Name:
Chris “Pikey” Bucksey

 

Team Position:
Team mascot and international relations

 

How did you first become involved in kayaking?
Cubs, Scouts then a Canoe Club.

 

How long have you been seriously kayaking?
I paddled at a Canoe club every week since the age of 16, but started freestyle at Hurley when I was 18.

 

 

 

Have you been part of a canoe club?
Warren Canoe Club for fun and Reading Canoe Club for Marathon and Sprint.

 

What is it about kayaking you like so much?
The peace of mind you always find on the water. The adventure Kayaking can take you on and the people you meet! Big Air and waterfalls are good!

 

What disciplines of kayaking have you been involved in?
Freestyle, Creeking anything in between! Slalom, Marathon, Sprints, Polo, open Canoeing, and general Recreation!

 

 

 

How did you get into freestyle?
First hole boating was down at County lock in Reading, then Gareth Harvey took me under his wing and showed me the light at Hurley!

 

Where have you paddled including travelling etc?
England, Wales, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, America, Canada and Australia. 

 

What is your favourite paddling destination?
Well Hurley for paddling with my home crowd and its smooth surf! For Playboating it has to be the Ottawa River, for a river/play run the Gauley River and creeking the Green Narrows.

 

 

 

Where would you like to travel to?
A place where no kayak has been let alone people! I think nothing can beat a multi-day trip first Decent! or Africa for its playboating!

 

Who inspires you in kayaking?
Deb Pinniger was always someone I looked up to when little, FunkiDreadz(James weir) apparently worse than me as a kid but look at him today! Living the dream!

 

What equipment do you use?
Jackson kayaks, Kokatat, Keen footwear, FNA headwear, Seals Spraydecks, Ripple nose plugs.

 

  

 

Who has supported you and deserves to be thanked?
My Mum for supporting me to live the Dream, Gareth Harvey for taking me paddling and giving me my first travels with a Kayak! Aaron and Rhona for being helpful and loving people to me, The Jackson Family and Team for being so supportive! Everyone else for being so supportive with my paddling Career!