Interview: Peter Tranter

Photos: Tom Clare Photography, Harry Price, Mike Shaw and Bence Vekassy/ICF

An interview with… Ottilie Robinson-Shaw
AKA ‘Ottie’

Having proved she is the best junior female kayaking freestyle paddler on the planet with two World Championship Gold medals in 2017 and 2019, 19 year-old Ottie has now progressed to the senior stage and set her sights on the delayed 2021 World Champs to be held on her own stomping ground at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham in June/July, 2022. A formidable adversary to the other competitors, Ottle tells us what makes her tick and gives her the motivation to claim the greatest prize in women’s kayak freestyle and follow in the paddle strokes of one of her heroes, multiple World Champ Claire O’Hara.

Take it away Ottie…

So when did you first start kayaking?
I started in my local swimming pool with Tendring Canoe Club over the winter when I was 10/11 and then progressed to local rivers and surf spots with Tendring and Sudbury Canoe Clubs.

And What got you hooked on freestyle?
I was introduced to freestyle by Dan and Jen McGaley at Sudbury and instantly loved trying to loop off the bank and spin and surf on the tiny flow over the small weir at Great Cornard. Dan eventually encouraged me to progress to the seemingly terrifying white water at Lee Valley, where I was so fortunate to paddle with current and future GB Freestyle Team members, including Jen, Hugh Mandelstam and Ben Pamplin. We mostly just loved the fun of paddling together and the freedom and flow of freestyle, but I quickly developed a desire to perfect the tricks and push myself to improve.

As a kid, I always loved being outside and especially near or in water, and freestyle has allowed me to be on the water at least five days a week all year round, so I guess you can say I’m totally hooked.

What and where was your first competition?
It feels like it was almost a lifetime ago, but it was 2013 when I was 12 years old at the Nene White Water Centre near Northampton. I entered the novice category and was so happy to plug the nose of my boat into a tiny stopper at the bottom of the course and feel the boat react by popping back out of the water. It felt like the best day ever. 

How do you personally prepare for competitions – mentally and technically?
Unfortunately, competing is becoming a distant memory (hopefully, we will be back soon); however, I usually like to surround myself with friendly people. Mentally I try to stay focused on the task, reminding myself of why I compete and what I love about freestyle, all whilst listening to some good music.

When I am competing, I know I have done everything I have done to push my technical skills in the months leading up to the event and that I am prepared. I remember to relax, stay confident and do what I love to do. 

Can you talk about your training? Greatest inspiration? Role models / Who/what kept you motivated?
I’ve been very fortunate to have been supported by motivated and inspirational paddlers like Claire O’Hara and Dennis Newton. They have had a significant influence on my no barriers mindset and have taught me not to limit myself by looking at what other people are doing but to learn from them and push myself even further.

For me, that means there is always something new to be learnt and new skills to strengthen. Motivation, in my opinion, comes easily when you’re doing something you love and enjoy, and therefore I am pretty motivated to keep paddling.

My goal has always been to keep pushing my boundaries and performance in freestyle. Still, now my ambition is to one day compete and rank alongside the best male athletes whilst hopefully pushing women’s freestyle to an entirely new level.

How important is your working relationship with your coach, Dennis Newton and what’s the best piece of advice he’s given?
I call Den’ Supercoach’ with very good reason. I am incredibly fortunate to have been working with Den and Sweetwater Coaching since I was 13 and have complete trust in his expertise and experience. I would struggle to identify a single piece of advice; I have many notebooks filled with his technical advice from over the years. 

Who will be your biggest competitor at the upcoming freestyle world champs delayed until June 2022?
The five senior finalists from the 2019 World Championships will all be tough opponents especially reigning and former World Champions Hitomi and Emily Jackson. Plus, former champ Claire’O will be back competing at home and fully fired up for another title, I have no doubt.

You’re one of the favourites for the senior women’s title – any pressure?
I’m excited, very, very excited to compete in my favourite training venue at Nottingham’s Holme Pierrepont Country Park, close to my family and friends. It’s going to be fun.

You’re a multiple champion in freestyle… what two or three things would you like to see evolve with this discipline?
I am excited about the growth and development of women’s freestyle at the moment, with the growing skill base and standards and simply the number of women getting involved in freestyle. It is not uncommon now at training camps or just out on the water to see more girls than the guys, which is excellent news for the women’s sport.

