#ShePaddles Ambassador Eleanor Addison tried kayaking for the first time at university two and a half years ago and hasn’t looked back since. From conquering rapids in the French Alps to paddling in Sydney Harbour and rafting on the world's biggest commercial drop, Tutea Falls, paddling has taken Eleanor across the world. We caught up with her about her journey into white water kayaking and her tips for giving paddling a try.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hi I’m Eleanor, and I'm one of this year's #ShePaddles Ambassadors. I'm 23, from Halifax in West Yorkshire, and a member of Swansea University Canoe Club.
How did you get into paddling?
I started paddling at my university canoe club. After COVID, I wanted to make the most of my university experience and try new things. So I joined Swansea University Canoe Club in my third year, having no idea what canoeing or paddling really was or what it entailed. I've now been paddling for two and a half years. I predominantly kayak, mainly white water, but I also play canoe polo. I have also done a bit of slalom and occasionally (although normally not very successfully) dabble with paddle boarding.
Do you have any memorable kayaking trips?
Every year, the university paddling community heads to the French Alps for summer. Last year, I went on a joint Swansea and Cardiff University trip to L'Argentière for two weeks of white water kayaking, camping, and socialising. All the university clubs tend to stay at the same campsite, creating a great atmosphere and really fostering the paddling community dynamic. Last year, we spent time with Birmingham, Bristol, and Exeter Canoe Clubs, among many others.
The water in the French Alps is amazing for paddling, ranging from grade 2 to grade 5+. It's crystal clear with some of the most stunning mountainous views. The only downside is the temperature of the water, as snowmelt makes it quite chilly if you happen to go in for a roll, swim, or dip.
Last year was my first Alps trip, and I was still relatively new to paddling, so paddling in the Alps was a big challenge for me. However, with the safety support from Swansea and Cardiff, I really improved, paddling some technically difficult sections, including ‘S-Bend’ on the Upper Guisane, and finished feeling like a confident grade 3 paddler.
A large part of this confidence came from the considerable amount of swim practice I had, some planned but lots not. One that stands out in my memory is a rather long swim I had on the Gyronde, a high-volume grade 4 river. This river was a step up from what I had paddled before. Looking at it from the bank, I was apprehensive to get on and paddle it. Once on the water, it wasn't long before I went over and failed to roll. However, this swim was one of the best I've ever had.
Although technically difficult, I was confident in my swimming technique, kept calm while looking for an eddy big enough to swim into. I actually rather enjoyed going through some of the smaller features on the river. I was also really proud of myself for getting onto a river that was a step up from anything I had paddled before and was grateful to the rest of my river group for creating a safe and supportive environment.
Following my master’s graduation in December, I've been on a ‘gap year' trip around Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. I've managed to do a variety of paddling on this trip, from tubing in Thailand to kayaking in Laos and Vietnam, paddling in Sydney Harbour, rafting on the world's biggest commercial drop, Tutea Falls in New Zealand, and bamboo paddle boarding in a remote village in Fiji. It's fair to say that paddling has created so many amazing memories for me and allowed me to see the world from a unique and incredible perspective.
Do you have any paddling role models? Who inspired you to take up kayaking?
There's no shortage of role models in the kayaking community. However, Nouria Newman is always one that comes to the forefront of my mind. The way she paddles some of the biggest water in the world with almost perfect technique is great to watch. But I think, for me, her attitude towards paddling as a petite female in a largely male-dominated field is something I find refreshing and inspiring.
Another source of inspiration comes from the amazing women I regularly paddle with at Swansea University Canoe Club, in particular Chloe Burrows. From teaching me how to get out of a boat and paddle forward in my first-ever taster session, to taking me on my first 8 cumecs trip at Cardiff International White Water to showing me how to do slalom at Holme Pierrepont White Water Course, and helping me find the line on grade 3/4 rivers. It's fair to say Chloe has played a huge part in my paddling journey and is a great source of inspiration for me.
At Swansea Uni Canoe Club, we gain new members every year, usually lots without paddling experience. Our women's polo team has a range of abilities, from people like Chloe who have been paddling for years to people like myself who had never kayaked before. The way we pull together and play to each of our strengths is something I find really empowering and inspiring. Last year, we achieved the first-ever women's canoe polo team varsity win over Cardiff and were awarded Sport Swansea's varsity team of the year.
If you could paddle anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to paddle in Canada. The mountainous views look like a beautiful backdrop to some amazing white water.
What do you do when not kayaking?
I graduated with my master's in December and have just returned from my ‘gap year' trip. I've got some summer trips lined up and have applied for my Canadian visa to work a ski season this winter.
What aspirations do you have for the next 12 months?
I would love to encourage more women and girls to give kayaking a try. I cannot emphasise enough how many happy memories I've made on the water and how many great friends I've made through the sport. I am heading back to the Alps with Swansea University Canoe Club this summer and I hope to improve my technical skills on the river, grow my confidence, and encourage others to feel more empowered and enjoy their time on the river.
I'm hoping to paddle in some new places when back in the UK and maybe even paddle in Canada following my ski season.
What advice would you give to other women and girls wanting to try kayaking?
Join your university canoe club! Every year around Freshers’ Week, each university club will hold taster sessions. The best thing you can do is just give it a go. Looking back at my time at university, the time I spent with the canoe club was some of the best I had, and I've made so many friends that I'll treasure for life.
Thanks for sharing Eleanor! If you’re feeling inspired to try white water kayaking, find a club near you.
If you’re feeling inspired to paddle overseas, see our safety advice.
You can keep up to date with Eleanor’s white water paddles and her time as a #ShePaddles Ambassador over on Instagram.