Planning the Year

Some people have asked why I didn’t go for selections this year -  this was a hard decision for me, but once I’d made it the easiest one  in the world!

 

As selections got near I noticed more and more how people were  getting stressed about the whole business, I did some thinking and  reminded myself that I started paddling for fun – so stuck to that  decision, this year is all about the fun – then lets see what the  future will hold!

So what’ll I be doing?

Well for starters, I’ve got a big trip to Canada – I’m spending three  weeks in the summer at the Ottawa Kayak School, I’m really looking  forward to this – never been to Canada, never flown on my own and the  chance to paddle some of the best whitewater with great paddlers!

I’m also going to keep getting coaching in the UK, I do the  Youngburners programme with Kayakojack, this year I’m going to taking  the level one coaching course – unfortunately I’m still a year too  young to get the qualification, but good to get the practice in! I’m  also going to go for the new three star Freestyle award (to go with  the Whitewater one I already have) – which will help me with my Duke  of Edinburgh’s award!

And, I’m lucky enough to get coaching with fellow Palm paddler Lowri  Davies of FlowFree coaching, I get a lot out of paddling with Lowri  (she took me to the alps last year) and it’s great paddling with  another female.

Just because I won’t be at competitions, I’ll still be out there -  paddling in Wales, Hurley and hopefully soon, the new HPP. I’ve also  started to do some more river running (recently I tried the Ogwen for  the first time which I loved) – and that’s something I want to work  on through the summer – if there’s any water!

Take care – and see you on the water

Tasha

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