Shawn

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Shawn

Program:  High Performance, canoe

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I started 7 years ago. I started out in the Canoe Kids summer program, then Youth Sprint, and I’ve just recently moved into High Performance.

Did you know anyone at the club before you started? If not, how easy was it to make friends?
I knew 2 friends that paddled before I started paddling. We hang out all the time and enjoy paddling and working out together.

How did you hear about BCC?
My mom had friends whose children were in the club, and my mom thought I would really enjoy it.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
My first impressions were that everyone was really kind and helpful at showing new people the basics of paddling, like how not to fall into the water.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
The biggest surprise to me about this sport was how hard it is to balance in a boat but every time it gets much easier.

Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
I eat a decent amount to have enough energy before training. I make sure to eat early enough so I don’t get cramps, which aren’t pleasant. I also eat a lot of protein before paddling so my body is able to create the muscle it needs.

Do you play any other sports?
I used to play soccer since both training times were different. I would finish paddling, eat a little, then go to soccer. I’ve recently decided to focus on paddling so won’t be doing soccer.

What is your training schedule like?
Last summer, during on water season, I did high performance in the morning. I then had a bit of time off, did elementary practice with my friends in the afternoon, and then trained with high performance again.

Right now during off water season I have practice six days a week, some days only once, and some twice. Training varies between running, weights, yoga, and technique work.

Did you compete this past summer? If so, how often and at what events?
I competed last summer in U14 mens C4, C2, and C1, and war canoe. Some races were really successful while others need some improvement.

Did the club/coaches hold any other events/friendly competitions for the team this year?
We didn’t host any, but we went to a friendly regatta at the start of the summer. After that were Provincial qualifiers and then Provincials.

What do you like about paddling?
I like having friends that all enjoy the same thing. Also paddling is about training and it feels really good after completing a workout to know that you're finished.

Canoeing has always been a passion for me because of the technique required. You really have to pay attention to your movement, but when you do and it pays off, it’s fun.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
I find the hardest part are the negative thoughts that make you feel you're too tired. But if you really enjoy the sport and want to get better, you just have to push the thoughts away and focus on training.

What goals have you set for yourself?
My current goal is to make it to Nationals. Next summer I’ll be working on improving my technique and strength to be able to accomplish this goal. I am going to the weights gym multiple times a week either at school, or at paddling.

What has been the highlight of your paddling career so far?
Getting to race crews (crew boats of 2, 4, or 14 people) and competing in my first 10km race in Welland.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
One of my favourite memories is from 2019 when my team won third in the Ontario war canoe race. Everyone was so happy to stand on the podium together.

What has the club and program meant for you during COVID-19?
The club was a place where I could go and have fun training after a long day of school.

Do you have any advice for others considering the sport of paddling?
My advice for anyone wanting to try the sport is that if you remember to balance the "on water" training with "technique training" it pays off at the end of the day.

Glen

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Glen B

Program:  Masters, canoe

How long have you been paddling?
Would you believe I've paddled for 50-plus years... I took most of the 80s off when my children were young.

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I paddled as a youth and into my thirties and after moving to Burlington and learning that Burloak had a Masters thing going... I then got hooked again in my forties.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
My first impression of Burloak was 'look at all these old Masters having so much fun out on the Creek'... and I realized I had been missing out for the previous 10 years after I had settled in Burlington.

My first impression of the sport came as a kid of 10 years old when my father (a former oarsman) took me down to the Lachine Racing Canoe Club (Montreal area) home regatta and I knew right then that my life calling was to be in a war canoe race.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
One of the biggest surprises was while waiting behind the start line for my upcoming Masters C-1 1000m race at Nationals. The Junior Mens war canoe was the next race and when those nine war canoe crews exploded at the starter’s gun, I felt an amazingly strong blast of energy erupt. It blew me away. I had no idea, prior to that moment, that war canoe starts were so dynamic and that I had been a part of it in my youth.

Do you do any other sports? How do you balance both sports?
I played most sports but mastered none of them. As a youth paddler, I also ran track at high school (400m, 800m, and the Mile) with some success and that training helped prep me for the cardio required for the canoeing season. During the paddling season, my teammates and I spent hours at our club in Lachine.

How often do you train, and what does training look like for you?
During the summer a typical Masters season would find me on the water five times a week from May through mid-October. This current winter season, I've been able to maintain five workouts per week.

