FLAT RATE SHIPPING TO AUSTRALIA

Luuka Jones: Olympic Silver Medalist - Canoe Slalom

Luuka Jones: Olympic Silver Medalist - Canoe Slalom

The Mission

To continue pursuing excellence in training every day to be one of the best female canoe slalom athletes in the world.

Achieve performances in both C1 & K1 at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

Achieve podium finishes in K1 & C1 at the 2018 & 2019 World Championships

Achievements

 2ND RIO OLYMPIC GAMES 2016

4TH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 (K1)

4TH WORLD CUP GERMANY 2017 (C1)

8 X NEW ZEALAND NATIONAL CHAMPION

3 X OLYMPIAN

HALBERG SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALIST 2016

MASSEY UNIVERSIT Y DISTANCE SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR 2016

NEW ZEALAND WHITE WATER KAYAKER OF THE YEAR 2016

HALBERG FOUNDATION AMBASSADOR

JONESYʼS Y OUTH F OUNDATION AMB ASSADOR

Background

As an 11 year old growing up on the banks of the Wairoa river in Tauranga, I never dreamed that a job trimming agapanthas at the local kayaking adventure park when I was 11 would lead to a career as an elite canoe slalom paddler. I moved to Nottingham at the age of 18 in my pursuit to be the best and the next year I almost accidentally landed myself a spot at the Beijing Olympics. Achieving a sobering last place finish at this incredible event, I spent the next four years travelling to Europe to train and compete as an unfunded athlete. I earned a degree in perseverance but unfortunately was not reaching the heights I dreamed of. My bank account was also at a low I had never dreamed of. In 2013, after the London Olympics I was given a chance by High Performance Sport NZ and for the first time had a full time coach and team of sport providers to help me out. My performances improved and in one year I went from being outside the top 30 in the world to inside the top 16. It seemed a lofty goal to finish on the podium in Rio just three years later but I set my sights on it anyway. I worked hard, made the most of the opportunity being a full-time athlete and kept focus on trying to be better every day. In 2016 this unlikely goal became a reality. It was an incredible moment. It taught me that if you persevere and work hard enough, anything is possible.

What are Luuka's Marmot Favourites?

MARMOT SPEEDLIGHT JACKET

The Marmot Speedlight jacket is a permanent addition to my daypack. As an elite canoe slalom paddler I spend the majority of my time out in the elements. In my experience, you can never be too prepared when you are outdoors and being caught in a storm without the appropriate gear is not an ideal way to prepare for a training session or competition. I chose the Speedlight jacket as my waterproof companion and it hasn’t let me down.

IT PACKS AWAY, IDEAL FOR TAKING EVERYWHERE

I needed a jacket that could be folded away and carried with me wherever I go. The Speedlight jacket is lightweight and I barely notice I have it in my bag. There is nothing better than pulling out your badass jacket when it starts to rain and feeling better prepared than those running for shelter. I also can’t afford any extra weight when travelling the world with two kayaks, four paddles and all of my gear. I’m counting every gram. 

IT HOLDS ITS OWN IN THE POURING RAIN

Despite being lightweight, the jacket holds its own in the heavy rain. I can be outside for hours and still be dry underneath. I initially thought that a light weight jacket could be compromised on its waterproofness but I was proven wrong. The GORE-TEX® Pro 3 Layer fabric is packing a punch and has earned my trust in the most inclement conditions.

ITS BREATHABLE

There is nothing worse than being out in humid, rainy conditions. When it’s wet outside you definitely don’t want to be sweating up a storm on the inside of your waterproof jacket. This has been my experience with other jackets and it is never pleasant. The Speedlight has 28% increased breathability over other GORE-TEX® Pro laminates. It is built to fit in with an active lifestyle.

IT LOOKS GOOD

Yes performance is paramount but it is important to look good at the same time. It’s a comfortable fit, easy to move in and it comes in a range of great colours. The speedlight is an all round great jacket.

 

MARMOT ACTIVEWEAR

I have so far been training in the All Round Tee, Crystal Tee and Pulse shorts. It is key to have lightweight, breathable clothes to make training as comfortable as possible. I do a lot of gym training and off water activity so it is nice to be able to do this in high quality active wear.

Previous post Next post