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Raging rapids, sharp rocks, cold water — these obstacles and more pale in comparison to the pile of homework that junior Brad Ludden faces every time he returns from one of his week-long kayaking excursions. This week, he happens to be in Malaysia.
However, homework is the last thing on Ludden’s mind when he’s ranked third in the world in junior freestyle kayaking.
“He’s definitely a rocker,” said senior Jason Sherman, a friend of Ludden. “He’s spent a lot of time doing what he loves and it’s paid off.”
Ludden’s talents have taken him all over the globe, from the United States to Japan to Europe. Not only has he traveled to these places but he has won all the major events he has competed in this year, including the U.S. Cup, the Japan Open and the European Tour.
“He’s the best in the world,” said Corran Addison, designer and co-owner of Riot Kayaks and Ludden’s sponsor. “There’re only five kayakers in the world that compare to Brad.”
Ludden is currently competing in the countries of Malaysia and Sumatra. “I’m a little nervous about Malaysia,” said Ludden. “It’s a 10-mile sprint down a class five rapid and I normally don’t do that.”
“We are looking at him to win in Malaysia and Sumatra too,” said Addison.
Ludden started kayaking at the age of nine. He began in level one rapids and now breaks level five rapids, which are rapids that contain harsh flow and sharp rocks.
“When I was 12, I started to love kayaking,” said Ludden. “It led me to start racing when I was 13.”
Racing became too serious for Ludden, so he started to “rodeo,” a slang term for freestyle kayaking. A feature is a hydraulic created by the waters of the river. Competitors have one minute to perform as many high point tricks as he can master on the hydraulic in a river.
Ludden won his first major victory during the 1997 West Coast Tour. He won six of the seven events on the tour and became the junior national champion.
Ludden’s kayaking then paddled him toward the European Tour and a competition in Japan. He took top honors in both contests. Japan offered Ludden more challenges than just the river.
“Japan was scary,” said Ludden. “I couldn’t speak the language or talk to anyone.”
Ludden’s trick to being a great kayaker lies in his attitude.
“(The) difference between Brad and other great athletes is great athletes think they are great before they were and Brad doesn’t,” said Addison. “Brad doesn’t cop an attitude.”
“I don’t think it is appropriate for someone to consider himself the best because they stop trying,” said Ludden. “It’s all a mental game. Attitude determines a winner.”
Ludden’s love and determination will likely lead him to future victories.
“He’s got a lot of potential,” said Sherman, “and that will allow him to become what he wants to be.”
“Kayaking is like going to the moon,” said Ludden, “You go on rivers no one else has ever seen. It presents something so unique. It’s addicting.” |
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