Interview:
Peter Tranter
Photos:
Josh Telling,
Ant Mitchell &
Aaron Kendall
Before we begin, I’ve linked our previous interview (https://paddlerezine.com/an-interview-with-sal-montgomery), but let’s catch up and update our readers on what you’ve been up to over the last six years.
A chat with… Sal Montgomery
What kayak and equipment are you currently using?
Small Pyranha Elite Firecracker (the best boat out there), Palm gear (in particular the Zenith shorty cag, FXr BA and Orbit spraydeck) and Dewerstone Lifeshorts.
What keeps you motivated?
I just love kayaking. It drives me to be a better, stronger, more skilled paddler, and provides infinite opportunities to challenge yourself, as well as have fun, in incredible places all over the world, with great people.
Do you have an eco-message for fellow paddlers?
To keep enjoying this epic playground, we need to leave it better than we found it.
We’ve all watched you rescue Steve Backshall and sheep from situations – have you contributed to saving anything or anyone else?
Well the number of sheep rescues has definitely increased since I moved to North Wales haha! We all know that kayaking comes with risks, and I’ve experienced quite a few near-misses, both personally and with teammates. As a team, they have your back and you have theirs. Sometimes you’re the one throwing the throwbag or towing the swimmer to the bank. And sometimes you’re the one being rescued. Safety and rescue training is an integral part of the sport, and if we want our teammates to have our backs, then we should do what we can to ensure that we have theirs.
Steve Backshall and you have become great friends – how did that begin?
It began with the expedition in Bhutan (paddling Bhutan’s last unexplored river). Your teammates mean absolutely everything to you on an expedition. You go through so much together during that time, and you emerge as friends for life.
You’re clearly one of the paddlers of this generation. Which paddlers from the past would you have loved to have paddled with?
Henri Coetzee (I’m currently re-reading his book ‘Living the Best Day Ever’ for the fourth time). He was incredibly driven by adventure and challenging himself, and had two main philosophies that he lived by -’find the best day ever’ and ‘make it harder’, both of which I try to incorporate into my everyday life.
You said you enjoy exploring lesser-known locations – have you uncovered any hidden gems?
There have been a few! Perhaps the most spectacular was the first descent of the Kronotsky River in Kamchatka, on the Eastern peninsula of Russia. We paddled from the source at the base of the Kronotsky volcano, right down to the Pacific Ocean. The whitewater was excellent, featuring steep, technical rapids in the upper sections, a 5km boxed-in gorge in the middle, and then transitioning into big volume, read-and-run sections. All within one of the world’s densest populations of grizzly bears -one of the most epic experiences for sure!
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!
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!
Quickfire questions:
If your kayak had a name, what would it be?
Sir Squirt a lot.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve seen floating in the water?
Creepy baby doll in the Ogwen.
What essential gear do you always bring with you?
Sour Sparks.
If your kayak could talk, what would it say about your paddling skills?
Ouch.
If you could only bring three items on a kayaking trip, what would they be?
Notebook, pen, Sour Sparks.
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever tried to transport in a kayak?
A sheep, just below Inferno Canyon on the Futaleufú River, Chile.
What’s the oddest snack you’ve ever eaten while paddling?
Baked beans whilst completing 24 hours on the Upper Dart.
What’s the ultimate kayaking superpower you wish you had?
The ability to breathe underwater for sure (beat-downs might even be fun then!)
Finally, any shoutouts?
Kayaking is an amazing sport, and a big part of that is the people. So a massive shoutout to the paddling community! I also want to thank Pyranha Kayaks, Palm Equipment and Dewerstone for the best boats, gear, love and support.
Huge thanks, Sal, for all of your help on this and for taking time out of your busy schedule – we really appreciate it.
