Looking to switch up your training? Olympic champ Etienne Stott reckons you should jump in a boat and give canoeing a go
1) You can seek a thrill or keep it chilled
There are branches of canoeing to suit everyone; there is white water, flat water, competitive, down rivers, on lakes or in the sea. I’m a Canoe Slalom racer – that has to be my favourite as it combines the thrill of white water paddling with the physical and mental demands of racing. It’s just great to race as fast as you can down a canoe course and express every bit of your energy, emotion and ability on the river.
2) It’s a sport full of nice guys (and girls)
Anyone can start canoeing. It’s for people of all abilities or disabilities, young or old, big people and small people; there is a real community feel about it. It makes sense that everyone’s pretty happy because there’s nothing better than being out on a river on a sunny day with your mates and positive people around you.
3) Total body workout: guaranteed
A lot of people tend to think canoeing is just about your upper body but actually it works your whole body. The most important thing is good core stability and a strong trunk, and everything else builds up around that. There is something to suit everyone’s agenda – river trips and tour canoeing are great for fat burning, but even if you’re just out on the water for an hour having a laugh with your mates, you’ll be getting a decent workout.
4) It’s not as pricey as you might think
If you want to spend a lot of money, then, like with every sport on earth, you can. But it’s generally relatively cheap to get involved – just get down to your local club and check it out. They can lend you all the kit, you can find out what branch of canoeing it is that you want to pursue, and from there you can get the exact gear to suit your needs. And remember you don’t need the flashiest of equipment to have the most fun. The kit is a secondary thing.
5) Your best pal can be part of your training
My crew mate Tim [Baillie] is my best friend and such a great guy to share these experiences with. But the canoe is important of course… The canoe I have is designed by triple Olympic champions – it’s crisp on the water, forgiving and strong. We’ve spent a lot of time customising it so now it feels just like a comfortable shoe.
6) Work hard enough, and it could turn you into an Olympic champion
My career highlight so far has to be London 2012 without a doubt. It was so surreal, especially after a lot of years where you think it’s going to be impossible to be a champion. I put a lot of time and serious training in to be successful, so it felt like it was the end of a long journey, and a great adventure. The vibe at London 2012 was unreal and it was such a great privilege to be part of it.
7) You might meet your heroes on the way up
I was always inspired by a guy called Richard Fox, a British, five-times world champion canoeist who retired in 1993. He was around when I was starting at the bottom and was so sound and encouraging when I actually got to meet him. I think that’s one of the best things about canoeing – you get to be a part of a really supportive environment.
National Go Canoeing Week will be taking place across England between Saturday 24th May – Sunday 1st June 2014. To find out which activities are taking place at a club near you, click here
Words: Loukia Constantinou
