Analysing code and currents to get ahead

Teaching himself a programming language after school because he didn’t like how a feature in an app had been designed was just the beginning for James.

“I had a natural love for computers and engineering because they let me automate inefficiencies. I thought a feature of an app could be done with fewer clicks, but it turns out programming is hard and I never fixed it!”

That drive ultimately led him to tertiary study. Although he had originally planned to study mechatronics engineering, the travel demands of high-performance sport saw him enrol in a Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Science with Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University so he could study via distance.

“I chose computer science over software engineering because I’m drawn to the idea of perfect solutions and total efficiency. I like that a solution either works or it doesn’t. It’s black and white. I loved the foundational papers that removed the ‘black box’ of the rock that thinks and showed me how computers work at their most fundamental level.”

Some of his favourite moments have come when concepts he’d previously taught himself clicked into place through the structured learning of his degree. He also enjoys exploring the algorithms and computing principles developed by those who laid the foundations of the field.

Balancing sport and study is not always easy, but James says for him, having both is essential.

“I tried taking a gap year to focus on competing, but quickly realised I needed something else to keep my brain engaged. The same would probably happen if I stopped sport. As long as you manage your time and don’t fall behind in either area, they complement each other really well.”

When competitions and exams have collided, James says Massey’s Academy of Sport has been invaluable.

“Being able to reach out to the High Performance Coordinators whenever you need support makes a huge difference. I’ve asked some pretty weird stuff at times but they’re always willing to help find an answer. The Academy also provides access to resources, from financial to nutrition and psychology services. I still meet regularly with a mental skills trainer I was connected with through the Academy and I’m a big believer in the potential the mind can unlock.”

Having grown up near an estuary, James was introduced to kayaking at a young age. Both his father and stepfather competed in canoe slalom in the United Kingdom, sparking his interest in the sport.

The 21-year-old says people are often surprised to learn he now represents Aotearoa New Zealand internationally.

“I was never a very sporty person, but I found a sport that rewards mental analysis and visualisation. In slalom, you can’t practise the course beforehand, so it’s all about reading the water and predicting exactly what it will do to your boat at every stage.”

His first international race remains a highlight. Competing at the 2022 Junior World Championships in Italy, he reached the semi-finals against some of the world’s best young paddlers.

“It’s always interesting for Kiwis when they first race in Europe because that’s where the sport thrives. You can be winning every race in New Zealand and go over there and get humbled. I didn’t make the final, but the best races are the ones where you learn the most. You don’t get into a sport if you don’t enjoy the challenge of learning. Getting to travel to the other side of the world with your best friends was a highlight in itself.”

That same appetite for continuous improvement extends beyond competition.

In canoe slalom, athletes competing in the canoe discipline use a single-bladed paddle and kneel in the boat. Creating custom outfitting that securely connects the paddler to the boat is essential for performance, but existing methods can be time-consuming, difficult to reproduce and often provide limited connection.

James had long dreamed of developing better solutions for himself and other athletes but did not think it was something he could tackle alone.

“I didn’t really know what I was asking for, I was just curious whether there was help available. One of the High Performance Coordinators put me in touch with Massey Enterprise and I jumped at the opportunity. They made it easy to understand how I could take my ideas further, answered questions I didn’t even know I should be asking and connected me with people who would challenge my thinking. Pitching ideas to professionals from different backgrounds was like having my own council of experts.”

Among several projects, James has developed custom paddle T-grips shaped to his hands which allow him to switch paddling sides more easily during a run. He is also working on improved grip designs that increase airflow and reduce issues caused by sweaty hands.

His most ambitious project is a system that uses smartphone-based 3D scanning and digital manufacturing to create customised canoe outfitting. By scanning an athlete’s knees and generating a model tailored to the shape of the boat, the system aims to provide a more precise, repeatable and transferable fit across different boards.

James says studying computer science has strengthened the way he approaches problems, both on and off the water.

“I’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how little of computer science is actually about programming. Programming is just the language you use to express ideas. The real value comes from developing the tools and ways of thinking behind it."

With his degree near completion, James now has his sights set on representing New Zealand at Los Angeles 2028.

“The selection process has already begun, and it’s the pinnacle of sport so it’s what I’ve been working towards. Outside of sport, I’m looking forward to moving into a graduate role and starting to solve problems as part of a team.”