The Global Paddling Community

Interview with Jimmy Blakeney.

This interview was originally produced for the Portuguese web site 'kayaksurf.net' and is published exclusively on Playak in english to make it available to a wider audience. The portuguese version of the interview, with larger versions of some of the photos, is available here.

Jimmy in the ZG on the Dries

Jimmy Blakeney is the guy who took the great responsibility (together with Robert Peerson) to replace Eric Jackson when he left WaveSport (WS). At age 31, Jimmy quit his biology studies and took up to the adventure. He holds a number of first descents and regularly participates in videos and promotional films for his sponsors. He is also a passionate skater and snowboarder and regularly writes articles for publications such as "American Whitewater", "Paddler Magazine", "Kayak Magazine", "Elevation Magazine" and "Kayak Session".

Name: Jimi Blakeney
Age: 33
Occupation: Professional kayaker & marketing director for Wave Sport
Address: jimmy AT prokayaker.tv
Sponsors – WaveSport Kayaks, Immersion Research, AT Paddles, Sweet Helmets, Teva, Astral Buoyancy.
Brief resume:

• 2003 US National Champion
• 2003 Big Air World Champion
• 2000 Triple Crown Champion
• 2000 International Championships silver medalist
• Five-time US Freestyle Kayak Team member (currently on the team going to Australia for World Championships)
• Dozens of first descents from California to the Northeast
• Co-Founder & President of US Freestyle Kayak Association 1997-2002
• Trained hundreds of freestyle kayak judges through American Whitewater's judge training program.
• Head Coach for Adventure Quest traveling kayak academy 2001
• Coached 2001 Women's World Champion and 2003 Jr. Men's World Champion

When did you start kayaking?
About 10 years ago. I started whitewater paddling in Virginia on the New River. A friend of mine who I skateboarded and snowboarded with introduced me to it (check out his website, kayakmind.com ) .

I'm more of a river kayaker than surf kayaker, but I do enjoy a good ocean wave in a kayak. I'll be going to the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak competition this year in March.

What do you think about the evolution of kayak surfing?
In the US and elsewhere there's tons of potential for surf kayaking because so many people live near the ocean. I think the tough thing is that surfing is perceived as 'cooler' and also it's much cheaper to get involved in, and simpler as it requires less gear. I think those are the things that challenge surf kayakers to make the sport more accessible. I also think that more people getting into paddlesports in general (sea kayaking, recreational and whitewater) helps because then they've already been exposed to it and when they go to the beach it's not something totally new for them.

Did you ever participate in kayaksurf competitions?
Yes, I have competed and won several surf kayak events on the east and west coasts of the United States.

Which was the best spot that you surfed in a kayak around the world?
Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz, California.

Your scariest experience at sea?
Being hit by a thick 3 meter closeout and shoved into rocks.

How do you minimize the risk in your sport?
I think before I act.

Where do you usually surf?
I usually surf the New River Dries river in West Virginia, but if I surf in the ocean it's usually in California.

Have you already paddled in Portugal?
No, would love to!!

How do you manage your training plan (others sports)?
I also skateboard and snowboard. My training equals playing…I don't have a 'workout' routine.

How would you describe the perfect wave?
Three meter face, semi-steep with a good wall, and not too fast so you can keep up with the green and throw tricks.

Your favourite move?
On a wave, Airscrew and Helix.

Eric Jackson left WaveSport and now, you and Robert Peerson have the huge responsibility to replace him… what exactly do you do at WS?
I am responsible for marketing, promotions, advertising direction, the team, and also still traveling as an athlete to competitions, festivals and demos. I also work closely with Robert to provide input on boat design, and of course test new designs with Robert and the rest of the team. Robert's job is to design the boats from the ground up. Together we'll come up with what we want the next boat to be and do, then he'll draw it up in CAD, have a plug milled out, lay up a glass mold, make some plastic prototypes, build them out and then go test them…it's a lot of work, but Robert is a great designer and really good with his hands.

Your favorite kayak?
I enjoy surfing the ZG 48. It's fast, quick edge to edge, carves well for a plastic boat with no fins, and is very loose.

