A Blur of Vivid Colour and Fluid Motion
Whitewater paddling offers the spirit of adventure, challenge, and a deep connection with nature. It’s a dance with the river, where emotions range from the thrill of the unknown to the satisfaction of navigating a force much larger than yourself.
The Lee Valley Whitewater Center, in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, is an artificial whitewater course, built specifically to accommodate the canoe slalom competitions during the London 2012 Olympics.
It has since become the most important facility in the UK for training top-level athletes. It is also loved by river-running paddlers as a place to develop techniques and skills on whitewater.
A Blurring Of Boats And Whitewater
Just weeks after my eye surgery, I found myself at Lee Valley, an observer rather than a participant, a reluctant spectator in a world that has long been my playground.
As I watched my friends gracefully playing on the waves, eddies, and drops, I photographed them, slowing my shutter speed to allow the boats, paddlers, colours and water, to blend into one.
I love the steaks of movement, the occasional glimpses of fingers, boat outlines, chaotic water and sunlight, emphasising the energy and drama taking place before me. It’s a place where paddlers can feel they are at one with the water.
These photographs aim to reflect that relationship.
Click any photo to open a lightbox
A few days after taking these photographs, I watched Jessica Fox win the gold medal in the women’s K1 slalom at the Paris Olympics.
Watching the competition on TV reminded me of my days of competing in whitewater slalom. I recalled the camaraderie among fellow paddlers, the thrill of riding waves, plunging into stoppers, and the skill required to read the water and navigate the gates that make up the slalom course.
Getting it right, means smoothly gliding over the river’s features; but get it wrong, and you’ll find yourself fighting the water, crashing into rocks, missing the gates or upside down. It was through slalom that I developed my whitewater paddling skills and a profound love for being on the water.
Following my trip to Lee Valley, I am planning a new collection of Abstract paintings exploring the spirit of whitewater paddling. Through watching my friends playing on the rapids, reflecting on my own memories and experiences, and utilising the above photographs as a starting point.
I will share the initial artwork from this new collection in this journal shortly.
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