Working alongside Hollywood star Charlize Theron gave five-time Olympian Luuka Jones-Yaxley a unique insight into the demands of film, where attention to detail, repetition, and performance mirror those of elite sport.
Jones-Yaxley was selected as a stunt double for whitewater kayaking scenes in the Netflix feature Apex, which released on April 24.
The opportunity came through a connection in the film industry, who put her forward to double for Theron.
After sharing measurements and costume photos, Jones-Yaxley and fellow paddler, River Mutton, were flown to New Zealand’s South Island in January to begin filming.
“When I was on set in Australia during the kayak filming, I did [work closely with Charlize],” Jones-Yaxley told the ICF.
“Callan Grady who used to paddle slalom and works at Penrith White Water was coaching her and then on set I would demonstrate moves and help her out as well.
“It is so difficult to pick-up whitewater kayaking in a short amount of time, Charlize picked up kayaking really well, but she was probably never going to have time to learn to roll and paddle grade three to five whitewater.
“The parts she did do, she really wanted to get it right. It was a privilege to watch a high performer and one of the world's best actresses do her thing.”
For the Rio 2016 Olympic silver medallist, it was a collaborative experience that went beyond just performing on the water.
“The cameras would be rolling, and I would use the same techniques as in racing to visualise the run and how I wanted to 'act',” said Jones-Yaxley.
“The process of taking feedback from the director or stunt co-ordinator was the same as being coached in slalom. I would adapt based on what they wanted the scene to look like.”
But translating elite kayaking into film came with a twist. The smooth efficiency that defines world-class performance had to be dialled back in favour of something more visually striking.
“I had to 'unlearn' nice technique and smooth paddling. Like any sport, when you are doing it well, whitewater kayaking looks effortless, but that isn't exciting to watch in a movie context,” said Jones-Yaxley.
“I adapted to paddling through the middle of holes or trying to get a lot of action off the features as well as putting down bigger edges to make everything seem more dramatic.”
Filming across multiple locations added another layer to the challenge, particularly when production began before the lead actor had even arrived.
It meant anticipating movement, shaping scenes, and helping others understand the sport in real time.
“When we started filming in New Zealand, it was before Charlize had even arrived,” said Jones-Yaxley.
“I was trying to imagine how she might paddle and I could tell the film crew were learning about the sport at the same time.
“River [Mutton] and I did most of the kayaking scenes and feedback on what was realistic and what wasn't.”
Beyond the kayaking itself, the experience offered insight into a wider performance world, one that left a lasting impression on the New Zealander.
“I have so much respect for stunt performers,” added Jones-Yaxley.
“The other stunt performers worked really hard, and it was interesting seeing into their world.
“I think if I was younger, I would have pursued it, but for now I think it was probably a one-off project.
“Everyone in the film was so amazing and supportive and I am extremely grateful for the experience.”
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