For Amy Hullett, nothing gets the adrenaline pumping like navigating river rapids in her kayak. It’s a high-stakes challenge requiring a cool head, natural skill, and nerves of steel—one wrong move can mean a broken boat or an unexpected swim.

A BSc Geography student at UP-Tuks, Hullett thrives on the thrill and technicality of river kayaking. Her results speak for themselves: last month, the 20-year-old claimed her second consecutive women's title at the TRAC Lowveld Croc Canoe Marathon, a race revered for its intensity and technical difficulty.

The "Croc," one of South Africa's most challenging rivers, is a test many female paddlers choose to avoid. Yet Hullett embraces the challenge, proving her prowess and passion for conquering the wild waters.

According to Hullett, the rapids might not be the biggest but are technical. 

"To shoot rapids takes practice. When racing through the rough water and tight turns, you never know what might lie ahead. You must learn to read the water and how it moves' while figuring out what it will do to your boat. It all boils down to finding the safest path between the rocks without damaging your boat or taking a 'swim'.

"I often get it wrong. There is a saying amongst paddlers about never stopping to "swim." It is part and parcel of river racing. I take the lessons learned from each swim to heart."

Hullett took up kayaking when in Grade 8 at Epworth School in Pietermaritzburg. 

"All my friends did it, so I wanted to see what it was about. It did not take me long to fall in love with the sport. I am passionate about river racing. It is unique because you can explore places very few ever see. Recently, I went paddling with friends through the Vredefort Dome. I was amazed by the various rock formations and how the colour of the formations changed. If there is an opportunity, I would love to discuss it with my geology professor at Tuks."

Hullett has bragging rights to have competed in most of South Africa's most significant river races. Quite regularly, she finds herself standing on a podium. This year, she and Neriyah Dill finished fourth in the women's Dusi Canoe Marathon. They were the first under-23 crew."

Bridgitte Hartley, the former Tuks student who won a bronze medal during the 2012 London Olympic Games, is one of Hullett's role models.

"Bridgitte is so humble and keen to help newcomers to the sport. Then again, most kayakers are humble. If they can help you, they will. Last year, during the Umkomaas Canoe Marathon, I asked Hank McGregor for advice. He immediately told me what the day's dos and don'ts were."

The Berg River Canoe Marathon is one of the races still on Hullett's bucket list. 

"To be honest, I don't yet have the courage to do it. It will take a mental mindset to get used to the idea of paddling 240 kilometres in four days. Remember, the Dusi is only 120 km in three days."