Q&A Ruth Gordon, Jackson Kayaks

Name: Ruth Gordon
Birthplace: Burnstown, Ontario, Canada
Current Residence: Beachburg, Ontario, Canada
Favorite Band: Jack Johnson
On your nightstand: A stack of books (everything from Sudokus and Yoga to a couple of novels), pictures, candles…
Favorite Snack: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate

WD: When did you start paddling? What got you into the sport?

RG: I started paddling about 10 years ago when I started working at a rafting company on the Ottawa River, Wilderness Tours. After work most of the staff headed to the bar, but I was too young so I aligned myself with an up-coming group of paddlers. They took me under their wing and slowly (very slowly) I got comfortable in whitewater.

WD: How long have you been on the Jackson Kayak team? What's the best part?

RG: I only recently joined the Jackson Kayak team and so far I am impressed by their cohesion: there is a real feeling of team. Furthermore EJ is an amazing role model and motivator.

WD: Last year you were the first woman to nail a flatwater loop—can you explain what one is? When and where did you first do one? How long did it take you to learn?

RG: A flatwater loop is basically a front flip: from a bowstall (or balancing position on your bow) you use the buoyancy of the boat to pop you out of the water, while in the air you throw your body into a front flip (yes, this is a very simplified version). The day I mastered the loop it was an overcast day on the Ottawa and it was my first time trying out a new, smaller boat. I paddled across some current into a large eddy, initiated my bowstall, and went for it. Bam! I nailed it. I had been trying this move for almost two years so I guess over time my technique was perfected I just needed a boat proportional to my size.

WD: What's your favorite river? Why?

RG: Of course I would say my home river, the Ottawa, for its big water, great playspots and warm water (in the summer months). But I also love the big emerald waters of the Futa and the amazing culture of the White Nile.

WD: How often do you train? What's your training program like?

"I want to share my love of the sport with anyone who will listen and I hope that my enthusiasm follows me on to the water."

RG: I would love to paddle everyday but as a Canadian surviving winter training comes in many different forms: there are some weeks in the year that I am just not able to kayak. Creativity is the key for on-land training: cross-country skiing, snowboarding, running, biking, hiking, yoga, Pilates and light weights. The on-water portion is more about fun than training. Although I am technically training, I'm doing what I love: trying new moves and building on the tricks I already know. Over the years I've come to realize that I am predominantly a visual learner so I benefit greatly from watching others and myself through video feedback.

WD: You say on the JK website that you'd like to get more women paddling…What is your advice to women who want to start paddling?

RG: Find a friend. Although paddling is an individual sport it helps to learn with someone, sharing advances and setbacks. Scary swims to first surfs a friend will help keep you motivated and you can push each other to progress. Plus you'll have a buddy for safety and a partner for shuttles.

WD: What is your teaching philosophy like?

RG: Fun and simple—I want to share my love of the sport with anyone who will listen and I hope that my enthusiasm follows me on to the water. While teaching, I take great pride in seeing my students' progress, I break everything down to the basics and teach everything in the flatwater before moving to the whitewater, even for advanced moves. Also I think that everyone should watch themselves paddle so video feedback is very important.

WD: Do you have a favorite piece of gear that's women-specific? If not (Or even if so) what would you like to see made specifically for women?

RG: My favorite piece of gear is my drydeck: that is a drytop (short sleeve or long) and skirt combined into one. The combination of these two pieces eliminates unnecessary layers of bulkiness around your waist (remember the core is where most of your power comes from). Drydecks are miserable to swim in so I don't recommend them for river-running or if there is still a high chance that you might swim. There are very few women-specific pieces of gear on the market; generally it is the same gear in a smaller size and different color and in most cases this will suffice, but a piece of gear that I would like to see created is a rash guard with a built in bra.

WD: What are the Top five things you'd like to accomplish as a paddler?

RG:
1. World Champion on the Ottawa River in 2007
2. Provide a role model for younger women getting into the sport
3. Continue paddling my entire life
4. Circumnavigate an island
5. Invent a trick