{"id":2132,"date":"2021-06-02T13:15:52","date_gmt":"2021-06-02T13:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.phseakayaks.com\/blog\/?p=2132"},"modified":"2021-06-02T13:15:52","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T13:15:52","slug":"introducing-the-paddlin-dutchman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.phseakayaks.com\/blog\/introducing-the-paddlin-dutchman\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing: The Paddlin’ Dutchman"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019re delighted to announce that we\u2019ve begun working with up and coming YouTuber, The Paddlin\u2019 Dutchman (real name Lex van den Berg) to highlight the more accessible side of the sport to a wider audience, and illustrate the journey we\u2019ve all either been through already, or maybe are currently still going through, on the way to becoming \u2018experienced\u2019 paddlesports enthusiasts!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lex, hi! Tell us a little about yourself…<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Together with my wife and kids (7, 5, and 3 yo) I live in the Netherlands, where I was born and raised 33 years ago (so definitely in my prime right now). When I am not paddling, or making videos about paddling, I design and make video games. I have been working in the games industry for over 12 years now as a Game Designer and Creative Lead, making games that have a positive impact on people and society. If I have time to spare I enjoy everything labeled \u201cnerdy\u201d (from board games to Star Wars), crafting, camping, and making music.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you tell us when it was you first picked up a paddle and became \u2018The Paddlin\u2019 Dutchman\u2019? What inspired you? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I remember the first time I picked up a paddle very well. It was 8 years ago on a holiday in Argentina. My wife and I paddled a tandem on a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. It really resonated with me and I joined a local club as soon as we got back. Unfortunately -well, it\u2019s how you look at it I guess- shortly after our first child was born and due to \u201clife\u201d, I lost touch with kayaking. Fast forward 6 years to 2019, all of a sudden I have three kids. I really neglected my health and wanted to change my life and become more active. Kayaking would be my weapon of choice! I enrolled in a beginner’s course. At that time I created the Paddlin\u2019 Dutchman to keep myself accountable. What I did not anticipate is I would soon fall completely in love with kayaking. Ever since I got back into a boat it has become so much more than just exercise. It has grown into a huge part of my life, and I couldn\u2019t do without it anymore!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where did you find out where and how to get started?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I have always been a big fan of \u201cintroductory courses\u201d. I have done many introductory courses, from archery to rock climbing. It\u2019s a great way to experience something new, and find out if you really like it. It\u2019s also a great way to meet new people who are in the same headspace as you. So it felt really logical for me to start kayaking by taking an introductory course. One Google search later, and I had booked a course at our local paddling club, KV Waterwolf<\/a>. They helped me out with everything I needed and taught me the basics. After the course, I joined that same club and never left!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How quickly did you buy your own gear, and where did you get it from? What made you choose the equipment you bought?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Honestly? Probably too quickly. People who know me know I am a gear head. I-love-gear. So I am always keen on having my own equipment. But this also meant I had to make concessions due to budgeting when I started. Right off the bat, I invested in a good PFD though. But most other gear I bought in the beginning has been replaced by now. It takes time to figure out what you want, need, and like. Sometimes it takes a few tries, there is no shame in that. I would always encourage people to keep an open mind and experiment once in a while with different gear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I always get all my gear at Kanocentrum Arjan Bloem<\/a> who is a household name here in the Dutch paddling community. His store is like a giant candy shop! And even though I have seen all the aisles a thousand times, I can still spend hours there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What were your ambitions in the beginning, and how have they evolved as you\u2019ve gotten deeper into the sport?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They couldn\u2019t be further apart! As I touched on earlier, I started kayaking just as a means to exercise. But as soon as I hit the water that all changed. I fell in love with the feeling of freedom, the exploration, the mastery involved and being one with the water. As soon as I started to develop some skills and learn new techniques, I wanted to learn even more and get better. I noticed learning new skills and techniques really helped me be more confident and comfortable in my boat. So much so it made me enjoy paddling even more. That was something I had to share with others. I wanted to teach other paddlers the skills to help them get more confident and comfortable too! So as I myself grow and learn I now try to pass on what I learn to others, and help them become better paddlers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What achievement are you most proud of so far? What helped you learn?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Definitely learning how to roll, and doing my first combat roll. Being able to roll gave me such a confidence boost. It really helped me feel more comfortable to try new things and push myself, especially on whitewater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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