Athletes
We asked Banook’s nationally carded athletes a number of questions about their sport. Here’s what they had to say.
Jill D’Alessio
1) How many years have you been paddling?
I have been paddling since summer of 93 so I guess that puts me at my… 18th summer coming up? yikes…. getting old!
2) What got you started in the sport?
I followed my sister into the sport. Talia is 4 and 1/2 years older than me, so I grew up watching her race on Lake Banook until I was old enough to get started myself.
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
The Olympic Games in Athens and lining up for the Olympic Final in 2004 in K4 500m was my proudest moment and accomplishment to date in paddling. Although winning gold in k1 500m and hearing the Canadian anthem in Rio de Janiero 2007 Pan Am Games was pretty good too!
4) What has been the best advice you’ve received?
I still remember a t-shirt that they use to sell at regattas locally it said “it’s not how big you are, it’s how big you paddle” I’ve always had it in the back of my mind because I’m shorter than the average bear out on the water. I was told once, a few years before the Olympics, that if I raced with heart and passion then I’d reach my goals and dreams and I think that’s why this quote has also stuck with me.
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
For the past ten years on the National Team I’ve been away up to six months of the year at training camps and competitions, but seeing the lake and club brings me back to my roots and why I fell in love with paddling in the first place. I am proud to race and represent a club that promotes the respect and integrity that comes with high performance competing. They also have a great environment that is friendly and welcoming which made it an easy decision to join up!
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
Don’t let anyone tell you what you are capable of. Go out on the water and test yourself and push your own limits and boundaries. Every time you race it is you versus the clock, people will come and go but it will be your constant competitor, even if you’re winning a piece in practice or a race the clock is still ticking… push it! Finally, take ownership of your training and racing, be careful in pointing the finger at someone else and the passing the blame when something goes wrong; I found this was a hard lesson to learn when I was younger and it helped me since I’ve been on the team, we have to be mindful and respectful of everyone else even if we are out there to better ourselves.
7) Contact
Website: JillianDalessio.ca
Connor Taras
1) How many years have you been paddling?
Started in 2002. I have been paddling for 9 years
2) What got you started in the sport?
I needed some summer recreation because it was the off season for hockey. One of my teammates suggested the canoe club to me so I decided to try it out and here I am now!
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
Well the thing that I have would have to say I’m most proud of is that I am 100% chasing after my dreams! My biggest accomplishment so far in paddling was my silver medal at the 2007 Junior World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.
4) What has been the best advice someone gave you?
The best advice that someone has given me is not think about the “what if”. Instead, think about the moment you are in. You have no control over what could happen, the only control you have is what you are doing in the moment itself. So make sure everyday you are doing everything you can so that when you line up for a race, sit down for an exam, whatever it is you are able to say to yourself you did everything you could to be ready for this moment. At that point there is nothing more you have control over and what happens is all of a result of what did happen. Live in the moment!
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
I choose to represent Banook because of the people. That includes the staff, athletes, coaches, parents, everyone. I only became a member of Banook a couple years ago but I was welcomed with huge arms! One thing I did not anticipate was the challenge of fitting in somewhere else after leaving my old club. You become a member in a family when you’re part of any club and having to leave and feel comfortable somewhere else isn’t the easiest thing. Banook graciously took me in and made me feel welcomed and part of their family. That is why I represent the red and white!
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
The advice I have for the younger paddlers would be to have fun. It’s important to train hard and be serious when it’s appropriate but take everything in. You learn more that way and it makes the experience a lot more enjoyable!
7) Contact
Website: ConnorTaras.ca
Jason McCoombs
1) How many years have you been paddling?
9 years.
2) What got you started in the sport?
A few of my friends were paddling, and my parents thought it would be a good activity for the summer.
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
My biggest accomplishment so far would have to be being a part of the national team.
4) What has been the best advice someone gave you?
The best advice someone has given me is that there’s a reason why we race. There can always be an upset.
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
I represent Banook because I’ve paddled here all my life and because of the great club atmosphere.
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
Don’t be afraid to try canoe.
Andrew Russell
1) How many years have you been paddling?
I have been paddling since I was 5 or so.
