ThePADDLER 68
backwards forwards , and more . Whatever made me want to do that every day was definitely in Dane , and Dane took that to the next level .
As an adult , Dane is my favourite person to play with . I want to hang out with him , compete against him , and enjoy his company . I like to compete and need an equal that knows he can beat me . Disc golf , kayaking , etc . – it doesn ’ t matter . I can go full out and not worry about hurting his self-esteem if I beat him . We approach competing differently , but the idea that we will try our best and if we are not doing it right , we will study the techniques to improve is the same with both of us .
GENEROSITY
One of Dane ’ s best qualities is his generosity . He watches every ride in a major freestyle event and helps competitors of all classes from all countries . He cares about them and their experience at the event whilst taking care of his mom and dad . When we are struggling with something , he will help – there isn ’ t a selfish bone in his body . At the same age of 28 , I was the hungry , hard-charging guy who felt he had a long way to go still to prove he was the best and my attitude was not as laid back as Danes .
Dane has a very non-threatening way of approaching a competition before he bests the competition . Only after I started Jackson Kayak and focused on my team , including Dane and Emily , did I make a competition about helping others do their best while also trying to win myself . Dane is very much like that today , watching every run at a world championships and helping anyone who needs help .
Now , at age 28 , the thing that I care about with Dane is who he is and has become , not because of his paddling , but paddling was his vehicle to express his motivation , dedication , determination , and desire to be the best he can be while helping others become their best at the same time .
‘ EXTREME SLALOM ’
I am 57 today and back on the USA team for slalom but in the ‘ extreme slalom ’ class . Boater cross was always a very strong event for me , so much so that the organisers would typically try to throw me off at the start , even at major events like the Teva Games , Gorge Games , etc .
I am now competing against racers that are faster than I am at the moment . However , I am training now , three weeks until the World Championships in Slovakia , and excited to line up against the ‘ kids ’. I hope Dane will do team trials and be on the slalom team with me , and we can race head to head on the world stage . Otherwise , I will have to wait until next year when Dane is 29 and ‘ getting old ’ and racing against hardcharging 19-year olds and a 58-year old .
Alabama waterfall – EJ and Dane
When we are struggling with something , he will help – there isn ’ t a selfish bone
in his body
Dane poses for a portrait after dropping the Salto Del Maule 134-foot waterfall , the second greatest kayak descent , on the Salte Maule river in Chile on 5 February , 2020 . Photo : Corey Rich / Red Bull Content Pool