Do you have to compete? If so, how often?
Yes, I definitely feel I have to compete in order to maintain the discipline to train. Without that incentive, I might become a couch potato. As a Master, racing up to three times a summer satisfies my need.

What is the hardest part of training or racing and how do you overcome it?
The hardest part of training for me is trying to bring my 'old-style' technique into the new millennium and it is something I struggle with.

What do you like most about paddling?
The most enjoyable thing for me, is the friendships I have developed and have been lucky to maintain... 'through the waters to friendship'. As I sit here, I count eleven former Lachine crew-mates that I am still in touch with today (and I haven't paddled at Lachine since 1970).The same goes for my crew-mates with whom I paddled at West Rouge Canoe Club where a winning war canoe crew in 1973 (a crew that contended very well nationally for three seasons) set the depth of friendship that has kept eight of us tight even to today.

My twenty-five years at Burloak has established similar friendships. A guy can't ask for more than that. There's something about engaging with crew-mates through the struggles of training to succeed that has you stand together for life.

Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
Uh oh... I wouldn't make it as a competitive paddler today where they apply such focus on food groups... no chips, no sweets... I fail again.

Do you have some favourite memories that stand out?
My first real thrill was pulling on the Lachine red and white striped jersey at my first regatta as a proud thirteen year old and feeling the history of that successful old club sitting on my shoulders and guiding me forward.

Another big thrill, of course, was winning the Black (the John W. Black trophy awarded to the winning Jr Mens C4 1000m) with my Lachine crew-mates on Mooney's Bay.

Then there was winning Junior war canoe with West Rouge which at that time was a very small village on the Rouge River and eleven of those fourteen paddlers came from that small village and took on the Nation without looking back. That was a big thrill as we would've been considered long shots to win but, again, the crew camaraderie that we built worked its magic.

What has the club and program meant for you during COVID-19?
During 2020 when CKC/COVID banned war canoe outings, there was a large void in my summer fun but the club has done exceptionally well, both last year and this year, in getting us on the water. I sure have missed the excitement of a multi-crew war canoe race, and hope there's another one or two of those in my future.

What are your goals for paddling? How are you working to achieve them?
At my age of 74, my goals are pretty basic... keep getting out on the Creek for as long as I can.

Do you have any advice for others considering the sport of paddling?
Please do consider paddling as a serious option in your list of potential activities. Before a newbie Masters kicks the tires and walks away, we always encourage them to keep going past the first few weeks and to hang on in war canoe outings. There is a world of wonder waiting for you in canoeing, and once you’ve felt the excitement of being on the starting line in a war canoe race, there’ll be no turning back.

Hang on to your hat and enjoy the ride!

Chloé

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Chloé

Program:  High Performance Sprint, kayak

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I started in 2019 in the War Canoe Challenge.

How did you hear about BCC?
I heard about the club from neighbours who are members of Burloak.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
I went to an Open House and I thought it looked like a sport I really wanted to try. When I started paddling, I found that everyone was welcoming and encouraging.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
I was really excited that we got to continue training through the winter, even though we aren't on the water. I really like training in the paddle pool.

Do you play any other sports?
I play field hockey at school and am also on the school swim team.

What is your training schedule like?
During the summer I paddle six days a week, both morning and afternoon most days. Training includes on-water as well as weight training. During the off season I train six days a week, once a day and do weights, running, and paddle pool.

What do you like about paddling?
I like that you can race and train individually and in crews. I also really like that it’s a sport where you can really challenge and push yourself all the time, both physically and mentally.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
For me, one of the hardest parts of training was getting used to the morning and afternoon practices in the summer. I have to make sure to remind myself to rest properly, eat proper foods, and stay hydrated during the day to ensure that I’m ready for afternoon practice.

What goals have you set for yourself?
To qualify for Nationals.

What has been the highlight of your paddling career so far?
Getting to race crews (crew boats of 2, 4, or 14 people) and completing in my first 10km in Welland.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
Racing in Ottawa last summer was great, and I love meeting new people at my club.

Do you have any advice for others considering the sport of paddling?
Go for it! It’s a great sport where you’ll be surrounded by supportive and encouraging athletes and coaches.

Kim

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Kim Stephen

Program:  Masters, canoe

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I'm heading into my 24th season!!

