Name : Sam Stephenson

Age: 14

Boats: Jackson 2 Fun, Wave sport project 45

I’ve been kayaking since I was just 5 years old, and loved it right from the beginning, I never really started to take it seriously until our family joined North Avon Canoe Club. Soon after I started to take an interest in whitewater kayaking, freestyle in particular.

I started competing in the Youth Freestyle Series three years ago and although I had no experience of competition before, I managed to place on the podium in one of the events and take a solid 4th place in the series overall, despite only entering 3 out of the five events. The following year yielded much better results for me when I finished 1st in all but one of the events I entered and 1st overall in the series, making me UK Youth Freestyle champion in the 12 and under category. As well as competing I hve helped to coach beginners out our club’s summer training weekend.

In November 2007 I signed up for the Junior Burners youth development programme run by Kayakojacko. Kayakojacko have trained, coached and worked with 8 world champions as well as coaching the British and Swedish freestyle teams. Through this coaching programme I want to become an international level athlete and a member of the British team. As long as I work hard I feel I can achieve this goal.

Years Paddling: 13 years general, 3 years freestyle
Boats Paddled: Wave Sport Project 45, Jackson 2fun
Canoe Club: North Avon Canoe Club
Favourite River: Alt Meuhren, Fort William, Scotland.
Favourite Playspot: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
Awards: 4 Star Kayak

Competition results.

2007 - 12 and under category:

Llangollen Youth Freestyle: 2nd Place
Nene Youth Freestyle: 1st Place
HPP Youth Freestyle: 1st Place
Boulters Youth Freestyle: 1st Place
12 and under overall: 1st Place

2008 - 15 and under category:

Llangollen Youth Freestyle: 7th Place
Teesside Youth Freestyle: 7th Place
Nene Youth Freestyle: 7th Place
Boulters Youth Freestyle: 9th Place
HPP Youth Freestyle:
15 and under overall:

Alpkit Series - Open to all ages
HPP Alpkit: 33rd Place