Nevertheless, the competition turned out to be truly exciting! Almost all canoe slalom clubs (except one!!!) were represented in the race, and in this friendly atmosphere, the Ādaži champion titles were awarded.

In addition to the Ādaži Championship titles, athletes also competed for the title of Ādaži SPRINT KING in all four boat classes. A challenging and fast course, one-second penalty for any gate touch, maximum focus, a showcase of speed and strength from every athlete, and enthusiastic involvement from spectators — it all came together with a bang!

In the sprint as well, Estonian athletes “skimmed the cream,” with the exception of the MC1 discipline, where Aivars Eiduks (also known as “The Showman”) demonstrated his class — earning the title Ādaži Sprint King 2025. Aivars was also the fastest in the classic slalom, finishing ahead of Estonian Martin Peiker and young Valmiera paddler Eduards Sloka. In the sprint, Eduards bounced back, showing that he’s a rising force to be reckoned with — placing just behind the experienced “Showman” from the Club Brīvie ūdeņi.

Marie Peiker from SK Pirita (Estonia) impressively took home four victories (!!!) — winning both the classic slalom and sprint in WK1 and WC1 (women’s single kayak and canoe) disciplines. No big surprise here, as Marie is currently one of Europe’s most promising young paddlers, with convincing wins in the first two stages of the ECA Junior Cup in her age group.

Unfortunately, the strongest local female athletes, including Dinija Ozola, were unable to offer real competition this time, with Dinija finishing in a commendable 3rd place in the WK1 class.

In the WC1 class, Ilze Bieziņa pulled off a small surprise — overtaking Dinija Ozola in the sprint and finishing just behind the skilled Estonian — congratulations to both of proud Latvian girls.

Tarmo Peiker and Martin Peiker traded victories in the classic slalom and sprint cup, creating serious suspense. The margins between them — 0.19 and 0.04 seconds — made the contest even more thrilling for viewers and the athletes themselves. The Estonian paddlers left no room above third place for Ralfs Liebuss from Liepāja, SK Atvars, who delivered excellent runs to secure third place in both disciplines.

The Ādaži Canoe Club extends sincere thanks for the support that made this event possible — to the Ādaži Municipality, the Latvian Canoe Association, as well as the companies AS BALTA, ROCKET BEAN, ZAĶUMUIŽA water, CERETA, and IBS Office Services. Of course, a big thank-you also goes to ORO PIZZA for their delicious and energizing lunch pizzas!

See you at the next event organized by the Latvian Canoe Association — the Aldis Kļaviņš Cup, taking place in Valmiera for the 25th time already, in early August!

Videos available – https://failiem.lv/u/j3jnberwy7

Photo by – Vita Ardava

[Amēlija Kaulakalna, Ādaži Championship 2025]