Paddling is in the blood of the Coward family and has been an activity that has brought their family close together.
Talia, Simon’s daughter, was introduced to the sport when she was young, and quickly became enchanted by the river. Following in the footsteps of her father, she dreams of paddling the world and has become a strong paddler and member of the community.
Without further introduction, please enjoy AQ’s 20 Questions with youth paddler Talia.
1. What is your name?
Talia Coward
2. How old are you?
I am 13 years old
3. How many years have you been paddling?
Since I was four, so around 9 years
4. What is your favorite thing about paddling and why?
The community, the never-ending fun, and the uniqueness of the sport are my favorite aspects of it.
5. Who or what got you started in kayaking?
I started paddling at an early age due to my dad owning Aqoutdoors since 2009. You can join a variety of programs, such as Microgroms, which introduce young kids to the paddling community/industry. That's where I began and where I am still involved with most of those paddlers today.
[View All AQ Outdoors Paddling Courses and Camps]
6. What would your dream kayak or paddleboard look like?
As a kayaker, I have no dream kayak per se, but I probably have a Rewind or Slalom Boat in mind as my favorite
7. What is the biggest or craziest river you have paddled?
Right now, Castle Falls or the Slocan would be the most difficult water I have paddled
8. How many friends have you made while kayaking?
Kayaking has become more enjoyable because of the community. Since I started kayaking, I have formed friendships with people who I am still close to today. There has been a strong community built within the clubs that brings everyone together.
9. What has been the best thing you have learned in a kayak so far and why?
When paddling, I find my kayaking roll most helpful, which really enhances my confidence
10. What do you want to learn to do in a kayak this season?
In this season, I would like to work a lot more on surfing and working on pivots in whitewater slalom
11. Who do you love paddling with the most and why?
I love paddling most with my friends and my family, we all paddle which really lets us connect and spend time together.
12. Do you have any siblings and do they paddle with you?
Both of my siblings paddle with me: my brother is younger so he is on his own level, and my sister paddles with me three times a week.
13. What else do you like to do in the summer besides paddling?
I really like MTB and rafting,and hanging out with my friends.
14. What is your favorite lunch or snack to bring with you on the water?
My favorite lunch/snack would be gatorade and cheese and a pepperoni snack
15. What do you want to do when you grow up?
In the future I don't really have any goals for a job, but my dream is to travel the world paddling,and hope to go somewhere with slalom kayaking.
16. Where is your favorite place to paddle and why?
Anyplace really as long as i am paddling,I love new rivers and experiences,and it's always better with family and friends,the Kananaskis would be a personal favorite
17. If you could have any superpower in the world what would it be?
I would want time control, so I could skip through time, pause time and rewind time,life would be a lot more organized and simple
18. Are you involved in any community programs or clubs?
Nothing much other than kayaking
19. What do you like to do in the winter season? Do you splitboard, snowboard, ski, snowshoe, etc..
I backcountry ski, and ski just at resorts with family
20. If you could describe kayaking in one word what would it be?
Free ( you're free in nature)
Shop AQ Outdoors Whitewater Kayak Collection
AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
