The temperature may be dropping but until the rushing waters of the Grand River freeze up with chunks of ice, Sydney Nixon will head to the rapids with her kayak.
It’s a refreshing reminder of her goals ahead, as she sets her sights on representing Canada at the 2013 International Canoe Federation (ICF) World Championships next fall.
“It’s pretty cold, but it’s just a different temperature,” Nixon said, adding that the skills and challenges required are no different. “I paddle until there is too much ice, then I train in flat water in an indoor pool.”
The Grade 10 student at Centre Wellington District High School has been kayaking for just two years, but her commitment to the sport earned her first place in the junior girls (under 18) standings at the Canadian team trials last August, held at Gull River in Minden.
“In the next year, I hope to place in the top three at World’s and place high in other competitions too,” Nixon said. “The field is open to whatever you can compete in.”
To accomplish that Nixon will continue to kayak whenever she can, including frequent trips to Minden, the Elora Gorge and other white water rapid sights while saving up to attend a summer development program held in Ottawa, taught by some of the world’s best kayakers. She is also starting cross training.
“In this sport, you need to be really persistent,” Nixon confirms. “You have to have good balance, and a lot of upper body strength. And you can’t have any fear of water.”
These are all skills Nixon credits her mother, Kim Jefferson, and step-father Bob Grassing, who also acts as her coach, for teaching her in and out of the kayak.
“I think because I live a two minute drive from the Elora Gorge, just living that close to it, and seeing my parents kayak, and other adults trying it out, kayaking around the Tooth of Time … it made me want to try it.”
Her success in the sport has inspired her to set her goals for the ICF Championships on the Nantahala River in the Smokie Mountain region of North Carolina on Sept. 2 to 8, 2013.
The premiere freestyle kayak event is slated to draw over 300 top freestyle paddlers from around the world, as well as thousands of spectators.
“I love the adrenaline,” Nixon said, “and the fact that there is not a lot of people who are doing it here.”
Nixon is also inspired by the future of the sport.
“Kayaking is a demo sport in the 2016 Olympics,” Nixon explains. “I hope for it to be a sport in the 2020 Olympics.”
It’s not an unrealistic goal for the young athlete to steer herself in that direction, but first, she needs to get her credentials in as many competitions as she can.
In an expensive sport, the costs are a constant challenge, but one her family insists they will paddle through together.
Fundraising efforts have begun through Joanie’s Crafts, Gifts and Stained Glass at 116 St. Andrew St. W., in Fergus. Owned by Jefferson, the store will have special merchandise for the holiday season with sales going to support Nixon’s fees for future competitions, coaching and equipment.
“The Canadian team has sponsors, but they all train out of the Ottawa region and I need to keep working here,” Nixon said. “It can be an expensive sport, especially the equipment.”
Future fundraising events are being considered for the new year.
For more information or to support Nixon on her international goal, contact Bob Grassing at bgrassing@gmail.com or Joanie’s Crafts, Gifts and Stained Glass at 519-787-7063.
