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Dane Jackson
Dane Jackson by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Men’s K1 Gold
C1 Silver
Photos:
Phil Bulkeley
@philbulkeley
photography
Dane Jackson
Men’s K1 Gold & C1 Silver
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
Hard to pick a moment, but I think the fact that in every class there was so much shuffling of the board in each round, it made it super exciting to watch. The number of people who can put down the biggest rides is getting larger, so each round is becoming harder. It makes the whole competition feel like you need to be ready to go hard, can’t be complacent.
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
My main thoughts was just to work with the time I had, and have the best time possible. This was the first Worlds I knew there were going to be so many paddlers that have trained harder and are gonna be better than me. I didn’t have much training time, and combined with a tricky feature, I knew it was gonna be a challenge to make it all the way through. Though that made it a super fun challenge, having to build my ride, and get my tricks dialled in the feature during the competition. It was definitely an awesome challenge that I haven’t had before, and it made the whole Worlds a different experience. It allowed me to have even more fun since each round I was just stoked to make it through, and therefore more time to keep improving.
Describe the feeling of being a 4-time world champ
It’s pretty wild, I definitely wasn’t expecting to be able to get my fourth title going into this one. This was my one to lose just with so many incredible paddlers there, training for so long before the event, looking epic and consistent. That combined with never being in the top spot in any of the rounds moving forward to the finals, made being able to put down the final ride I needed to move into first, just that much more exciting. So when it ended up being enough to keep the spot, and take the win, it was for sure one of the most stoked times I have been to win!
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
I think the Tricky Woo in small features is a tough move to understand when you are learning, but it also can be a dangerous move in competitions because there are so many things that could stop the judges from giving it to you. As for waves it’s likely the Pistol Flip (Wave McNasty), which has its own style and technique, and can be a tough one to dial in. But once you have it dialled, it is hard to want to throw any other tricks.
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
I personally think a big part of learning freestyle, and becoming great at it, is never feeling like you have figured out a move 100%. Just because you have finally gotten a trick you were working on, or it’s a trick you have known for years, doesn’t mean you are done. There are always ways to improve, and as you improve one trick you may learn something new for another trick. If something isn’t working try it a different way, or set up differently. Even when you work on your offside to get that dialled, that can often render different styles and techniques. Just never settle no matter how long you have known a trick, and that will open the door to getting better. It also makes it fun, because as great as learning a new trick can be, so is trying to get your current tricks as dialled and clean as possible.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
Just get out on the water as much as possible! Definitely got some projects in mind, looking forward to what I can make happen!
If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
There are a few tidal wave locations that could be insane to surf, if there is a solution for the whirlpools.
What have you missed most about home?
England was great, now just stoked to be back with the RV and truck, and onto the next.
Dane Jackson by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Harry Price
Harry Price by Ottilie Robinson-Shaw
Men’s K1 Bronze
Photos:
Ottilie Robinson-Shaw &
Phil Bulkeley
Harry Price
Men’s K1 Bronze
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
For me I really enjoyed watching the world’s best kayakers come to my home whitewater course and paddle the features with different styles and techniques to what is normally seen. I now have a long list of new fun things that I would like to try. I also enjoyed getting to spend time with lots of different people from all over the world.
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
I had quite a few different goals leading into the competition. I had a ride which I have been practicing for a long time which I wanted to perform in the competition. I wanted to paddle with focus and a determination to do as well as possible. Another big goal was to make it into the final of the competition. I don’t feel like I was able to perform the ride I had in my head. However, I had a few moments of flow where I felt like I showcased my paddling. In my final ride after a flush, I had the best 30 seconds of paddling of my life.
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
It is hard to say what the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle is. The nature of the sport means that learning tricks is never ending, once you have learnt a trick there is always another trick to link to it, or you might be able to get more air on it. It is also worth saying that different features make some tricks harder or easier, I think the hardest part is being able to do the tricks in many different places.
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
One of the most important strengths needed to be a good freestyler is mastery motivation. This means you need to be motivated to go paddling just by the thought of learning new things and feeling accomplished by your own progression. Ultimately there are very few extrinsic rewards such as money or fame for being good at freestyle, so you must really enjoy spending time in a boat every day.
Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
I would really like to improve my wave freestyle kayaking. Inspired by multi-discipline athletes such as Ottie, Dane and Tom Dolle I have stated to do a little bit more C1 freestyle. I hope to start paddling a few more rivers and do some expedition style paddling. I have always loved that by paddling a river you get to see the area from a completely different perspective.
If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
There are so many places I would love to go freestyle kayaking. Now I am craving somewhere with warm water, big waves and fun river running. Maybe the Zambezi or the White Nile.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
My plan is to get as good as possible at wave paddling. I am hoping to head out to Columbus, Georgia, for the World Cups and then stay there afterwards for a couple of months. Then I’m looking forward to a winter surfing waves in the UK and France followed by potentially Canadian Stakeout or some other form of big wave paddling in the spring in preparation for the 2023 World Championships in Columbus.
Shouts and thanks?
Big thank you to: Dennis Newton (Sweetwater coaching), Peak Paddle Sports, Flow Kayaks and Exo UK and Ireland.
Harry Price by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Eric ‘EJ’ Jackson
Men’s Masters K1 Gold
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
Watching so many awesome paddlers training hard, having epic moves and runs, and of course, having fun.
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
I wanted to make finals in the senior class. I didn’t achieve that. I flushed at 30 seconds on both of my prelims rides. My rides were much better in the Masters class, and winning Masters was a goal achieved for me.
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
Depends on the feature. Wave, hole, flushy or retentive? I would say the hardest thing is nailing a complete routine.
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
The best is to be innovative and change the game. To be a great competitor in freestyle is to learn all of the moves on both waves and holes and be able to perform them anywhere. Learning tricks on an ‘easy feature’ has short term local benefits, but learning them on hard features, means you can do them anywhere.
How is Apex watercraft progressing and what do the next 12 months hold?
The short answer is that Apex is making rapid progress in whitewater kayaks and you’ll see an entire line-up in both composite and plastic in the next 12 months. Since we are making them in Portugal it will be easy for the UK and Europe to get them without the expense of overseas shipping and major taxes.
If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
It was the Nile due to the variety of waves to play at all levels. Ugly Sisters, Nile Special, Club Wave, Mutts Nutts, Super Hole, Itunda Hole, etc. The Ottawa River is hard to beat at different levels for waves and holes.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
I have the Extreme Slalom World Championships to race in at Augsburg at the end of July and then it will be a lot of Rock Island, Columbus World Cups for freestyle, Ottawa River for teaching and kayaking, and?
What have you missed most about home?
Hot tub, my dogs, Kristine’s cooking, a more effective working environment, and fishing!
Shouts and thanks?
Aaron from Square Rock – thanks for being the Apex hub for the UK and taking good care of me (and Rhona), To my kids for a great time in England and great performances, my wife Kristine for making everything work for everyone, she is a rock star!
Eric ‘EJ’ Jackson by Clive Woods https://www.clivewoodsportsphotography.com
Tim Rees
Tim Rees by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Men’s Junior K1 Gold
Photos:
Phil Bulkeley
@philbulkeley
photography
Tim Rees
Men’s Junior K1 Gold
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
I saw old friends from all around the world and it was so nice to see them and speak to them again. That made me really happy and definitely a highlight during my time in Nottingham.
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
My goal was to score consistently over 1000 points in one ride and I feel like I achieved it as I did it in every single round (prelims, semis, finals). The title was just something I have dreamed about for years but I was not sure if I had the capabilities yet to win. Well, it seems like I have them!
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
It’s definitely the Tricky Woo. It’s hard for me to get all the rotations right and still keep all the ends vertical.
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
I think a very important thing is to have discipline. It’s very important to stay consistent and to work hard for your dreams. That work is not just paddling… it is also the off-water work (mindset). However, don’t forget the fun aspect! It should always be fun and that’s why I do freestyle.
Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
I would like to do more creeking/whitewater paddling. I don’t do that a lot, however, when I do it, I always have a great time. Paddling through the beautiful gorges and running rapids is definitely something I want to do more.
If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
I think the area where I want to go the most for freestyle is Uganda. The place looks amazing for freestyle, especially for wave paddling and I really want to go there. All the monkeys and wild animals make this place even better.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
for the next 12 months I want to focus more on wave paddling so I’m prepared for Columbus next year. I’m not super good at wave paddling but that’s why I need to work harder and get better each day. So I’m probably going to Hardcore Wave in Salzburg, Austria, to train.
