Paja Zástěrová

TOP results:

Overall winner Extreme Kayak European Cup 2016

4th Adidas Sickline World Championship - Austria 2016

1st Ekstrem Sport Veko-Norway 2017

2nd Extreme Kayak European Cup 2018

2x Czech champion

3x King of the Alps champion

2x Devils Extreme Race champion

Where did you start?

I started riding on the water on the Vltava River in my hometown Písek as a six-year-old girl. I did my first races in Sušice. I finished second and that day I decided to start training properly so that I could only be on the top step in the next races.

Why do you ride on water?

Because I come from a kayaking family and I had no choice. Going down wild rivers gives me a sense of freedom and strength, but it also teaches me humility and reminds me how small humans are compared to nature and the element of water.

What is your favorite river (course)?

There are so many rivers that I like and it's hard to choose just one. But the most popular definitely include Dagali in Norway, Futa in Chile and definitely also Čertov currents in Lipno.

What was your greatest boating experience?

My greatest boating experience was definitely the trip on the Maranon River in Peru, which we completed in 2016.
We drove a total of 570 km in 9 days only in a group of three people.
There was a lot of long, endless flat on the river, but also heavy five-point rapids on big water.
It was a challenging and exhausting trip, but at the same time it was by far my strongest experience on the water to date.
I learned a lot in those 9 days, and I'm not just talking about paddling.

Who has influenced you the most in your career?

In the beginning, it was my dad who taught me the basics of paddling, Eskimo and most of all the love of water. Later, all my slalom coaches influenced me. When I started extreme paddling, the biggest influence on my paddling was of course my friend Míra Kodada.

How was the return after the birth of your son?

It wasn't as smooth and fast as I expected, mainly because four months after giving birth, I broke my back at a kayak race and got a corset. But luckily that's long gone (knock knock knock) and I could start again, better and a little slower. As they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

What are your goals and plans for the future?

My goal is to continue to enjoy and cherish every second I get to be on the water!

What do you like to do when you're not paddling?

I spend most of my time on, in or around the river. But when I do find some free time without water, I like to ski and walk in the mountains or just relax with family and friends.

Who do you like to follow on IG and why?

Of course Hiko! Because there are beautiful photos with even more beautiful kayakers ;-)