It’s day ten of pushing hard in Iceland. I’m starting to feel the effects of the poor recovery I’ve been doing mixed with the cold nights camping, but I can’t think about that right now. I’m about to peel out of the eddy above Goðafoss, a thirty-five foot waterfall, with the plan to do a Cobra flip. I can see my markers and am confident in my plan. Getting to the lip and throwing the move, I experience that control I had imagined. And that feeling at the bottom … unmatched!
So, what is downriver freestyle?
Downriver freestyle is a way to express paddling style through creative rotations in a kayak whilst moving down a river. From tailies on an eddy line to a cobra flip off a waterfall, any creative move is downriver freestyle. This niche in the sport has gained popularity over the last decade and is only getting bigger. With social media pushing the sport, the next big trick is forever evolving. That feeling throwing a dream trick in the middle of a rapid is magical and styling a move off a new whitewater feature is the most rewarding part. I’ve always been competitive with myself and liked seeing progression, so for me, downriver freestyle is a chance to work out the next trick and show my style.
Goðafoss, Iceland – photo Johny Haines
What goes into throwing downriver freestyle tricks?
What I talk about below mostly applies to waterfall freestyle or more consequential downriver freestyle moves. Saying that, a lot of what I’ve said can be applied to more tame whitewater.
Finding the location – looking for a place to do downriver freestyle takes practice, look out for waves or rocks on the river to help assist you with rotations. In my opinion, there’s always another trick or combination of tricks to be done on the most played on rapids. When it comes to downriver freestyle, the possibilities are endless. It’s also important to look out for rocks, caves you might get pushed into or any other hazards. Think about what the consequences are if you fall on your head? It’s often worth taking the time to set up safety just in case!
Practice in safer places – many downriver freestyle movements can be recreated on waves or as a playboating trick. Practicing the movement is a great way to build muscle memory which will give you the best chance of delivering when it comes to the moment.
Even on the simplest of whitewater, there’s always fun to be had and learning to be done. Here’s a video of me playing on the Cardiff whitewater course showing the Dagger Kayaks Nova in its element and to give you some inspiration.
Visualisation
It’s likely you’ll be planning the move for a few days in advance if not, weeks or months. I take any chance to close my eyes and envision exactly what I’m planning to do. This includes my bow angle, paddle placement, body position, speed etc. at every point during the movement, almost to the point where it becomes obsessive. I often find myself falling asleep to visualising my next trick especially the night before I get to the river. With practice, this can be almost as valuable as having a practice of the move itself.
Then on side of the rapid – take as much time as you need on the side of the river watching the wave/ waterfall ensuring you know exactly what your plan is. I especially like to do some more visualisation, actively moving my body to recreate the movement as best as I can on land. Different things work for different people so find out what works for you and then stick to it!
Control the controllables – the river can often do unpredictable things. Boils can put you off line or a splash in the face can throw you off. As much as possible I find it super important to control what I can. This can be from making sure you’re wearing the correct kit and eating enough beforehand to having a set routine to follow before peeling out of the eddy. Anything to keep your mind on task and not drift away to thinking e.g. I’m cold and hungry, the better. For me, splashing my face with water just before going is a trigger to help get me in the zone.
Delivering the trick!
Before you break out above the feature – When I break out of the eddy above the drop of course I’m scared, who wouldn’t be if you’re about to try to roll over going off a waterfall! The best way for me to calm nerves is confidence. Confidence in my ability and my preparation. I also think about the key points (which are so engraved in my mind because of the number of times I’ve gone over them). This helps to clear my mind and keep me focused, giving me the best chance to deliver my plan. At this point, all the hard work should have been done so the only thing left to do is to enjoy the moment!
Being able to approach bigger sends with this process has helped me to feel confident in my decision making and my ability to hit the line.
Aldeyjarfoss – photo Johny Haines