How did you get started at Burloak?
Way back in 1998, I was looking to get into another competitive sport... this time a warmer sport as opposed to spending all my time in arenas, like I did in high school on the competitive Burlington Ice Image Precision Skating team. I had looked into rowing... but their practices were in the wee hours of the morning - which wasn't too appealing at the time. I then found the canoe club which combined the physical activity, competitive opportunity and social atmosphere I was looking for!

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
First impressions of the club: Just Cool! I remember walking through the boat house for the first time and looking at all the boats, in particular the War Canoe, and thinking how cool it was that I would get to paddle them (ok, 23 yrs later and still never been in the IC4... lol). The Masters group was a real eclectic group, and still is, which is one of the characteristics that has always appealed to me.

First impressions of paddling: I can't believe how much balance it takes!! Like any 'newbie' who comes down thinking they know how to paddle a canoe, I had grown up pleasure canoeing on camping trips. So I was definitely put in my place when I found out I had to kneel on ONE KNEE IN A LUNGE POSITION... on a little cushion... and KEEP IN STROKE... and DON'T TOUCH THE GUNNELS if you lose your balance!

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport of paddling?
The first year I paddled I didn't attend CanMas (Canadian Masters). The second year, in 1999, Nationals was in Ottawa and that's when I realized how huge the sport was in Canada. Until then, I didn't realize how many youth and Masters the sport attracted. It was quite an exhilarating experience and has kept me coming back each year.

How often do you train and what does training look like for you?
I train with the Masters group pretty much every time slot the club offers. In the summer this is typically 5-6 times per week, and in the winter 3 times a week. I also enjoy yoga, cycling, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing when not on the water or lifting weights.

Do you have to compete, and if so, how often?
Over the years the number of regattas that contain Masters races have sadly decreased, so I do try to get to most of them, including Canmas. In all my years I have only missed 2 Canmas regattas.

What is the hardest part of training or racing and how do you overcome it?
THE C1 (one person canoe) START!!! ... and I haven't overcome it... maybe this is my year...

What do you like about paddling?
I love the oasis of 16 Mile Creek! You get to leave your work day behind and focus on the workout, working as a team to beat the other crew (let's face it, if two or more boats are on the water it's a race). Then socializing with friends over spaghetti and a 'beverage'... what could be better than that?

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
This sport, this club, and these paddlers I call friends have enriched my life over the last 23 years with many a good time... although I can't recall some of the racing moments as precisely as Glen or Barry...

• #1 meeting my husband Drew Stephen who helped coach the Masters at the time.
• For many many years, Drew was the National Canmas Coordinator. I remember the fax machine in his basement going nuts when all the entries would be sent in. Then began the task of deciphering the hand writing and entering them in the computer—what a task! Coaches definitely have worse hand writing than doctors!
• The many Friday night excursions to dance clubs on the weekend of Canmas... against coaches orders to get a good nights sleep.
• Pre-Canmas 'bonding' dinners and all the sketchy Canmas hotels/motels that have fuelled our stories over the years.
• The races that were and the races that weren't... if the course had been 10m more we would have had them!
• Our ladies C4 crew... especially that crazy race in Dartmouth when the black storm clouds and extreme wind rolled in and blew us down the course... that was one fast race!!
• Years spent strategizing for the perfect glide and race pace with my C2 partner Natalie.
• Going up and down 16 Mile Creek with a bunch of friends, rain or shine, sweltering hot or finger numbing cold.

What has the club and program meant to you during COVID-19?
I've never had so much C1 time as this past year! No complaints though, we were just glad to be on the water. A crazy group of us have been working out outside all winter long with an amazing selection of great playlists to keep us motivated—those cold spring War Canoe practices will be a piece of cake when things get back to normal! A few cross country ski/snowshoe outings and lots of long walks have made for a well rounded winter.

Thank goodness the Club managed to rise to the challenge of COVID-19!! The 2020 Masters program provided a core group of us who paddle single boats a reason to celebrate! Paddling was a welcome break from a full day of WebEx meetings and the general uncertainty that swirled around us beyond the club bounds.

Despite not being able to play in the crew boats, the coaches planned and executed a terrific summer program that challenged us physically and also gave us the social sustenance we so craved.

I’m looking forward to another great year of paddling with my friends!!

