February, 2002
Dear Friends,
After thoughtful deliberation, I have decided to retire from international slalom competition. I will direct my energy to conveying whitewater knowledge, with a focus on teaching and coaching those seeking excellence in slalom racing.
Great memories span my racing career. I’ll never forget winning the first Nationals I entered, at age 17. Becoming World Champion in 1985, after finishing second to training partner Jon Lugbill three times in a row. Sweeping the C1 medals at the 1979 and 1987 World Championships. Winning gold and silver medals in front of the home crowd at the 1989 World Championships. Marching into the Barcelona Olympic Stadium in 1992. Elevated into the air, onto my teammates shoulders while in my boat, and carried back up the course upon winning the1995 World Championships. Flag waving into the Atlanta Opening Ceremonies in 1996. Rebounding from shoulder surgery to qualify for a third Olympic Team.
With the help and support of numerous individuals, I was able to achieve many of the goals I set for myself over 28 years in whitewater racing. Now my goal is to guide paddlers to their own whitewater excellence, while helping to nurture the growth of whitewater slalom racing in the United States.
Currently, I am coaching in the Greater Washington, DC area, working with canoe and kayak paddlers of all ages and assisting National Team Coach Silvan Poberaj. I offer customized training camps, whitewater skills sessions, slalom gate workouts, river running trips, and personalized training consultations.
I have worked as coach and mentor to many whitewater paddlers. I delight in sharing information about physical and mental training, natural and artificial whitewater courses, paddling technique, exercise physiology, injury prevention, paddling equipment, whitewater course design, river running, boat design, boat outfitting and repair, and international travel.
I continue to run my business, MWP, specializing in custom paddles, new and used composite canoes and kayaks, and accessories for whitewater racing and river running.
Please let me know how I may be of service to you. Thank you for your support.
I look forward to seeing you on a river!
Sincerely,
David Hearn
Maximum Whitewater Performance
American Slalom Excellence Program
301 229 4304
