The Power of Goals in Paddling: Insights from our Athletes
Setting meaningful goals is the heartbeat of any successful paddler’s journey—whether you’re eyeing a place on the podium, conquering new rapids, or simply pushing your limits for the thrill of it. For Flow Kayaks’ ambassadors, goals fuel motivation, shape training plans, and open the door to unforgettable paddling adventures. In this article, we explore how these athletes use goals to stay at the top of their game and the dream destinations they hope to conquer.
Clockwise from top left: Ella Julian, Rachel Baker, Ben Leech, Jesse Whitehead, Alice Mullins, Sonja Vreugdenhil, Sarah Jenkins, Josie O’Grady.
1. Embracing Big Races and Bigger Dreams
Several Flow Kayaks ambassadors are drawn to iconic endurance challenges like New Zealand’s Coast to Coast, known for its epic run, cycle, and kayaking stages over Goat Pass and down the Waimakariri River.
Alice Mullins is gearing up for her seventh Coast to Coast season. As she puts it:
“Right now, the Coast to Coast is my main focus—it’s all systems go for February!”
She credits goals for keeping her driven:
“I’m still loving every moment of it. Sure, there are tough days—…but those challenging days make you appreciate the great days even more.”
Beyond Coast to Coast, Alice juggles events like the Volcanic Epic and the Kaikoura Adventure Race, demonstrating how varied goals keep her training dynamic and engaging.
Sonja Vreugdenhil famously jumped into Coast to Coast after deciding to face her fear of moving water head-on:
“I started paddling because my partner wanted to do Coast to Coast… I had to learn how to kayak… I was pretty terrified of water.”
Having already won the 2 Day Individual Coast to Coast, Sonja has her sights set on:
“…Longest Day 2025. I am working hard… I would like to get on the podium in the Open Women’s field.”
Ben Leech looks forward to the Coast to Coast 2 Day event, citing progression as his main goal:
“Next big race for me is the Coast to Coast 2 day.”
Ella Julian impressed everyone by winning the Under 23 Elite and finishing second woman overall in the Coast to Coast Two-Day. She’s not slowing down:
“In a couple of weeks I have Motu Challenge… followed by a few local running and mountain biking races… then Coast to Coast 2025 where I hope to get back up on the podium.”
Sarah Jenkins is primed for a busy season:
“The next 5 months I am super excited about! Starting off with Motu Challenge in October, 5 Passes in November, Kepler in December then building towards Coast to Coast in February.”
Races serve as vital milestones. Whether it’s a first attempt at the Coast to Coast “Longest Day” or returning to defend a title, having concrete events on the calendar gives each paddler a clear focus for their training and a compelling reason to show up, day after day.
2. Turning Goals into Daily Motivation
For these athletes, goals are more than just event dates; they’re daily motivators that help shape consistent training habits.
Sonja highlights how fear evolved into grit:
“My goals as an athlete scare me most days, therefore I stick to them and work hard for them.”
Jesse Whitehead notes that it’s healthy to keep your eyes on a top-level challenge, but break it down into manageable steps:
“The end goal is the longest day, but in the meantime [I’m] getting some good quality training in.”
Rachel Baker balances an ever-changing work schedule with structured objectives:
“Working as an outdoor instructor means every week looks different… [but] being dedicated and staying consistent is my key. This enables me to keep training whether I have the motivation or not.”
Setting a lofty objective—like competing in a new category or shaving minutes off a personal best—sparks the daily discipline needed to build endurance and technique.
3. Dream Destinations: Beyond the Finish Line
Goals aren’t just about races; they’re also about where you want your paddling to take you. For many of Flow’s ambassadors, the world is brimming with rivers and lakes they’d love to explore.
Alice Mullins says:
“Canada for sure! I spent two weeks there… and the rivers and lakes were absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of it!”
Sonja Vreugdenhil dreams of paddling:
“Lake Lucerne in Switzerland… it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.”
Jesse Whitehead also has Canada on his list:
“…they have so many beautiful rivers and lakes.”
Rachel Baker envisions a Canadian adventure too, referencing it as a “great place for adventures.”
Josie O’Grady wants to return to familiar waters in a whole new way:
“I’ve walked the Abel Tasman but would love to paddle it! Such a stunning spot!”
Sarah Jenkins has her sights set on a more extreme locale:
“Antarctica—experience the cold, and see the wildlife!”
These dream destinations remind us that setting goals doesn’t have to be purely competition-based. Sometimes, aiming to paddle in that once-in-a-lifetime location is enough to keep you going through tough training sessions.
4. How Goals Lead to Growth
All these athletes stress that goals push you out of your comfort zone, whether you’re aiming for a faster race time, stepping up to the “Longest Day,” or seeking the confidence to paddle bigger, more challenging rivers.
Sonja overcame her fear of water and ended up on top of the Coast to Coast podium.
Ella didn’t let a busy orchard season stop her from grabbing second overall in the Two-Day race.
Rachel has tackled events like GODZone Pure Traverse and is now focusing on “Longest Day” again, proving that big, bold objectives can keep you evolving as an athlete.
Sarah invests in a packed schedule—Motu Challenge, 5 Passes, Kepler, and Coast—knowing each goal adds layers to her skill and mental toughness.
5. Final Thoughts
Goals are the compass that guide every paddler’s journey. They fuel the daily grind of training, provide structure and motivation, and open doors to exhilarating new experiences—be it on a race course or a bucket-list destination. Whether you’re eyeing the Coast to Coast, the Motu Challenge, or the dreamlike waters of Canada, setting clear objectives makes all the difference in staying committed and passionate about paddling.
As Sonja encourages:
“Get stuck in. One of the best things you can do is get your grade 2… If in doubt, ask for help!”
And if you need a final push, take Alice’s advice to heart:
“As long as I’m enjoying it and having fun, I may as well keep at it!”
So dream big, pencil in those races, and chase that once-in-a-lifetime paddling destination—your goals will keep you paddling towards your next adventure.