Interview with Tanya Faux
Born and raised on the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia, Tanya Faux grew up as a natural athlete. Developing her love for the outdoors on the seat of her bicycle she would spend all her spare time racing round the surrounding bush in search of excitement and adventure. After trying out various extreme sports, it was with a paddle in her hands that she felt most at home and without too much hesitation this feisty little Aussie chic peeled out of her home eddy and caught the current that has taken her to paddling destinations all over the world. (interview made for kayak session #23).
In a paddling career of little more than five years, Tanya has managed to notch up more victories than one could imagine. Three years in a row she has fired up the Reno River Festival and taken home gold every time. Her outstanding performance at the 2007 World Champs in Canada on the infamous Buseater feature rewarded her with a silver medal, and in the 2006 World Cup Series she managed two golds and one silver. Recently in her home territory she dominated in the Tasmanian TEVA Cataract extreme race by cleaning up in the women's division, and giving the men a run for their money! Apart from being one of the most talented freestyle paddlers out there going harder than a lot of the boys, Tanya is also passionate about expedition kayaking. On a recent trip in her homeland she successfully explored some un-charted territory in the extreme North West of Australia, uncovering some prime whitewater amidst a land of untold beauty and deep cultural heritage. In the middle of the Aussie winter Tanya is planning her next move, and that’s where Kayak Session managed to track her down to find out what drives a young girl from Down Under to charge as hard as she does.
KS: What is the Australian kayaking scene like? It’s not quite the first country that springs to mind when thinking of white-water kayaking!
TF: Passionate – To kayak in Australia you have to be committed to it, so everyone is very passionate about it! We don’t have ready access to rivers, and the last few years have been very bad for the industry due to the drought. Almost everyone who paddles goes out of their way for the industry, taking time and money from their personal needs and putting it into kayaking.
KS: Are the rivers all concentrated in a certain area or are there classics to be found all around?
TF: Australia is a huge place! You could definitely do a season tour of Aussie and get to paddle all year round. We have snowmelt rivers in the south east and cyclone rain fed rivers towards the north, then there is the ocean all year round! The kayaking is endless - North South East or West!
KS: Not to mention Tasmania - have you paddled there?
TF: Oh yeagh, Tassie is the BOMB! Tassie has the best creeking for the longest period of time. There are still a lot of first descents to be had, especially on the South West coast. It is cold when ever you paddle, but you can find some of the best class three to five creeks in the world!
KS: You have been on the international kayaking scene for a rather short amount of time. How did you start travelling with your kayak?
TF: In 2003 I travelled to BC with my partner at the time, bought a Toyota Targo for $800 and spent 2 months cruising BC, creeking and play boating wherever we could. Then the same year we headed over to the Ottawa river to work for OWL RAFTING and MKC. The real change came in 2004 winning the pre world’s in Penrith and meeting Nikki Kelly. We hit it off and she invited me to come creeking with her and the boys that fall in the US.
Learning from the best I hung out with Nikki and the boys. (John Grace, Tommie, Daniel, Julie, Campbell, Freddy and Toby).
KS: What was your vision of the scene when you started?
TF: It all seemed pretty friendly, but it was like people had their guard up a little. I guess I was the newbie on the scene, but it looked like people were having a good time!
KS: How is your perception now?
TF: I have an awesome time on the circuit, developing my closest friends from the kayaking circuit in North American. Tanya Shuman, Ruth Gordon, Nikki Kelly and Marian, I love you guys! Having this crew there at the competitions makes it more than it used to be!
KS: What kind of boater would you qualify yourself as?
TF: An adventurous, technical, fit paddler. Someone who likes to feel the rhythm of making the line. Like dancing on the water.
KS: You recently returned from a major mission up in northern Australia…! Where exactly was this?
TF: A dream come true! The King Edward River is in the Kimberley’s. The Kimberley’s are located in the north western corner of Australia. It is the size of England and a piece of land that has hardly been touch by humans and is rich in indigenous heritage and art.
KS: How long have been planning a trip up there?