What have you missed most about home?
I never really missed home to be honest. When I returned home, it was nice to sleep in my own bed again, but during my time in Nottingham, I haven’t thought a lot about going back home.
Shouts and thanks?
I have to say a big, big thank you to Quim Fontané, Jacko Jackson and Bartosz Czauderna for all the coaching. Also a big thank you to my family and friends who supported me on my way. You made my journey a lot easier.
Tim Rees by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Ben Higson
Ben Higson by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Men’s Junior K1 Silver
Photos:
Phil Bulkeley
@philbulkeley
photography
Ben Higson
Men’s Junior K1 Silver
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
I loved meeting new people and catching up with old friends I haven’t seen in a long time.
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
My aims were to score 1600 points, as well as put up a good fight compared against the Men’s Senior K1 category. Although I did not quite score 1600, I am still really happy with my performance and I would have been only nine points off making the Men’s Senior K1 final, so overall I am really proud of what I achieved.
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
Other than trophy moves, Tricky Loop is the hardest hole move, lots of people can’t even Tricky Woo, let alone add a loop onto the end of it.
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
I think the biggest part of freestyle is having confidence and not being afraid to try new things.
Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
I really enjoy whitewater kayaking as I always have fun and learn a lot doing it. Hopefully I will be able to start doing more river running this winter.
If you could freestyle anywhere where would it be and what appeals about that location?
My favourite place I’ve kayaked is Makinito in France, as the hole is amazing as well as the weather and overall atmosphere.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
This summer I plan to go to France, Spain and Austria for freestyle and whitewater kayaking. I will also be training hard at Nottingham and Hurley getting ready for the British Selections.
Shouts and thanks?
Palm Equipment, VE Paddles and Surfplugs.
Ben Higson by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Landon Miller
Landon Miller by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Men’s C1 Gold
Photos:
Phil Bulkeley
@philbulkeley
photography
Landon Miller
Men’s C1 Gold
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
The highlight of my world championships was getting to reconnect with old friends and meeting new ones! I also loved the pressure that the competition puts on each other, making it way more fun!
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
My main goal before the championships was to break 1000 points. Even though I won, I still slightly feel unaccomplished as the 1000 point barrier still stands.
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle and why?
There is a special trick called the Yoda Flip. It is a 360 Pierot into a Jedi Flip and I’ve only done it once out of thousands of efforts. The Yoda Flip takes the two hardest tricks and puts them together making it the hardest manoeuvre to preform!
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
To become a great freestyle paddler you have to be able to preform under pressure. People get in their head and think too much about it but I think you just have to smile and be happy. If it’s meant to be it’ll be!
Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
Besides freestyle, my favourite type of paddling is definitely creek boating especially the Green River Narrows @200%. I definitely want to explore more waterfall dropping!
If you could freestyle, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
I would live in Canada and surf all the big waves around Ottawa and other areas!
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
My plans include competing at the Green Race for my fourth time, as well as winning the Nationals for C1 in Columbus and US team trials. I also hope to win the Columbus Worlds!
What have you missed most about home?
I missed definitely just laying in my own bed and sleeping in!
Shouts and thanks?
Shout out to my insta _landon_miller, Gnarcissist Sunglasses, Level six, Jackson kayaks, Werner paddles, Hichew Candy and Vaikobi.
Landon Miller by Phil Bulkeley @philbulkeleyphotography
Clay Wright
Clay Wright
Men’s Squirt Gold
Photos:
Clay Wright &
Peter Holcombe
Clay Wright
Men’s Squirt Gold
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
Highlight of 2022 Worlds was getting to see my international friends again and seeing how incredibly far the British/Irish/Polish paddlers took their freestyle skills – the bar is so high! But also everyone could get mysteries in this fickle spot? The skill level in freestyle squirt is impressive.
What were your aims before the championships?
My goals for 2022 were to NOT stress about medals and just enjoy the rides and appreciate the event and the paddlers. It’s way too much time and dollars for a medal to be the goal. It was a freestyle family reunion first and a competition second. I was so stoked for Sam, Alex, Taft and Jamie’s rides – they inspired me to perform my best more than the score card.
