I don't know whether its because I recently had to spend 2 weeks out of training due to injury, or just because I've been looking forward to it for such a long time, but I think Prague has become my favourite slalom course. Obviously the course is fantastic, with the best eddies and gate configuration a slalom athlete could wish for, having produced some of the best paddlers in the world. But it has all the other factors, the elements that add to a training camp and make it really special. Athletes need few things, but convenient accommodation, easy food supply and good weather, and Prague offers all three in abundance. Staying on top of the course in the hostel allows easy access to training, and the giant Tesco complex further into town offers every conceivable food that we can think of (apart from maple syrup. We must have spent about 2 hours looking for it). Czech people offer a delightful combination of two polar opposites - 95% of whom are the most charming, humorous people you could wish for, and the amusing 5% who seem determined to rid their stores of annoying foreigners demanding things which they haven't managed to learn in Czech. And the weather speaks for itself- although I think we are overdue a good big lightning storm!
Paddling here on this course kind of sums up everything I like about paddling. The upstream gates feel snappy and explosive, the staggers flow and the water is there to provide excitement and challenge. I think I'd like to adopt the attitude of the athletes who live here - laid back, relaxed, loving being on the water, and fiery determined during sessions. It just seems like such a productive, enjoyable way of life, and they have managed to create the perfect kayaking lifestyle. It is one I am truly enjoying emulating during my time here, and I'm sad that we have to leave after only a week. But onwards to the next slalom course - Augsburg!
Paddling here on this course kind of sums up everything I like about paddling. The upstream gates feel snappy and explosive, the staggers flow and the water is there to provide excitement and challenge. I think I'd like to adopt the attitude of the athletes who live here - laid back, relaxed, loving being on the water, and fiery determined during sessions. It just seems like such a productive, enjoyable way of life, and they have managed to create the perfect kayaking lifestyle. It is one I am truly enjoying emulating during my time here, and I'm sad that we have to leave after only a week. But onwards to the next slalom course - Augsburg!
After a couple of frustrating sessions on the German course, Augsburg began to open itself up to me. I think there is a certain zone paddlers have to reach, where they can accept the flow of the water as the fastest possible speed, and begin to adapt in order to change direction, rather than fighting it down the course. Because I was helping to coach the Junior Scottish paddlers, it was interesting for me to observe others having their first sessions on this changeable venue. Once you start to get the feel for the water, however, it is probably one of the most satisfying slalom courses in Europe. It also has a huge amount of variety, with the various back channels and canals providing opportunities for loops, swimming and endless up stream 'tech'. A really nice part of this training camp, as well as getting in two solid sessions every day, has been actually seeing the places we've visited. One city can be the polar opposite of another, and still be just as beautiful. Seeing some parts of the countries I've visited as well as the slalom courses has just made me hungrier to see more.
One of the most exciting developments for me right now is the arrival of a new coach. I am fully aware that many, many athletes get to be much better than me, with less opportunities and support. But until now it has felt a little as though I am in my own boat, as it were. Now I have an opportunity, and someone to support and coach me in the way that a lot of other paddlers in my age group are supported. I am so excited for the next few years, the changes they will bring and the development I will see in myself. I'm also pretty excited for the next training camp with Alice - in August we will return to Augsburg, Prague and a new venue for this summer, Bratislava!
One of the most exciting developments for me right now is the arrival of a new coach. I am fully aware that many, many athletes get to be much better than me, with less opportunities and support. But until now it has felt a little as though I am in my own boat, as it were. Now I have an opportunity, and someone to support and coach me in the way that a lot of other paddlers in my age group are supported. I am so excited for the next few years, the changes they will bring and the development I will see in myself. I'm also pretty excited for the next training camp with Alice - in August we will return to Augsburg, Prague and a new venue for this summer, Bratislava!
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