TF: 4 years
KS: What in particular was so special about this expedition?
TF: When you live in a country, your country, the place you grew up in, the place you call home, there is a connection to the indigenous people of the land. This land is so raw! So full of a spirit, so vast, so untouched. You can feel the heart beat of the birds, animals, rivers, flowers, trees. We were nothing but a speck out there. The discovery of such epic whitewater still to this day makes my heart beat. Can’t wait to go back!
KS: What did you find river/paddling wise?
TF: We found an unreal river bed with a pool drop aspect. In the 310 km we found waterfalls, slides, big volume wave trains with each rapid containing multiple lines. Oh yes, and epic Bus Eater-like play wave after play wave!
KS: What did you learn out there?
TF: I am way more scared of salt water crocodiles eating me then running massive waterfalls and rapids! No, more importantly that my government covers up the huge drug, child abuse and suicide issues faced by the remote indigenous people in the counties of the Kimberley’s. It was very hard to be proud as a white Australian being oblivious to such issues before spending time in Kalumburu.
KS: What exactly is Kalumburu?
TF: The name translates to "Path By The River” or “River Crossing", and is the most northerly Aboriginal Community in Western Australia. Situated in the Kimberley’s, this wild, rugged, magnificent area has been home for many thousands of years to the Kwini and Walmbi, and the Cambra - Kulari people. No doubt before them were other aboriginal races, for this corner of the continent was one of the main entry points into Australia of our first ancient inhabitants. Evidence of their passing is preserved in the rock art sites which abound in the north Kimberley.
KS: Do you have any plans to go back there and get involved in helping in some way?
TF: Yes, I would love to develop a programme for local indigenous kids in the area. Kayaking and canoeing would provide this struggling indigenous community with another recreation and a possible tourism business, reducing the level of suicide and child abuse and other related drug issues.
KS: After exploring this awesome area that seems to have had a profound effect on you, were you able to get some sort of a message out via a press release or magazine articles regarding the status of the aboriginal folk living up there?
TF: This is a touchy area, there is so much political history and catholic missionary history that editors and writers must be very careful about what they say. I think I have brought awareness to the issue more through conversation than through the press. Like myself, many southeastern Australians have little idea of the epidemic going on. Just recently the federal government set aside funds to look at how they can reduce and change the level of child abuse in remote indigenous communities. I think we need to work harder at understanding their needs and they need to take responsible for themselves as well. It has to come from both parties.
KS: How did the Aboriginal people receive you when you turned up with funky looking clothing and crazy water craft?
TF: Honestly it was scary for us walking into the town. With our boats on our shoulders we reached the local store and no one greeted us, the indigenous people looked and stared, but after a little while the kids came up and asked some questions. We did have to stay in the catholic mission as no camping is allowed elsewhere.
KS: What factors made it so difficult to organise this trip?
TF: Keeping the cost down due to the lack of access to the rivers of the Kimberley’s because of the road and weather conditions. Finding the cheapest way to get three paddlers and three kayaks from the south to north and out to the middle of nowhere. Thanks to Norrell at Sling Air. With out their support we would still be dreaming!
KS: It appears that good old Aussie hospitality played a big part in smoothing out the logistics. Is it common to find such friendly folk in these remote hard places?
TF: Yes, that is one amazing thing about the outback. Australian people are warm and friendly, help you out with what they can even if it is at their own loss. Some of the best information I gained about dealing with salt water crocs was from talking to locals at the pub!
KS: Did you find any other possibilities for further exploration?
TF: Flying into the King Edward River, we saw river after river after river! It was like we were flying into heaven!
KS: Have there been any other exploratories to this part of Oz?
TF: Yes, there have been a lot of crews looking into the Kimberley’s. I guess there has been excitement at the prospect of many more rivers to explore.
KS: And then soon after you competed at the Worlds in Canada! Was this quite the culture shock?
TF: Yes, but that is what is so amazing about kayaking, one minute you can be camping in a cave with 17,000 year old indigenous art work above your head, in the middle of nowhere thinking only about the massive waterfall downstream and the next week you're getting a buzz from surfing one of the best waves in the world and competing for your country!