Mitch

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Mitch

Program:  High Performance Sprint, kayak

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
Eleven years ago.

How did you hear about BCC?
My mom, being a high school teacher, had students that were paddlers and thought that I might enjoy it!

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
It was different. None of my friends paddled so it was completely new. I also couldn’t believe how hard it was to balance a boat!

What were your first years in the sport like? Did you have any specific struggles?
I started when I was 13 which was a bit later than some so it was a bit tough to catch up to the people that had been paddling since they were 8.

What is your training schedule like?
I train a standard 6 days a week for the sport; 10-12 paddles a week, 3 weights sessions, and 3 runs.

What is it about the sport of paddling that inspires you?
Spending time outside is one of my favourite pastimes so paddling works great with that! I also really like pushing myself physically, feeling exhausted, being sore the next day etc., and paddling checks those boxes no doubt.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
For a long time, the hardest part of training was balancing a training schedule with jobs, school, other sports and a social life. I overcame it by really managing my time well and being efficient with everything I do.

What is your favourite event?
This is a tough one but I think I’d have to say War Canoe 500m. So much pain haha.

Do you remember what event you won your first medal for?
I think it was a bronze medal for Bantam Men’s War Canoe at the 2011 Trillium Regatta.

What inspired you to set your sights on the Olympics?
Trying to qualify for the Olympics is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I realized that it was kind of a now or never thing. Grad school and jobs can wait; it doesn’t make a difference if you do it at 23 or 26. Whereas being a high-performance athlete is time-sensitive and certain opportunities only last so long.

You recently participated in Olympic team selection. How did you prepare for the event, and how do you feel about your performance?
Going into Olympic trials was different than any other competition I’ve done before. Especially since I was living and training with my competitors. Tensions were high; a lot of people had invested tons of time and money into this goal. Everyone has their strategies to cope with stress, personally I always focus on having fun, at the end of the day that’s why I’m here and that’s why I paddle—because I enjoy it!

I was really happy with my performance. I had never been to a NTTs #1* before and the last NTTs I had participated in I didn’t even make a final. My performance proved to my coaches, peers and myself that I am capable of achieving great results.

*National Team Trials (NTT #1 selects competition crews)

How does it feel to compete as one of the best, with the best, in the country? Does it intimidate you or motivate you?
To be honest I don’t often think about that too much. My coach keeps me quite humble haha. When I’m out training with my group I just think of them as friends and training partners. Recently with some of my training partners being nominated to the Olympic team, it does feel kind of surreal that people that I know closely will be Olympians. It definitely motivates me, if I can keep up with these soon-to-be Olympians during 70"/20"s (a classic workout) maybe it’ll be my turn soon.

Do you have some favourite memories that stand out?
Making the Burloak Senior Men’s War Canoe for the first time, winning U19 War Canoe, and Canada Games.

What has the Burloak Canoe Club and program meant for you?
Starting my paddling career at a canoe club with multiple Olympians set the stage for excellence. Right in front of me I could watch the best of the best and see what was needed to be done to reach that level. Most importantly, Burloak provided a venue for me to meet some of my best friends and form lifelong relationships <3.

How do your coaches inspire and support you?
I’ve been lucky to have multiple coaches help me reach my goals. I’ve certainly taken an unconventional route when it comes to paddling and luckily many of my coaches have been very accommodating of the path I wanted to take.

What has your experience been as a paddler and member of the LGBTQ2S+ community?
Overall I would say it has been a positive experience. It gets easier with time but I still have those moments where I get anxious. I’m lucky that my sexuality hasn’t pushed me out of sport and that for the most part I am accepted by my peers.

How can each of us contribute to creating a safer, more inclusive space in sport for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community?
The list is endless. Educate yourself, listen, speak up for others, call people out, be empathetic and be patient.

If you could give your younger self, and all the younger queer canoe kayak athletes out there some advice, what would it be?
I know it’s scary but just be yourself. People will love you, praise you and be inspired by you. I know you think that people will make fun of you but in reality those who choose to bully you will be the ones left out, not you. When you do a Marilyn Monroe impression, sing Believe by Cher wearing bright red nail polish in front of the entire national team, no one will be making fun of you, actually, they’ll be wishing they had the confidence to do what you do. By being yourself you will inspire more people than you even know <3.

