#ShePaddles: Eleanor Addison’s journey into white water kayaking

#ShePaddles Ambassador Eleanor Addison tried kayaking for the first time at university two and a half years ago and hasn’t looked back since. From conquering rapids in the French Alps to paddling in Sydney Harbour and rafting on the world’s biggest commercial drop, Tutea Falls, paddling has taken Eleanor across the world. We caught up with her about her journey into white water kayaking and her tips for giving paddling a try.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, I’m Eleanor, and I’m one of this year’s #ShePaddles Ambassadors. I’m 23, from Halifax in West Yorkshire, and a Swansea University Canoe Club member.

How did you get into paddling?
I started paddling at my university canoe club. After COVID, I wanted to make the most of my university experience and try new things. So, I joined Swansea University Canoe Club in my third year, having no idea what canoeing or paddling really was or what it entailed. I’ve now been paddling for two and a half years. I predominantly kayak, mainly white water, but I also play canoe polo.

Do you have any memorable kayaking trips?
Every year, the university paddling community heads to the French Alps for summer. Last year, I went on a joint Swansea and Cardiff University trip to L’Argentière for two weeks of white water kayaking, camping, and socialising. All the university clubs tend to stay at the same campsite, creating a great atmosphere and really fostering the paddling community dynamic.

The water in the French Alps is amazing for paddling, ranging from grade 2 to grade 5+. It’s crystal clear with some of the most stunning mountainous views. The only downside is the temperature of the water, as snowmelt makes it quite chilly if you happen to go in for a roll or swim.

Last year was my first Alps trip, and I was still relatively new to paddling, so paddling in the Alps was a big challenge for me. However, with the safety support from Swansea and Cardiff, I really improved, paddling some technically difficult sections, including ‘S-Bend’ on the Upper Guisane, and finished feeling like a confident grade 3 paddler.

Following my master’s graduation in December, I’ve been on a ‘gap year’ trip around Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. I’ve managed to do a variety of paddling on this trip, from tubing in Thailand, kayaking in Laos, Vietnam, and Sydney Harbour, to rafting on the world’s biggest commercial drop, Tutea Falls in New Zealand.  I even did some bamboo paddle boarding in a remote village in Fiji. It’s fair to say that paddling has created many unforgettable memories for me and allowed me to see the world from a unique perspective.

Do you have any paddling role models? Who inspired you to take up kayaking?
There’s no shortage of role models in the kayaking community. However, Nouria Newman is always the one who comes to mind. The way she paddles some of the biggest water in the world with almost perfect technique is great to watch. But I think, for me, her attitude towards paddling as a petite female in a largely male-dominated field is something I find refreshing.

Another source of inspiration comes from the fantastic women I regularly paddle with at Swansea University Canoe Club, particularly Chloe Burrows. From teaching me how to paddle forward in my first-ever taster session, to showing me how to do slalom at Holme Pierrepont White Water Course, and helping me find the line on grade 3/4 rivers. It’s fair to say Chloe has played a huge part in my paddling journey.

At Swansea Uni Canoe Club, we gain new members every year, usually many without paddling experience. Our women’s polo team has a range of abilities, and I find the way we pull together and play to each of our strengths really empowering. Last year, we achieved the first-ever women’s canoe polo team varsity win over Cardiff and were awarded Sport Swansea’s varsity team of the year.

If you could paddle anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to paddle in Canada. The mountainous views look like a beautiful backdrop to some amazing white water.

What aspirations do you have for the next 12 months?
I would love to encourage more women and girls to try kayaking. I cannot emphasise enough how many happy memories I’ve made on the water and how many great friends I’ve made through the sport. I am heading back to the Alps with Swansea University Canoe Club. I hope to improve my technical skills on the river, grow my confidence, and encourage others to feel more empowered and enjoy their time on the river.

What advice would you give other women and girls wanting to try kayaking?
Join your university canoe club! Each university club will hold taster sessions every year around Freshers’ Week. The best thing you can do is just give it a go. Looking back at my time at university, the time I spent with the canoe club was some of the best I had, and I’ve made so many friends that I’ll treasure for life.

If you’re feeling inspired to try white water kayaking, find a club near you here: https://gopaddling.info/find-paddling-clubs/

If you’re feeling inspired to paddle overseas, see our safety advice here: https://paddleuk.org.uk/safety-advice-for-paddling-overseas/