The Nissan Outdoor Games presented by Columbia ran from 28th June to 1st July 2007 was back in the Interlaken area for four days of high performance action entirely dedicated to outdoor extreme sports. And what’s more the festival was viewed this year by a colossal 120,000 spectators.

On Saturday morning, the waters of the Weiss Luchine River bore witness to a multitude of kayakers launching themselves into the ‘Extreme Slalom’ competition. Thirty-three competitors set out over the 300m course made up of 7 gates, of which 5 were down-stream and 2 up-stream.

The first obstacle to negotiate on the course was an impressive 5 metre waterfall. The rainfall at the start of the week, which hindered certain athletes in the film competition, made for ideal conditions for the kayakers this time around.

Under the gaze of the large viewing public, the stage was set to immortalise the event in the best possible way. With the first round tightly fought, only the best 12 were qualified to take part in the second.

Germany’s Thilo Schmitt managed to impose himself in 1 minute, 6 seconds and 46 hundreds, ahead of the Czech Honza Lasko (1’08’’22) and Italy’s Michelle Ramazza (1’10’’00).

The following morning, the boater-cross took place on the same stretch of river. The four competitors launched themselves from a ramp off a bridge straddling the river, fighting tooth and nail to cross the finish line first.

Following immediately afterwards, a team race offered the spectators a thrilling exhibition show. With everyone on the edge of their seats, the last race gathered experts and novices alike in the same team. Once again, Thilo Schmitt took home the combined ‘Extreme slalom’ and ‘Boater cross’ titles.

“Hey FTR,

I just came from there last night. I was racing hard and going really well, I came second during the extreme slalom and make a big final at Sunday during the kayak cross and finely got second in total.

Happy man …. Honza”.