Nouria Newman – Extreme kayaker and adventurer

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Episode summary

A professional kayaker and a leading figure in whitewater sports, Nouria Newman has made her mark far from artificial ponds.

After a career in slalom, she chose the freedom of natural rivers and expeditions to the four corners of the world.

In this episode, she looks back on her career, her vision of risk, the place of women in kayaking, and her upcoming projects.

From slalom beginnings to the discovery of extreme kayaking

Nouria began kayaking in a club in Savoie, thanks to the associative environment that gives young people access to equipment and supervision. She soon turned her attention to slalom competition , reaching the top level and even the world championships.

But between irregular results and personal difficulties, she eventually left the circuit. ” I’m grateful to those who thought I was too slow and too old “, she explains, as this prompted her to turn to river kayaking, which she was already practicing on the side.

Rediscover nature and sensations

What she loves about extreme kayaking is getting back to basics: wild rivers, moving water, natural landscapes. Unlike the artificial basins of Olympic slalom, descents in the wild offer a complete experience, made up of pleasure, effort and sometimes discomfort.

Nouria recalls those icy but magical winter moments, with the lights and mist on the river. For her, every emotion counts, even those that are not immediately pleasant.

Preparing a shipment

Choosing a destination is based both on the great classics of extreme kayaking – such as the Indus in Pakistan or certain rivers in Nepal – and on the desire to discover new terrain by exploring maps and satellite images.

Preparation then requires meticulous organization: equipment logistics, authorizations, local contacts, plan Bs in case of flooding or complicated access. Nouria also stresses the importance of relying on local people, whether guides or fishermen, who know their territory best.

Solo or in a team: two complementary approaches

Sailing alone involves total responsibility: there’s no safety in case of error. But she also sees it as a form of introspection. As part of a team, discussion with your partners enriches your understanding of the river and enhances your safety.

The most important thing is to make your choices according to your own abilities, and not under the influence of your ego or other people’s opinions.

Physical and mental preparation

A former slalom racer, Nouria has long followed a classic training program (kayaking, weight training, running).

Today, she prefers variety: climbing, ski touring, mountain running. She also uses visualization and breathing to prepare for difficult rapids.

Understanding and managing risk

For her Master’s thesis, Nouria looked at women’s relationship to risk in sport. She observed that this relationship was not innate but socially constructed, influenced by education and experience.

In her practice, she always distinguishes between the seriousness of the consequences and the probability of them occurring. ” Fear is useful, it allows us to make the right decisions”, she stresses, as is a certain ego, a driving force for progress when it’s well balanced.

Sharing your journey: films and encounters

His projects have resulted in two films: Wild Waters a biopic retracing his career, and Big Water Theory, about an expedition to Pakistan.

Although these films were not initially planned, today they enable him toinspire others, in particular children who discover kayaking thanks to them.

Women in kayaking

Stereotypes are still rife in the industry. Nouria recounts situations in which her level was questioned, or differences in treatment during competitions.

Nevertheless, she emphasizes the invaluable support she has received from numerous partners and friends, who have helped her to assert herself and gain greater recognition.

Although there are more female riders than before, they are still under-represented in the most extreme descents. Nouria hopes that this trend will continue.

What next?

A mountain and kayak project had to be postponed due to the injury of a partner. Nouria is now preparing an expedition to Mexico with a local kayaker, a 100% women’s project.

A message for sportswomen

Her advice to female listeners is simple: “Do things for the right reasons, for yourself, and because it makes you happy.”

Links

• Follow Nouria: https://www.instagram.com/nourianewman
• Cover photo ©JulesDomine