The Paddler ezine Issue 53 Late Spring 2020 | Page 26
ThePADDLER 26
2. YOU’RE A MULTIPLE CHAMPION IN
FREESTYLE... WHAT TWO OR THREE
THINGS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE
EVOLVE WITH THIS DISCIPLINE?
I would like to start seeing variations in the style of
competitions. We can always have the traditional
freestyle that we know. However, I think it would be
cool to find different styles, find ways to reward
different aspects like style or fluidity. Rather than
someone barely nailing a trick being rewarded the
same as someone that laces it.
Back to mine…
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO STARE INTO THE
ABYSS, AS YOU TIP OVER THE LIP OF A
100-FOOT WATERFALL?
It’s cliche but everything kind of slows down a bit,
and it’s a surreal moment of being at that exact
moment where it’s the split second that you get to
determine how your line is going to go. But in the
end it’s an incredible view as you come over the
horizon and you just see chaos below you, but you
still have the focus to hit your line.
HAVE YOU EVER FEARED A
PARTICULAR RIVER OR WATERFALL?
Almost every day on the water, or anything that has
consequence. I always find it helps to be a little
nervous or scared because that lets me know I
understand there is risk in whatever it is I am doing.
But by knowing that and still deciding to run it based
on my confidence to hit a line, it allows me to paddle
at my best more often.
SOME MAY DE SURPRISED TO KNOW
YOU HAVE HEARING DIFFICULTIES -
HAS THAT EVER BEEN A
DISADVANTAGE?
Talking to people when it’s dark, yes. But on the
water it has almost given me an advantage due to
the fact I can read lips. So whenever someone is far
away and most people wouldn’t be able to hear
what the person is trying to tell us, like when
scouting a rapid. I can read their lips and convey that
information to the group.
WHEN PREPARING FOR A MULTI-DAY
EXPEDITION IN CHALLENGING
CONDITIONS – WHAT ARE THE
QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR IN A
FELLOW TEAM MATE KAYAKER?
I always try to stick to paddling with people that not
only are ready for whatever we are planning on
doing. But more importantly work well together
when scouting, doing safety, or helping out when
things go wrong. Knowing that I can trust their
decision to run certain things, as well as their
decisions off the water, as well as vice versa, makes
the dynamic much better.
Wailuku River, Hawaii
Drone shot by Dane
ANY FELLOW PADDLER YOU WOULD
LIKE TO INTERVIEW AND WHY?
Honestly it would probably be Rush Sturges, as he
does all three things I love and aspire to do. Kayak,
shoot epic content and create music. Don’t think
there are many people that have that triple threat.