KS: Lots of people thought you would win the Worlds in Canada, and then you got second. Was it a major disappointment?
TF: It is always a disappointment when you don’t quite win, but I honestly can say I still feel like a world champion, and Ruth Gordon’s paddling was phenomenal and inspirational and I think she deserved the Gold medal place!
KS: You were quite bummed after the worlds back in 2003, at home where loads of people considered you one of the top contenders. Was it too much pressure then?
TF: Absolutely, I was too young, no idea how to compete. I may have had the skills but I had nothing else. I tore into myself really hard after paddling so badly there, which I don’t recommend! I recommend seeing a sport psychologist - it works. Believe in yourself, don’t ever let go of that vision, and with determination I believe my time will come. And besides, we don’t just freestyle kayak to become World Champion.
KS: Would you say that it was easier this year pressure-wise?
TF: No I would say the pressure wasn’t any easier. In fact in some ways I would say there was more. But I just knew how to deal with it better.
KS: Now that the hype of the Worlds and the competition circuit has quieted down are you ready to head back into the bush and explore more of your country?
TF: Absolutely, I am going to take a break from freestyle and focus on running creeks and rivers. I have a first descent 45 minutes away from my place that I scouted out last summer, all granite bedrock and three major drops! All I need is 80 plus mill’s of rain! Also working on another first descent in Kimberley’s for next year.
TF: Definitely! Some of the best paddlers in the world never become champions. But I do think that the Word Championships are crucial to the success of Freestyle kayaking. It gives all types of people objectives and goals. It makes us all push ourselves a little harder and helps the evolution of freestyle kayaking. With out it I can’t see new moves happening as often…
KS: You are known to be super competitive, with a strong fitness training programme. Tell us more about this.
TF: I wouldn’t say that I am very competitive, I just use competition as a goal to help me stay focused and fit. I love the training aspect of competing, pushing my body to it’s limit! The human body is amazing, the more you train the more physical you can be. Feels unreal! My training programme is designed by Luke Howie. We work on power endurance, and body co-ordination and awareness. I can tell him what move I would like to learn and he can gear my training towards the same muscle groups that are needed to execute such a move.
KS: Before the comp it appeared that you were the only woman to do bread and butter! Why, in your opinion, are you the only one?
TF: Four things I think. Firstly my physical training, secondly is my commitment to analysing the bio mechanics of the move, then the determination of trial and error, and finally no fear of failure, both in front of people and within myself. Give it a go attitude!!
KS: Would you say that the main source of difference in level between guys and girls comes from the physical training that a lot of girls are not prepared to do?
TF: Yes, no matter what sport you look at. There are extremely naturally talented athletes, but if you want to take it to the next level, then physical training is the only thing that can take you there, especially for women, as we do not naturally have the power that men do. Most women get stuck, but with a little specific training, in or out of the boat, they will achieve their goals and get where they want to be!
KS: You were also under the Nikki Kelly ‘umbrella’ when you started to travel and tour in the US and Canada a few years back. Did this assist you on the international scene?
TF: Absolutely, and I believe Nikki also paved the way for many other women in the industry. Made the industry realise that women are not a commodity! Cheers Nikki ☺
KS: It seems like freestyle is where you come from, but your level of physical fitness also allows you to push it hard on creeks. Would you say you are the fearless type, or rather a calculated conservative creek boater?
TF: I have never been a “balls” paddler. I have always taken calculated judgments. Given my skill level I like to decide whether I am feeling up for it or not. I like to look at creeking as dancing on water, I will walk if I feel like the move through the rapid is not beautiful, or no fun. Also, being strong definitely gives me more confidence - you have to be able to pull on your blade when you creek!
KS: Along with other top female paddlers you are part of a website called River Angels. Tell us more about the site, and how it came to be.
TF: Tanya Shuman, Ruth Gordon and myself always found ourselves talking about how to get more women into kayaking, trying to identify why so many women start, but only rarely get past the intermediate stage. So we decide to start a web site that would inspire and inform women to push themselves and believe in themselves that they can do or become what ever kayaker they want to be!! Allow them access to believe in their dreams and visions.