I would love to see more women’s specific kit over the years, not just in pretty pink colour but for all brands to develop more women’s shaped gear and equipment. 

Is there somewhere in particular that you see as your regular training ground?
The National Watersports Centre (Nottingham) has become my kayaking home and the place I spend most of my hours on the water.     

Any advice for those starting in freestyle?
Join a club with active freestylers and take every opportunity to paddle, especially with people who are better than you. Don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s OK to fall on your face. 

What do you consider to be the most challenging manoeuvre in freestyle?
Learning all the tricks is only the start, as mastering them in different features and conditions is challenging. I haven’t had massive difficulties with any of the tricks on the score sheet other than needing the time to develop the skills and muscle memory over days or probably many months and years in some cases.

However, the difficulty of tricks can increase when you head off the score sheet into trophy moves and combined moves. For example, a perfect tricky loop takes a lot of practice and physical exertion. The current trend for combined moves like the space jam (two or more opposite Space Godzillas back to back) can be very physically challenging.

And what’s your favourite move?
A massive Mcnasty or a nice Tricky Woo. 

Preparing for big competitions such as the Freestyle Worlds is a challenging task. Talk us through your pre-event routine and how you get in the zone for a big event.
Being well prepared and having put in the hours of training is my biggest confidence boost, and knowing this helps me be prepared and energised to compete. 

You’re clearly one of the paddlers of this generation. Which paddlers from the past would you have loved to have paddled with?
I have to confess I didn’t grow up surrounded by paddling magazines and stories of paddling legends from the past. Most of my heroes are still very much current, from Eric Jackson and the Jackson family to Etienne Scott and Claire O.

What are the advantages of being a Jackson Kayaks team member?
Jackson Kayak has created a community of paddlers from all over the world. I am proud to work with a company that keeps pushing to develop new and exciting boat designs and creates opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get on the water, have a good time, and promote the sport and lifestyle over the years.

I have been fortunate to represent JK as a member of the Squarerock UK team since 2015 and more recently as a US Whitewater Factory Team member, which includes a fair few of my heroes, including Dane.

Apart from freestyle kayaking – are there any other areas of paddling you would like to explore?
I would love to spend more time creeking at some point. 

Any fellow paddler you would like to interview and why?
The paddling and especially the freestyle community is generally so friendly and accessible that anyone I would like to interview I have probably already chatted at length with whilst in an eddy or line up.

What would a typical food day be for you from breakfast to supper?
I start every day with a big bowl of oats, yoghurt, fruit, seeds and nuts. Lunch will typically be leftovers similar to stir fry. Dinner is typically something quick after paddling, often pasta, rice or noodle with lots of veg and either meat or vegetarian protein. 

If you could capture just one feel-good moment in your kayaking expeditions/competitions – which would it be and why?
The moment I found out I had won the 2017 World Championships in Argentina was very special. I remember getting in the car to go and get some food, and the messages of love from all my friends and family caused my phone to crash. 

OK – life isn’t all about kayaking – so what else do you do?
At the moment, I enjoy spending most of my time kayaking, but other sports like surfing, wakeboarding and weightlifting are pretty fun. I also love baking, sewing and long walks.

We know you’ve recently got a new pet – could you tell us a little more?
In April, we got a little fox red Labrador puppy (Freddie). He’s soft, cuddly, likes long walks and chasing footballs.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
That’s a very long way away. All I can hope is that I am happy, healthy and still chasing my dreams. 

What one river in the world is on your ‘bucket list?’
The Grand Canyon.

Quickies

If you could paddle with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be?
My Grandad used to kayak when my dad was a kid. Unfortunately, I never met him, but it would be nice to see three generations of my family sharing their love for kayaking. 

Pick two celebrities to be your parents.
I don’t care about celebrities. Tom Daley or some cool kayakers would work.

Are you a bathroom/shower singer, and if so, what do you sing?
Nope.

FaceBook, Instagram or Twitter?
Instagram @ottiliekayaks

An ideal night out for you is?
Some stretching, mobility, video analysis, ice cream and an early night. 

What would I find in your fridge right now?
Lots of yoghurts, veg, chicken and a variety of cheese and chocolate

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Maybe an asparagus risotto and cheesecake. 

What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
My JK Rockstar.

Who are your kayaking buddies?
I mostly kayak with Harry Price and everyone else who is nice.