Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You started kayaking when you were 5 years old. You did your first competition at 7. When at 9 years of age you learned how to roll and became more confident. Then you slowly discovered whitewater in all its form starting river running, freestyle and extreme kayaking. You reached the pinnacle of success when you won in 2013 Extreme Kayaking World Champion at Oetz, Austria, and placed 2nd at Slalom World Championships. Tell us about your journey that took you to where you are now in the world of kayaking and as a slalom canoeist?
Ms. Nouria Newman:
When I was 5 I wanted to kayak because someone came at our home with a plastic kayak and I thought it was a big playmobil toy. Kayaking was just a game. It was also a great adventure. I remember exploring the local lake (it seemed so big at the time), leaving my parents to go camping with the kayak club, rappeling down to get to my first big river trip, make a fire, cook pasta…Then I started competing.
At first I wanted to win races to get some presents at the award ceremony. Slowly I became more competitive I was no longer doing it for a medal and a bag of candies. I was always trying to get better, setting up goals, dealing with race pressure…In the meanwhile I learned how to roll, improved my technique and my whitewater abilities. The game rules changed. I was not only playing with other kids anymore, but I started playing with the water, feel it’s power, overcome fears, getting adrenaline rush when running big rapids…As a result kayaking to me isn’t just a sport in which I compete, it’s also a game and a great adventure. I love it !
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have selected a sports of slalom canoeist, freestyle and extreme kayaking that requires a lot of hard labor, technical soundness and excellence in different faculties to finally succeed, how do you achieve that?
Ms. Nouria Newman:
When I was younger. Some people told me I wouldn’t be able to succeed if I kept trying to do everything at the same time. First I had to choose between slalom and freestyle, then between sport and studying at Sciences Po Toulouse. The truth is that I wasn’t able to make these choices so I ended up doing different things I love. It’s not always easy, I’m not sure if I will achieve all my goals. Maybe they’re right. Maybe you can’t do everything but I think it’s worth trying. How could you overcome the element of fear in extreme kayaking as a sport?
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How could you overcome the element of fear in extreme kayaking as a sport?
Ms. Nouria Newman:
First I only run a rapid when I’m confident. When I can see the line and picture myself doing it properly. If I don’t feel it I don’t do it. But even if I know that I can make it, I also know that things don’t always go as planned. Like any other extreme sport, it’s always a little risky. When I decide to run a big rapid I’m never terrorized : I know I can do it, but I’m also aware of the risks. I’m confident enough to avoid beeing too nervious but I’m also a little scared and it’s a good thing because it keeps me on your A game. Before dropping in I usually take a few seconds to focus on my line, I take the time to enjoy the scenery when I’m in some incredible places, sometimes I close my eyes to hear the river and feel the water better, I take some deep breathes and when I’m ready I go.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Nouria Newman:
I paddle almost everyday but I also run and I do some core workouts. When I’ve got time I also like to do some other outdoor sports (ski touring, mountain bike, climbing, hiking…). I never did a lot of weight lifting workouts but I think I will start doing it more in a near future to prevent injuries, gain power and hopefully go faster.
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