Hi, I’m Sala, and I live on the beautiful northern coast of New South Wales. I’ve been paddling outrigger canoes for around nine years now — finally finding my sport and my passion. Every time I’m on the water, I feel deeply connected; it’s my happy place, my home.

My journey with water sports began after watching the rowing at the London Olympics — something about it sparked a fire in me. That led me to take up rowing, which eventually transitioned into stand-up paddleboarding in 2014. A year later, while on holiday in the Cook Islands, I tried outrigger paddling for the first time. From the very first stroke, I knew: this is it. I haven’t looked back since.

In 2019, I had the honour of representing Australia at the World Marathon Championships — and brought home gold in the Open Women’s division. That was just three years into paddling, making it one of the proudest moments of my life. Since then, I’ve medaled in multiple divisions at National Championships and have represented Australia in races across Hawaii and, most recently, at our National Marathon Championships on the Sunshine Coast, with podium finishes in two mixed races.

Off the water, I’ve also been immersed in CrossFit for the past eight years, regularly competing and landing on the podium. For me, CrossFit builds mental resilience as much as physical strength — and both play a huge role in my performance as a paddler.

My motto? “Let’s have a crack.” Aussie as, I know — but I live by it.

I’m so honoured and grateful to be part of an epic team of strong, fierce women for this next adventure. This will be my first crossing — something I never imagined would be possible in my lifetime of paddling. But here we are.

Bring it on. Let’s have a crack.