PADDLER 22
I love being in or on the water at any chance I get . I am more than happy to jump in a sea kayak , canoe , or SUP at any point and just enjoy being out on the water . Surfing is another activity that gives me a buzz . I ’ m still very much on the learning curve with surfing , but that ’ s also what makes it so much fun ! There are a lot of cross-over skills with surfing and kayaking , such as how you read the water and react to what ’ s happening in the moment .
PADDLER 22
Waiting for the ferry to Futa
What are your favourite rivers or spots to kayak , and what makes them special to you ? I struggle to choose my favourite river or spot because each river offers its own beauty .
River Tryweryn , This is home . It was where I spent the majority of my time focusing on skills and fine-tuning , but it was also where I would go to escape and have some me time . It just feels like home !
The River Dee , also has a special place as it is the river I grew up on . From my first descent , before I could properly walk in a duo with my dad , I learned how to capsize and swim the river , and I had some good times ! I have many happy memories . It ’ s also my local now ; this river makes it possible to paddle every day of the year . I try to tick most days off . Being able to paddle to my front door certainly helps with this .
Futaleufu , my first big volume river , is something out of a book . What a river , what a place . It took me some time to get used to it . Being a contact lens user , I would lose a few pairs in a day , usually found on my cheek at the end of one of the rapids . But after gaining confidence , I LOVED IT ! I loved how you moved around the river and spent time with my best friend and a cool crew .
Fairy Glen , Afon Conwy . Growing up in North Wales , I had always heard of the Fairy Glen and the name it got for itself . I ran it for the first time last year with my partner leading me down , and yes , we are still together . What a place it is in there ! It is really only seen by those who kayak it . It is a very special place , and being able to do it with the people I did makes it special .
What advice would you give to other young women interested in getting into WW kayaking ? Go for it and give it a go ! I know I ’ m biased , but it ’ s the best thing ever ! White water kayaking is a forever learning journey , so if something doesn ’ t work the first time , don ’ t be afraid to try it again . White water can sometimes seem scary , but it ’ s managing that in the best way possible . Growing your skills and confidence and bouncing back from knocks is what makes the sport so amazing . Surround yourself with people you like to paddle with and enjoy paddling with , which also makes a huge difference . Paddle with your friends , it ’ s loads of fun .
My most practical advice would be to go on a rescue course . These involve loads of swimming and familiarising yourself with the water itself . It really helps people become comfortable in the river environment . Also , knowing whatever happens in front of you , you can deal with it as swiftly and safely as possible . It is a comforting thing to have while out on the water .
Access to white water can sometimes be tricky , depending on where you live and what the weather is doing . A trick that helps with my white water skills is just getting on the water at any and every point I can . Often , where I am based , the Dee and the Tryweryn are the only things running , so I become a bit of a nerd with my skills and get back to basics . Break down my forward paddling and examine how that could be made more efficient or stronger . Also , creating moves on the river that test your skill set , tallies , splats , and different line choices , and getting creative .
All of this can be done in flat water or the pool ; don ’ t be put off by the lack of a river . A good paddler always has the fundamentals down and then applies them to white water .
What are some of the biggest misconceptions about women in extreme sports like WW kayaking ? Everyone has their own experience , but it ’ s been mainly positive for me . I have had people think I ’ m not physically strong enough to perform , whether on or off the water , carrying boats or paddling hard . This has been noticeable with people outside the world of paddling . Working as a raft guide means you meet people from all walks of life . Some have never experienced physically strong women . It ’ s great exposure to see women in mentally strong positions and physically strong .
The love for the sport should be the only measure . If you love paddling , my advice is to go paddling at any opportunity with various groups . You will find the people you want to get out with for fun and the ones who give you confidence and push you out of your comfort zone safely and healthily .
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BESIDES WW KAYAKING GIVING YOU A BUZZ , DOES SEA KAYAKING , CANOEING , OR SUP ALSO FLOAT YOUR BOAT ?
I love being in or on the water at any chance I get . I am more than happy to jump in a sea kayak , canoe , or SUP at any point and just enjoy being out on the water . Surfing is another activity that gives me a buzz . I ’ m still very much on the learning curve with surfing , but that ’ s also what makes it so much fun ! There are a lot of cross-over skills with surfing and kayaking , such as how you read the water and react to what ’ s happening in the moment .