Ingrid
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Burloak Athlete Spotlight
Athlete: Ingrid
Program: Masters
How did you get started at Burloak?
I love water and water sports and really wanted to spend more time on the water in Oakville during the work week when I wasn't at the cottage. In 2012 I wandered down to the Club, was welcomed into trying the sport out, and making it through a War Canoe practise.
I then signed up for winter raining and from that point on I have enjoyed dry land, on water training, valuable coaching advice, being mentored by extraordinary crew mates, and the cherished friendships that enrich my life everyday.
How many years have you been paddling?
I started training seriously in both Canoe and Kayak sprint in 2013, well beyond an athletes’ peak performance years. ;-)
What were your first impressions of the club?
What a gem of a location! The vibe I felt at the club was something special. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to help a rookie get started. Sprint Canoe and Kayak is a unique niche sport so rooted in Canadian history, and Burloak has such a legacy of Olympic champions.
Did you do any other sports when you started?
Yes - tennis, badminton, cycling, golf, swimming, skiing, windsurfing, and running every day for general aerobic fitness.
How often do you train?
Everyday. I love sport and want to make sure my body is ready for the demands of paddling, plus I need to keep up with the Masters group because everyone is so fit, motivated and dedicated.
Do you have to eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
My body prefers an empty tummy before workouts, My favourite post workout food is banana slices topped with crunchy organic peanut butter or spoonfuls of PB right out of the jar.
What does training look like for you during summer?
We have a group of Masters athletes who are out on the creek training at dawn. I love the peaceful, misty early mornings on the creek as the world is just waking up. In the evening I like to join the crew boats and we have dedicated coaches for on water training sessions. Of course the highlights of each week are the War Canoe Practices.
What does training look like for you during winter?
Winter dry land training consists of lots of intense sport specific intervals, core strength workouts and I like to be outside running and cross country skiing in the snow.
Do you have to compete? If so, how often?
Highlights of the Masters Race Schedule are the Missy Regatta, DDRA on Toronto Island, a selection of Club Time Trails and the marquee regatta CANMAS . The on water season caps off with the marquee regatta CANMAS (full name) where our club competes against paddlers from coast to coast. The regatta is hosted at different locations across Canada each year. I had the pleasure of traveling to Washington DC in 2014 with a small group of masters athletes to compete in the historical Middle States Regatta held on the Potomac River with the Washington Monument as the finish line sight marker.
What is the hardest part of training or racing and how do you overcome it?
Balancing a really fun, busy full time job, keeping a structured training schedule and allowing enough body recovery time so I can give it my all during practices. My "go to" technique to overcome the hard parts is to imagine the reassuring confident voice of our coaches in my head shouting " keep it moving, almost there " and knowing my best effort will help our crew have a really good training workout or a successful race.
What do you like about paddling? / What is your favourite aspect of paddling?
It's the camaraderie, and the moments in a crew boat when you are all moving in sync, everything comes together and with each stroke the boat glides powerfully through the water. It’s also the intense pain which comes with intense effort, usually each stroke doesn't feel effortless, and the grit and grace of the sport.
What has been the highlight of your paddling career so far?
The first time I ever tried a C1, no sooner had I wobbled the boat clear of the dock that I rolled sideways and splashed into the creek. I was laughing so hard at how easy it was to capsize. What I am proud of is the incremental improvements I made in paddling that C1 up the creek determined to go farther and put one more paddle stroke together in succession every year. The happiest moments are when I hear words of encouragement, support and coaching and see the smiles from my training partners, coaches and the legends in the sport as I move that C1 boat through the water.
Do you have some favourite memories that stand out? So many great memories of fun times, there is always a good story to tell. One in particular, is in 2017 and the Burloak Masters won the 2017 CANMAS national championships held in Welland. Experiencing the sheer and exuberant joy together with each other. Then there is the shenanigans that went on after, in a time honoured tradition where competing clubs dare to steal the winners sacred Burgee trophy. And that's a story for another time.
What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport? How much I love volunteering as a Director on the Clubs' Board. Contributing and working together with amazing dedicated parents and fellow athletes to ensure we provide the best environment for our amazing coaches and club members. Burloak has an extraordinary history in both grassroots community sport and success at the highest Olympic levels. Working hard side by side to support our coaches, families and athletes to build a positive club environment. Seeing younger and older athletes develop, succeed and shine both on and off the water and the lasting friendships that are made in this truly unique Canadian sport.
Do you have any advice for others considering the sport of paddling? Come on down to the Club, toss off your flip flops, jump in a boat with with some of the coolest, zaniest, fittest and dedicated people you'll ever meet on a creek.
