Amina Tayona is one of the few female kayakers Uganda has been blessed with. She says she was inspired to take on the sport in 2009 at the age of 16, after watching Emily Jackson, a Ugandan-based American kayaker partake in the sport.
Tayona has since climbed the ladders becoming a formidable force in Uganda’s Kayaking scene. Besides landing a spot in the national team, she has represented the country in both local and international tournaments including the 2015 World Freestyle Championship. “I like being in the water especially in waves because I get to do some tricks or call them moves. It is really fun.” She says.
Tayona talked to GLIM about her career as a kayaker. Be inspired.
What is a typical day for you like as a Kayaker?
I spent the day working as a safety kayaker on the river Nile and also working as a tour guide on lake Victoria.
What do you love most about what you do?
I like the fact that I get to travel to different countries because of kayaking, I meet different international kayakers and also get exposure.
What is your greatest accomplishment as an African Kayaker?
I was recognized by the government and joined the Uganda National team of kayaking. I have also been able to build myself a beautiful house because of kayaking.
What are the challenges that you faced when you started kayaking?
Here in Uganda, Kayaking is mostly done by men. When I joined, I was mocked and undermined as a woman. The men somehow tried to push me to give up but I kept on.
Away from kayaking, what hobbies do you love to do in your free time?
I like spending my free time with the elderly and orphans, so I do charity work most of the time, I move around to visit them and take some small things like sugar etc. to them.
What’s that one quote you always carry with you?
I usually get my quotes from the Bible, I will share one.
Psalms 127:1 EXCEPT THE Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it; except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.
What advice would you give to younger African female kayakers or girls just getting into or that would like to take on kayaking?
They should be passionate, committed and strong-hearted to make it through.
How far do you want to take your career as a kayaker?
Since I am already on the Uganda National team of kayaking, I want to push more and be able to compete with bigger teams all over the world.
What are you doing to pay it forward or support other young upcoming kayakers?
I am coordinating with other kayakers to put up a project to equip young girls that are interested in kayaking with the skills they need.
What impact would you like to leave in Africa as a kayaker?
I want to create a safe space for girls to be able to pursue kayaking without being undermined or discriminated against.