Federico

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Federico

Program:  Youth Sprint, canoe

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I started two years ago, and I’m looking forward to starting again in May.

How did you get started at Burloak?
I tried Canoe Kids and I liked it, so I moved up to Youth Sprint.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
I thought the sport was hard and it took a lot of patience to learn how to balance and paddle correctly. My first impression of the club was that it was very welcoming and engaging.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport of paddling?
When you finish a canoe race and you feel like you want to throw up because you worked so hard.

Do you play any other sports?
I also play hockey and golf. I don’t have my golf schedule yet, and haven’t done all three at the same time yet, so I haven’t figured out how I will balance them out this year.

How often do you train and what does training look like for you?
In the winter I run outdoors, play hockey and do some basement HIIT workouts. I exercise 4 to 5 times a week. In the summer, I paddle and play golf. I also do a lot of outdoor activities and sports.

What is the hardest part about paddling?
The hardest part is not throwing up after doing a 500m sprint. I overcome this by taking deep breaths and focusing on my target.

What do you like about paddling?
I like how paddling is very challenging and there is always room for improvement. My favourite aspect of the sport is experiencing the world from the water, somewhere that you don’t usually go. It’s like a whole different world.

What are your goals for paddling? How are you working to achieve them?
My goal is to get a better time in my 500m sprint. I can achieve this by always practicing and training, both mentally and physically, for it.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
One of my favourite memories is the day I experienced canoeing for the first time. I used to only kayak, and did not know the difference. I remember the amazing feeling of being taller and the smoothness of the boat gliding through the water.

I also remember with lots of joy the day when we were trying to tip our coaches Brook and Cat off the banana boats!

What has the club and program meant to you during COIVD-19?
I am happy that I got to do something during the pandemic, as most of my other sports were cancelled. So having something to do was pleasing… and fun!

Do you have any advice for others considering the sport of paddling?
My advice would be to try your best. It is a hard sport but it is fun, and most people who try it enjoy it.

Arturo

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Arturo

Program:  Youth Sprint, kayak

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I have been paddling for 2 years now.

How did you get started at Burloak?
I got started in canoe kids.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
Paddling is a tough sport that requires patience and perseverance. The club felt welcoming and homey, like a big family.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport of paddling?
The amount of strength needed to paddle long distances.

Do you play any other sports?
Due to covid-19 I am not in any other sports, but I do train at home.

How often do you train and what does training look like for you?
I train four to five days a week. In the summer, I train outdoors, running or doing some functional exercises. I swim as well. In winter I train in my basement (HIIT training, skate when available) and run outdoors.

What is the hardest part about paddling?
The hardest part is overcoming being lazy, and yes, coping with lactic acid in my legs. I overcome it by thinking positively, pushing myself and stretching.

Adam

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Adam

Age: 19

Program:  High Performance Sprint, kayak

When did you get started at Burloak?
I started at Burloak in grade 8 and have been paddling for 7 years now.

Are you on any other special training teams aside from Burloak’s club team?
I’m also on the Ontario Team, which I had to qualify for, and which provides me with extra opportunities to train and compete.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
I liked the club because it was a fun place to hang out with my friends in the summer all day and also get to compete with them at the same time.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
I think the biggest surprise to me was how much you actually use your legs in a kayak, it looks like it's only your arms but there's a lot more legs and core than I would've guessed.

Did/do you do any other sports in addition to paddling?
I played a lot of sports when I was younger, and when I started paddling I was still playing rep hockey. I would play hockey in the winter and come to Burloak in the spring and summer. In high school I was able to fit in track and field into my paddling schedule. Taking university classes right now hasn't left a load of time so I am currently only paddling, but am enjoying trying out cross country skiing to stay in shape over the winter.

What is your training schedule like?
In the summer I paddle twice a day and do either weights or a run. Wednesday and Saturday afternoons are normally off, and Sunday we don’t train. During the summer there are regattas many weekends so if the weekend was hard racing Monday will be easier or sometimes even off. During the winter training is a little different because it’s mostly weights and running. This year I have been skiing a lot as well. Our Winter schedule involves yoga or mobility sessions in the mornings then runs or weights in the afternoons.

Do you compete? If so, how often and at what level?
Although this past year we only competed at Provincial Virtual Championships because of COVID, most summers it feels like I race almost every other weekend. The events are mostly local races, but I also compete at qualifying events, team trials, and provincial and national level races.