KS: Where would you ladies like to go with it?
TF: Everything from products, to coaching road tours, to motivational talks, and so on. For me personally I would like to create an annual 6 week camp for intermediate female paddlers, paddlers that are motivated! And give them a chance to become the next world champions and extreme paddlers.
KS: Do you find it quite a mission to keep updating the website and communicating with the kayaking world? Or do the rewards of bringing inspiration to other paddlers far outweigh your time in front of the computer?
TF: I guess I have my ups and downs, as English is not my strong point. I am sure if you have read any of my articles there will have been grammar issues, so it takes me quite a lot of time. If I could draw everything that would be great! The rewards are definitely incredible, I just wish I could do more, be more directly involved. That is the amazing thing about the River Angels. We all do it not to satisfy our sponsors but to inspire more women and men. I do it because I love it.
KS: How does it differentiate from what Anna Levesque has been doing for a while now?
TF: Anna does a great job of getting more women to try the sport. I think the River Angels are into getting women to delve deeper and push that little bit harder for the dreams they can see, but do not know how to get there!
KS: Why are there relatively few female paddlers do you think? And more importantly, do you think this will change?
TF: Yes it will change, it already has, especially with the improved boat designs. I think our biggest battle is that we need to change the general perception that whitewater kayaking is scary. Because in reality we all know that class two or three is not scary. I believe with the development of whitewater parks it will increase the number of women in the sport.
KS: What does the future hold for you in terms of being a full time kayaker?
TF: More sweet times. I guess my main focus right now is to explore the Kimberley’s more, with another first decent planned for this coming March. And also work on Papua New Guinea as my next area to unlock. I feel as if I can get better at freestyle as well, pushing to link more combination moves. Also to work with the girls on developing the River Angels.
Thanks Tanya. All the best and keep charging.
Kimberley’s mission 2007
Sling Air King Edward River Expedition
www.riverangels.com
www.feedtherat.com/waterfalldreaming
Born and raised on the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia, Tanya Faux grew up as a natural athlete. Developing her love for the outdoors on the seat of her bicycle she would spend all her spare time racing round the surrounding bush in search of excitement and adventure. After trying out various extreme sports, it was with a paddle in her hands that she felt most at home and without too much hesitation this feisty little Aussie chic peeled out of her home eddy and caught the current that has taken her to paddling destinations all over the world. (interview made for kayak session #23).
In a paddling career of little more than five years, Tanya has managed to notch up more victories than one could imagine. Three years in a row she has fired up the Reno River Festival and taken home gold every time. Her outstanding performance at the 2007 World Champs in Canada on the infamous Buseater feature rewarded her with a silver medal, and in the 2006 World Cup Series she managed two golds and one silver. Recently in her home territory she dominated in the Tasmanian TEVA Cataract extreme race by cleaning up in the women's division, and giving the men a run for their money! Apart from being one of the most talented freestyle paddlers out there going harder than a lot of the boys, Tanya is also passionate about expedition kayaking. On a recent trip in her homeland she successfully explored some un-charted territory in the extreme North West of Australia, uncovering some prime whitewater amidst a land of untold beauty and deep cultural heritage. In the middle of the Aussie winter Tanya is planning her next move, and that’s where Kayak Session managed to track her down to find out what drives a young girl from Down Under to charge as hard as she does.
KS: What is the Australian kayaking scene like? It’s not quite the first country that springs to mind when thinking of white-water kayaking!
TF: Passionate – To kayak in Australia you have to be committed to it, so everyone is very passionate about it! We don’t have ready access to rivers, and the last few years have been very bad for the industry due to the drought. Almost everyone who paddles goes out of their way for the industry, taking time and money from their personal needs and putting it into kayaking.
KS: Are the rivers all concentrated in a certain area or are there classics to be found all around?
