UK Pro-Team
GET SPONSORED!
Selectors are currently looking for 5 freestyle kayakers to join a new pro-team – do you have what it takes to impress them?
Are you a freestyle kayaker?
Do you have ambitions to compete at a high level?
Do you have flair and charisma?
If you answer yes to these questions then you might have what it takes to be on the team.
There will be a selection event on 21st and 22nd May at the National Water Sport Centre, Nottingham. If you want to be considered for the team send your paddling profile/CV to freestyle@jamesreeves.net and then come along to the selection weekend.
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What’s it all about?
There is a great opportunity for any ambitious individual to compete at a high level in freestyle kayaking, all it needs it some commitment and enthusiasm. It also helps to have someone helping you and that is what this team is all about. We are not just going to throw sponsorship at you and tell you to win competitions. We are going to train you, help you and ensure that you have everything you need to be the best you can be. It will be a real “team” that will help each other out, train together and compete together. The package for successful candidates includes:
• Level 6 sponsorship worth over £500
• Bern Helmets sponsorship
• Pro-deal on extreme sports brands from UltraSport (snowboards, skis, wakeboards, etc)
• Free support from Response Physiotherapy
• Free coaching from Sweetwater Coaching
• Free mentoring from international champion kayakers
• Regular team training weekends
• Regular features in SPIKED Magazine
• Plus more free gear and sponsorship to follow
• Plus lots of PR and media opportunities including demonstrations at huge UK events
So what sort of paddler are we looking for?
We welcome any paddler that really wants to compete in freestyle kayaking whether they are already competing at a high level or just starting out. We are not here to teach you the basics of kayaking as there are plenty of others to help you with that. We also expect you to be safe and competent on grade 3-4 white water.
We are looking for paddlers that want to be part of a team and want to help promote our sport and give a little back. There are 3 things we want each team member to be committed to:
1. Yourself – we want you to be committed to being the best you can be. We are going to help you to achieve that but only if you are going to put the effort in.
2. The team – we want a good solid team where everyone looks out for each other and helps promote the team and the sponsors that support it.
3. The sport – we want people who love freestyle kayaking and want everyone else to enjoy it to. The team will be promoting the sport and using it to encourage others to get involved.
In deciding who will be on the team we will be looking for genuine enthusiasm to learn, a desire to be part of a team and help your team mates, commitment to training and competitions and a fun outgoing personality. We are building a team that will train and compete together so the decision about who is on it will be based how we think the team will bond and not just who is the best paddler. We are also committed to promoting sport in the widest sensing and ‘giving back’ to the community and we are looking for kayakers that have the same objectives.
What do we expect from you?
If you are the right person for the team then you will find this bit easy. The main purpose of the team is to give team members all the help they need to be great kayakers but to achieve that you will need to show you are committed to it. We will provide you with kit, coaching, mentoring and physiotherapy and so we expect you will use it wisely. In order to provide the team with all these resources we have secured sponsorship from various companies and so we need to promote those companies by promoting the team and getting out there in the public eye. So, you will need to go to some competitions, attend some events and provide some photos, videos, blogs, magazine articles, etc. We will work as a team to do this so you won’t be on your own. We also want to give back by inspiring others and there are a few ways we will do that through demonstrations, presentations, coaching, etc, we need you to help with that.
Overall you should be an energetic and enthusiastic freestyle kayaker with a desire to learn more and achieve great things whilst wanting to give something back to the community.
How does the selection weekend work?
Selection weekend will simply be a few paddlers getting together for a paddle. It is not an organised event, selectors will be at the white water course at Nottingham for the weekend and will watch people paddle and chat to anyone who is interested in the team. The selectors will be easy to find and you will need to tell them you are interested in being considered for the team. They will then watch out for you on the white water and also arrange a time for a chat.
You will need to make your own way to the to the white water course, pay your own fee to get on the course, bring your own equipment, sort out your own accommodation, etc, etc. The selectors are not responsible for you or your gear, it is just another weekend paddling for you! If you are under 18 then you need to sort this out with your parents or guardian.
How do I maximise my chances?
Think about what your ambitions in kayaking are and see if they align with what we are looking for. If so tell us that! The selectors will find it useful to have some background information on you so send your paddling CV and maybe a covering letter to freestyle@jamesreeves.net – but don’t make it too long or it won’t get read. Be at the selection weekend first thing on Saturday 21st May to ensure you get the maximum opportunity to impress them.
