extreme Slalom, which all competitors are entered into by default. This event will determine whether you qualify for the beginner, intermediate, or expert freestyle heats -- so don't be afraid to step up and give it a go, even if you've never sat in a freestyle boat before. No experience is necessary -- and it doesn't necessarily help; creativity and the willingness to take a swim in the name of looking cool are what count at NSR! Points may also be earned for fancy dress worn on the water, so bear that in mind too.
There are also competitions for Duos -- twice the paddler, twice the fun. This is one of the most unique and wild events of the weekend, with two paddlers in a single boat trying to throw the most outrageous moves in an attempt to score points. If you're interested, leave a comment when you sign up and find a willing friend/victim to partner up with.
If you feel like two blades is one too many, there will be competitions in C1 as well. Orange juice will be provided if you win. Additionally, there is an Old-Skool competition (mainly aimed at alumni and non students, though students are welcome to compete if there is space) -- even if not competing, this is a spectacular event to watch and a highlight of the whole weekend.
On top of all of this, there will be stands from all the major kayaking brands, with kit and boats to try out -- and for the lucky winners of the events, some shiny prizes.
We'll be camping on site, and tickets for the weekend's events are £53 this year (which covers camping, paddling, and -- perhaps most importantly -- the party).
The party theme this year is the Apocalypse, which is not an excuse to drink like there's no tomorrow. At NSR, you do not need an excuse to drink like there's no tomorrow; it's expected of you.
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