PADDLER 56
The most important thing when you’ re starting out is to keep having fun. Just play around with features and do whatever you enjoy and feels good. Develop your own style. When you’ re comfortable playing around and going over features, then start playing with recognised moves.
PADDLER 56
Maximising air during freestyle training
Coaching plays a big part in your kayaking life – who are you training for now, and for which competition? Yes, it does now. I’ ve started Gav Barker Coaching, which is my main work. I’ m involved with the GB Freestyle coaching setup, and in the run-up to the World Championships in mid-June, I’ m coaching a group of freestyle athletes to help them get as prepared as possible.
In addition, I offer bespoke whitewater and freestyle coaching to individuals and groups anywhere in the UK and, obviously, through the winter in Mexico. Check out gavbarkercoaching. com and get in touch if you want to find out more.
What’ s the one river you haven’ t paddled that would be on your bucket list? The top of my bucket list at the moment isn’ t one river … it’ s Norway. I’ ve never been, and there are a whole bunch of rivers and rapids that I really want to paddle. Hopefully, I’ ll get there in 2026!
Has anyone in the sporting / paddling world influenced you? Over the years, numerous paddlers and sports athletes have inspired me. It really is a long list, whether it be down to their attitude, work ethic, commitment to paddling, or style.
I watch a whole range of sports and often find myself inspired by older athletes who are still going strong and have managed to stay at the top of their game!
What’ s in the pipeline for the next 12 months? Well, the next few months are geared toward coaching and training for the Freestyle World Championships in Platting, Germany.
Then, a summer in the UK, coaching and spending time in Notts, North Wales and Scotland. The British Championships and Eurocup in Nottingham in September. The GB Selection in October for the European Championships in Finland in 2026
Then, back to Mexico in November for a winter of river boating, coaching and guiding!:)
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WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO YOUNG PADDLERS JUST STARTING OUT IN FREESTYLE?
The most important thing when you’ re starting out is to keep having fun. Just play around with features and do whatever you enjoy and feels good. Develop your own style. When you’ re comfortable playing around and going over features, then start playing with recognised moves.