KS: After a hiatus from competitive freestyle, you just returned from an impressive performance at the World Championships at age 58—crazy. What's the secret?
EJ: How to be competitive in freestyle or slalom kayaking? You need physical and technical training, mental game training, and competition experience. If the question is how to succeed at 58, it is the same, plus you have to ignore anyone telling you that your age is a negative factor.
KS: You also won the masters competition and are now the Master World Champion. What does that mean to you?
EJ: Being back among old friends in an eddy, in a World Championships, is amazing. Of course, I want to be the best of the best and throw down the highest scoring ride of anyone at any age in any event. However, competing is always fun, and the Masters Class is just another way to get on the water and show off what you can do, and nothing beats competing against old friends.
EJ: No, not getting "old," as you put it. However, managing the pressures of Jackson Kayak and situations where I was not in control had a very negative effect on me. In 2013, I started having panic attacks every time I trained freestyle. It was debilitating— I could still do a lot of physical stuff, lift weights, run, etc., but freestyle felt like a neardeath experience every day, every ride. Once I left JK and the relationship that was not healthy for me, the weight lifted, and I was able to do what I love again.
KS: It's good to have you back! You clearly haven't lost your ability to make the biggest impact. Is it fair to say you and the Rebound stole the show in England?
The Rebound made my time in England more fun and productive, and my performance made sure my new brand and boat were noticed. My new boat, new company, and a new lease on life have me wanting to ramp up the skills again. I trained hard and never had a single panic attack—it was so refreshing. While there is no better way to show the world your new boat by performing well in it, there were many showstopping performances at this year's World Championships. I am glad you
