Two Sundre-area sisters brought home a bronze medal in double canoeing from the recent Alberta Summer Games in Leduc.
The boats — also known as C2 — are similar to a two-person kayak but with a flatter bottom. Additionally, the paddlers kneel as opposed to sit, said Bergen resident Amber Neudorf, 17, who competed as a team with her sister Allegra, 13.
“You can pick up a lot of speed — it's quite fast,” Amber said during a phone interview.
“It's a little bit tippy, but once you get going smoothly, it's pretty much clear sailing.”
The C2 floats almost level with the water's surface, so it takes a certain level of coordination to keep it from tipping during a turn, she said.
“It's a bit of a rush, you got to keep it going fast.”
However, finding a rhythm can be a bit of challenge.
“You have to be coordinated quite well or else your boat will spin a circle.”
The 2016 Alberta Summer Games were held July 14-17 in Leduc, with roughly 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials taking part from across the province.
Amber was initially introduced to whitewater kayaking about two years ago courtesy of Sundre resident Jim McAllister through the local Sundre Paddling Club. He coached the sisters for their then first time at the summer games and also accompanied them on some rafting and kayaking trips down the Red Deer River.
“That's kind of how we started,” she said.
While the sisters have been involved in canoeing, kayaking and rafting for the past couple of years, Amber said this was their first time in a C2 together. And although they weren't always able to train together leading up to the games, they did have some opportunities to practise with other partners.
With no regrets after competing in the 2014 Alberta Summer Games, the sisters did not hesitate to participate again this year.
“It was really fun and we had a really good experience there,” said Amber.
But it's more about the sport than the competition — the 17-year-old said she enjoys kayaking recreationally and has also occasionally helped to instruct others.
“I really want to get on the river again soon,” she said, adding her hope is to get back on the water at least a couple of more times before the snow falls and it gets too cold.
Mom Wendy expressed support for her daughters' endeavour and encourages them to further pursue the sport they're passionate about.
“I know they love to kayak,” she said, adding she hopes to see them continue.
