Isaac Levinson might be having the year of his life. The 22-year-old Atlanta-based kayaker is on the U.S. National Slalom team, competing in World Cup events in the two-person canoe category with an eye on the Olympics in 2012. Last year, he finished second in the two biggest Southeastern creek races, the Lord of the Fork and the Green River Narrows Race. He’s been training nonstop for his shot at the Olympics and is in the best shape of his life. This could be his year to take the coveted Green title. BRO talked with Levinson about his chances at the Green this year and what it’s like to be part of a dynamic canoe duo.
You’re on the US National slalom team, but you also compete in creek races. Do you identify with any one form of boating over the other?
No. I’m just trying to do everything at the best level I can. But I will say if I had to pick a favorite race, it would be the Green. I love the atmosphere, the other boaters, and the river itself. I put a lot into that race every year.
Is it tough to switch gears from kayaking solo to paddling a C-2 with a partner?
It’s interesting to take such an individual sport and turn it into a team effort. It’s fun to balance everything that’s involved with paddling with someone else. Somehow, it makes it more exciting. We’re not communiciating as much as you’d think. We’re not talking about every individual stroke. We’re just trying to keep a good feeling inside the boat. It’s a lot more physical than kayaking solo. If one person’s steering, then the other person has to pull harder with his strokes to carry the extra 130 pounds.
Your C-2 partner is from Atlanta and there are quite a few Atlanta boaters on the U.S. team. That’s surprising.
Atlanta has a solid slalom scene. The Chattahoochee is actually good slalom training. It’s just class III, but it’s consistent and convenient. Everyone thinks if you’re a good boater, you’re from North Carolina, but Atlanta has good boaters too.
How does the U.S. stack up against the rest of the world in slalom right now?
This is my first year on the national team, so it’s been interesting to see things play out on the World Cup. The competition level at slalom is so high. It’s the best of the best. We typically have someone finishing in the top 10, but we haven’t had any medals yet. It could happen though.
You’ve plainly stated your goal is the 2012 Olympics. What are your chances?
We have to do well during the World Championships in September to earn a boat in the Olympics. Then we have to beat out the other two American C-2 teams in the Olympic Team Selection race. We’re ranked 25th in the world, the highest ranking of any American C-2 team, but we didn’t do our best in the World Cup races, so we’ve got to put in a good showing at the World Championships and US Team Selection Race.
How focused are you on the Olympics at this point?
Very focused. I’m not going to school or working. I’m just training for my shot at the Olympics. Basically I get up, run, eat, paddle, eat, paddle, eat, and sleep. Every other day I lift weights. It can get old, but I’ll just go creek boating if I need to mix it up.
The Green River Narrows Race is around the corner. You came in second last year. Is this your year to take the Green title?
I hope so. I’m pretty sure I’m going to win it at some point. I think this year could be it. If you’re going to put money on it, this would be the year.
Why’s that?
I’ve been training 24-7 for the Olympics full time. I took a year off of school for this. I’m fit. But then, Pat Keller and Andrew Holcombe are also both in good health and racing this year. It could also be John Grace’s year. Or Chris Gragtmans. There are so many good boaters at the Green Race. It’s amazing.