Western Australia is an amazing place to paddle. We’re lucky to have such good weather and wide and long rivers to paddle on. The paddling community is large and supportive and there are great coaches and people with experiences to provide advice and guidance.
Genevieve Stanley, Sprint/ Marathon paddler
Meet Genevieve Stanley – WA sprint and marathon paddler with eyes firmly on the prize and her supportive paddling community.
Over the last few years, we have watched Genevieve emerge as a serious Sprint and Marathon paddler, competing locally, nationally and internationally. Being awarded the Under 18 Marathon Paddler of the Year in 2022 and nominated for Paddler of the Year in 2023, 20-year-old Genevieve is clearly one to watch.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Genevieve recently to chat about her paddling journey and her dreams for the future. Full of praise, humility, gratitude and a steely determination to succeed, this is what she had to say:
Genevieve says
Paddling dreams
Us: What is your ultimate paddling dream?
Genevieve: My ultimate paddling dream would be to compete in the Olympics for the Australian sprint team preferably in the 500-metre distance in K1, K2 or K4.
Why paddling?
Us: Why did you take up paddling?
Genevieve: I took up paddling as it was something different and exciting. It presented a new challenge. Also, some of my good friends did it and I thought that it looked intense and fun.
Benefits of paddling
Us: What do you enjoy the most about paddling?
Genevieve: I enjoy the feeling of achievement after a session and the challenge provided during it as well so the socialisation I get from paddling in a group.
Us: What have been the benefits you have experienced from paddling?
Genevieve: I have experienced the making of lifelong friends. Challenging my body physically increasing my fitness and physical skills, also developing mental discipline and toughness.
Challenges
Us: Are there any difficulties you faced in chasing your dreams?
Genevieve: I have major struggles whilst trying to compete to the best of my ability such as getting Covid two days before nationals and setback such as not making a time for a team.
The WA paddling experience
Us: Tell us about your experience paddling in W.A.?
Genevieve: Western Australia is an amazing place to paddle. We’re lucky to have such good weather and wide and long rivers to paddle on. The paddling community is large and supportive and there are great coaches and people with experiences to provide advice and guidance.
Advice to those considering paddling
Us: What is your advice to someone who wants to take up paddling?
Genevieve: Do it! Be prepared to fall out many times which can be disheartening whilst learning how to paddle but don’t give up as it will only get better and more stable with practice.
Genevieve’s paddling achievements so far…
| 2021 | Nationals – Sprints |
| 2022 | ICF World Championships – Marathon Nationals – Sprints Under 18 Marathon Paddler of the year in 2022 |
| 2023 | Nationals – Sprints Nomination for Paddler of the Year in 2023 |
| 2024 | Nationals – Sprints |
Thanks Genevieve!
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Genevieve! We are very lucky to have you as part of what makes our paddling community so great.
And we totally agree, WA is an amazing place to paddle. Which is why having a White-Water Centre, in addition to the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre in Perth makes so much sense!
We wish you all the very best of luck as you strive for your dreams!
We will be cheering you all the way!