Carroll turns 27 today. The Truckee, Calif., kayaker is one of the world’s best female expeditionary paddlers, with more than 50 first descents and a world record for paddling a 78-foot waterfall. She has starred in dozens of paddling movies and ranks as one of the most recognized and respected paddlers in the sport.
What is your best training technique?
Laps on the South Yuba River. This is a Class V run that flows during the winter and springtime. It is 7 miles long with lots of boofs and moves. When spring rolls around, I try to do 2 or 3 laps a day on the South Yuba. Kayaking is the only way to get you into kayaking shape.
What is your worst injury?
My worst injury was when I sprained my ankles by hitting a rock at the bottom of an 18-foot waterfall. The funny thing is that we were running this creek the day of my friend’s wedding. The bride was on shore with her visiting family telling them that we were the “best kayakers in the world.” After they carried me out of there later that night, I hobbled down the aisle in my bridesmaid dress and crutches.
Most frightening moment?
My most personal frightening experience is when I had to swim out of a hole and 10 percent of the water was going to the safe zone and 90 percent of the water was going under a large boulder garden of rocks stacked on top of one another. I did end up swimming through the sieve but only knocked out my tooth and bruised an arm. It truly was a miracle that I came out alive.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
Mental fatigue is truly difficult to deal with. When I experience mental fatigue, I have to sit myself down and tell myself that I can do this, just take it one eddy at a
time and be safe.
Whom do you admire most?
I admire my dad the most for raising me with good discipline and a solid work ethic. He instilled in me the confidence I have today and always told me that I could do anything I wanted.
What music revs you up for a big race?
The best music for prerace is Primus. In my CD player now is Slightly Stoopid, Sheryl Crow, Sublime, Fugees and Bran Van 3000.
Best advice you’ve ever received?
Everything in moderation.
