Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships hosts groundbreaking women's development camp

A Groundbreaking Initiative for Women in Ocean Racing

A pioneering women's development camp recently concluded in La Vila Joiosa, Spain, held concurrently with the Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships from October 4 to 11. This unique, week-long program gathered fifteen aspiring female athletes, aged 15 to 25, from diverse nations, bringing varied experience levels to the sport.

Athlete Experiences and Skill Development

Participants shared valuable insights. New Zealand's Julia Padrutt, from a surf lifesaving and Canoe Sprint background, highlighted ocean racing's distinct challenges, noting, "Race tactics demand a different approach; you're on the water for significantly longer, covering 20km distances." She emphasized mastering pacing, intense starts, and effective beach finishes as core camp elements. For Slovenia's Hana Bederniak, the camp marked her first time in a surfski, remarking, "I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I felt." Greece's Eftychia Alexandra appreciated the all-female learning environment, stating, "It has been an incredibly rewarding week, learning alongside a group composed solely of women."

The Importance of Women-Only Training

Coach Emma Levemyr stressed the critical role of women-exclusive camps, especially during a sport's growth phase. She observed, "Young female athletes represent a vital demographic and are incredibly inspiring to mentor. Witnessing their growth has been satisfying, and my hope is they continue their surfski journey."

A Testament to the Camp's Effectiveness

Julia Padrutt's success, including a gold medal in the unofficial short race, underscored the camp's positive influence. She credited the training and reflected on broader benefits, including the enriching experience of rooming with athletes from many countries and the inspiration from seeing so many competitive women. Padrutt concluded, "Initiatives like this...

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