May 16, 2025
Familial support and staying focused on the present has become the formula to success for canoer Baer Robertson.
With parents who’ve dedicated years to the realm of canoe kayak, Baer’s participation in the sport seemed expected; but retired coaches, David and Devri Robertson let their eldest son make that choice on his own.
In his youth, Baer participated in numerous sports, exploring fencing, rugby, basketball, soccer and swimming to name a few. After committing time to each, Baer found he lacked the competitive nature that he felt was required to continue.
But then there was paddling, which, according to Baer, felt like a convenient choice. It was the sport that he felt could be done every day, especially with his parents’ vast knowledge on the topic.
“Both my parents used to paddle and when my dad was coaching, I was always kind of around. In 2014, we moved to Quebec because my dad was coaching the national team and when we came home from Quebec [in 2016], I started paddling here in Regina. I’ve just been paddling since then,” said Baer.
A year following their return to Saskatchewan, Baer delved into camps and paddling full time. By 2021, he was training at least once a day and the consistency paid off.
In September of 2024, Baer was selected for the second consecutive year to the Canoe Kayak Canada Olympic Hopes Team to compete at the International Canoe Federation Olympic Hopes Regatta in Szeged, Hungary. His personal results in the U17 men’s category, helped contribute to Canada’s overall fifth-place finish.
The following month, he reached the top of the podium at the International Canoe Federation World Dragon Boat Championships.
It was with the support of his dad that Baer was able to travel across the world and find such success.
“[My parents] have a lot of useful knowledge regarding a lot of things, especially my dad. When I go away to places, he’s been through a lot of that stuff, so if I have questions, I usually just ask him.”
Throughout his career, his parents have been able to provide guidance in a lot of areas, but Baer has also come to find his own strengths, including the power of staying present.
“It feels good in those moments when you are successful but, especially in paddling, it’s kind of a long time between competitions,” said Bear. “I’m not really the kind of person who reminisces about the past a lot. I keep moving forward, which sometimes I think that helps in paddling because there are times when you do lose, and you just need to keep moving forward.”
That taking it one step at a time attitude has brought Baer around the world, with his sporting career shifting to mean more than just claiming medals.
Over time, paddling has provided Baer with opportunities to meet individuals and experience various cultures. The success he has found in sport has provided a pathway to fuel his passion to travel.
“The good thing about sport is that it kind of acts as a gateway to a lot of other opportunities. Like for me, it’s an opportunity to travel and meet people, but for other people it could be an opportunity to learn something.”