2) What got you started in the sport?
My parents got me involved in the sport at a young age.
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
My biggest accomplishment in the sport to date is racing at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and placing 6th and 5th in the C-2 1000m and 500m events.
4) What has been the best advice someone gave you?
The best advice I have received to date… enjoy yourself as much as possible (it was also a fortune cookie I read at Great Wall)
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
I am extremely loyal to Banook because it is a huge part of who I am today. I grew up at the club and owe so many great memories, lessons and friendships to the club. That is why I choose to proudly represent Banook.
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
Get out and have some fun with it. There is no substitute for hard work, think about the things you want to accomplish and build on the things that are working…. and ice your sore shoulders, and stretch often.
Ben Russell
1) How many years have you been paddling?
I’ve been paddling since Kiddie Canoe, so since I was about 5 years old.
2) What got you started in the sport?
Growing up I spent my summers at the club. My family had a membership and that’s what we did with our summers.
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
My biggest accomplishment to date would be my Bronze medal at the 2007 Pan American Games in the C1 1000 meter event.
4) What has been the best advice someone gave you?
Prior to big races Bernie Irvin has often told me something along the lines of “you don’t know where you’ll be or what you’ll be doing down the road, so you might as well go out and win now”.
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
I choose to represent Banook because of all the memories I have surrounding the club growing up as well as all the friends and family I have at the club. When I’m at Banook, I feel at home.
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
Enjoy yourself first and foremost. Paddle because it’s a great way to keep in shape and have a ton of fun.
Adam Tenwolde
1) How many years have you been paddling?
I’ve been paddling for 11 years.
2) What got you started in the sport?
I began my paddling career at 8 years old along with other friends in my neighborhood.
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
To date, my biggest accomplishment has been representing Canada at the Junior World Championships for Canoe Kayak in 2009, and winning all three juvenile K1s at the Canadian National Championships in the same year.
4) What has been the best advice someone gave you?
When I was a younger athlete I played hockey very competitively and some of the older athletes/coaches suggested I focus on one sport or the other so I could excel to my full potential. Deciding not to play hockey was a very hard decision but has definitely been my best one. I have realized when you want something bad enough and you put everything you possibly have into it you will be rewarded in the end.
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
I started at Banook and remain there because I enjoy the atmosphere, such as Banook on regatta days watching races with parents and coaches and cheering on fellow Banook athletes.
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
Hard work pays off, be patient and be focused on your goals and know what you have to do to reach your goals. Always ask questions!! Learn as much as possible from older more experienced athletes and coaches. Most importantly you have to have fun with what you are doing!!
7) Contact
Website: AdamTenwolde.com
Dave Waters
1) How many years have you been paddling?
I just finished my first full year of paddling.
2) What got you started in the sport?
I thought it would help maintain a level of physical fitness. Found it more enjoyable than I thought I would and wanted to take it as far as I could as fast as I could.
3) What are you most proud of or what is your biggest accomplishment to date in paddling?
Very pleased with my 9th place finish at this year’s Canoe Kayak World Championships in Szeged Hungry in the 200m OC-1 LTA event. I placed second in the Lake Placid race in both the 200m OC-1 LTA event and 2000m Open Para canoe event.
4) What has been the best advice someone gave you?
I have had a lot of great advice in a short period of time. The best advice so far was “to focus on 2016, all the rest are just steps to make it to 2016”. After my 9th place race at Worlds I was told “HEAD UP!” I will always remember in future races “HEAD UP!”
5) Why do you choose to represent Banook?
Banook was an easy choice at first as Jeff VanHorne the National Team coach is with Banook but know it is even more beneficial with both Jeff and Jan being with Banook. I plan to work with Jan on establishing an official Para Canoe program with Banook in 2012.
6) What advice do you have for young paddlers?
“Just to try is the best way to do something you have never done before; not trying anything new is like willingly wanting to fail.”
Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something; find someone that will help you get to where you want to go. Recognize that it is a team effort, in order to be truly successful you will need the help and support of a lot of people; coaches, clubs, teammates, medical, friends, family and your desire from within.
Best of luck and don’t give up and most of all have fun!
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