Q&A: Odette Latenstein van Voorst - How this pro kayaker is finding flow again with alphabeats
Odette Latenstein van Voorst has been a dominant force in the kayaking world since she was just ten years old. Now, at 21 and with numerous national championships under her belt, she's aiming for even greater heights. We sat down with Odette to talk about her journey, the challenges she’s faced, and how alphabeats has become a vital part of her training and recovery.
Odette, your journey to world-class pro kayaker is so inspiring. How did you get started with it?
I grew up in the Netherlands and started kayaking when I was seven years old. It was just a fun way to move my body, and I never thought I’d take it to this level. It was very natural. By the time I was ten, I became a national champion within my age group and have held that title every year since. I’ve done many sports—soccer, climbing—but kayaking is the one that’s stuck. It’s a beautiful sport, being out in nature and using your whole body.
It sounds amazing. Can you tell us more about how it’s played at the professional level?
Of course! There are various categories like sprint (200, 500, and 1000 meters) and marathon races. This season, I’m focusing on marathons, which are about 20-26 km long and can last around two hours. My goal is to qualify for the World Games in China. For women, the 500 meters is the Olympic event, and I’m building my endurance with hopes of competing in the Olympics down the road.
What aspects of the sport do you find most challenging and rewarding?
The technique in kayaking is super important and quite difficult to master. I realized early on that I had a talent for the technical side of the sport, rather than sheer strength. Perfect technique is impossible, but when you are able to get into the flow and be completely present, it all comes together so perfectly and fluidly. In those moments, it feels like flying. It’s a reward in itself.
You mentioned experiencing an emotional burnout last year. Can you share more about that?
Yes, last year was tough. I was balancing my first year of studying design with preparing for my first sprint world championship, where I ended up getting second place. Before, I always just did this sport for the joy it gave me, but all of a sudden I felt this pressure from others and within myself to meet some standard. It was overwhelming and I began to overthink it all. With the support of my coach, I realized I needed to take a step back and address this. That’s around the time I was introduced to alphabeats—it was the perfect moment to try it.
How has alphabeats helped you manage the pressures of training and competition?
alphabeats has been amazing. I use the headband every day, and it is slowly but surely helping me regain my focus and calm. It allows me to be more present and manage the switching between intense training and relaxation. For me it’s really been about swapping out unhealthy habits for healthy ones. For example, instead of scrolling on social media, I will now do a session with alphabeats. I’m not looking for that dopamine hit from my phone but from a healthier place – within my own mind. It helps me be more aware of what I really need or want in the moment.
What role has alphabeats played in your daily training routine?
I use alphabeats two to three times a day. I start with a short session in the morning to set a calm and focused tone for the day, and then again in the evening to unwind. This helps me switch between intense physical activity and relaxation, preparing me both mentally and physically for the next day. The more I use it, the more I can tap into that “flying” feeling, the flow I had when I first started kayaking.
How do you balance your training with other aspects of your life, like your studies and personal time?
What’s most important right now is that I start from the right place and approach it all from a place of peace and joy. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself at the moment. I’ve learned to accept that I’m not always going to be at my best, and that’s okay. Having a supportive coach who pushes me but also gives me freedom helps a lot. Being alone in nature, and meditating with alphabeats is giving me what I need right now to reflect and find balance as I study and continue on this path with the sport I love, at its highest level.
What’s on your playlist when using alphabeats?
I started with the shortest sessions and gradually increased the duration. Now, I enjoy sitting still and meditating with my eyes closed. My playlist varies, but I tend to go for calming and reflective music that helps me get into the right mental state. This not only helps with my kayaking but also in managing my everyday stress and preparing for sleep.
Odette's journey inspires us immensely with how she has listened to herself, taken a step back and focused on recalibrating to balance physical and mental well-being. Hers is a wisdom beyond her years and we look forward to seeing her continued success in all areas of her life!