In this month’s Paddler Spotlight, we caught up with white water kayaker Alex Littlechild on this journey into paddling.
Words by Alex
I’m Alex and I love going kayaking! I have a passion for following skill acquisition in white water environments and seeing others develop their relationship with the river. I am a full-time white water kayak coach and waterfall enthusiast.
I am an Advanced white water kayak leader and coach which is what has enabled me to travel and work internationally for the likes of Love It Live It, New Zealand Whitewater Academy and Kayak Voss.
How did you get into white water kayaking?
I was inspired to start white water kayaking after seeing a group kayaking down waterfalls on the River Swale in North Yorkshire. I had never seen a kayak used in that way before, and from then on I was hooked.
With the support of my dad, I joined the local club in Croydon and started to learn the basics and develop skills which I could use on my nearest river, the Thames.
I went on a few white water trips with the club, but the majority of whitewater experience I had before I left home was at Chertsey and Shepperton weirs, where I made the most of jetties and loch walls to seal launch and replicate waterfalls.
I’m not currently a part of any club, but the community of travelling white water kayakers is very strong and I’m lucky to see lots of my friends in different kayaking locations all over the world.
What do you love most about white water paddling?
For me, kayaking is all about progression. I love the challenge I get from developing confidence in chaotic environments and developing grace under pressure. I particularly love waterfall kayaking and downriver freestyle!
Do you have any memorable kayaking trips?
One of the most memorable days of kayaking I have had was dropping into Tree Trunk Gorge on the North Island of New Zealand. With its intense, deep canyon walls and technical waterfall moves, this short but stout section is one of my favourites. Getting to the bottom of those waterfalls with the full crew stoked and safe was a memory I will cherish forever.
If you could paddle anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Iceland and Mexico are at the top of my list at the moment! I love waterfall kayaking, and these are both incredible creeking destinations with lots of opportunity for freefall!
Do you have any paddling role models?
Sam Ellis was one of the kayakers in that crew on the Swale. Without seeing him and his mates lapping those waterfalls, I would likely not have gotten so into whitewater. Once I got the bug, I religiously watched all I could on Vimeo and YouTube.
I admired the likes of Torryd, Substantial and Bombflow. So I’ve got to say that Evan Garcia and that generation have been a big influence on my kayaking.
Has anyone supported or encouraged you along your journey?
I’ve been so lucky to have many people mentor and help me through the learning process as a kayaker and a coach. I’m so privileged and inspired by the likes of Chris Evans, Lowri Davies, Jamie Greenalgh and Ian Adey, who have all been pivotal in my coaching journey.
Getting in contact with local kayakers in your area who are experienced and motivated is crucial if you want to step up your game. I was extremely lucky to meet like-minded and stoked kayakers in the Lakes who were a massive influence on my personal progression.
What advice would you give to others wanting to try white water kayaking/paddling?
There is no end to the amount of progress you can make in this sport. Keep at it and keep setting yourself specific, measurable and achievable goals which are relevant to what you most enjoy about kayaking!
What’s next for you? Any goals or trips you’re excited about?
I’m excited to be heading to Chile in November with a chance to get on some new rivers and paddle with some of my favourite people.
Thanks Alex for sharing your story with us. You can keep up with his adventures over on Instagram.
If you’re inspired to give white water kayaking a try, use our club finder tool.
Looking to progress your skills or take the next step in your coaching and leadership journey? See British Canoeing Awarding Body’s Awards and Qualifications.
Or if you’re looking to try something new, why not give white water rafting a try? Find upcoming events and competitions here. Or why not give wildwater racing a try? Find events and competitions here.