TF: Australia is a huge place! You could definitely do a season tour of Aussie and get to paddle all year round. We have snowmelt rivers in the south east and cyclone rain fed rivers towards the north, then there is the ocean all year round! The kayaking is endless - North South East or West!
KS: Not to mention Tasmania - have you paddled there?
TF: Oh yeagh, Tassie is the BOMB! Tassie has the best creeking for the longest period of time. There are still a lot of first descents to be had, especially on the South West coast. It is cold when ever you paddle, but you can find some of the best class three to five creeks in the world!
KS: You have been on the international kayaking scene for a rather short amount of time. How did you start travelling with your kayak?
TF: In 2003 I travelled to BC with my partner at the time, bought a Toyota Targo for $800 and spent 2 months cruising BC, creeking and play boating wherever we could. Then the same year we headed over to the Ottawa river to work for OWL RAFTING and MKC. The real change came in 2004 winning the pre world’s in Penrith and meeting Nikki Kelly. We hit it off and she invited me to come creeking with her and the boys that fall in the US.
Learning from the best I hung out with Nikki and the boys. (John Grace, Tommie, Daniel, Julie, Campbell, Freddy and Toby).
KS: What was your vision of the scene when you started?
TF: It all seemed pretty friendly, but it was like people had their guard up a little. I guess I was the newbie on the scene, but it looked like people were having a good time!
KS: How is your perception now?
TF: I have an awesome time on the circuit, developing my closest friends from the kayaking circuit in North American. Tanya Shuman, Ruth Gordon, Nikki Kelly and Marian, I love you guys! Having this crew there at the competitions makes it more than it used to be!
KS: What kind of boater would you qualify yourself as?
TF: An adventurous, technical, fit paddler. Someone who likes to feel the rhythm of making the line. Like dancing on the water.
KS: You recently returned from a major mission up in northern Australia…! Where exactly was this?
TF: A dream come true! The King Edward River is in the Kimberley’s. The Kimberley’s are located in the north western corner of Australia. It is the size of England and a piece of land that has hardly been touch by humans and is rich in indigenous heritage and art.
KS: How long have been planning a trip up there?
TF: 4 years
KS: What in particular was so special about this expedition?
TF: When you live in a country, your country, the place you grew up in, the place you call home, there is a connection to the indigenous people of the land. This land is so raw! So full of a spirit, so vast, so untouched. You can feel the heart beat of the birds, animals, rivers, flowers, trees. We were nothing but a speck out there. The discovery of such epic whitewater still to this day makes my heart beat. Can’t wait to go back!
KS: What did you find river/paddling wise?
TF: We found an unreal river bed with a pool drop aspect. In the 310 km we found waterfalls, slides, big volume wave trains with each rapid containing multiple lines. Oh yes, and epic Bus Eater-like play wave after play wave!
KS: What did you learn out there?
TF: I am way more scared of salt water crocodiles eating me then running massive waterfalls and rapids! No, more importantly that my government covers up the huge drug, child abuse and suicide issues faced by the remote indigenous people in the counties of the Kimberley’s. It was very hard to be proud as a white Australian being oblivious to such issues before spending time in Kalumburu.
KS: What exactly is Kalumburu?
TF: The name translates to "Path By The River” or “River Crossing", and is the most northerly Aboriginal Community in Western Australia. Situated in the Kimberley’s, this wild, rugged, magnificent area has been home for many thousands of years to the Kwini and Walmbi, and the Cambra - Kulari people. No doubt before them were other aboriginal races, for this corner of the continent was one of the main entry points into Australia of our first ancient inhabitants. Evidence of their passing is preserved in the rock art sites which abound in the north Kimberley.
KS: Do you have any plans to go back there and get involved in helping in some way?
TF: Yes, I would love to develop a programme for local indigenous kids in the area. Kayaking and canoeing would provide this struggling indigenous community with another recreation and a possible tourism business, reducing the level of suicide and child abuse and other related drug issues.
KS: After exploring this awesome area that seems to have had a profound effect on you, were you able to get some sort of a message out via a press release or magazine articles regarding the status of the aboriginal folk living up there?
