From trainee solicitor to kayaking athlete

Kayaking is more than just a hobby for Minster Law’s Rebecca Skirrow. It’s a lifestyle. With 26 years of kayaking experience under her belt, we’re proud to reveal that Rebecca has recently learned she’s been chosen for the UK Athlete Support Program (ASP) and will be joining other potential athletes for the GB freestyle kayaking team selection event in March 2017.

Thirty-two-year-old Rebecca has been an avid fan of kayaking since being introduced to the sport as a child.  “My parents are kayakers so it’s something I’ve always been familiar with,” she explains. “I’ve always loved the water and even used to be a competitive swimmer. What I love most about kayaking is the multiple levels of challenges. Whether it’s mental or physical, the challenges are always varied.”

The Doncaster resident applied to attend the selection for the ASP in February 2016, and received the call at the end of summer to join the team try out. The programme is only offered to athletes with international potential and having been selected, Rebecca will start a two-year training cycle, with the ultimate goal of achieving British Medals at the World Championships in Argentina and Spain.

To ensure she stays fit for competition, Rebecca likes to run and visit the gym, as well as regularly hitting the open water. She also led the Kool Kayakers Canoe Club to win the British Club Championships this summer with the help of her friend and ex European Champion Lowri Davies.

“I’m excited and a little nervous about being selected for the ASP,” continues Rebecca. “I’m really proud of my achievement as I’ve been selected alongside some huge names in kayaking, such as ‘Yorkshire Woman of the Year’ Claire O’Hara.”

Rebecca is a trainee solicitor at Minster Law and has been with the company for seven years. “I really enjoy my role as I’ve been able to learn and develop a lot here,” she explains. “It’s great that my colleagues also take such an interest in what I do outside of work – I’ve even taken some of them out on the water! A few people think I’m crazy to be competing at such a competitive level, but they are all really supportive of my achievements too.”

Rebecca flies out to Uganda in January for 3 weeks to begin training.