What has been your biggest struggle of training and how have you overcome it?
I think my biggest struggles in training over the past few years have been trying to stay healthy and being a little bit more responsible with my body. I have had to take my mobility and stretching a lot more serious recently and think more about what I'm doing as the workload does sometimes get pretty intense, and I was getting pretty beat up before.

What do you like about paddling?
Probably my favourite part of paddling is getting to spend all summer with my friends. We’re at the canoe club so often that you get really close with the friends you train with so spending all summer with them is great.

Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
I used to eat a pretty terrible diet as a paddler but now I just try and eat plenty of veggies and protein, although I’m not very strict about my diet.

What are some favourite memories that stand out?
One of the memories that stands out was racing K2 at nationals in Regina because my K2 partner Liam and I did a lot better than we expected. Medalling was a little unexpected and exciting.

What are your goals for paddling and how are you working to achieve them?
Right now I’m trying to keep competing at the level I am and to continue getting faster, while balancing my university workload.

Do you have any advice for others considering the sport of paddling?
I think my advice for people looking to start is to not be afraid to just start, and to understand that sometimes tipping is part of learning.

After taking a year off before university, you’re now in your first year. How have you been able to adapt your training schedule to fit your course load?
Adapting training to my school has been surprisingly easy as my online schedule is fairly flexible and the coaches have given me plenty of options for training times. Even in my year off when I was working 8 hour days at my job, Adam and Hunter helped me work out a schedule that allowed me to train full time as well.

Do you plan to continue paddling throughout university?
I do plan to keep paddling throughout university, I'm not 100% about what my goals are for the future of the sport but I enjoy the sport a lot. Most of my best friends are in the sport, I really like competing, and it’s a really great way to stay in shape.

Family Profile

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Hilton, Hugh, Audrey, and Iris are siblings that have all chosen to participate in the programs at the Burloak Canoe Club. Each making their own way as paddlers, they are enjoying the experiences they’ve had so far, and the environment at the club.

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Hilton and Hugh are in their second year paddling at Burloak, having left competitive gymnastics in 2019 with a skill set well suited to their new sport.

Now as part of the Youth Sprint group, they’re making their mark, finishing in the top two spots for U12 boys in Ontario at this summer’s Power Ranking challenge.

Hilton & Hugh

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
Hilton: My first impression of the club was that the environment was welcoming. All of the people I met were very kind and the coaches are great.

Hugh: My first impression of the club was that everyone was very kind and it felt like a positive environment.

Do you play any other sports?
Hilton: When I first started paddling I had just stopped competitive gymnastics, training 20 hours a week. I was also swimming 3x week. Outside of paddling, I currently don’t do any other competitive sports. However, I play soccer, swim, rock climb, and enjoy running.

Hugh: When I first started at Burloak Canoe Club I did swimming, a bit of soccer and rock climbing and I had just left competitive gymnastics where I trained 20 hours a week. I’m not currently doing any other sports, partly due to COVID

How often do you train and what does training look like for you?
Hilton and Hugh: During the summer we train Monday to Friday 10:00am - 3:00pm, and sometimes Saturdays and early mornings. This past summer, our group would go on the water for half of the day and dry-land train for the rest of the day. Last winter we went to the club 2-4 days a week for mobility exercise or circuit training workouts. We also did some running. This fall and winter we are doing online team workouts at home and running outside.

Do you have to compete, and if so, how often?
Hilton: In the summer of 2019 I competed a couple of times. My first races were at WODs (Western Ontario Divisional Championships) and then Provincials in Ottawa. Both events were great experiences. This past summer our competitions were modified due to COVID. Our times were submitted online and it was fun to see the results.

Hugh: I have competed only twice, during the summer of 2019, at WOD’s and Provincials. Regattas are a lot of fun. This year, our competitions had to be modified because of COVID. Our Coaches organized online time trials/regattas and it was a great way to keep us motivated.

What do you like about paddling?
Hilton: I love how this sport makes me feel. Working hard, being outside, paddling on the water—always makes me feel awesome.

Hugh: I love the environment of paddling. I love to be outdoors and I love water sports.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
Hugh: The hardest part of training is the tiredness throughout a workout. However, all of the tiredness feels worth it after you have completed the workout.

Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
Hilton: I don’t eat anything specific, but LOTS of healthy food and water is very important!

Hugh: As a paddler, I do not eat anything specific, but I try to eat healthy and give my body enough energy to fuel my sport.

What are your goals for paddling? How are you working to achieve them?
Hilton: My goal is to continue to improve my form and become faster. I listen to my coaches’ critiques and try my best to apply that to my paddling.

Hugh: My goals for paddling are to get stronger and faster. I’m going to work to achieve this by trying my hardest as I train and taking all of the advice I am given by my coaches.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
Hilton: Paddling is a lot harder than it looks!

Hugh: At first, I was surprised by how difficult paddling can be.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
Hugh: My favourite memories of paddling are racing. After I finish a race I feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness.

Do you have any advice for someone new to the sport of paddling?
Hilton: Paddling is definitely a challenging sport, but it can be very rewarding and lots of fun. I’d highly recommend trying it out!

Hugh: Paddling is a very rewarding sport. Although it may be difficult at times, after practice you feel great and racing is lots of fun.

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Inspired by their brothers, Audrey and Iris joined the Burloak Canoe Club in 2020. Older sister Audrey started paddling with the Sprint Starter group before moving into the Performance group for the fall session. Iris attended one week of Canoe Kids and while she admits that, at 7 years old she’s too young to be a serious paddler, she hopes to attend Canoe Kids again next summer.

Audrey

How did you get started at Burloak?
I started paddling at the beginning of summer 2020. I had trained in Ballet for 11 years and was looking for a new challenge. My brothers, Hugh and Hilton, were already paddling at Burloak and after seeing them paddle, I decided that this was something that I wanted to try.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
My first impression of this club was that the people were friendly. Paddling seemed like a sport that would push me to my fullest potential physically.

What do you like about paddling?
I really enjoy being on the water and exercising outdoors.

Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
Paddling requires lots of energy—so definitely lots of food.

Do you have any advice for someone new to the sport of paddling?
I would recommend anyone considering this sport to give it a try!

Iris

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
I thought the club was lots of fun and paddling on the water made me feel very happy. All of the coaches were friendly and the people were welcoming.

Do you play any other sports?
During the year I do ballet. I also love swimming and playing volleyball.

What do you like about paddling?
My favourite thing about paddling is that it’s outdoors and on the water.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
At Canoe Kids Camp, I loved going in the Banana Boats and paddling in the speed kayaks. My favourite memory was when I beat my coach in a race!

Do you have any advice for someone new to the sport of paddling?
I think whoever tries paddling will love it!

Nathan

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Nate

Age: 16

Program:  High Performance Canoe

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
Six years ago.

How did you get started at Burloak?
My Dad was a paddler for many years and he introduced me to the sport.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
The club is a very inclusive space and a close group of people who support one another. I felt comfortable right away. The sport felt difficult at first because I tipped a lot but it is very rewarding once you learn the technique.

Do you play any other sports?
Yes, I’ve recently finished 11 years of competitive hockey.

How often do you train and what does training look like for you?
I train 2-3 times per day throughout the summer, and during the winter I train 2 times a day although training looks different since we are not on the water.

Do you have to compete, and if so, how often?
I don’t have to compete but I chose to since I love the sport. I compete in about 7 or 8 regattas a year. Regattas are a great way to test your limits and to see friends from across the different clubs.

What do you like about paddling?
It constantly pushes my limits. It’s rewarding to see the gains from training hard.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
For me the hardest part of training would be to keep your head up after having a bad day. Not every day is perfect and that’s okay.
The hardest part of racing is managing nerves before the race and being able to clear your mind so that you can follow your race plan.

Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
Diet is important because of the volume of training, this is something that I am still working on.

What are your goals for paddling? How are you working to achieve them?
I would like to compete internationally at some point but there is a lot of work to do be tween now and then. 2020 has been a bit of a setback so I am looking forward to the next racing season.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
Making the podium as the underdogs for Men’s 1000m C4 (4 person canoe) at Nationals in Regina in 2019, and going to my first training camp in Florida.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
It is a highly competitive sport but your competitors become some of your closest friends.

Do you have any advice for someone new to the sport of paddling?
Even though it might seem hard at first, keep trying! You will figure it out and being on the water is an awesome place to be.