Current World Freestyle Kayak Silver Medalist and former Champion Nick Troutman, 36, (who won the title in 2009 by defeating his father-in-law Eric “EJ” Jackson) is recovering after suffering a heart attack at the end of January, 2025.
Originally from Beachburg, Ontario, Canada, Troutman is an ambassador and athlete for Jackson Kayak and a mainstay in the upper echelon of kayaking. As well as his freestyle accomplishments, he’s a veteran expedition paddler, notching the first complete descent of Mexico’s Rio Alseseca, a descent of the Niagara Gorge, and more. He is married to Emily Jackson, with two children, Tucker and Parker.
Keeping his ailment private while recovering for the first week, he recently posted the following on his Instagram account regarding his health situation:
“We’re here at home hanging out and feeling pretty grateful, grateful to be alive.
“For those of you who know, and those of you who don’t, I guess the grapevine has been getting louder and louder, so I thought I’d address this…This past week it turns out as a fit, 36-year-old athlete who cares a lot about health and wellness and fitness, a heart attack is still possible
“Life has a way of reminding us what really matters… I’ve been putting this off, is I don’t really know how to say it… This past week I experienced something I never thought I’d go through… a major heart attack. Trust me it was a shocker for me too. As a healthy athlete, I was pretty embarrassed by the situation and perplexed how this could happen to me…
“Though once the nurses told me that most people don’t survive what I have… well, it was a bit of a wake-up call like no other. It turns out what I had can be kind of deadly. I am beyond grateful to still be here, surrounded by love and positivity.
“I had a SCAD or Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection. It’s a tear in your artery. For me it was in my left descending artery, which is the main one from the heart. I’m just really grateful that everything’s good. But that’s what’s been going on this past week.
“A lot of you have reached out and sent me a lot of positive vibes and energy and kept m in your prayers. Still trying to wrap my hear around this thing. Thank you all for your support.
To everyone who has reached out, checked in, or sent good vibes my way: thank you from the bottom of my (stronger-than-ever) heart. Your support has meant the world to me and is fueling my recovery more than you know.
“This is just a pause, not a stop. I’ll be back in action in no time, with a renewed appreciation for this incredible journey called life. ❤️
“Take care of yourselves and cherish every moment—you’re stronger than you think… and give an extra hug to those special people in your life… we never know when it’s the end.
“I also wanted to share a bit of a public service announcement, if your ever feeling any kind of chest pressure or any chest pain no matter how minimal it might be, especially if it’s followed by any numbness in your arm, get it checked out….
“I’m learning a lot about the heart hanging out and chilling, cus that’s kind of the protocol for my heart for next little while. To just chill and let my heart relax.
One look at the comments section and you can see ow well-loved he is. Hundreds of get well wishes poured in from a veritable Who’s Who of the paddling world, including the likes of Pat Keller, Shane Benedict, Dane Jackson, Dustin Urban and more.
#Grateful #RoadToRecovery#StrongerEveryDay
View his Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFQZiWIJ-hd/?igsh=MW1uamgzbnZiM3o1cA%3D%3D
