River fest

[mattb]

It was time for our annual celebration of our local waterway, the Gunnison River over the weekend. Last year's event had record high water. So high the homemade boat comp was cancelled for safety concerns. This year it was the opposite with record low water and shallow conditions better for wading in a lot of places.
The organizers and the city worked to make the water features as good as they could with the low water and did a great job.
I was shooting for our city who have hired me on an ongoing basis to shoot local events and sights.

There were events all day. I missed the fly fishing accuracy comp but made it in time for canine big air.

IMGP1191.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

Some dogs weren't as enthusiastic (I just grabbed this one as I was changing positions, unfortunately).

IMGP1150.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

Then we had the inflatable surf event. It's all about staying on the wave and showing some style.

IMGP1521.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr


IMGP1569.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

There was also a SUP (stand up paddleboard) comp

IMGP1613.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

Next was freestyle Kayaking. They usually go one at a time but all got out there during warmups.

IMGP1663.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

Not what you meant to do?

IMGP1704.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr


IMGP1719.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

This guy is an old friend who likes a traditional surfboard on the river.

IMGP1738.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

Finally, the homemade boat comp. Crowd response was the determining factor and the Excercycle boat won.

IMGP1762.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

Spray foam boat wasn't far behind

IMGP1787.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

A friend an organizer of the event is about to be hit with a biodegradable water balloon.

IMGP1797.jpg by MattB.net, on Flickr

It was a lot of fun for everyone involved! Thanks for looking!

[f86sabjf]

Looks like you all know how to have a good time

[Photo-John]

GREAT series of photos, Matt! Love the whole package. This looks like a great way to spend a summer day and you covered it well. I especially like the third image with the dog on the kayak. I think that one is the best. I like the exercycle boat image, too - mostly because I used to have an exercycle and I know how sneakily evil those things are

[mattb]

Thanks guys! It certainly was a fun way to spend the day. It's been so hot my usual activities of running or cycling become less appealing when it's like this (yes, I'm a heat wimp which is why I live here!).
I've been using my flash in FP (same as HSS) mode lately for action stuff and I have to say I'm really liking the results!

[SmartWombat]

I agree, lots of good images in that set.
I think IMGP1704.jpg and IMGP1569.jpg are my picks for the action.
And I have to agree with you, John, IMGP1521.jpg is a great shot.

[Photo-John]

I agree, lots of good images in that set.
I think IMGP1704.jpg and IMGP1569.jpg are my picks for the action.
And I have to agree with you, John, IMGP1521.jpg is a great shot.

I am a sucker for a good doggy photo. The look on the kayaker's face in IMGP1704 is pretty great, though

[SmartWombat]

I'm a sucker for expressions and kitties - though action cat photos don't often happen round here

[wfooshee]

He said action and cat in the same sentence. Ha!

The expression in #7 is priceless!

[mattb]

Thanks you guys. Now I need to think up some good cat action shots. Not many sports seem to include cats...