Ottilie Robinson-Shaw

Ottilie Robinson-Shaw by Clive Woods www.clivewoodsportsphotography.com

Women’s K1 Gold
C1 Gold
Squirt Gold

Photos:
Phil Bulkeley
@philbulkeley
photography &
Clive Woods
www.clivewoodsports
photography.com

Ottilie Robinson-Shaw
Women’s K1, C1 & Squirt Gold

Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
There were a couple of things special about a home worlds. For starters, getting to share the World’s experience with close friends and family who had never witnessed a freestyle event first-hand before and having a large community of British paddlers supporting the team felt great.

For the final few months leading into the event, I loved training with other athletes who were also giving everything they had into preparing for the Worlds. There was always someone to paddle with, plenty of car park chatting and a real feeling of togetherness amongst the British, Irish and a few very dedicated international athletes.

What were your aims before the championships?
My goal was always to try and win K1, C1 and squirt boat but it wasn’t purely about winning. I wanted to land rides in all three disciplines I was truly proud of and that showcased my best and the best of women’s freestyle to an international audience.

Secretly I relished the opportunity to properly break the 1000 point barrier in the women’s class in an official ICF World Championships.  Whilst I had hit over 1200 points in previous British competitions in HPPs ‘Inlet Gate’ whilst still a junior, to hit such scores in a tricky and feisty feature like twin waves in a World Championship final really was a marker I am proud of.

Leading up to the Worlds I would joke to Harry and Dad about trying to win the men’s squirt boat category. However, after the first round I quickly realised I could genuinely take on the men in squirt boat on equal terms and to lay down the highest score of the entire event was a proud moment.

Describe the feeling of being triple world champion
It feels special but it doesn’t really change who I am or what I do. After dedicating so many years to freestyle, for me the medals just remind me that if I work hard, I can achieve my goals and bigger than anything it’s a really great excuse to keep prioritising kayaking for the next few years. In some ways it was very much a relief that my goals had in fact been achievable and for me the bigger buzz was from the rides I delivered under pressure and in front of a massive crowd including many friends and family.

Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
You need to love kayaking with all your heart. In short, love what you do, put lots of time into what you do and most importantly have fun doing it.

What are the plans for the next 12 months?
With the 2023 Columbus Worlds fast approaching, I’m making it my mission to get as good as I can on a wave. Soon I’m heading to Canada and then the USA to train for the 2022 World Cups and 2023 Worlds as I’m really excited to see how far I can take my wave boating over the next year.

If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
I’d love to go back to the Slave River, NWT, Canada, with a nice group of friends and surf some fun waves. I loved how beautiful and remote it was, how good the waves were and how much fun it was paddling with lovely people everyday.

However paddling in Nottingham, in the sunshine, with friends also pushing their hole boating is so much fun and is the place that feels like home on the water.

Shouts and thanks?
Big thank you to everyone that supports me, there are too many individuals to list but a special thank you to; Dennis Newton of Sweetwater coaching, Aaron & Rhona at Squarerock, ProYouth, Jackson Kayak, Ophion, Sandiline, Kent Canoes, Surfplugs, Northcore and Holme Pierrepont Country Park.

Ottilie Robinson-Shaw by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography

Niamh Macken

Niamh Macken by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography

Women’s Junior K1 Silver

Photos:
Phil Bulkeley
@philbulkeley
photography

Niamh Macken
Women’s Junior K1 Silver

Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
The highlight of the championships for me was meeting some amazing new people who I would have never met if it weren’t for this event, some are now my closest friends!

What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
My aims for before the event was to make top 10 but my end goal was always to be in the finals, when I eventually made the finals I had no pressure on myself and I managed to get second place, so I was incredibly happy with my first international event!

What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
The hardest manoeuvre to me would be Lunars. I began trying them a little at the start of the year but I had to leave it as it wasn’t going to be the focus in my run. However, I will now try them again as they completely confused me but I definitely want to improve that!

Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
I think the biggest strength you need as a freestyler is to be stubborn and determined as there are times when without determination you can easily lose the enjoyment and get too frustrated when learning new tricks or old ones.

Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
Another area of paddling I love is creek boating it is a completely different environment to me than freestyle as usually freestyle is at Holme Pierrepont. Creeking is always on rivers, and I love exploring new and sometimes scary looking rivers!

If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
For freestyle there are many places I would like to go, however, I would love to go to Germany and paddle Plattling before the 2025 championship, as it looks amazing.

