Paddling for me has always been about "the LOVE". By "Love", I mean love of whitewater, of time in nature, of adrenaline, of beauty and of adventure. A love that seemingly courses through my very bloodstream, a love that has become nothing short of soulful. Doing it only for the simplicity and connection to nature. No rules, no limits, no boundaries. This is always how it's been since I first experienced the magic of whitewater and never once looked back....that is until I found myself in a freestyle competition.
For several years,
my friends had called my bluff, noticing that I was a solid paddler in
creeking, and playboating. The question of
"why don't you compete" was always answered with, because "I
paddle because it makes me happy and I don't want to ruin it".
I
grew up playing team sports at competitive levels representing Provincial Teams, University, University All-Star Teams, semi-pro club teams, in
addition to some opportunities to tryout for National Teams.
Playing
competitive teams sports was a way of life for me growing up, I thrived from
sports. I heavily credit sports as a hook, an anchor and guiding light in
my educational and career pathways. One by one, I would become so deeply
involved in my sport of choice that I would inevitably loose interest or become
turned off by the pervading political aspects, subsequently turning my focus to
another athletic pursuit that was new, challenging and exciting.
Paddling
somehow has managed to persevere in my gallery of interests. I'm not sure
if it's my first individual sport, or the adrenaline/danger quotient, or that
its one of the first sports I've encountered that really requires me to work
hard for every single gain that I make in the sport. I'm not sure what it is
but I know that it’s real.
My paddling
"soul kick" came to an end when some friends entered me in to the
Women's Pro-Class in a Rodeo on my home river. Although I had witnessed
several competitions on the river before, I never had a yen to be a
participant. I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't what I wanted from
paddling. Faced with an entrance into a competition that I hadn't cared
to learn strategies or rules to and not wanting to make a fool of myself, I
gathered as much advice in the 12 hours notice that I had to prepare.
The Pan-Am Competition
went well; I found myself in second place after the prelims and ended up
finishing in 3rd behind the current world champion (at the time) and the former
world champ.
I discovered that
I felt exhilarated by the competitiveness of it; I had a renewed vigor and
desire to nail newer, harder and bigger tricks.
In August of 2011,
I set my sites on competing for a spot on the Canadian Freestyle Team.
The plan was to spend the fall, winter and spring getting into the best
physical condition possible. The vehicle for this conditioning was teaming up
with a number of training partners (you know who you are...I am grateful) who would push my limits and maximize my
time in the gym and on the roads. I hit the gym 4-5 days weekly for a maximal
cardio session of either 35 or 53 minutes.....weight training typically
happened both before and after the cardio. A typical week also included 3
running sessions as well. Signing up with friends for a couple of
half-marathons also helped keep the training focus.
Basic physical readiness
was only one part of the prep phase. I had a great deal of mental and on
the water work that needed to be done. The mental aspects included
viewing instructional video of the more difficult moves and comparing them with
video execution of these moves. Visualization and imagery of being
successful in these moves. Flat water fundamentals have come into play,
reinforcing the kinesthetic pathways and strengthening core muscles.
All of these
activities took place until the Canadian winter faded and the rivers were once
again an option to paddle. Trips to my local river to train (120 minutes
from home) on weekends and evenings were the focus during May and June.
When July rolled
around, it was full on river time. Paddling, practicing, asking advice and
questions. Training before work, after work and several sessions on days off.
It's now July
15th. My body is tired, sore, strong and happy! I have one month to complete my
training preparations. My plan is get to the competition site as many times as
I can before the comp, so that I can know the hydraulic as well as I can.
I will continue to study the nature and structure of the competition and
ask advice to other boaters in the eddies. I will stretch and do Yoga off river
as much as I possibly can as well. I have considered hiring a paddling
coach for some tech sessions ....but that notion is still on the burner. I'd like to offer thanks to my family and friends who support me in all of my crazy adventures. A special thanks to my sponsors as well.... Teva, Snap Dragon and WRSI.... I am honored to represent you.
The goal is top
10.....anything less than top 7 will be a large disappointment, top 5 will be
less of a disappointment....as it means that I made the finals. Top 3 is
where I want to be. My underlying philosophy win, loose or draw is that I
will be a better paddler on Aug 16th than I was a year ago. I'll try also
to smile as much as I can in the process!
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