Paddler Profile SaskiavanMourik
W
hen we closed in on Saskia van Mourik last summer, she was in the thick of her 14th consecutive year of inter- national competition. In May, she flew to Penrith, Australia, for a slalom world cup where she placed 10th; then to the National Slalom Team Trials in Jonquiere, Quebec, at the end May, for a second place finish. Then back home to her cabin in B.C., up against the mountains at the head of the Chilliwack River.
Saskia is as much a coach as competitor. In the summer, she wears both hats at many events. In the winter, she travels back and forth between two provinces, as coach of both the Alberta whitewater team and the B.C. junior whitewater team since 2001. Last winter she finished her level 4 coach- ing diploma. This winter’s goal is to train for a spot at the summer Olympics in Athens. We wanted to know how she’s managed to juggle so many roles and turn her passion into a career that gets her on the water over 300 days a year.
People say you’re driven and you work your butt off. How would you describe yourself?
Impulsive. If I want it, I will go get it. I guess that is why some find me driven.
What motivates you?
I enjoy working with people and being out- side. There are times when my motivation is quite low (coaching in a West Coast down- pour!), however, when I compare that to other jobs, I wouldn’t be happier anywhere else.
What’s your next goal in paddling? To balance everything that I do (coaching, running a business, training, competing, personal life) so that I am able to feel set- tled. I think it is when you are at your happi- est and most relaxed state that it is easiest
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www.rapidmag.com
Age: 29
Hometown: Post Creek, B.C. Home waters: Chilliwack River, B.C.
Paddling since: Age 9 (“I was looking for an escape from having to play piano.”)
Sponsors: Galasport, Aquabatics, Northwater, FNA Headgear, Whites, Tamahi Calcium, Pacific Sport, Sport Canada.
to perform to your potential. I find it easier to try and work on accomplishing balance in every- thing rather than having results-based goals.
You went from competing in slalom to freestyle in 1997 and then returned to slalom in 2001. Why did you settle on slalom?
I still paddle freestyle, but have chosen to com- pete in slalom because there is still a passion in me that enjoys working on the meticulous details of training. Not that freestyle does not have this, but slalom tends to push the fitness level beyond what freestyle can. I tried doing lactic in a freestyle boat and almost drowned!
You’re the founder and owner of three businesses: Action Synergy Inc., Paddle Performance Kayak School, and Kayak Trek Adventures. What’s this all about?
The Paddle Performance Kayak School is based on learning the skills and concepts nec- essary for paddling at your best. Kayak Trek is the final performance—“running rivers and pushing your limits.” Action Synergy Inc. is everything that I hate about business—paper- work!
Competition history: Canadian Jr. Slalom Team 1990–1993; Canadian Sr. Slalom Team 1991–1996, 2001–present; Canadian Freestyle Team 1997–2002
Results: 3rd Jr. Worlds 1992; Canadian Jr. Slalom Champion 1993; Canadian Women's Freestyle Champion 1999; 2nd Canadian Slalom Championships 1994, 1995;
5th Jr. Pre-Worlds 1993; 7th and 14th World Cup, Prague, 1995.
What paddling achievement are you most proud of? Having been able to build my life around pad- dling. It’s nice to know that when I finish com- peting, I will have a house to live in, a business to run and a sport to enjoy as long as I wish.
Who are your heroes? My family. Growing up they stressed the impor- tance of enjoying life and finding work that would provide the highest amount of pleasure. This is important because if you hold back [when] running a business, it is like holding back in competition. Your ultimate performance is only a thought and not an action and thus your biggest regret.
So what’s the meaning of life, the universe and everything?
To build a life on “no regrets.” I spend a lot of time reflecting because if you don’t enjoy moments in your life it will pass by too quick.
Any advice for the masses?
Follow your intuition or gut feelings. They are always right.
Paul Villecourt/
villecourt.com
photo by Paul German
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