EKAITZ SAIES

Since I was a child, I’ve always enjoyed competing in all kinds of events, especially those that combine fun and unpredictability (beach starts, head-to-head sprints – some of my friends from Cantabria will remember the Brazomar 200m regatta – whitewater descents, sea races, etc.).

I recall one time when my father organized a unique competition on the Urumea River in San Sebastian. In the morning, there was a descent of several kilometers, and in the afternoon, the same participants competed in a 200-meter race. The best performers in both events were crowned the competition winners.

When I reached the elite level in my sport, I kept seeking new competitive challenges and participated in events that later inspired me to create what I will explain shortly. I was fortunate to be the first winner of the NELO Summer Challenge, a beach race of about 800–1000 meters using rescue surfskis, and also the first winner of the NELO Winter Challenge, a classic 200-meter race held during the winter. Nelo has been another great source of inspiration for me.

Another event I really enjoyed was the 200-meter Championship of New South Wales in Australia, held at the Sydney 2000 Olympic course at night, with spotlights illuminating the course. I was lucky enough to win that day, and I proudly hold the title of 2009 New South Wales Champion. (That morning, I did a 20-kilometer training session with Ken Wallace and the Sydney boys, and surprisingly, I felt great that night —things like this are not explained in training books).

Finally, I remember another fantastic event: the Potsdamer Kanalsprint, which I also won (I promise this is the last victory I’ll mention. My ego can’t take any more) in its 7th edition in 2011. It was a 180-meter head-to-head race where I had the good fortune to beat 200-meter stars like my friend Ronnie Rauhe and Jonas Ems.

All of these competitions, which differed from the usual formats, have inspired me to create the Paddle Games. It’s an innovative, sustainable, and exciting sprint kayaking format that aims to bring the sport to city centers or iconic locations. Unlike many of the events I’ve mentioned, this is a registered brand that can be held anywhere with simple and sustainable logistics.

The Paddle Games are the kind of competition I would have loved to compete in when I was in peak shape. They combine tactics, skill, power, endurance, and a bit of luck.

We often wait for things to happen, but if we want them to happen the way we envision, there’s no choice but to step forward and take the risk.