Leon Bast
About
Name: Leon Bast
Age: 27
Hometown: Landau, Germany
Favourite rivers:
The Murg River in the Black Forest is my local run. It’s where I learned creeking and pushed my kayaking into Class V while growing up. The river offers a great variety of styles, from low-water boulder gardens to powerful big water at higher flows.
Why do you coach?
Kayaking is my passion, and as a competitive athlete, optimizing performance played a key role in my development in the sport. Good coaching can make all the difference—and that’s exactly what I want to provide. Sharing the passion and the lifestyle that kayaking brings into your life is simply the best thing ever.
Why do you love kayaking?
Kayaking has given me the opportunity to travel the world, see incredible places, and meet amazing people. It’s more than just a hobby—kayaking is my life.
Highlights from your kayaking life?
Many of my achievements come from freestyle kayaking. I have been part of the German national team for 12 years and competed nationally and internationally at European and World Championships. I won two overall Euro Cup series and finished second at a European Championship. I am also a multiple-time German national champion.
Beyond competition, I’ve taken part in several expeditions throughout Africa and Asia, as well as trips to the US and numerous Trips to every kayaking destination in Europe. Finishing second at the infamous Toba Caldera Race in Sumatra was definitely a highlight.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy kayaking even on cold days but I prefer the warmth! 
