Peta Wait

Peta can you tell us about how you got into kayaking I originally got into kayaking through doing the K4 challenge at the Murray Marathon in 2005.  It was from this that Chris and I started to compete in more Marathon races throughout Winter/Summer series in TK1 & TK2’s.  It was only until we reached State Marathon Championships, that we were required to join a Canoe club & FCC looked the best!

By 2008,  Chris and I moved to Ivanhoe (from Croydon) and I decided to step it up a notch and start training seriously for flat water marathon kayaking in K1 & K2 boats.  My goal was to reach the Australian Marathon Team, which I successfully did in 2009 & 2010.  

It was during 2010 that I started to gain interest in other avenues of kayaking e.g. sprint.  Participating in a few local sprint races in 2010 & then going onto GP1, GP2 & Nationals, I decided I wanted to give sprint training a real go and applied to the National Talent Identification Program (originally funded by Sports Commission), where I was accepted into the Sunshine Coast, QLD squad.  Chris and I were also keen for seaside change & loved adventures, so decided to go for it and move interstate in July, 2010.
 

What have you been doing since arriving in Qld 
Chris and I have now been living on the Sunshine Coast, QLD for 10 months – time has gone fast!  We originally spent the first month in the Glass House Mountains at the back of Steve Bytes parents’ house (FCC member).  A beautiful spot! During this time, I was committing to 7-8 sessions on the water with NTID, plus 2 gym & 2 runs sessions per week.  

We then rented out a duplex unit in Maroochydore (only 3mins drive from Maroochy River), where we both joined the Sunshine Coast Canoe Club (also where NTID was based).  It was here that we both got jobs and continued to train on the Maroochy River and sometimes at Lake Kawana.  The thing I noticed best when first arriving to Queensland was the weather (especially humidity).  It is the best training weather - so much warmer in the early mornings when having to get on the water at 5.30am.    

It was only just recently that Chris & I bought a house in Buderim (slightly inland from Maroochydore).  We have almost finished unpacking and now enjoying the serenity of the area.  
 
What are you kayaking interests now
Hmm..excellent question.  I’m still interested in kayaking, however been distracted by so many other outdoor sports on the coast – Mooloolaba Surf life Saving Club, swimming squad at Cotton Tree outdoor swimming pool, running & pilates/boxing/cycling classes at the gym.  
 

How does paddling in Qld compare with VicQueensland kayaking is all sprint focus.  Technique is the main focus when paddling, followed by speed & endurance.  So the main focus for events here in QLD is State sprints, GP1, GP2, Sprint Nationals, followed by AIS camps & overseas trips if selected for the Australian sprint team.  You can imagine that the standard is high in QLD, with having AIS/QAS just down the road at the Gold Coast, so local events in sprint are very competitive. Marathon race series still do run here, but don’t seem to attract as many paddlers due to less interest in long distance kayaking.   
 

Are you working as well as paddling
Currently I am working part-time in a Marketing role at Caloundra whilst completing my post graduate in Education (primary).  Since the floods here, economy in Sunshine Coast has been quite poor causing a lot of unemployment – but it is slowly on the mend.  
 

Are you participating in any other activities outside paddling
Yes – enjoying the variety on the coast at the moment 
 

Have you joined a club in Qld and is it as good as FCC
Yes, joined Sunshine Coast Canoe Club.  The difference between the two clubs is the facilities & club house standards.  FCC definitely does have a better set up regarding this, as Sunshine Coast Canoe Club only has 2 sheds, one shower/toilet and a corner kitchen.  Most paddlers own their own boats, as most spare boats are absorbed into the NTID program.    
 

Have you any other comments about training and paddling
Ensure you keep enjoy what you’re doing & have fun.

Nothing is impossible (at any age).

Train with those who inspire & motivate you.

Slow paddling with correct technique is very useful.

Resistance training is also a very common training tool up here to use in sessions.

Strengthening the core is vital to allow good balance and coordination in a kayak.
 

If you are ever on holidays at the Sunshine Coast, ensure to contact myself or Chris to catch up – even go for a paddle!