An Interview with GB Team Paddler Rob Crowe

Posted on Thursday 30th May, 2013

Paddler: Rob Crowe

 

 

Photo: Phil Hayes

Job: I'm a product design engineer for a company who make mould tool’s to manufacture plastic bottles - basically I design plastic bottles!

Age: 23

Years kayaking: 12

How did you get into kayaking: I had a go on a kayak ergo on a family holiday and enjoyed it! I then went to some pool sessions at my local leisure centre with my dad - I was hooked from the first one. From there I then moved out onto Regatta Lake and then the slalom course with George Oliver (local legend).

 

Kayak Kit: VE full carbon cranks: I've been using them for nearly two years now, I love the lightness of them and the power in the blade. They have a lot of feel laterally as well, which combined with the power is really useful for moves like ‘lunars’ and ‘trickys’ where you're changing the angle of the blade in the water whilst applying a constant force.

 

Photo: Dale Mears

 

Gui Gui Prod Easymix 2008: The boat Pringle won the worlds in.That was the final thing that sealed me getting one, I put my order in about half an hour after the final ended.  I had tried a few and loved them; I needed a new boat after years in a variety of Riots. It is precise and has a lot of feel in a hole and it is pretty-good on a wave in the right hands as well.

 

 

Peak UK Kit: I've been using cag decks for years now, I'm not sure I could ever go back to separates, I like being dry too much. The custom printed BA's are also dead cool; it is nice to have a hand in the design of your kit.

 

Photo: Dale Mears

 

Favourite River/Playspot: This is tricky as I am very poorly travelled. HPP wise the Inlet is good for learning new stuff, as it is so uniform and consistent but as for my favourite that is pushing it. I did get out to the Ottawa a couple of years back; it was an amazing trip, beautiful place with a choice of different waves and friendly people.

Current location: Nottingham. Born, bred and still here!

Current Missions: Get my left Tricky Whu down. My main goal for ages has been to be able nail every move, so I can attempt the 1600+ Pringle inlet ride from selection 09', still the Holy Grail in competition rides in my opinion. As well as that, I am trying to keep up with all the new combos that Bren Orton and the younger guys are throwing down at the moment. I am also taking any opportunity available to improving my wave boating, this is a weak area in my paddling. I enjoy the buzz I get from learning new wave stuff, something that's less frequent with hole boating now.

 

Photo: Hugo Scott

 

Aspirations: It sounds cheesy but to keep enjoying paddling. At the end of the day, that is why I keep getting on the water. My other main priority is to get some more travelling with the boat done; I have still to go to Uganda and definitely want to make it out to Canada again. I like the idea of spending a bit of time paddling full time to see how far I can push the competition aspect; I had best get saving!

 

Signature Freestyle Move: Anything involving a monkey face. When I used to do the Peak UK events years back a couple of guys always used to call me monkey boy, I've only realised in the last few years now I've seen more photos of myself why. I puff my cheeks out whilst doing pretty much every move!

 

Photo: Dale Mears

 

Making the GB Freestyle Team - pretty big deal! Yeah it has finally started to sink in now it has been a few weeks. The first few days after it did not quite seem real, it has been a goal for so long now. I guess I have been getting closer and closer to the top guys and making the team the last couple of years now. I just always seemed to mess up on the day, as I very nearly did this year. It is a bit of a weight off my shoulders now I have finally done it. As I have said, I paddle because I love it but it is nice to finally have something to show for all the hours I have put in. I'm now just excited for the Worlds! I am going in as a complete unknown with no pressure. We have a strong team and everyone thinks the American's will put on a big show for the event.

 

Advice for other paddlers who want to make the GB Team one day? Obviously, spend as much time as you can on the water, it is not a surprise that most of the guys on the team live or spend a lot of time in Nottingham, where there is a reliable source of white water. Flat water training's a good substitute though if you can't get to the moving stuff, it's great for developing feel and control in the boat and also working out where your boat and body need to be for moves without the turbulence of white water. Thinking about competition preparation and practise is important as well. I really did not give this enough time until just over a year ago when Claire O'Hara managed to convince me of its importance. Personally, I find having a set ride is the key; performing this ride in training whist been timed is also useful.  You get an idea of how many moves you can, or cannot, fit in within 45 seconds and it helps you develop back up plans for if your ride starts badly. Most importantly though just enjoy it and have fun. Whether, it is a quiet paddle with friends, or paddling with people as good or better than you pushing each other to add one more trick to a combo or go even bigger.

 

See you on the water

Rob :)