The parents of a kayaker from Perth have paid tribute to their son after he died aged 20 in Norway.
Robert Eggleston has been described as a “wonderful” and “talented” paddler.
The former Abertay University student was involved in a kayaking accident while on a trip to Norway on August 3.
He died in hospital at 1am the next day.
As well as kayaking, Robert was working as a photographer at a rafting centre in Sjoa.
His parents, Gary and Heather, and sister Katie, described him as “adventurous” and “full of life”.
‘Bit of a hero’
Heather said even people older than Robert said he was “a bit of a hero of theirs”.
Gary said: “As a child he wanted to try everything and was very inquisitive.
“He was stubborn sometimes and always asking questions.
“He wanted to know how things worked and why.
“As he got older he was very driven and was always, no matter where he was, supportive and gave out coaching tips.
“He helped a lot of people along the way.”
He added: “He was best known for smiling and being happy all the time.
“He was one of the best young paddlers and had a knack of making the most technical water look easy and effortless.”
Former Perth Academy pupil Robert was well-known for his talent in the paddlesports community.
In January he was awarded one of Kayak Session Magazine’s under-21 paddlers of the year.
When he was not in his kayak, Robert was a lifeguard at Perth Leisure Pool, previously working at Covid-19 test centres during the pandemic.
Posting videos of himself paddling down rivers and waterfalls across the world, in countries like Chile, Pakistan and Zambia, saw Robert amass more than 6,000 followers on Instagram and more than 1,200 subscribers on YouTube.
Robert dabbled in rugby as a child, as well as racket sports and skiing.
But with keen kayakers for parents, it was almost inevitable watersports would win the young athlete’s heart.
Gary said: “We obviously worshipped him and realised he was a good paddler but always kept him grounded.
“He never showed off and was quiet and unassuming, people would never know he had such a talent.”
Waterfall named after kayaker Robert Eggleston
After being told about Robert’s accident on the phone from a friend, Gary and Heather flew to Norway to be by his hospital bed.
They also visited a waterfall called Egglefossen, named after Robert, as he was the first kayaker to paddle it last year.
Gary said: “Robert was paddling some very dangerous, technical water and there are so many things that can go wrong.
“Unfortunately a combination of things happened so it was just an unlucky accident due to the difficult nature of the waterfall.
“We went to Sjoa and spoke to all of the people who knew him and were there that day.
“They were sharing how much they liked him and said he was such a character.”
The couple thanked friends, family and the kayaking community for their support since Robert’s death.
A celebration of life service was held at Stanley Beach on Tuesday. Robert was buried in a private ceremony on Wednesday.
A sculpture of Robert kayaking, made out of recycled bike parts, has been installed at Mclaren Falls on Upper Tummel river.
A memorial bench, made by his friends, will also be put by the Falls of Lora near Oban, one of Robert’s favourite spots.
The news of his death has devastated the paddling community with some making a video in tribute to him.
Paddle manufacturer VE Paddles, one of Robert’s sponsors, said: “Robert was a star; his talent, drive and love of paddling lit up the lives of many.”
‘A shining light for young paddlers’
The Scottish Canoe Association said: “Robert was a world renowned, highly respected and talented young Scottish white water kayak paddler.
“He was a shining light for young paddlers throughout the world and an inspiration to many. Our thoughts go to his family.”
Conversation