The high-pitched voice of Waris Mills talking about Canoe Slalom is infectious as she reflects on her journey into the discipline.
After carving out a name for herself in surfski paddling, a sport deeply rooted in Cape Town’s coastal culture, Mills was no stranger to the water.
The South African has also represented her country in Canoe Polo, but something inside her yearned for a new challenge.
With that in mind, the National Championships earlier this year presented an opportunity for her to try something new.
“The journey to Canoe Slalom only started at the beginning of this year for me,” she said.
“I’m very much water-based, and I love swimming.
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“I’m always in the water, whether it’s working as a river guard on the Orange River or playing Canoe Polo for South Africa.”
But what started as a trial turned out to be much bigger for the 23-year-old, who went on to compete at the first three International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cups of the season.
It was her coach, Donovan Wewege, who noticed the potential not only in her but for Canoe Slalom and kayak cross in South Africa.
“We have a lot of good paddlers here, but we didn’t have someone to drive us, and Don was that person,” she said.
“It made me see that there’s an opportunity to try this new sport and give it a go.
“I want to show other South African paddlers that this is such a cool thing to be part of.”
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After getting a chance to see some of the best in action in La Seu, Pau, and Prague, Mills will be lining up as part of the seven-member team set to make a splash in Foix, France, where the 2025 ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships is set to be held from July 8 to 13.
“It will be my last chance to compete as a U23 athlete. I want to make the most of it and hopefully go to the senior World Championships in Australia.”
The joy in representing South Africa on the world stage becomes more evident as she goes on, but Mills' enthusiasm is also about the direction of the discipline in her country.
With momentum building back home, Mills said that Wewege is pouring his heart into making a continental championship a reality.
“It’s super exciting because we haven’t had one (continental championship) in so many years,” she said.
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“It’ll help people become aware of the sport and provide opportunities for local paddlers to compete on a global level.”
While results have not gone her way so far, Mills is grateful for the experience she has had in the last few months in Europe.
Despite being the new kid on the block, Mills felt welcomed by the community and is also noticing improvements in her skills.
“I was nervous in Spain, but everyone has been good to me.
“Coaches from Chinese Taipei and Norway helped me with some tips,” she said.
“The Spanish team helped me logistically and carried my boat. They have all been very kind.”
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