PADDLER 20
PADDLER 20
Lomsdal , Norway . Photo : Gradient and Water
As an ex-Team GB slalom competitor – which do you prefer – competitions or expeditions , and why is that ? While I will always have a competitive spirit , my preference has shifted more towards the pure enjoyment of paddlesports . Having been an ex-Team GB slalom competitor , my focus has evolved , and I now engage in competitions and expeditions less frequently . However , what remains constant is my love for being on the water .
These days , I prioritise getting out for paddling sessions multiple times a week . Whether it ’ s sea kayaking , paddling whitewater , or revisiting slalom , the key is that it ’ s all about having fun in boats . The sheer joy of being on the water has taken precedence over the competitive aspect , allowing me to relish the diverse experiences and embrace the pure pleasure that paddlesports bring .
Do you have a preferred discipline of paddling ? I don ’ t really have a preferred discipline of paddling . I find enjoyment in a variety of paddlesports , including sprint and marathon boating , although I don ’ t get the opportunity to engage in these activities as frequently as I ’ d like . The diversity of experiences in different disciplines adds to the overall joy I find in being on the water . Whether it ’ s paddling whitewater , sea kayaking , or even the occasional flatwater outing , each discipline offers its own unique thrill , and I appreciate the variety that comes with them all .
It ’ s a tough call with all the expeditions you have undertaken , but does one pop up as your favourite ? Choosing a favourite is a tough call , but it would be the three-day journey to paddle the Nass River in British
Columbia if I had to pinpoint one . Despite the river being primarily class 2 , it stands out as my favourite due to the emphasis on adventure , quality time spent with friends , and the incredible encounters with wildlife along the way . This expedition encapsulated the essence of what makes paddling trips memorable for me – the perfect blend of adventure , camaraderie , and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the aweinspiring natural surroundings .
When preparing for an expedition in remote locations , what qualities do you look for in a fellow teammate kayaker ? Friendship . It helps that my friends are all pretty handy in a kayak , in a rescue , and working with ropes , but the friendship with my paddling pals is what holds the group together in good times and bad .
What do you do to relax away from the world of paddlesports ? Having immersed myself in paddlesports for over two decades , relaxation often finds me within the sport . I like to explore new facets by pushing my comfort zone , whether trying out a different type of boat or paddling in new and challenging conditions . It ’ s a way for me to keep the passion alive while still experiencing the thrill of the water in unique ways .
Beyond paddlesports , I find relaxation in the realm of music . I have a fondness for playing a few instruments , providing a different avenue to unwind and express myself creatively . Balancing the intensity of paddlesports with the soothing nature of music allows me to enjoy a well-rounded and fulfilling personal life away from the water .