The Global Paddling Community

Interview with Sam Davenport, kayak surfer from England.

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 is available here.

Name: Sam Davenport
Age: 18
Nationality: English
Occupation: Surf Kayaker
Competition records:

• 1st British championships 2005 and 2007.
• 4th in Portugal world cup 2006.
• 1st in world cup juniors 2008 France.
• Joint 3rd in world cup men's 2008 France.

Sponsors: Mega Kayaks, Alder Wetsuits, Buff Headwear - any others would be much appreciated :)

Hi Sam! First of all, congratulations on your victory in France. You say that you started kayaking in 2003 and now, after a few years, you're the World Junior Champion. Did you ever think you could achieve this goal so fast?
Well, in the early years no, but after winning the British open in 2005 and becoming 4th at the world cup in Portugal (2006), I thought I would rather like to become a world champion so I made it my goal. Luckily in my last year of juniors I managed to achieve the title after an intense week of heats and an even more intense final against David Speller.

In 2005 you paddled a plastic surfkayak. Now, a great machine... the Merlin (composite). What surfkayaks do you have now and how would you describe the Merlin?
Yes I have the Merlin, it's a brilliant boat - great in big surf and great in small surf too, the high rocker on it allows you to take off later and hit the lip later as well, achieving better aerial manoeuvres. I also paddle a Mega Trident for IC - I think it's the best of IC boats because of the raised back you can throw it around a bit more.

You already know Portugal due to your participation in the World Cup 2006 in Peniche. What memories do you keep?
AAH man that was the best comp ever, perfect location, everyone in the hotel, beach just over the road. The town had some night life, people were friendly and the surf was good too. It was perfect and made everyone so independent - I can't wait to go down that way again for the 2009 world championships.

This year was your last as a junior... anxious to compete in the next level?
NAAA!! Yea it's going to be tough, but I think I'll be able to cope. We'll see what happens in Portugal 2009.

You also have kayak polo experience?
Yea I even have a competition this weekend. I don't play in the summer but now it's winter I will get back into it.

And whitewater?
As it's coming back into river season again I will be hopefully be doing some, the Dart, Erm and Plym, but the rivers aren't too exciting over here.

Where do you feel most comfortable: IC or HP?
HP definitely because I paddle it most, plus you have fins. I find IC is great fun to paddle and I'll never nock it especially at Bakio, big high tide shore dump.

Youngsters like you are the real future of our sport. How do you see the evolution of kayaksurf?
We definitely need more youngsters to come into surf kayaking as a few of us are now moving on up to seniors, but there are a few coming on to watch out for!

Any surf kayaker you admire in particular?
I love watching Darren Bason - his surfing is just so precise and I definitely admire his skill. Chris Harvey also, as he makes things look effortless!

Your favorite music?
Absolutely everything! I mainly listen to Drum and Bass and Dub music when at home or out in town. But whenever I'm travelling or somewhere else, I like a bit of punk rock like Yellow Card or Alien Ant Farm.

Your favorite spot?
England: Bossiney, Summerleaise cross rock, Mawgan Porth.
Other: Bakio, super tubos, steamer lane.

Can we expect you next year in Portugal for the World Championships?
For sure! Hoping to take 3 weeks to drive down stopping off to surf through France and Spain it's going to be awesome.

Any suggestions for those who want to start kayak surfing?
Use video analysis - it is the best way to move forward in the sport. There is nothing better than watching yourself surf, and watching the top guys as well. Good luck!

Thanks Sam! See you in Portugal next year! Keep riding!

Photos and - Sam Davenport & Malcolm Pearcey
Interview - Luis Pedro Abreu
Video - Jack Horwell