KS: You just finished—and started—the year in Mexico. What’s going on down there this year? How’s it been?
Heidi Walsh: I arrived fairly late to the Mexico season, around Christmas time, but there’s still been a solid flow of crews coming through, especially around the Alseseca Race. I’ve not been before so I just came to paddle the classics with good friends. It’s been amazing— Mexico has been unreal for my progression and has given me so much confidence. I’ve managed to get almost everything I wanted and more!
KS: In the past 14 months, you’ve been in the UK, Europe, Canada, the US, India, Ecuador, Mexico…Big year! Dream year, really. How do you make a living and finance your trips?
HW: I can’t say I’m making a living; I’m simply surviving the dream right now! Over the last few years, I’ve worked most jobs you could imagine to fund the lifestyle. Night shifts in warehouses, kitchen porter, lifeguarding, gym work, internships, office work, you name it. This year, I worked for Ottawa Kayak School (OKS) teaching kayaking and also bartended on Friday and Saturday nights. In the peak of summer, I was coaching 8 am-5 pm and bartending 6 pm-2 am. It was a lot, but worth it for all of the kayaking I get to do in the off-season. I’m also very fortunate that I have a huge web of support from, friends to sponsors, who have welcomed me in, given me floors to sleep on, and everything I need to go kayaking. I couldn’t do it without their help.
KS: You compete for Great Britain in freestyle but also claim Swiss and Irish heritage, and currently live wherever you are. Where would you say you’re from?
HW: If we’re talking technically, I’m 50% Swiss, 25% English, 25% Irish. I grew up in Watford, England, and I have a very north London accent, so I’d say I’m from the UK. My mum moved over from Switzerland in her 20s and my dad’s family is all Irish. I’m really close with my mum and went to Switzerland a lot as a kid to visit family. I definitely feel strong ties there and always try to say that I’m Swiss.
KS: You’re a relatively late starter to kayaking; but you grew up swimming, is
