VALENTIN GROLLEMUND
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Interview mit Valentin Grollemund
www.valgrollemund.blogspot.com NIL: Val, what have been your first experience with kayaking? How you get to paddeling? V: I don't remember when I started to paddle, it could be in my grand parents place on the tarn river where I was the whole summer when I was kid. My father was a kayaker too so I took the virus early!!! I'm registered in the kayak club of Rodez since 6 years where I learned and work my slalom paddling and discover creeking. |
V: I'm a slalom paddler at first and I'm now really addicted by creeking what I think it's the origin of kayaking and the best thing to do!!! I stoped slalom races (C1) to concentrate myself on the creeking... but I'll train in slalom K1 for sure!!!
NIL: What do you appriciate most at kayaking?
V: Probably share lot of moments with my friends and enjoy the jewels of the nature every day and every where.
Kayaking it's also the best way to meet people and discover new cultures, new lifestyles ...
I don't have the words to say how is good to be on a river with friends and enjoy kayaking!!
NIL: What is the faszination of white water paddeling for you, what does this passion mean to you, how does it influence your life actually?
V: White water is for me a kind of drug and I can't stop paddling for 2 days... share, discover, learn, travel and enjoy the rivers are my way of paddling my lifestyle!! I need to paddle to take some perfect moments with my friends and if I join you for a ride, be sure to see a big smile on my face!!
NIL: What have been important trips for you, what you will never forget?
V: My first descent of the Sources of the Tarn river (my home river) with my brother and Eric Deguil.
It was crazy to discover a "new" section closed to one of the best ride in France. Germans opened this section but we didn't have information about...
In fact, I learned on all my trips, the destination is not really important... the most important is your crew and why you paddle... if you're happy of that, be sure to enjoy your trips!!
NIL: What are the plans for the coming future?
V: I'm planning a trip for this winter... I have to find the destination early... Chile? Africa? New Zealend?...?
Next summer why not Norway??
NIL:What is your greatest wish or vision, regardless from money, time or socalled obligations?
V: I would like to be pro paddler and do kayaking as my job in the coming years... we'll see...
Maybe work as slalom coach or work in the outdoor industry to develop new clothes and new technologies...
NIL: Thanks a lot for time and passion
