Words and photos:
James ‘Ibbo’ Ibbotson
James ‘Ibbo’ Ibbotson
Bio
James or ‘Ibbo’ is a kayak freestyle athlete representing Great Britain at international competitions. He has many years experience working in the leisure industry and now works as the Content and Campaigns Officer at British Canoeing.
Paddling with a newborn
In May this year, my other half, Kerry, and I were lucky enough to welcome our daughter Freyja into the world. I may be biased, but she is amazing. And as my first kid, she has completely changed my life. Suddenly, I had a tiny human looking to me for everything, meaning I couldn’t drop what I was doing to dash to the river anymore.
Understandably, paddling got put on pause… for a week. I lapped up the scrunched-up newborn phase, showed Freyja off to family, and slept where I could! But the water was shouting out to me; it missed me as much as I missed it! Luckily, Kerry is very understanding and agreed to pack Freyja up for the day and come down to Holme Pierrepont to watch me paddle.
Showing her off
The first hour or so was spent showing her off to all the paddling folk who would pay attention to us. But then I got into my kit and hit the water. I spent more time that first session checking that they were ok than actually paddling. Checking that the course’s microclimate wasn’t making her too cold, that she wasn’t hungry, if she was asleep, and so on. All of this was needless, as Kerry is a fantastic mum who had it all covered. Over the next few weeks, I could paddle more and worry less about Freyja on the bank.
Soon, my paternity leave was over, and I was back to work. More time away from Freyja! How do I limit the time away? I couldn’t afford to cut down work hours, but I also knew I needed to paddle (well, I really wanted to). I’m fortunate enough to have a hybrid workplace, working from home with the office just over the lake from the course at Holme Pierrepont.
So I paddled after work in the office, then picked up extra dad duties when I got home. Most of it was about compromise. Kerry cared for our family so I could do what I love, paddling. So when I was at home, I would try and do the same for her, letting her go out with friends, go to the gym, or anything else she wanted to do. And I think this is how we managed to get through those first couple of months, ensuring we could still have some of our pre-child life.
A tiny PFD
Of course, I had to get her out on the water as soon as possible. But I had to make sure she was as safe as possible. So we found her a tiny PFD that suited her size and weight and took her to the lake! I’m most at home in my C1 freestyle boat, so I was eager to take her in that with me. Freyja had other ideas. She screamed and cried when I tried her in it, so she went with Kerry onto the SUP! Instant calm, and a big smile came across her face. There was a smile on my face, too, as she loved being on the water.
One of the biggest domestic events of the year for freestyle, the European Open, is one I set up and run annually. And just because Freyja was around didn’t mean it would stop! She was my little mascot over the weekend, introducing my mum and dad to many new people. The event also houses the British Freestyle Championships, something I’d won three times before. Going into this year, I said I’d be happy to make the podium as the run into it was more focused on my new bundle of joy. However, being so relaxed and having Freyja on the side cheering me on worked some magic, and I won! Taking home my fourth British Champion title. We celebrated that night at the River Legacy party.
Heading out to Columbus, USA
With the World Championships not far away, Kerry and I decided to head out to Columbus, USA, as a family for me to compete. There was a lot of planning that we had to do to make this work, but we pulled it off. And I’d say that off the water, it was my favourite World Championships that I’ve been to. Having the support of both Kerry and Freyja was terrific. She quickly became the show’s star, cheering on her new friends, cuddling those who needed it, and even sleeping through the odd final. In our downtime away from the river, we hit up the aquarium, safari park and walked up a few hills – a fantastic first family holiday.
Advice
So what advice would I give anyone expecting a little one keen to keep up on their paddling? Expect it to change. Like the rest of your life, it is going to. But I am more enjoying paddling for having her on the bank or waiting for me at home. Her smile makes you forget even the worst session and makes the good sessions even better. It puts it all into perspective. Paddling is there to enjoy.
