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It's hard to know which is tougher: enduring the physical strain that allows you to become one of the best in the world; or coming so close that a mere tenth of a second causes you to quit the sport that defined you.
 Zsolt Szadovszki (Pic: Martin Sundberg)
Zsolt Szadovszki has done both.
After 13 years on the Hungarian National Sprint Team, one of the strongest programs in the world, Zsolt was burnt out. He had been living his dream of competing as a professional athlete, but his passion for the sport was overshadowed by the pressures of winning an Olympic Gold medal. In the 2000 Hungarian Qualification race for the Sydney Olympics, those pressures came to a head during Zsolt's K2 500m heat. Only one team from the trials would advance to the Olympics. Zsolt and his partner lost by a fraction of a second. Oh yeah: The duo that beat them went to the games and won the Gold. Zsolt was devastated; his motivation shattered. He decided to move to the United States and left paddling behind.
[Editor: Professional photographer Martin Sundberg put together this great little video featuring Zsolt - it really appeals to me because Zsolt seems to have an almost mystical attitude towards surfski paddling and his words really resonate with me. Martin's website is at www.martinsundberg.com]
Click here to view the video on Blip.tv
In 2004 Zsolt and his wife Tracy moved from Chicago to San Francisco. There Zsolt became involved in the local outrigger club. Through the club he was introduced to a very different kayak he'd not seen before -- a surfski. As he spent more time paddling the ski on open water his passion for paddling was reignited. As the 34-year-old Szadovszki put it: "My water spirit came back again."
The freedom of the open ocean gave Zsolt a new outlet for his considerable kayaking skills. Instead of just hammering like a metronome on flat water, he could employ his near-perfect technique to a far more volatile environment: moving water and waves. The challenge intrigued him. The surfski added a whole new element of skills, which fueled Zsolt's new passion for the sport.
Once he got started it didn't take long for Zsolt to rise to the top of the North American surfski scene. After Greg Barton, Zsolt is now considered to be the top surfski paddler in America. Three years after getting back in a boat, Zsolt has his sights set on the international circuit. He has also come full circle in a sense, making paddling his profession. In addition to his racing, Zsolt has become a successful instructor and coach. Most recently he has joined Epic Kayaks as their Hawaiian representative and agent.
With his patient style of teaching, new found passion for the sport and an eagerness to become the best in the world, the Z-man is a great ambassador for the sport of surfski.
Your kayaking roots began in the sprint world. Yet it was the surfski that rekindled your passion for paddling. What is it about surfski paddling that you have found so appealing and even life changing? When did you first hear about surfskis? How does the open ocean compare to the pressures of a powerhouse Olympic program?
Zsolt: I first saw a surfski in 2005. I had just started getting back into paddling through the local outrigger canoe club. I was hooked right away. I found that with the surfski you have to have many of the elements of other paddling: knowledge, training, commitment; only there is more freedom. It is much more fun! But, to do well in competition you still have work hard. I believe that to really enjoy the surfski, even recreationally, you have to put some work into it. It's a dynamic sport and more of a lifestyle, definitely less pressure then my previous kayaking career.
Your technique is world class but surfski paddling demands more than just technique and fitness. What has been your biggest challenge? What are you doing to overcome that challenge? What breakthroughs have you made in Hawaii?
Zsolt: My biggest challenge has been to let go of my notions of how to do well. In flat-water your form and fitness propel you to victory. To do well on a surfski I have realized that you must learn how to use the energy of the ocean instead of relying only on your own power. Ironically I often have to slow myself down out there to get the most out of it. Training in Hawaii has given me the opportunity to focus on the all important part of this sport, riding waves. Paddling with the local guys has helped me work on this and shown me what I need to focus on moving forward. My big water paddling has improved, and I look forward to getting better.
Not only has your personal paddling been revitalized, you have found enjoyment and success as an instructor and coach. How did this come about? Do you plan on pursuing this further?
Zsolt: It kind of just happened. People began coming up to me with questions and looking for advice. As I helped them I realized how much I enjoyed helping and working with other paddlers. At the same time I was learning more about myself and my own skills, and was thinking more and more about the intricacies of this sport. It has developed into a passion all its own and I plan on making it a bigger part of my life.
The world circuit has grown rapidly over the last couple of years. With the growing prize purses do you see new opportunities in this sport? Do you plan on traveling and competing on the World Series circuit?
Zsolt: Yes I see plenty of new opportunities, and I've been excited to watch the sport gain popularity and become more organized. I want to attend as many races as I can, or that my budget will allow anyway. I'll also have to be in shape! The guys out there are tough.
Of all the major events, which one do you most want to win? Why?
Zsolt: Probably like most surfski paddlers my dream is to win Molokai. It is the ultimate blend of strength, endurance and skill. You have to have all these weapons, and use them all perfectly to win.
How much training are you doing in Hawaii? What's a typical training session like?
Zsolt: Right now I am doing one session a day. The training is focused on surfing, and trying to hone those skills as much as I can before the race. Basically I'm paddling downwind, downwind and more downwind!
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