Lord of the Loop

CK: Now, I hear you have a unique business card. Tell me about that.
SW: When I was working for the church group I found this free business-card website, so I made one like I was a professional killer. The little slogan says “I kill so you don’t have to” and underneath that, on the bottom, it says “Cheerfully services weddings, funerals, parties, family, friends, or just for fun.” I used to give it to the kids.

Wright soaks EJ with champagne after EJ wins the 2005 Reno River Festival. Wright was right behind him in third, following Jay Kincaid.

CK: Do you still give it to people?
SW: Yeah.

CK: How do they react?
SW: People just crack up. But I didn’t put any personal information on it in case the FBI monitors the site so I have to write my email on it every time I give it to someone. But it has this really nice dark background…It looks really professional.

CK: What goes through your mind during a competition?
SW: Mostly doing each move on its own as well as I possibly can. I go into competitions already having a plan of what I’m going to do. I think about enjoying showing whoever came out to watch what I’ve been working on. I just really enjoy it. I get excited about it. I don’t have to win to feel good about a day. Just knowing that I did my best is enough. I feel good when I know that others saw it and enjoyed it too.

CK: What has the sport taught you?
SW: I’ve been able to apply things to kayaking that I’ve learned through other things that I’ve done, like construction, studying, rock climbing, Christianity. That same overall idea and mindset helps me enjoy being on the river every day and it helps build the desire to share that with other people.
Kayaking is constantly taking over my mind no matter what I’m doing. It’s this obsession that shows up in my mind, ruining conversations that aren’t kayak-related. It makes it hard to focus on other things. One thing I have learned from kayaking is that I’m a lot more ADD than I thought.

CK: Have you had any injuries?
SW: I had to get 16 stitches after I hit my head creeking on the Oswegatchie River in New York. I’ve torn muscles, I regularly have ear infections and bad river rat on my feet. But for having done this as often as I have for the past nine years, I’m fortunate that it’s a safe way to spend my time and thoughts.

CK: Do you have a mentor?
SW: At this point I’d say EJ. I learn about competing and training from him; his dedication to the sport is unbelievable. He’s a great teacher. He teaches and he teaches others how to teach, which is pretty cool.

CK: Last question: teaching or competing?
SW: Probably just kayaking on my own. I enjoy both. Kayaking is just fun. Teaching and competing are things that help me share what I enjoy.