Tao Berman at 26 is probably one of the world’s most famous and accomplished kayakers. He has logged more than 40 first descents on rivers and creeks across the planet and holds records for dropping the tallest waterfalls in the world.
What is your best training technique?
I guess that would be the mental discipline to go out and train, even on the days I don’t really feel like going out. I throw on a heart rate monitor and do sprints down a Class V creek with a 35-foot waterfall, and I do sprints on flatwater and work out in my home gym.
Worst injury?
Knock on wood, I have been doing this for 13 years and I have never had an injury worth mentioning. Before I started kayaking, in fifth grade I think, I fell off a crane and had to be resuscitated.
Most frightening moment?
When I’m in a dangerous situation, all I know is that if I don’t stay calm and do what I have to do, I’ll die.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
I’m always thinking about how I can take it further. I try to stay very analytical in my mental approach.
What is the sickest thing you’ve ever seen?
(Oregon kayaker) Tim Gross attempting a 100-foot waterfall (Oregon’s Abiqua Falls) and 10 feet off the lip, he screwed up so bad he was falling headfirst. He had another 90 feet to go and landed on his head. Turns out he was OK, though.
Whom do you admire most?
Lance Armstrong. Not really as a person but for the way he trains. I’m sure he’s a great guy; I just admire the way he looks at training. The time he puts into his training is impressive. There has got to be many, many days when it’s not that fun, but he is just always thinking about the end goal: winning.
What music revs you up for a big day?
There really is not one type. I’m more of a “shuffle song” guy.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
Back in the day, my only focus was running the hardest drop I could possibly run without killing myself. Now, I enjoy the whole process and appreciate it more than I ever have. I try to enjoy every step, including the trip to the drop, setting up the drop and even after the drop.
