Jenaya Massie lives and breathes saltwater. A fierce Ski Paddler with a love for slow sunset surfs, cooking, and calm coastal days, she brings a blend of strength, routine and ocean energy to everything she does. In this quick Q&A, Jenaya shares the moments that shaped her, what keeps her grounded, and the advice she’d give any girl stepping into ocean sport.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you outside of paddling?
I love cooking. I would honestly spend hours in the kitchen every day if I could. My dream home (a renovated white modern Queenslander) is basically designed around one thing - a gorgeous Falcon double vintage oven. That’s the vision.
If you could describe yourself in three words (in and out of the water), what would they be?
Driven, grounded, resilient.
What’s your earliest memory of falling in love with the ocean?
Being pushed onto little waves on my surfboard when I was five, and sitting on Dad’s lap as he paddled around the Maroochy River on his ski. That feeling of freedom and fun has never left.
Who has shaped you the most, inside or outside of sport?
Definitely my Mum and Dad - through and through. But also Kenny Wallace. Since he came on as head coach of the QAS kayak program in 2021, he’s been a real father figure to me. Still to this day, he is one of the people who’s been there for me every step along the way, no matter the time apart, phone calls. A lot of smiles, tears and laughter, I am very grateful to have such an incredible figure in my life! The ironic part is I watched him win his first Olympic gold in Beijing back in 2008!! Little did he know one day I would be one of his athletes !!
What does a “perfect” training day look like for you from morning to night?
A morning swim/run, a midday gym session, and an afternoon paddle - finished with a sauna and ice bath.
What’s the one skill or technique in Ski paddling that took the longest to master?
People underestimate how complex paddling technique really is. Understanding how to drive from your heels, rotate through your hips, let the trunk follow, and allow the top hand to move the blade into a perfect square catch - all in a split second - takes years. After 10+ years of kayaking behind me, I’m proud of how consistently I keep my hands up and hit that 90-degree pause at the back of each stroke.
Are you more of a “dialled-in routine” athlete or a “go with the flow” athlete during race season?
Absolutely dialled-in. Everything is planned. You should see my calendar - even the dog walk and grocery shop are scheduled.
What’s a moment in your paddling career that completely changed your mindset or confidence?
My first major injury in 2021 (a hip arthroscopy and scrape) changed everything for me. I had six months off to rehab, then only eight weeks back in the kayak to prepare for Nationals. I went in with no expectations, just wanting to see what I could do in eight weeks. I ended up doing a PB and placing second in the Open Women’s K1 200m.
That moment taught me to trust my body, listen to it, and back the years of work I’ve already put in. It reminded me that at the end of the day, I’m a competitor - the fight and fierceness are always there when it’s time to race.
When you’re on the start line, what’s the one thought or ritual that locks you in?
Standing in the water for a jump start, it’s always: what’s ahead, fast start, explosive, feet in - on repeat. Before I walk down, I do a few rounds of box breathing and a couple of jumps. I’m big on power words too. For longer races, things like “fast” and “be comfortable being uncomfortable” are my go-tos.
What do you love most about surfing compared to paddling, do they give you different things?
Surfing gives me bliss and calmness that I don’t often access on the ski. On the ski, I’m usually training with purpose and precision. But when I’m on my log, time doesn’t tick. The world slows down. It’s just me, each cross-step, and each wave.
If you could choose only one: sunrise paddle or sunset surf?
Sunset surf… on my Bennett log, 110%.
What’s your go-to post-training or post-surf ritual to reset your body and mind?
Either a quick sauna and recovery plunge at RMC, or heading home to cook something beautiful. Cooking is my happy place. Then a hot shower and some box breathing before bed to unwind.
What’s something you’re working on right now that has nothing to do with sport?
My psychology honours degree!
If you could plan your dream day off, no training, no structure, what are you doing?
Sleep in. Cruise down to Rainbow with no one else out. Glassy 2-footers off the point and logging all morning. Coffee and a ham-and-cheese croissant. Back out for round two. Lunch, head home for an açaí bowl, shower, hair wash (hair mask mandatory), cook an early dinner, eat on the balcony with my partner and dog, and finish the day with an episode of Stranger Things.
What advice would you give younger girls who want to get into paddling or ocean sports but feel intimidated?
The ocean doesn’t ask you to be perfect - it just asks you to show up. Start small, surround yourself with supportive people, and remember that every single athlete you look up to was once a beginner too. Confidence comes from time on the water, not talent on day one. And the best part? You’re stronger and more capable than you think.
