By Mariana Echeverri Alvarez, Communications Coordinator
With the 2025 Canada Summer Games on the horizon, the excitement is building for the canoe and kayak teams. Behind the scenes, Head Coach Jerome Seremak is preparing his athletes to go head-to-head with competitors across the country.
A Passion Ignited by Friendship
Coach Jerome’s love for paddling began in a rather serendipitous way. Growing up in Poland, he was introduced to the sport by his friends, whose teacher happened to be a paddling coach.
“They took them to the club,” Jerome recalls, “and then they dragged everybody else along. I thought it was fun.”
At just 13 years old, Jerome found himself captivated by the sport that would eventually shape his career.
From Competitor to Coach
Jerome’s path from Poland to coaching in Canada is as adventurous as his early days in the sport. Upon moving to Canada, he was still actively competing, but there were not many athletes, so he turned to coaching to attract more people to the sport.
“I thought, well, maybe I could give a little bit of coaching to some people here so they can try out, so they can help me, so I’m not just by myself,” Jerome explains.
His coaching journey was born from a desire to share his passion and not paddle alone.
Training with Intensity and Dedication
Training for the canoe and kayak teams is no easy feat. Jerome describes a rigorous schedule that demands both physical endurance and mental toughness.
“We train twice a day, at six o’clock in the morning before school, until eight o’clock, and after school from 4:30 to about 6:30 or maybe seven,” he details.
With 14 sessions a week on average, this intense routine leaves little room for anything else. Yet, Jerome understands the importance of commitment.
“If they want to go to the Canada Games or the World Championship, that’s the commitment,” he asserts.
A Team to Watch
As the Canada Games approach, Jerome has high hopes for his team. He mentions a standout athlete, Luke Enns, who recently scored a significant achievement at the Junior World Championships in Montreal.
“Luke is going to be representing Canada this summer,” Jerome proudly shares.
Luke’s dedication and success epitomize the hard work and talent within the team.
The Call to Adventure
Coach Jerome paints an enticing picture for those considering taking up the sport.
“If someone likes nature and wants to be outside, this would be a sport to enjoy,” he says.
The sport offers more than just competition; it provides opportunities for adventure and travel.
“This year, we spent two months in Italy, and we have programs on different disciplines,” he mentions.
From Dragon Boat racing to marathon paddling, there’s something for everyone.
A Bright Future Ahead
Jerome’s dedication and passion are the driving forces behind the team’s success.
His heartfelt invitation to anyone interested in paddling is: “We just try to enjoy ourselves. Even just waking up in the morning into the sunrise right on the water, it’s just something nice.”
The canoe and kayak teams are poised for an unforgettable 2025 Canada Summer Games performance. The journey is not just about competing but also embracing the adventure and camaraderie.