What are the plans for the next 12 months?
The plan for the next 12 months is to train more on waves and prepare for the World Cup in October. I’m hoping to go to Columbus, Georgia before the 2023 Worlds and then paddle at Hurley ready for our selections next March.

Shouts and thanks?
Thanks to Lowri Davies who is my main coach, Nathan Hefford for being my training buddy and my parents for putting up with everything going on.

Niamh Macken by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography

Abby Holcombe

Abby Holcombe by Tom Clare @tomclaremedia

Women’s Junior K1 Gold

Photos:
Jack Ledwith Photography
@jled_photos &
Tom Clare
@tomclaremedia

Abby Holcombe
Women’s Junior K1 Gold

Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
My favourite part of all three World Championships are the people I have met and the friendships I have gained. It’s always so special to see people you haven’t seen since the last Worlds. Because of the pandemic, this Worlds was a little different for me. My family and I took every Covid precaution imaginable leading into the event, because if you tested positive, you couldn’t paddle or compete for seven days, and I really wanted to compete. So we went into a precautionary quarantine leading into and throughout the event. The highlight for me was right after I won, I was finally able to give my friends I hadn’t seen in so long a big hug. Between the three year hiatus of competitions and our precautionary quarantine, it made those hugs that much more special than normal.

What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
At the last World Championships I finished just shy of the podium, I really wanted a medal and I really wanted to win. While I’m proud of my win, I’m most proud of how much I have improved since the last World Championships. I was the second female to ever score a lunar in an ICF event and the very first junior women, and that felt pretty special. I’ve been working so hard to progress my paddling and I feel like my ride in prelims definitely showcased that. It is such an exciting time to be a female kayaker with Ottie and Lowri throwing trophy two’s in their competition rides and Makinely Kate and I elevating the junior women to the next level. I am really grateful I got to be a part of such a strong movement of female paddlers and I can’t wait to see what skills we all will showcase in Plattling.

What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
Personally, the McNasty was the hardest to learn. In a competition, Tricky Woos seem the hardest to score. And all of the insane combos the men are throwing are the most impressive/difficult.

Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
Focus and precision. A strong head game helps a lot for competitions. Competition is 25% skill and 75% mental, and I feel like if you handle pressure and competition well, you will be a great freestyler.

Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
I’ve done a lot of river running and some creeking in the last 14 years of my paddling career and I honestly feel like I’m just getting started in freestyle and am looking forward to committing 100% to freestyle in the years to come. But way ahead in the future, I’d love to go creek in Chile. And another trip down the Grand Canyon always sounds nice:)

If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
There are so many playspots that I hope to paddle, but I’m dreaming of warm winters in New Zealand. I’ve heard the freestyle spots there are really nice.

What are the plans for the next 12 months?
To paddle and beyond that I’m not really sure. Looking forward to a month on the Ottawa River followed by the World Cups in Columbus, GA. I hope to spend a few weeks travelling to playspots across Europe this spring.

What have you missed most about home?
The food! And of course all of my friends and family!

Shouts and thanks?
Huge shoutout to Dennis Newton and Claire O’Hara for supporting and nurturing my freestyle progression as well as a big thank you to my sponsors and parents!

Abby Holcombe by Jack Ledwith Photography @jled_photos

Rebekah Green

Rebekah Green by Kim Jones www.facebook.com/witzendphoto

Women’s C1 Silver

Photos:
Kim Jones
www.facebook.com/witzendphoto

Rebekah Green
Women’s C1 Silver

Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
My highlight of the championships was being able to celebrate with Ottie. Having done most of my training and having paddled with her since I started, cheering her as the hard work paid off was one of the most precious moments. After Ottie’s final K1 ride we all bombarded her with hugs combined with tears, and such a joyous moment isn’t to be forgotten. Likewise, the atmosphere and support with all wins, including Tamsyn’s silver in the squirt was amazing to experience.

What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
I was surprised to even make team! My dream was to enjoy the entire experience, meet new people and score a ride that I knew I was capable of. Waiting in the eddy for my first final’s ride, I knew I had achieved this. Even making the finals, at my first World Championships and year as senior, in the first C1 woman’s category, felt like a huge accomplishment, so standing on the podium in second place was completely overwhelming. Knowing that I hadn’t only done myself, but my team, coaches and all those back home, proud, was all I could have asked for.

What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
I have been undertaking the personal challenge to handroll my C1 and have received full failure. While this isn’t a scoring move and perhaps a little silly, I have been told that it is possible and so can be learnt. Without the use of your feet and full rotation of your hips, a C1 handroll must be the hardest manoeuvre. But surely if they can do it in slalom… it must be possible in freestyle.

Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
Being good at freestyle can’t come through natural ability. No one wakes up to a 1000 point ride, with a lunar tricky loop. Of course, you need persistence, stubborn determination, patience and practise. However, being a great freestyler doesn’t necessarily come from any form of ability. A wise person (Heidi) told me that at the end of the day, no one will remember your performance, they will remember if you were a nice person. The best thing about freestyle is the community, that atmosphere that allows for competitive mindset and drive but alongside support and friendship. To be great within this community, isn’t necessarily to be the best paddler, rather to be supportive, accepting of critique and willing to experiment.

Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
I’d love to get more involved with river running. While freestyle will forever be my main interest, nothing much compares to the adrenaline and thrill of running rapids or going over the natural drops of the river. The beauty around rivers and places to explore has always appealed to me.

If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
My experience of freestyle outside the UK is limited so any opportunity would definitely appeal. Although, I am not much of a wave paddler, what I have seen of the waves in Canada looks absolutely amazing and, would probably be my first choice to surf. From what I have heard there are many places to paddle around the Ottawa area and the videos show that the place is stunning. The exhilaration from just surfing a wave is incredible so that will also have an appeal.

What are the plans for the next 12 months?
In September I aim to start at university, tactically located near water to continue training alongside study. I am going to try my best to head out for the Columbus World Cups in October and then will be looking to selections for the following World Championships. I’m looking forward to kayaking alongside canoeing and will try out in both categories. This next year, I just want to paddle any opportunity I can get, improving my performance in both disciplines and forever enjoying the sport.

Shouts and thanks?
Thank you so much to all the team at GB Freestyle. Specifically to the team manager Tanya and coaches Mike and Dennis. Also a huge thank you to Tamsyn, David, Ottie, and Matt Edwards who have supported me in so many ways.

Rebekah Green by Kim Jones www.facebook.com/witzendphoto

Tamsyn McConchie

Tamsyn McConchie by Jack Ledwith Photography @jled_photos

Women’s Squirt Silver

Photos:
Jack Ledwith Photography
@jled_photos

Tamsyn McConchie
Women’s Squirt Silver

Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
A big highlight for me was being able to share the whole experience with so many friends. It was amazing to be in the C1 finals with my teammates, and to have so many friends around me in the squirt finals too. Even on the lead up to the event many of our international friends made the trip over, and I’m definitely feeling the post world blues now they have left!

What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
I had two performance aims for these championships, to hit a ride over 1000 points in Squirt, and to make it into the semis for C1. I managed to hit both of those on day one, and actually managed to surpass them both by hitting a ride of over 1100 points in Squirt on day two and making it into the C1 finals. My other goal of this event was to make sure I was enjoying paddling every time I got on the water and I think it’s safe to say I hit this one too!

What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle squirt and why?
Definitely the Mystery Move. All the surface moves have their challenges, some more than others, but largely once you’ve learnt them you’re good to go. The mystery move is so variable from spot to spot and day to day, you’ve got to be adaptable. Even once you start to figure a spot out, you can always take it further or deeper; it’s having the mental game to do that, which is unlike any other aspect of freestyle.

Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
I think if you speak to anyone at the top of their game in freestyle at the moment they will tell you that they love the sport and they love being on the water. I think if you have that love for the sport, that gives you the drive you need to get on the water day in and day out and put in the work to progress.

Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
I already am part of the local polo team, I love hitting rivers, and the surf. To be honest I enjoy all kinds of paddling, and the more I can explore each of these the better I think!

If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
There are so many places on that list, but I know I definitely want to head to Smoothie on the Ottawa. I’ve just heard so much about it as a sink spot and I feel like it’s somewhere every squirt boater has to head at least once!

What are the plans for the next 12 months?
So far I haven’t really thought past July because next up for me is focussing on the last few exams coming up for my ACA. But I will definitely be getting out on the water, probably trying to figure out how to do a few wave moves ready for Columbus.

Shouts and thanks?
I’ve got to give a huge shout to David (Rogers), my partner on and off the water. I’m so grateful for all the coaching he has given me over the last few years, and even more impressed that we’ve managed to have that dynamic without getting into any arguments!! It’s definitely testament to his patience. Also a huge shout out to Jake at flow kayaks, he got me set up with my C1 and has offered so much support since then!

Tamsyn McConchie by Jack Ledwith Photography @jled_photos