I just love the community and people involved. I am so lucky to have met some of my best friends through paddling.
We’re thrilled to celebrate Samantha Lourey’s incredible achievement in being selected for the U23 Australian Sprint World Championship Team!
Samantha’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of chasing your dreams. From her early days in surf life saving to discovering her talent in flatwater kayaking, she’s shown what’s possible with dedication and heart. Her story is sure to inspire the next generation of WA paddlers to aim high and believe in themselves.
We caught up with Samantha to learn more about her paddling journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and what keeps her coming back to the water every day.
Congratulations on making the Australian U23 Canoe Sprint World Championship Team! How did you feel when you got the news?
I was absolutely ecstatic to hear the news! I was pretty sure that I had done what I needed to do at GP2, but it was such a relief to finally receive the confirmation and get excited about the adventure to come. This is my first u23 team so was good to be able to see the progression and pathway in the sport.
What inspired you to take up paddling, and when did you realise you wanted to compete at this level?
I come from a swimming and surf life saving background, and was super keen on being involved in the ironwoman event in surf, but was really struggling to get a hang of the ski paddling component. So, our ski coach at Trigg SLSC Rowan Caren encouraged a group of youth to try out for the TID program in kayaks to improve our technique in a flat water environment. Turns out I had a knack for the sport, and have continued it ever since!
Can you share a defining moment in your paddling journey that pushed you to aim for the world stage?
A defining moment for me was at my first nationals in 2021. After making a last minute decision to go, I had no expectations having only paddled for about 6 months. I shockingly ended up winning the U16 K1 500, which definitely opened my eyes to the pathway that I could have in the sport.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
My week changes constantly depending on the phase of training we are in, but at the moment it consists of 5-6 paddles, 3-4 swim sessions and 2 gym sessions. While I am predominantly focused on performing in the kayak, I love to keep a few swim sessions in my week to maintain balance and fun and improve my aerobic endurance.
How do you stay motivated during tough training sessions?
I like to see tough sessions as an opportunity to show myself what I can do and where I am at in my training. I think performances are built on consistency, so if I can constantly perform to the best of my ability, regardless of how I feel, I am putting myself in the best possible position on race day.
What has been the biggest challenge in preparing for international competition, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge this season has definitely been battling a finger injury over the crucial period of the domestic season, however I think I did a good job at controlling the controllables, throwing myself into lots of cross training and using the time off as a way to reset mentally, which in the end had me feeling calm and ready when it came to racing, still performing to the standard I needed to.
Competing at this level requires mental strength. How do you handle nerves before a big race?
I have realised that I perform best when I am happy and positive, so before a big race or competition I like to do the things that make me happy, such as listening to tunes, having a dance, chatting to friends and taking in the location and experience. This for me keeps the nerves away so I can focus on the task ahead.
Have you ever faced setbacks in your paddling career? How did you push through?
A big setback for me was missing out on the U23 team last year by .1 of a second. This was really hard on me mentally, as I had had such a big season, and did not really get to see the result of the hard work and dedication. I decided to push through instead of giving up and set my sights on winning the K1 races at Asia pacific in Canberra, mostly to prove to myself that I can achieve the goals I set. This setback also gave me the opportunity to step back, have a well needed break, focusing on areas of life outside of paddling such as my degree and study.
What mindset do you take into competition, and how do you stay focused on race day?
As I said earlier, I definitely race better when I am happy and positive. In training I like to do lots of easy speed work, to get myself feeling ready to go. I also surround myself with friends and make sure I am doing the things that make me happy. On race day I like to listen to music, to keep my mind focused on the task ahead.
What advice would you give to young paddlers who dream of representing Australia one day?
Make sure to enjoy the process and the journey. Having the opportunity to better yourself every day is so special. The day in, day out is tough but getting to travel the world for sport is pretty awesome, embrace it.
What’s something you wish you had known when you first started paddling competitively?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself!! Paddling is important, but not the be all and end all. Make sure to stay involved in aspects of life outside of paddling.
How important is having a good support team – coaches, teammates, and family on your journey?
My support system is everything to me. I am so grateful to have such amazing people in my life that support me on my journey. In particular, my family has been there for me through everything, ready to put the pieces back together when the wheels fall off. I would not be where I am without them. I am so lucky!!
What are your goals for the upcoming World Championships?
I am so lucky to be racing the in the K4 500 at Worlds, which is my favorite event on the program. I love being apart of a team on the world stage and can’t wait to race. Making an A final would be a huge achievement in my books, and anything more is a bonus!
Where do you see yourself in the next few years in the sport?
I would love to qualify for more U23 teams, as I have a few more years in the age group, hopefully moving up the ranks and making a senior team at one point!
Finally, what do you love most about paddling, and what keeps you coming back to the water every day?
I just love the community and people involved. I am so lucky to have met some of my best friends through paddling, and have shared so many ups and downs over the years. Being able to have something I am passionate about is very cool and the idea of getting 1% better every day keeps me coming back for more.
Samantha’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, joy, and community are at the heart of sporting success.
Her journey from surf lifesaving to the world stage in sprint kayaking is one that will undoubtedly inspire young paddlers across WA and beyond. As she prepares to represent Australia in the K4 500 at the U23 World Championships, we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way.