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How Bradley Boulle grabs the bull by its horns

The local paddler tells us how his anxiety doesn't hinder him but rather propels him to the finish line.

When Bradley Boulle first held a paddle in his hands he was 10 years old and ever since he has made sure to paddle his way to success.

The Dabulamanzi Canoe Club paddler recently took part in the SA Marathon Championships held in St Francis Bay. There, among other events, he participated in the U23 men’s senior event where he placed third in a time of 02:29:00.

Now, he is in training to take on the waters of Demark at the end of August as he prepares to participate in the 2023 ICF World Marathon Championships where he will be paddling with Wayne Jacobs in the senior K2 race on September 3.

When he was a child he was drawn to the sport after seeing his brother take part in it. Years later, canoeing has become something he is now devoted to. It has helped him form close friendships and has afforded him to see the most beautiful dams and valleys.

Boulle’s participation in the championships was special for him. “I raced two of my best races both K1 and K2. It was a high-pressure environment and I responded well to the pressure.”

Though he has avoided major physical setbacks in the sport, he recognised that he had always struggled with anxiety.
He said had suffered from panic attacks during training and races but he had learned to embrace his anxiety rather than turn from it.

Bradley Boulle is a canoeist.
Bradley Boulle is a canoeist.

The driven paddler hopes to inspire other people who, just like him, love the sport they are in but are hindered by their mental health, to get out there and do it for themselves. “We too often seek validation from others and miss the point of the sport. I truly believe that sport is a way for us to recognize our ability and potential.”

Thankfully, being on the water allowed for a level of peace, as after a bad day he was always motivated to get back on the water to enjoy the serenity of paddling.

An ambition of Boulle is to race at the highest level. “This dream is coming to life this year as I have the opportunity to race at the world champs.”

So, what does this talented sportsman prefer, paddling K1 (single) or K2 (doubles)? Well, said he used to enjoy K1 more as he was concerned about letting down his partner. In more recent years, however, he has started to love K2 for its synchronicity. He and his current partner have spent lots of time in the boat together and it has paid off.

To fellow sportsmen/women, Boulle concluded, “You are capable and powerful beyond measure. Whatever you do, do it because you love it.”

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