Teagan

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Teagan

Age: 17

Program:  High Performance Canoe

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I started paddling in 2013 when I was 10, in the canoe kids program.

How did you hear about BCC?
I started paddling because my older brother Aidan was paddling.

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
My first impressions of the club were that it was a summer camp where you could have fun but you also had to work and train hard. I thought it was cool that the sport is both an individual sport and a team sport.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
I didn’t know that there was such a thing as a war canoe which has 15 people all in the same boat.

Do you play any other sports?
Before I did paddling I was a competitive swimmer but I left that sport when I decided to join the paddling club full time. In grades 9 and 10 I was also on the field hockey team.

What is your training schedule like?
It depends on the season, but it ranges from 6 practices a week to 10.

During on water season, I have morning and afternoon practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and only morning practice on Wednesday and Saturday. During the off water season I have afternoon practices Monday through Saturday.

Do you eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
I have learned that before racing or time controls it is good to have carbs for energy, and to eat a good source of protein after workouts to build muscle.

What do you like about paddling?
I like that paddling is a sport done outside, and I also like competing at regattas.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
I think the hardest part is being able to train as much as we do and not get so exhausted that we can can’t train hard. I am still working on this, but I have learned to listen to my body and make sure to take it easy when needed.

What goals have you set for yourself?
My goal is to medal at Nationals in an individual race.

What has been the highlight of your paddling career so far?
Making the Ontario Team which provided a lot of fun training opportunities, and more competitions.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
One of my favourite memories is when we did a mixed C4 race at the Balmy Beach Regatta. It was really fun to race with teammates we’ve never raced with before and to go fast. Another memory that stands out for me is medalling in all my crew boats at Nationals in 2019.

Do you have any advice for other considering the sport of paddling? Advice I would give to someone new to the sport would be to always shake off a bad race and focus on the next one. You can always come back to the bad race later and think about what you can do to improve, but you should not let it affect your other races.

Do you have anything to share with someone considering the sport? Paddling is a really awesome sport to be involved in and we need more women’s canoe paddlers, so if you’re a girl reading this, join us and become a canoer!

Sabrina

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!

Carson

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Carson

Age: 15

Program:  High Performance Kayak

When did you start paddling at Burloak?
I started at Burloak in the summer of 2018 in the Elementary program.

How did you hear about BCC?
My family knew about the club and about Olympians Adam Van Koeverden and Mark Oldershaw training there.

What is your descipline?
I am a kayaker, but I’ve also had the opportunity to race in C4 (4 person canoe) and war canoe (14 person canoe).

What were your first impressions of the club and the sport?
I saw the High Performance athletes training at the club, and was shocked by how hard they were working. As a fellow athlete, I had a massive respect for all those paddlers right from the beginning. I later learned it wasn’t as easy as they made it look, but I worked my way up, and now train with some of those athletes I saw on my first day.

What was the biggest surprise to you about the sport?
I was surprised about all the different kind of boats there are. I just assumed that there would be only one type of canoe, and one type of kayak. I definitely learned this was not true when my coach let me try out their boat. I was extremely fast for half a second, then I fell out!

Do you play any other sports?
Yes, alpine ski racing, soccer, and a bit of football as well.

What do you like about paddling?
I love how I can test the limit of how hard I can work, and there is always something new I can learn to make myself faster.

I also like how your times are comparable to others, as well as to yourself. For example, when I am ski racing, every race course is different and the course naturally changes throughout the day. At a paddling regatta, everyone has the same distance, and the weather conditions affect everyone on the water at the same time, and in the same way. All the racers have an even playing field, and nobody gets an unfair advantage. This also means you can record and compare your personal best times.

Do you eat anything specific for training as a paddler?
Carbs for energy, and protein for muscle repair. I also suffer through the vegetables my parents force upon me.

How often do you train?
In the summer I train twice a day, almost every day. Weekday practices are at 7:30am and 4:00pm, and Saturday practices are at 9:00am. We usually have Wednesday, Saturday, and sometimes Friday afternoons off, as well as all day Sunday off. My summer training includes paddling, running, lifting weights, and/or a conditioning workout.

During the fall and winter, I train weekdays after school. Most weekends I am away skiing, but if I am in Oakville I go to Saturday morning practice.

What is the hardest part of the sport for you, and how do you overcome it?
The hardest part for me is staying mentally focused, especially when I am working at my peak exertion. To overcome this, I clear my mind of distractions and focus on the technical work my coaches have taught me.

What goals have you set for yourself?
To be honest, I want to win and be the fastest I can be.

What has been the highlight of your paddling career so far?
Ontario championships in Ottawa in 2019 was a highlight for me. I enjoyed competing in crew boats with my teammates and watching all my other teammates compete, as well as setting a personal best.

Do you have any favourite memories that stand out?
I couldn’t pick just one favourite moment at BCC. There are so many awesome experiences I have had at regattas, on the water training, and at the club hanging out. Even our Zoom workouts, during the initial months of COVID-19 lockdown before we got back to the water. There are too many that I have already had, and I can’t wait to make more in the future.

Chloe

Burloak Athlete Spotlight

Athlete:  Chloe

Age: 14

Program:  High Performance 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.

Do you eat anything specific for training as a paddler? I make sure to get lots of high protein foods after practice.

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 eventually 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.

Ingrid

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.