Canoeing series popular with all sportspeople

Jessica Blair is rated as one of the up-and-coming kayakers in NZ.

One of the reasons the Karapiro Kayaking Racing Series is so popular is it appeals to sportspeople from all walks of life. Take project manager, and former Waikato rugby rep, Chris Humble (50) and St Peters student Jessica Blair (15) for example. The pair are polls apart in sporting backgrounds but the KKRC brings them together to enjoy the sport of kayaking.

Chris, you represented Waikato in rugby. What are some of your fond memories?
I played with some fantastic players: Warren Gatland, Andrew Strawbridge, Darryl Halligan, John Boe, Graeme Purvis and Richard Loe. I also played inside Grant Fox at the NZ Colts trial and that was a great experience. With Waikato I was in the squad that beat Wales which was a highlight. Rugby gave me some great memories and allowed me to be a part of a team. Kayaking appears to be an individual sport and when paddling a K1 it is, but when paddling a K2 or K4 it requires a huge amount of team work.

Jessica, you are rated as one of the up and coming kayakers in NZ - what are some career highlights so far?
For the 2012 Nationals at Blue Lakes I had a goal to place in K1 500m. At the end of the race with my heart racing, knowing I made the goal, as I got third, made all the work and pain before the race worth it.

What is that makes this series special?
CH: I am competing with my daughter Summer. It is especially pleasing to watch my daughter, step-granddaughter Renee and the other children race and watch the competitiveness they all have and the skills they are all learning. Winning is not that important but they all certainly like to win.

JB: The KKRC series is an awesome way to get the club together. Some of the team events are mixes of seniors and juniors so it's a great bonding experience and gives newer kayakers that confidence they need in the sport.

The series has a lot of former top athletes competing - there must be great camaraderie?
CH: Yes, we all mix really well after racing and dissect every race over a hot cuppa at the Club Rooms. We have a former Great Britain Olympic paddler, Steven Brown, competing and other former and current top level paddlers and representative runners. There is a great mix of people with very different backgrounds.

JB: I meet amazing people of all ages, including many of the Masters men who I have to race with.

What are some simple tips in terms of technique?
CH: Use your legs and rotate at the waist. Your arms will fatigue quickly, so we try to keep the arms locked and rotate the torso and drive with the legs. We do plenty of balance exercises.

JB: 1. Sit up and keep your head straight but slightly leaning forward.

2. Legs together (this is to keep balance and helps later on when you start using your legs to push making you move smoothly).

3. Don't just use the tip of the paddle - use the full blade.

4. Rotate your torso and follow through with the paddle.

5. Don't lift water at the end of the stroke.