Sabrina
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Burloak Athlete Spotlight
Athlete: Sabrina
Age: 12
Program: Elementary Kayak
When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I started paddling when I was 8 years old, in the canoe kids program. I am in my fourth year of the elementary program now, but I participate in some of the high-performance practices.
How did you hear about BCC?
My brother and sister, Aidan and Teagan, joined the club when they were younger which inspired me to join as well.
What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
Since my siblings were paddling in the sport, I would hear all about it and watch them at competitions (regattas). It allowed me to see how the club runs and how much fun it truly is.
What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
The biggest surprise for me was how tippy the boats were, and how difficult it was to stay up in one to race. Especially the more modern and new boats which are skinnier, faster, and mean for high level athletes.
Do you play any other sports?
I swim competitively for the Oakville swim club, and also play house league soccer in the summers.
What is your training schedule like?
I paddle in the spring, summer, and fall. In the summer it’s 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday with the elementary group and on Wednesday and Saturday morning with High Performance.
I basically train year round because in the winter, spring, and fall I train hard in swimming, with lots of competitions. It gets crazy in June when I start paddling as well as finishing off swimming competitions for long course meets.
Do you eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
I like to make sure that I am not eating too much for risk of getting a stomach ache while paddling. But I also make sure I eat and drink enough to be ready for a day of training. I find watermelon and certain juicy fruits are good because they are easy to digest.
What do you like about paddling?
I love water sports an being outside all day. As well as racing and competing, I love having so much to focus on and think of while racing. Always having something to improve on and a way to get better and faster. I have always liked kayaking because I am low to the water and can focus on every little part of good technique, and how to move through the water.
What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
I think the hardest thing about training and racing is when you have a bad day or a bad race because it really brings you down. But I overcome it be reassuring myself that next time I will work and try harder.
What goals have you set for yourself?
My goals for paddling are to keep doing my best to be a good kayaker, in terms of technique, stability, and perseverance in paddling, but mainly to keep improving as an athlete.
What has been the highlight of your paddling career so far?
The highlight of my paddling career so far has been the experience of being in a high level sport with great coaches and friends, and being able to compete for a great club. One thing that stands out for me was winning Provincials in 2019 in the K1 500m - it was truly proof that if I try my best and work at it anything is possible. I also finished in first place this summer at the Ontario Virtual Championships in the U12 women’s kayak 500m and 1000m events.
Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
A favourite memory for me was winning Provincials last year because when I finished the race, I had no idea if I had won or not, but I knew that I had tried my best. When I paddled into the dock one of my coaches, Annie, and my friends told me that I had won the race! I was so happy and proud to have earned the gold medal in the K1 500m for U12 girls.
Do you have any advice for other considering the sport of paddling? My advice would be to just trust yourself in being able to do anything and to never give up. Something that has also really helped me in paddling is to always listen to your coaches. One other thing that helps for being comfortable in a boat and being able to experiment with drills and your stroke is to never be afraid of tipping or falling into the water. You always learn from not only your mistakes but from pushing and challenging yourself.
Do you have anything else you want to share? I’m just really excited to get back to the normal routine of paddling at the Burloak Canoe Club, and looking forward to competing at all the regattas again. Just know that if you put your mind to something and try your very hardest always, you can do anything!
