Tess Pateman | Sport

Kia Ora, I’m Tess and I am a canoe slalom athlete. Slalom has been part of my life for seven years now. I started in year 7 for AIMS games where my passion for this sport was truly ignited and hasn’t stopped growing ever since. Last year I qualified for the New Zealand U18 Canoe Slalom Team, and was lucky enough to travel to Europe for my international debut competing in the ICF Junior and U23 World Championships in Slovakia. I was part of the NZ team again this year, getting the opportunity to compete in France. Kayaking is a huge part of my life and who I am, I love how it takes me to so many beautiful places in the world and within NZ. I am a very adventurous and curious person, I love the outdoors and I am very passionate about science and space. I love the courage kayaking gives me, launching myself off ramps and paddling down white water rapids fearlessly gives me the confidence and determination to tackle any challenges in life.