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Hockey legend Börje Salming takes time out to talk about his other sports love: kayaking.


Publicerad: 2010.01.01 Uppdaterad: 2013.03.08 Av: Caroline Nilsson
How do you spend your time after retiring from one of the most triumphant ice hockey careers in history? Börje Salming has become a successfull entrepeneur with little time to spare, who keeps in shape by kayaking.
After 17 years in the world's toughest hockey league, Börje Salming became ”BJ” and ”King” to his fans in hockey-crazed Toronto, and in 1996 he was the first Swede inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Famous for his remarkable stamina and ability to play both offense and defense, he is also credited with opening the doors to professional hockey in North America for other Swedes. One of them, Toronto Maple Leaf Captain Mats Sundin says of Salming: ”Every Swede respects Börje and pays him tribute for what he has done. For us - Swedish hockey players - he is the man who showed us the right way; he is a trailblazer.”


During the Canada Cup in 1976, Salming was given a five-minute standing ovation by the Canadian audience before the USA vs. Sweden game after which he was chosen to play on the All Star Team. Salming comments on the experience: "I'll never forget our game in Toronto… I was representing my country and Canadian fans gave me a standing ovation. Sometimes hockey has no country."

On his return to Sweden in 1990, Salming played three more seasons for AIK before retiring from the hockey elite to launch highly successful enterprises including Salming Underwear and a brewery. Hockey clubs and gloves are named after him and his autobiography, ”Blood, Sweat and Hockey, 17 Years in the NHL” describes his gruelling years as a world-renowned athlete.

Today Börje Salming is also an avid kayaker.
 He talked with Point65´s Vivi Öhman about his new passion.



How does kayaking compare to hockey?

Kayaking is freedom. On your own, and quiet. It´s fantastic. 



Are there specific skills in hockey that carry over to kayaking?

No, not really. But you do need good balance. And strength of course.



Which is the tougher sport?

Hockey is definitely more rough. Harder. Kayaking is a sport that anyone can do.



What is the most exciting thing that ever happened to you in a kayak?

When a motorboat drove close to my kayak. The wave hit me from behind. It really surprised me and turned me right upside down, filling the kayak with water. But I was pretty close to shore and swam back to empty it out.



How does kayaking help you to stay in shape?

It´s especially good for my upper body strength. My shoulders are sore from hockey so I need to keep them in shape. Kayaking does that for me.



What else does kayaking do for you that other sports do not?

Well, like I said it´s the freedom. 6:00am. Sunrise. No other boats around. The water is calm, quiet. Just me and the birds…



What advice do you have for beginning kayakers?

I think it´s important to learn the basics in kayaking. For safety reasons. I mean, staying close to shore is important, You tip over, swim in, empty the boat, hop in and get going again. But eventually you´ll want to cross that bay and knowing what to do then is a really good idea.



Where would you like to paddle next time you visit Canada? 

That´s a good question. I think about paddling and fishing in northern Canada. Wherever the bears are. (laughs.) But for the time being I plan to enjoy the Swedish archipelago.



Do you stay in touch with your hockey buddies from Toronto? 

Yes!



And have they also discovered kayaking?

No. Some of them go hunting though. Tiger Williams maybe.



Have you considered designing clothes for kayaking?

Yes, that´d be great! 



We´ll be on the lookout for them.

O.K.



At 57 your physique is the envy of athletes in their 20s - it´s the paddling, isn´t it?

Absolutely! You know kayaking is good all-round exercise. It builds up your strength, but also gives you a chance to clear your head. Out on your own, gliding along, enjoying the nature around you as you go.



20 years ago almost no one kayaked. Do you think it is a passing trend?

No way. It´s really big. Here in Sweden it has become even more popular in the past couple of years.



What do you predict will be the sport of the future?

More kayaking! Anyone can do it. All ages. It´s everybody´s sport.
 
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