| Age |
34 |
| Hometown |
Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Experience |
Paddling for 17 years. |
| Achievements |
Motherhood an competing 4 months after giving birth! World Rafting Champion (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003). Teva Mountain Games competitor (2002-2008). Completed the 7 Rivers Expedition (2004). First female descent of the Stikine River (BC). Countless first river descents. Reno Freestyle Festival 2nd place (2004, 2006) and 3rd (2007). Ford Gorge Games Extreme Kayak Champion (2002). Worlds Fittest Woman Contest (2003) 2nd place. Rated the greatest kayaker of the 20th Century by lunch video magazine (2004).
Photo: ©Courtesy of Chris Rainer and Teva |
| Biggest Adventure |
The 7 rivers expedition in California, due to the enormity of kayaking serious grade five white water non stop for 50 plus days. A monumental effort, back to back pristine white water. This was a pinnacle to my kayaking career, as I have always strived to kayak to the best of my ability on rivers. The 7 Rivers expedition gave me the chance to push my limits, to get the ‘groove on’ but not to stop, carry on through and finally at the end, I felt like a true athlete. It takes a while to get that groove on and all too often a kayaking trip finishes before you really feel comfortable. To top of an amazing season, I was fortunate enough to paddle down the Stikine, an experience never to be topped. |
| Why I Love to Paddle |
Because there is nothing in my life experience that beats a good day on the river. Kayaking has always given me something to live and wake up for. First of all is the physical and mental challenge. The enormous amount of energy water gives, the graceful feeling paddling on water, the adrenalin, the peace, the beauty, meaningfulness, the comradeship - the bonds that I make with wonderful people, hence the community of people in this sport all the fantastic personalities, all are humble and friendly, something rare in such an alternative sport. Another reason is the travel, the cultural diversity and supreme environment that a kayak takes us. |
| Website |
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