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.