Twin Wave on All Things Triathlon: Racing, Rivalry & the Road Ahead
For Payton and Camryn, triathlon has always been a family affair. The identical twin sisters' journey into the sport began when they were just nine years old, after they watched their dad racing. Inspired, they decided to try a kid-friendly super sprint, and after that first race, they were both hooked.
Over the years since their passion for the sport and their healthy sibling rivalry has continued to grow, Payton and Camryn, a.k.a Twin Wave, have evolved from competing in short-distance races to now racing national-level events.
We sat down with Payton and Camryn to talk all things triathlon.
"Our first race was a small local one and I remember it being such a competition between us," Camryn recalls. "Payton was always the one beating me, so from the start, I had that drive to push harder."
The Love for Triathlon
What makes triathlon so special for them? Beyond the challenge of mastering three disciplines, it’s the community that keeps them engaged. "I love that anyone can do triathlon. It brings together so many different people, and it’s such an inclusive sport," says Payton.
For Camryn, the thrill of racing is a huge motivator: "It's always exciting because there’s a mental and tactical side to it. Whether it’s pacing in the swim, strategizing on the bike, or pushing hard in the run, it keeps things fresh and fun."
Strengths in the Sport
When it comes to their strongest disciplines, the Henderson twins lean toward swimming and cycling. "The swim is a big advantage for us because we’ve been swimming competitively for so long. We can get a gap on the competition early when racing," says Payton. Camryn adds, "The bike is my favorite. I love putting the power down, and it’s such an important part of the race."
Interestingly, their swimming background had a rough start. "We actually failed swimming lessons as kids! Our mom decided to put us straight into a swim club instead, and we just had to figure it out," said Camryn.
Using FORM Goggles
Payton and Camryn have been longtime FORM users, first introduced to the smart swim goggles by their dad. "He was part of a photo shoot for FORM, and we thought the goggles looked amazing. Once we tried them, we loved them," Payton recalls.
When training, they rely heavily on a combination of guided workouts, heart rate tracking, and free swim mode. When it comes to open water, "The SwimStraight feature is a game-changer for open water swimming," says Camryn. "It helps me stay on course, so I don’t have to think about that so much, enabling me to focus on my effort and technique."
Prepping for the 2025 Season Ahead
With the start of the new season looming, the Twin Wave twins are deep in training. "Right now, we’re focusing on volume—getting in the pool consistently, doing multiple workouts a day, and building a solid base. That way, we don’t peak too early before key races," explains Payton.
Strength and conditioning are also a crucial part of their preparation. "We incorporate gym work and cross-training, like rock climbing, to keep things fun and prevent burnout," says Camryn.
Race Calendar and Season Goals
This year’s race plan is shaping up to be their most ambitious yet. Their season kicks off in March at the Oro Valley Triathlon, followed by local races in April. In June, they’ll compete in the Pleasant Prairie Draft Legal race in Wisconsin, to qualify for Draft Legal Nationals in August.
"Our big targets are Draft Legal Nationals and Age Group Nationals, both happening in August. We want to be competitive in those races and push ourselves to new levels," says Payton.
If you had one specific goal for this race season, what would it be? "I’m aiming to break 11:30 for 750m in long-course swimming," says Camryn. "It’s a key milestone for draft-legal racing, so I’ve been working hard on my swim speed."
Racing as Twins
As training partners and competitors, Payton and Camryn push each other in every session. "Racing each other is always fun because we’re so close in ability. It’s like an extra motivator," says Payton. "We’ll swim together, bike together, and then it comes down to a running race."
Sharing the podium is another special experience for the sisters. "It’s the best part," Camryn says. "You get to celebrate with your best friend, even if there’s a bit of a sibling rivalry involved. People always get a kick out of seeing two Hendersons up there on the podium."
Favorite Pro Athletes
Not just competitors, the Henderson twins are also huge fans of the professional side of the sport, closely following both men’s and women’s professional triathlon.
"Kat Matthews is one of the nicest people we’ve met, so she’s up there for us as one of our favorites," says Payton. "And of course, we love other icons in the sport like Emma Pallant-Browne, Lucy Charles-Barclay, Daniela Ryf, Lionel Sanders, and Kristian Blummenfelt."
"Meeting pros in person at races is like meeting Taylor Swift for us!" Camryn jokes. "The access you get to them at events is incredible."
Advice for New Triathletes
For those looking to get into triathlon, Camryn and Payton have simple yet valuable advice: "Try everything. Group rides, open water swims—some things might feel intimidating at first, but you learn something new every day, every session, every effort."
Finding a supportive training group is also key. "Being around like-minded people helps keep you accountable and motivated," says Payton. "And most importantly, be consistent. Even if a workout isn’t your best, showing up regularly is what makes the difference."
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, Payton and Camryn are ready to tackle new challenges, chase personal bests, and enjoy the journey together. Whether they’re training, racing, or celebrating on the podium, one thing is clear: the Twin Wave duo is just getting started.
Stay tuned as they take on their biggest season yet!
