To keep doing what I am doing and embrace technological advances. The world is changing quickly in this respect. I see my mission as manufacturing for others what I would have liked to have had as a young kid [ with limited resources ]- just desperate to paddle. That is what I can contribute. KayakPro will be at the forefront of all technological developments.
PADDLER 71
What’ s the most unexpected or creative way someone has used a KayakPro ergometer? Not exactly creative, but rather funny. We went to a show once in LA, and a client got on the Kayak Ergometer backwards – I advised accordingly – but the customer is always right, not wanting assistance, and he continued to paddle the machine backwards unhindered – couldn’ t help but laugh.
If you could capture just one‘ feel good’ moment in your times of competitive kayaking – which would it be and why? Winning something always feels good in a‘ mission accomplished’ sense, so winning the World Championships with Ivan Lawler was good – I still get goosebumps when the videos pop up on social. However, I think more than this, I was addicted to the Olympic Games. My first Olympic Games in Moscow at 18 years old, was a direction-changing experience. You cannot unforget this experience. It is intensely motivational.
Which was your favourite event as an athlete? 500m. Weirdly, I liked I liked it because it was so hard. I still recall the post-race pain after all this time. The 10Ks were also plenty of cat and mouse fun – a chess game in boats. I have super-nice memories of these, from The Royal CC Paddling Challenge and many World 10Ks with Ivan.
How often do you now go out paddling nowadays? Every single day – seven days a week without fail – I paddle 9k each morning either on the water or on the Ergometer. With 35 minutes in the afternoon. Living in Florida makes this all possible. For sure, I couldn’ t do this if I lived in the UK. I believe this regimen is the‘ elixir of life’ and the fountain of youth!
I’ m a paddler and going on vacation. Where would you recommend that I go? Florida Keys – It’ s my happy place! It’ s like nothing else. I go often- it’ s just two hours from my house – endless flat, calm water, spectacular tropical scenery, and so many other activities to do. It is the perfect paddling destination. Paddling there with dolphins and manatees is priceless, but MasterCard can take care of the rest.
You travel far and wide with your son; what’ s his favourite place to be? Thanks for asking, so I just asked him! He says he loves Wales best, and that was a surprise for me! I guess home Is always home. We are from Crickhowell originally – our second favourite place is Mexico. Mexico is easy too, and it is always quite the experience just a one-hour flight away.
Any body of water you haven’ t been to would be on your bucket list, and why does it flick your switch? Mmm … After an extended trip to Egypt last year, I had a desire to paddle the Nile just for historical context. Maybe one day. I intend to go back. For some reason, I cannot get enough of ancient cultures and find it incredibly motivating.
What do you do in your leisure time? That is a relatively rare commodity. I try to travel – get a real‘ buzz’ out of it.
Do any other sports interest you apart from kayaking? I love Tour De France – not to race but to watch. It reminds me so much of our 10K races, cat‘ n’ mouse and all. I love the strategic element. The athletes are so tough.
Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you. Oh, when I was 14 ½. years old, I couldn’ t afford a racking kayak; we were not so well off, so from 14 ½ to 16 Years old, I skipped lunch every day to save the lunch money to buy my first racing boat – £ 67 from Kirton kayaks. A Red Ranger. www. kayakpro. com“
WHAT’ S YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF KAYAKPRO IN THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS?
To keep doing what I am doing and embrace technological advances. The world is changing quickly in this respect. I see my mission as manufacturing for others what I would have liked to have had as a young kid [ with limited resources ]- just desperate to paddle. That is what I can contribute. KayakPro will be at the forefront of all technological developments.
PADDLER 71