Taking on the High Seas
Following her return from the Durban Surf Ski World Cup race, we caught up with International Ocean Paddler Katie Pocock on racing, training and the challenges ahead.
How were you introduced to the sport of ocean paddling?
My introduction to international ocean paddling came in 2006 when I went over and raced the Perth World Cup in November. I had no money at the time but loads of local paddlers in Auckland helped me out by donating money to cover my airfare. I had so much fun over there, thoroughly enjoyed the race and ended up winning. I guess that is when I thought that this is something I could do a bit more of.
How big is the profile of ocean paddling in this country?
It’s tiny! But it is a very young sport so I guess you could say that it is ‘still growing.” As participation levels and the standard of racing comes up the profile will grow, it is just a matter of time.
Do you have much competition in New Zealad or do you have to travel overseas to experience a higher level of racing?
Well, there are not many women who specifically race surf skis over distances of 25km in big seas, but having said that there are loads of men to keep me honest. And we have some exceptionally fast female paddlers in this country, people like Erin Taylor just qualified for the Olympic games in kayaking and there are a couple younger girls who are winning surf ski races in Surf Life Saving competitions across the Tasman (much to the disgust of the Aussie girls). So, when I race my clubby ski or train/race down at the lake in my K1 there is loads of competition with the girls.
Do women have to fight for equality in your sport?
Of course we do - but any female athlete with the exception of a tennis player will be fighting the same complicated battle. Like many other sports participation levels in ocean paddling are disproportionately low for women, which is reflected in the prize money, sponsorship, media space and general support and respect for paddlers.
However there have been a number of really positive initiatives in Ocean Paddling which are making small steps to bridging these inequalities, these include looking at the women’s time in terms of a percentage against the men’s and handicapping races.
Like women’s sport everywhere it will be a very slow road to change, but I choose to focus on the positives more than the negatives and to be honest it feels more like a challenge than a fight.
You have just returned from the Durban Surf Ski World Cup race where you placed 2nd. How was it?
My preparation wasn’t ideal, due to having such a cold, still June in Auckland. This was intensified more due to the fact I had just come back from three weeks of paddling in Hawaii – it was a very evil contrast! But the race went pretty well, I felt fit and race ready, I ended up coming a very close second which was obviously disappointing, but Alexa Cole (the local who won) is paddling very well at the moment so I still came home smiling.
What are your next set of challenges and goals for the remainder of the year?
I am having a bit of a break from the boat for a while but will be cross training to maintain my fitness. Hopefully having a bit of a mental break from paddling will mean that I hit the local Takapuna Beach Series in November motivated and enthusiastic. My next international races will probably be the Perth, Sydney and Byron Bay World Cups in late January and early February.
What are you goals and aspirations for the next 12-18 months?
I have had a second and third in my last two international races and I really want to get back on top!
Is there a race that stands out in your mind as the worst conditions you have paddled in?
I have had some shockers over the years. Without a doubt my most challenging Ocean paddling race was a 55km paddle over the Molokai Channel in Hawaii a couple of years ago in massive 3m+ seas. At the time I wasn’t particularly experienced in those type of conditions and I struggled – I lost my escort boat for 90 minutes, fell out four times, lost two hats and a drink system. At times I couldn’t see land or any other boats, you cannot believe the relief when I finally stepped on to dry land at the end of that race.
Do you train full time, and/or hold down a job? How do you keep things balanced?
I probably spend between 10 – 15 hours a week training and work full time as an operational Fire Fighter at Remuera Fire Station. I think the trick to keeping things balanced is remembering that stress is stress. It doesn’t matter if it is mental, emotional or physical, it will be putting pressure on you and your body, so you need to acknowledge that and be realistic with what you want to achieve each day and each week.
Who is your biggest role model, or person who has influenced your career in the sport?
My very first coach Katrina Egan had an enormously positive influence on me. She literally made a podgy 17-year old believe she could be a World Champion. She taught me basic skills in goal setting and instilled a training ethic in me which I will never forget.
Your brother is coaching you now. How is that going?
We have a very functional coach / athlete relationship on the water. Don’t get me wrong we have had a couple of booming arguments over the years but that just because we are both passionate people. I think that it works well because we are both straight up communicators, and because I respect him enormously as a coach. He understands what motivates me well and I know that the bottom line is that he only wants to see me paddle fast. We can get pretty competitive on the water too – and that always makes for good training and good humor!
Do you have a favorite training session?
One of my favorite paddles is Kohe beach round Browns Island and back at dawn. This is about a 12km paddle and I can fit it in before a day shift. It is such a magic time of the day to be on the water, and there is something quite satisfying about hearing the hum of Auckland as I get closer to the city with the sun on my back knowing I have already done an hour of exercise.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Happy, still paddling, obviously much more from the batch up north that I intend to purchase with my millions!
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I own a foot spa and there is nothing I enjoy more than giving myself a pedicure while listening to some mellow music, especially if a girlfriend joins in the decadence as well.
What is your advice to females out there who want to become more active?
Be really honest with yourself about what motivates you, for me it’s working towards a goal and being on the water but for others it might be being led through a gym class, playing a team sport or working towards a race day like a triathlon, ocean swim or running race etc.
Once you have figured it out find some other likeminded people, support each other and make it a priority – being fit and active is an investment in your family and more importantly you.