PADDLER 19
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OF THE MANY KAYAKING EXPEDITIONS YOU ' VE UNDERTAKEN, WHICH HAS BEEN THE TOUGHEST AND WHY?
Every expedition has its specific challenges and can be pretty rough at times, but I think that ' s a big part of what makes an expedition. It ' s those tough times you work through that drive the charge, gel you as a team and make you feel proud at the end of it all. The best adventures I ' ve been on have left me skinny, broken and very, very stoked.
IF YOU COULD CAPTURE JUST ONE‘ FEEL GOOD’ MOMENT IN YOUR TIME PADDLING, WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Ouuuff, that’ s a hard one. There are so many highs in kayaking – that’ s why we do it, right? I’ m usually at my happiest while on the water; however, I also love the evenings while on expedition. Whether I’ m alone, with a warm drink in hand, silently watching the river flow by and thinking about the day or sitting around the fire with my river pals, excitedly chatting about everything that happened, I feel very happy and content.
WHAT’ S THE ONE RIVER YOU HAVEN’ T PADDLED THAT WOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
There are so many! I’ d really love to paddle some of California’ s High Sierra runs. I remember seeing photos of Dinky Creek a few years ago and thinking I need to paddle that river one day!
YOU LOOK A VERY HAPPY, CONTENTED WOMAN – WHAT’ S THE SECRET TO YOUR GOOD FEELING?
Haha thanks! After a close call on the river a few years ago, I realised how lucky I’ d been to get a second chance and decided there and then that I would make the most of each day. Kayaking brings me a huge amount of joy and is a big part of my life. Any day that involves kayaking is the best day ever!
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WHAT’ S IT LIKE BEING CHASED DOWN BY BEAR GRYLLS?
Pretty adrenaline-filled! One of the main things that I love about my work is how varied it is – one day you could be kayaking a first descent amongst grizzly bears, another day you might be running with Mel B through a jungle whilst being chased by Bear Grylls! It’ s definitely never boring!
WHAT’ S NEXT FOR YOU?
I’ m back in the UK for a few weeks of water rescue and rigging training before the next big job, and of course, as much time in my Firecracker as possible!
OK – LIFE ISN’ T ALL ABOUT KAYAKING – SO WHAT ELSE INTERESTS YOU WHEN YOU GET THE TIME?
Kayaking is my one true love; however, I also enjoy swimming, climbing, running, and eating cake. I recently moved to North Wales, which is excellent for all the activities and all the cake! WHO ARE YOUR KAYAKING BUDDIES?
I’ m lucky enough to have some great paddling pals all over the world, you know who you are! www. instagram. com / sal. montgomery
Photo: Ant Mitchell
PADDLER 19