Can you g ive us some words on current and upcoming Wavsport models?
Both the Diesel and ZG were a huge success for us in 2004 and are still going strong in 2005. The new EZG series just came out and it is an incredible river running playboat. Of course we're working on a few new boats as well for 2006…

What was the idea behind the doubleyouess team?
I came up with the 'doubleyouess' name from just spelling out the letters WS. I think it works well for the team because it's not obvious at first, you have to know what's up to get it. With our team, they aren't in your face trying to sell you something, they're out there kayaking full time because it's what they love to do. Doubleyouess defines the lifestyle of the athletes on our team, and the website is a place they can express themselves.

Besides that "page" you also have the prokayaker and the contribution to Local Paddler… how do you manage all this stuff?
I don't update prokayaker.tv much anymore just cause I don't have time. Local Paddler is a super cool website that we identify with, so we try to support it as much as we can. My main focus is on the wavesport.com site and doubleyouess.com , as well as my personal site www.jimmyblakeney.com

You became famous at the IR Big Gun Show that is now being called the World Championships of Aerial Kayaking. Do you feel yourself – like Spencer Cook said – as the Men's Aerial Kayaking World Champion, King of Air?
I guess so. The title doesn't matter to me as much as just knowing that of all the footage sent in that my move was picked by my peers as the best move.

And about the World Championship in Australia this year… are you satisfied with your results?
Sure. Competition isn't my focus with paddling. Of course I love to compete, and always want to win, but I don't let it get in the way of my love for paddling if I don't win an event. It's more about the experience for me.

And about EJ's victory... what do you think is his secret?
It's no secret. He's an incredible athlete and very focused on competition and winning. Competing is his cup of tea!

About the "Wet House" film… is it finished?
The premiere was at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado in June. It will be a unique look at kayaking. If you ever wondered what makes these athletes tick (Steve Fisher, Tanya Shuman, Nikki Kelley, Andrew Holcombe, Bryan Kirk and myself), you'll want to check this video out! Instead of just a bunch of kayaking footage, it will bring out the personalities of the athletes with interviews, introspection and a more soulful view of the sport and how they have made it into a lifestyle.

What is your role in the U.S. Freestyle Kayak Committee?
I used to be very involved with the US Freestyle Kayak Committee. In fact I helped found the USFKA back in 1997 and was president until 2000. I just got burned out on that aspect of the sport. Now I'm more of an advisor to the committee… I still make my voice heard but stay on the sidelines a bit more, focusing on my own paddling and my job with Wave Sport.

You coached the 2001 Women's World Champion and 2003 Jr. Men's World Champion. Did you like that work?
I really, really enjoy coaching and teaching. I've always liked helping others with their paddling, and it was great to be involved with Erica Mitchell's and Rush Sturges' paddling careers… they are both incredible paddlers!!

You have a Bachelors in Biology from Virginia Tech (1994) and Masters in Education from Virginia Tech (1997). Do you have any occupation regarding these graduations?
Nope, not as long as I can kayak for a living :-)

Usually you paddle with other great names of this sport… do you have any paddler as a favorite of your own?
I really like paddling with the whole West Virginia crew, most of who aren't pros. Bryan Kirk is my main paddling partner though, as well as Robert Peerson. Steve Fisher is a great friend and we try to paddle together as much as possible. I think Javid Grubbs and Nico Chassing have the best style.

What music reminds you most of your sport and what have you been hearing lately?
I've been listening to Tegan & Sara, Arcade Fire, the Perceptionists, Hieroglyphics and Immortal Technique to name a few.

Any comments on www.kayaksurf.net ?
It's a cool site, lots if information, but I can't read it :-)

What are your plans for this year?
I will be traveling mostly in the US, but also going to Europe a few times. A few big competitions, lots of filming, and covering my bases with my job!

Some final words for our readers?
Thanks for reading this interview, hope to see you on the water sometime!

UPDATED SCHEDULE of Jimmy Blakeney:

AUGUST 11-14th: OUTDOOR RETAILER SHOW, Salt Lake City, Utah
SEPTEMBER 17-18th: Gauley Festival and WAVE SPORT OPEN EVENT.
OCTOBER: several events incl National Championships in Wetumpka, Alabama on the Coosa river

Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos – Personal archive of Jimmy Blakeney + Emlyn Stokes + prokayaker.tv + localpaddler.com