Describe the feeling of being a three time consecutive world champion…
It’s actually five! 1997, 2013, plus the last three. I’ve got silvers and bronzes too. The best part to me was watching the crowd, seeing the Jackson’s jump up when we couldn’t see the board, seeing the whole crowd jump and cheer and point at me just a minute later. I’m just surfing that ultimate stoke of having a great ride then suddenly Andi gives a kiss and ClaireO is hugging and there’s noise and smiles all around me. There’s nothing like having the whole event cheer for you – nothing they hang on your neck compares to having so many friends and opponents celebrate your performance. It’s humbling.
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle squirt and why?
Hmm, the Screwy-wu and changing around are tough, Paddle Twirl Tricky is risky, but past vert splits and steen changing around are getting done. Micheal Lockney (Sp) has so many tricks no one has scored in comps yet.
However, ultimately for me, the slow rise and smooth carve and drop like a bowling ball feeling – the way the boat pulls you down from your upstream hip and you plummet into the dark. That’s the ultimate squirt move, and you know right away why when you get it.
What strengths do you believe you need to be a great freestyler?
To be a great freestyler you need a curious nature, love for moving water, and a willingness to experiment over and over, looking foolish in front of your friends.
If you could freestyle, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
I can freestyle anywhere in the world, and I do! Stakeout certainly looks interesting, but I love my current schedule of SE/Columbus, Colorado, Ottawa, Gauley, repeat!
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
Next 12 months are Ottawa, Gauley, Columbus, Russel/Green races and a Mexico creek boat trip I hope!
What have you missed most about home?
I cannot wait to see my dogs, swim in clean water, then share my experiences with the kids up at Keenerville. Stoked to kayak without a bibb and without needing Pepto Bismol and Coco Cola!
Shouts and thanks?
Drink Coke after each session!
Clay Wright by Peter Holcombe
Alex Edwards
Alex Edwards by Antony Edmonds AE Photos
Men’s Squirt Silver
Photos:
Antony Edmonds
AE Photos
Alex Edwards
Men’s Squirt Silver
Outside of your own performance – what was your highlight of the championships and why?
The highlight of the event for me was getting to spend time on the water with paddlers from around the world. Seeing all the different styles and approaches is amazing inspiration as to what squirt boats can be made to do. Over my years of competing in freestyle I’ve made some great friends from all corners of the world and it’s one of the main reasons I keep doing it.
What were your aims before the championships, and did you feel like you achieved them?
Having finished second at the previous two world championships, my goal for this year was to win. Whilst I didn’t achieve that, I did get my highest score ever in competition which I’m pleased with, and I was really proud of how came back in the final round from sitting in fourth to taking a medal. I did the best I could on the day, so in the long run I can be happy with that.
What do you consider to be the hardest manoeuvre in freestyle squirt and why?
From a squirt boating perspective it has to be the mystery move, especially at a venue like Nottingham. With the surging water, every attempt is subtly different and when you only get one chance in the competition you need to be able to adapt quickly. Add to that trying to control your boat and work hard while completely submerged and unable to see or breathe, is pretty challenging.
Which strengths do you believe you need to be a great squirt freestyler?
I think some of the underrated qualities that are key include being able to stay calm when things are not going to plan, if a move doesn’t work, you need to be able to refocus and not let it affect what you do next. The other is the tactical nature of piecing together a plan, which is a balancing act between how much moves score, how long they take and how risky they are.
Apart from freestyle – which other areas of paddling you would like to explore and why?
To be honest, I already paddle pretty much any type of craft I can find. Recently sea kayaking is something I’ve been getting into recently and doing some multi-day trips in remote areas is something I’d love to do.
If you could freestyle anywhere, where would it be and what appeals about that location?
Anywhere that’s got a good spot for mystery moves and warm weather. The Ottawa River in Canada and Sort in Spain are both places we’ve had World Championships at which fit the bill, but I’m sure there are many more to be discovered.
What are the plans for the next 12 months?
On a personal level, the next World championships is in October 2023, so focus will be on how to get even better for that, with the continuing balancing act around work. More broadly, this year has generated a lot of interest with the youngsters at our local canoe clubs (Wiltshire Youth CC and Frome CC), so I am planning to introduce as many of them as I can to paddling squirt boats.
Shouts and thanks?
Huge thanks to my coach Dee Paterson and to the UK kit manufacturers who have supported me: Mitchell Blades, Reed Chillcheater, Mega Kayaks and Surfplugs.
Alex Edwards by Antony Edmonds AE Photos