TF: This is a touchy area, there is so much political history and catholic missionary history that editors and writers must be very careful about what they say. I think I have brought awareness to the issue more through conversation than through the press. Like myself, many southeastern Australians have little idea of the epidemic going on. Just recently the federal government set aside funds to look at how they can reduce and change the level of child abuse in remote indigenous communities. I think we need to work harder at understanding their needs and they need to take responsible for themselves as well. It has to come from both parties.
KS: How did the Aboriginal people receive you when you turned up with funky looking clothing and crazy water craft?
TF: Honestly it was scary for us walking into the town. With our boats on our shoulders we reached the local store and no one greeted us, the indigenous people looked and stared, but after a little while the kids came up and asked some questions. We did have to stay in the catholic mission as no camping is allowed elsewhere.
KS: What factors made it so difficult to organise this trip?
TF: Keeping the cost down due to the lack of access to the rivers of the Kimberley’s because of the road and weather conditions. Finding the cheapest way to get three paddlers and three kayaks from the south to north and out to the middle of nowhere. Thanks to Norrell at Sling Air. With out their support we would still be dreaming!
TF: Yes, that is one amazing thing about the outback. Australian people are warm and friendly, help you out with what they can even if it is at their own loss. Some of the best information I gained about dealing with salt water crocs was from talking to locals at the pub!
KS: Did you find any other possibilities for further exploration?
TF: Flying into the King Edward River, we saw river after river after river! It was like we were flying into heaven!
KS: Have there been any other exploratories to this part of Oz?
TF: Yes, there have been a lot of crews looking into the Kimberley’s. I guess there has been excitement at the prospect of many more rivers to explore.
KS: And then soon after you competed at the Worlds in Canada! Was this quite the culture shock?
TF: Yes, but that is what is so amazing about kayaking, one minute you can be camping in a cave with 17,000 year old indigenous art work above your head, in the middle of nowhere thinking only about the massive waterfall downstream and the next week you're getting a buzz from surfing one of the best waves in the world and competing for your country!
KS: Lots of people thought you would win the Worlds in Canada, and then you got second. Was it a major disappointment?
TF: It is always a disappointment when you don’t quite win, but I honestly can say I still feel like a world champion, and Ruth Gordon’s paddling was phenomenal and inspirational and I think she deserved the Gold medal place!
KS: You were quite bummed after the worlds back in 2003, at home where loads of people considered you one of the top contenders. Was it too much pressure then?
TF: Absolutely, I was too young, no idea how to compete. I may have had the skills but I had nothing else. I tore into myself really hard after paddling so badly there, which I don’t recommend! I recommend seeing a sport psychologist - it works. Believe in yourself, don’t ever let go of that vision, and with determination I believe my time will come. And besides, we don’t just freestyle kayak to become World Champion.
KS: Would you say that it was easier this year pressure-wise?
TF: No I would say the pressure wasn’t any easier. In fact in some ways I would say there was more. But I just knew how to deal with it better.
KS: Now that the hype of the Worlds and the competition circuit has quieted down are you ready to head back into the bush and explore more of your country?
TF: Absolutely, I am going to take a break from freestyle and focus on running creeks and rivers. I have a first descent 45 minutes away from my place that I scouted out last summer, all granite bedrock and three major drops! All I need is 80 plus mill’s of rain! Also working on another first descent in Kimberley’s for next year.
TF: Definitely! Some of the best paddlers in the world never become champions. But I do think that the Word Championships are crucial to the success of Freestyle kayaking. It gives all types of people objectives and goals. It makes us all push ourselves a little harder and helps the evolution of freestyle kayaking. With out it I can’t see new moves happening as often…
KS: You are known to be super competitive, with a strong fitness training programme. Tell us more about this.
TF: I wouldn’t say that I am very competitive, I just use competition as a goal to help me stay focused and fit. I love the training aspect of competing, pushing my body to it’s limit! The human body is amazing, the more you train the more physical you can be. Feels unreal! My training programme is designed by Luke Howie. We work on power endurance, and body co-ordination and awareness. I can tell him what move I would like to learn and he can gear my training towards the same muscle groups that are needed to execute such a move.
