[ Nomination by Patrick Camblin ]

These awards are a community effort to highlight the great things that are going on in our sport.  We also want to keep them real and with perspective, and I think that means not shying from more serious topics, including that of risks in our sport. 
Kayaking is dangerous, the whitewater environment can be unforgiving and water + rocks make for dynamic puzzles that are often difficult to decipher.

This year there have been an increase in the number of whitewater deaths, and some high profile injuries including an incident with young phenom Jason Craig who suffered a serious lower body injury after landing on a submerged rock from 25 feet.
Here is the description of his injuries from his Recovery Page: " The damage to Jason’s body was substantial. X-rays and CT scans showed Jason basically separated his pelvis, split a body part at the base of his spine virtually in half and ripped a membranous sac that encases the spinal cord within the bony structure of the vertebral column about 5 inches."

That Jason is now enroute to a full recovery is remarkable, and along with some luck, is the result of an expert team of doctors and an iron will from one of kayaking's most skilled young paddlers.  Before this injury sidelined Jason, he was continuing his progressive sessions of freestyle, experimenting with new combos and generally putting the older generation of freestylers to shame with his quick execution and smooth style.  His foray into creeking was one of quick progression no doubt aided by the expert edge control from his freestyle background.

All this came to a quick halt with his injury, but as I'm sure Jason would note, the sustained injury could have been much, much worse.  He has endured excruciating nerve pain as his body has started coming back to life, but has managed to kept his optimism and happy nature throughout, a testament to his strength of character.

Best wishes for a continued and full recovery Jason !