I really like the adrenaline rush when I paddle down the whitewater, and the achievement when I get a move that I’ve been trying for a while, that makes me really happy!
izzy florisson, canoe slalom
The Florissons have paddling in their blood, and young Izzy Florisson is no exception. Finding her way into paddling alongside older brother Hunter and sister Scarlett, Izzy’s love of Canoe Slalom takes her to incredible places and allows her to meet amazing people. There’s only one thing in WA she wishes she could change…
This is what Izzy has to say:
Paddling dreams
Us: What is your ultimate paddling dream?
I would love to make it to the Olympics one day and do my absolute best!
How Izzy fell in love with Slalom
Us: Why did you take up paddling?
My brother and sister both paddled, and one day, I decided that I didn’t want to miss out on what looked like fun, so I started paddling sprint and marathon, but I hated it. After a few months, I realised I could talk my way into getting into the back seat of a team boat, and then I could get a free ride. 🙂
A little while later I tried a whitewater discovery camp and fell in love with slalom (and now I love paddling!).
Us: What do you enjoy most about paddling/slalom?
Izzy: I really like the adrenaline rush when I paddle down the whitewater, and the achievement when I get a move that I’ve been trying for a while, that makes me really happy!
Benefits of paddling
Us: What benefits have you have experienced from paddling?
Izzy: I think that some of the benefits of paddling are definitely staying fit and healthy, getting to paddle in some amazing places (even in different countries) and I’ve met lots of interesting and amazing people from all over the world.
Whitewater challenges
Us: What difficulties have you faced chasing your dream?
Izzy: It’s really difficult getting good whitewater training here in Western Australia because we don’t have much whitewater, so we have to travel to places like Sydney just for whitewater which is really expensive. We definitely need a purpose-built whitewater stadium in WA!
Us: Tell us about your experience paddling in WA.
It’s a great environment to train in, everyone is very supportive and encouraging; although it is a bit harder for the slalom crew to train in Western Australia because we don’t have much whitewater.
Advice to new paddlers
Us: What advice would you give someone who wants to take up paddling?
Izzy: Just go for it, enjoy it. You will make lots of great friends, and you won’t regret it.
Thank you Izzy!
It has been a pleasure getting to know a little more about you, Izzy! You are an incredible ambassador for paddling and canoe slalom and we look forward to following your progress.
And yes, we agree that a Whitewater Centre is exactly what WA needs! We are doing our best. Watch this space!