Kaylen Bassett: Finding Freedom in the Flow

“It may only be 100 seconds…But there’s hours behind each one of those seconds going into trying to not only be the best, but the fastest out there on the water.” – Kaylen Bassett, Australian Canoe Slalom Team

For Australian canoe slalom athlete Kaylen Bassett, paddling unforgiving whitewater isn’t just sport – it’s an addiction.

“I love the freedom when you’re out on the water; the opportunity to compete against, not only your competitors, but they’re your friends. Just having that real creative medium to express yourself, I find it really addictive.”

Bassett shared his passion for paddling in the New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS)-produced Whitewater Warriors, a docuseries on the Institute’s scholarship holders selected for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships which will be contested at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 29 September to 4 October.

Earlier this year, he added to his resume with a C1 silver medal at the Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships in January, and a C1 bronze at the Australian Open in February.

But the 27-year-old knows that freedom he craves in the water doesn’t come easily. A single run may only last a minute or two, but the preparation feels endless.

“It may only be 100 seconds,” Bassett explained, “But there’s hours behind each one of those seconds going into trying to not only be the best, but the fastest out there on the water.”

From strength and conditioning training in the gym to working with sports psychologists, Bassett ensures every detail is intentionally placed so he can put it all together at the start line and make the most of those fleeting moments in competition.

When everything clicks, Bassett described the sensation as otherworldly: “The feeling of being a passenger in your own body, when everything’s lining up perfectly, you’re super present you’re just in this really nice flow state.”

He admitted that when strength, strategy, and mental preparation all merge at the same time during a race, he barely notices how his body is feeling. “It’s almost this elusive feeling out there, but if you can achieve it, it’s something really magical.”

Like all good things, they come to an end, and often a cost. By the finish, Bassett’s arms are burning with lactic acid and he’s gasping for breath, but the adrenaline carries him through.

That pursuit of ‘flow’ is what keeps him returning to the water; always searching for a balance between control and surrender. Yet, Bassett has forged a perspective that goes beyond performance.

“I’m someone that enjoys working hard and keep pushing the limits, but it’s also about smelling the roses along the way,” he said.

As the world championships draws near, Bassett is determined to enjoy every moment of the experience: enjoying the home crowd while focusing on his line and producing his best runs.

“I would love to see some Australian flags in the crowd, come October here in Penrith,” he said. “This is our home course, and it would be awesome to see our athletes representing our country and to have the local community, friends, and family all supporting us.”

“We’ve been to many races where we’ve been the visitor – now it’s our time to be the home heroes. So, I’m really looking forward to that.”

View full episodes of Whitewater Warriors on Youtube.

Rachel Tingey, NSWIS