Darius Ramrattan is no stranger to the medal podium. In fact, he is now poised for success on the national kayak stage.
Finishing atop the Tamihi Rapids boatercross race in B.C. after three heats at the Chilliwack Center of Excellence paddling club event on March 22, Ramrattan topped his coach Mike Holroyd who placed second and Chilliwack native Jon Allen who took third.
The 15-year-old Innisfail native also placed eighth in the Rich Weiss Memorial Slalom race with a top time of 109.55 seconds. Holroyd finished second with a time 8.74 seconds faster than Ramrattan's fine effort.
The Grade 10 Innisfail Jr/Sr High student has been active in kayaking for five years with the Cottonwood Kayak Club, which practices indoors at the Innisfail pool and outdoors in Kananaskis Country.
“I am one of the coaches for the Innisfail club,” said Ramrattan. “I learned kayaking here and now can share my knowledge and experience with our local members at every level. I train under Holroyd with the Alberta Slalom Kayak Team, an ex national team member who has helped me immensely.”
He noted training for the outdoor season occurs in Kananaskis Country every weekend.
“I train with my brother Alex, Shannon and Katrina Wagers and several other paddlers from Calgary,” added the young athlete. “It is a beautiful way to spend your weekend if the water is nice but if there is snow or the temperature is low, it's not so much fun.”
Ramrattan was named Innisfail's 2012 Male Athlete of the year in addition to being part of the Advanced Enhancement Program since 2010. He has also been part of the Junior National Team and has been invited to try out for the Senior National Team later this year. In 2012 he won gold and two silver medals during the Canadian National Championships.
In addition to kayaking, Ramrattan won silver in track and badminton in Grade 9 at the 2012 Chinooks Edge North Athletic Association meet, and gold in the 2011 Chinooks Edge North Athletic Association event.
“I like the thrill of paddling,” said Ramrattan. “During the boatercross event, all I thought about was trying to finish the highest I possibly could, while at the same time to have as much fun as I possibly during the race.”
