Last year was my first Alps trip , and I was still relatively new to paddling , so paddling in the Alps was a big challenge for me . However , with the safety support from Swansea and Cardiff , I really improved , paddling some technically difficult sections , including ‘ S-Bend ’ on the Upper Guisane , and finished feeling like a confident grade 3 paddler .
Following my master ’ s graduation in December , I ’ ve been on a ‘ gap year ’ trip around Southeast Asia , Australia , New Zealand , and Fiji . I ’ ve managed to do a variety of paddling on this trip , from tubing in Thailand , kayaking in Laos , Vietnam , and Sydney Harbour , to rafting on the world ’ s biggest commercial drop , Tutea Falls in New Zealand . I even did some bamboo paddle boarding in a remote village in Fiji . It ’ s fair to say that paddling has created many unforgettable memories for me and allowed me to see the world from a unique perspective .
Do you have any paddling role models ? Who inspired you to take up kayaking ?
There ’ s no shortage of role models in the kayaking community . However , Nouria Newman is always the one who comes to mind . The way she paddles some of the biggest water in the world with almost perfect technique is great to watch . But I think , for me , her attitude towards paddling as a petite female in a largely male-dominated field is something I find refreshing .
Another source of inspiration comes from the fantastic women I regularly paddle with at Swansea University Canoe Club , particularly Chloe Burrows . From teaching me how to paddle forward in my first-ever taster session , to showing me how to do slalom at Holme Pierrepont White Water Course , and helping me find the line on grade 3 / 4 rivers . It ’ s fair to say Chloe has played a huge part in my paddling journey .
At Swansea Uni Canoe Club , we gain new members every year , usually many without paddling experience . Our women ’ s polo team has a range of abilities , and I find the way we pull together and play to each of our strengths really empowering . Last year , we achieved the first-ever women ’ s canoe polo team varsity win over Cardiff and were awarded Sport Swansea ’ s varsity team of the year .
If you could paddle anywhere in the world , where would it be ?
I would love to paddle in Canada . The mountainous views look like a beautiful backdrop to some amazing white water .
What aspirations do you have for the next 12 months ?
I would love to encourage more women and girls to try kayaking . I cannot emphasise enough how many happy memories I ’ ve made on the water and how many great friends I ’ ve made through the sport . I am heading back to the Alps with Swansea University Canoe Club . I hope to improve my technical skills on the river , grow my confidence , and encourage others to feel more empowered and enjoy their time on the river .
What advice would you give other women and girls wanting to try kayaking ?
Join your university canoe club ! Each university club will hold taster sessions every year around Freshers ’ Week . The best thing you can do is just give it a go . Looking back at my time at university , the time I spent with the canoe club was some of the best I had , and I ’ ve made so many friends that I ’ ll treasure for life .
If you ’ re feeling inspired to try white water kayaking , find a club near you here : https :// gopaddling . info / find-paddling-clubs /
If you ’ re feeling inspired to paddle overseas , see our safety advice here : https :// paddleuk . org . uk / safety-advice-forpaddling-overseas /
You can keep up to date with Eleanor ’ s white water paddles and her time as a # ShePaddles Ambassador over on Instagram @ eladdison . paddleuk . org . uk 55