This is the first interview in a series of couples interviews where we catch up with famous sports couples in the wonderful world of paddlesports. The first couple we would like you to introduce to is Peter 'Peto' Csonka and Nina Csonkova (formerly known as Nina Halasova before they got married).  

Sportscene was curious to learn how Peto & Nina make it work 'on the road' and of course on the water... 

Where did you meet, how long have you been together now and when did you get married?

We met at our white water course 10 years ago. Peter jumped into our raft and when I saw him I fell in love. Since that time we have been together without a break. We got married last year on 17th of March.

How do you collaborate when you travel, train, paddle and do competitions together?
This is quite easy for us. We have our routines to do everything because we have done it so many times already. Traveling and kayaking is the most exciting part. To train and compete together is a bit harder. There are many emotions when we are competing and we have double the stress, not only for your races but also for his/her races. To watch your partner compete is a very stressful moment.

What makes you good canoeing companions?
We are supporting and pushing each other forward. We have the same opinions for what we want and how to do it. We even studied at the same school- the faculty of sport. We love it and we are spending every possible moment enjoying our passion.

What do you bicker (argue) most about when you travel/canoe? How do you work through disagreements?
Sometimes when we are too tired and irritated because of the amount of training we can act a little bit imprudent. We don’t argue while we travel, we do it only when we train. It’s quite funny but we don’t argue in our personal life much - only when training. But we can’t be angry with each other for long and after awhile we are ok again.

Has your relationship evolved as a result of your travels and canoeing together?
First was dating and than comes traveling and canoeing. It wasn’t that easy at the start but as we traveled more and more it got better and so did our relationship. Each of us had to change a little and do some small compromises.

Any other tips for surviving 24/7 together?
Travel a lot, when you travel you can’t get bored. Do things together, you will be closer to each other. But it is hard for us to give some tips because we have never had this problem. You need to find your soul mate and then it is easy :)

HE SAYS, SHE SAYS...

Did you travel and canoe much before you met your partner? What changed when you met?

Peter: Well I’ve been in my kayak almost every day since 1998. Before I was doing rafting and flat water canoe. In that time I didn't have any money to travel, my mother was supporting me along with my grandma. Anyway we didn't have a  car so I wasn't able to travel to competitions, the only competitions I did were the closest ones. I met Nina when I was kayaking in our white water course in Cunovo 10 years ago.

Nina:  I didn’t kayak before I met Peter so it was all new for me. I had to learn everything but I love this lifestyle. Because of Peter and kayaking I have changed a lot in my life but I never regret it.

What do you enjoy most about canoeing as a couple?

Peter: The best thing is that you always have the best company with you. I mean I picked my wife because I want to be with her so the best is to share what I love and even better what we love! All my friends went “old”, they have kids now and lots of work so I lost almost all my friends I was kayaking with. My wife as I said is the best company and she goes everywhere with me which is just awesome.

Nina: I think kayaking as a couple has a lot of advantages. You still have somebody to travel with. You don’t need to share your time between kayaking and your boyfriend. You can still speak about kayaking and your partner will not get bored with it. We can share our experiences and support each other in what we love.

What makes him/her an ideal canoeing companion?

Peter: We are training every day and sometimes its hard, not only physically but also psychologically and Nina is there every time for me, making me stronger and I know I can really rely on her.

Nina: Peter is a very good kayaker and he is also my coach. He is strict but he understands me and supports me. He does everything to achieve his goal and this inspires me and motivates me to achieve my goals too.

What annoys you most about your partner when you are canoeing together?

Peter: The worst is maybe when the conditions aren't good and she talks a lot about how bad it is, it drives me crazy.

Nina: It is not easy to train with men especially your partner. He is stubborn and strict. He wants to have everything perfect. When we train he never tells me it is good until it is really good. It helps me to improve my moves a lot but sometimes I try for a long time and it doesn’t go the way I want and I am disappointed. Then I wish for some warm words but first I need to deserve it.

What have you learned about your partner as a result of traveling and canoeing together?

Peter:  She can always cheer me up, especially when I am stressed. She is in a very positive mood almost all the time. She is supporting me in all my dreams.

Nina: He is a very reliable driver and perfect kayaker. I am never worried when I am with him. He is calm even when the situation is serious and he can also predict the situations which is very useful.

Website: http://peter-csonka.blogspot.com.au