KS: Before the comp it appeared that you were the only woman to do bread and butter! Why, in your opinion, are you the only one?
TF: Four things I think. Firstly my physical training, secondly is my commitment to analysing the bio mechanics of the move, then the determination of trial and error, and finally no fear of failure, both in front of people and within myself. Give it a go attitude!!
KS: Would you say that the main source of difference in level between guys and girls comes from the physical training that a lot of girls are not prepared to do?
TF: Yes, no matter what sport you look at. There are extremely naturally talented athletes, but if you want to take it to the next level, then physical training is the only thing that can take you there, especially for women, as we do not naturally have the power that men do. Most women get stuck, but with a little specific training, in or out of the boat, they will achieve their goals and get where they want to be!
KS: You were also under the Nikki Kelly ‘umbrella’ when you started to travel and tour in the US and Canada a few years back. Did this assist you on the international scene?
TF: Absolutely, and I believe Nikki also paved the way for many other women in the industry. Made the industry realise that women are not a commodity! Cheers Nikki ☺
KS: It seems like freestyle is where you come from, but your level of physical fitness also allows you to push it hard on creeks. Would you say you are the fearless type, or rather a calculated conservative creek boater?
TF: I have never been a “balls” paddler. I have always taken calculated judgments. Given my skill level I like to decide whether I am feeling up for it or not. I like to look at creeking as dancing on water, I will walk if I feel like the move through the rapid is not beautiful, or no fun. Also, being strong definitely gives me more confidence - you have to be able to pull on your blade when you creek!
KS: Along with other top female paddlers you are part of a website called River Angels. Tell us more about the site, and how it came to be.
TF: Tanya Shuman, Ruth Gordon and myself always found ourselves talking about how to get more women into kayaking, trying to identify why so many women start, but only rarely get past the intermediate stage. So we decide to start a web site that would inspire and inform women to push themselves and believe in themselves that they can do or become what ever kayaker they want to be!! Allow them access to believe in their dreams and visions.
KS: Where would you ladies like to go with it?
TF: Everything from products, to coaching road tours, to motivational talks, and so on. For me personally I would like to create an annual 6 week camp for intermediate female paddlers, paddlers that are motivated! And give them a chance to become the next world champions and extreme paddlers.
KS: Do you find it quite a mission to keep updating the website and communicating with the kayaking world? Or do the rewards of bringing inspiration to other paddlers far outweigh your time in front of the computer?
TF: I guess I have my ups and downs, as English is not my strong point. I am sure if you have read any of my articles there will have been grammar issues, so it takes me quite a lot of time. If I could draw everything that would be great! The rewards are definitely incredible, I just wish I could do more, be more directly involved. That is the amazing thing about the River Angels. We all do it not to satisfy our sponsors but to inspire more women and men. I do it because I love it.
KS: How does it differentiate from what Anna Levesque has been doing for a while now?
TF: Anna does a great job of getting more women to try the sport. I think the River Angels are into getting women to delve deeper and push that little bit harder for the dreams they can see, but do not know how to get there!
KS: Why are there relatively few female paddlers do you think? And more importantly, do you think this will change?
TF: Yes it will change, it already has, especially with the improved boat designs. I think our biggest battle is that we need to change the general perception that whitewater kayaking is scary. Because in reality we all know that class two or three is not scary. I believe with the development of whitewater parks it will increase the number of women in the sport.
KS: What does the future hold for you in terms of being a full time kayaker?
TF: More sweet times. I guess my main focus right now is to explore the Kimberley’s more, with another first decent planned for this coming March. And also work on Papua New Guinea as my next area to unlock. I feel as if I can get better at freestyle as well, pushing to link more combination moves. Also to work with the girls on developing the River Angels.
Thanks Tanya. All the best and keep charging.
Kimberley’s mission 2007
Sling Air King Edward River Expedition
www.riverangels.com
www.feedtherat.com/waterfalldreaming
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