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Words - Kent Ford
Photos – Aaron Peterson
There is truly a world of paddling options to be had… so narrowing down your motivations helps ensure that every day on the water will be a success. Imagine this, a friend offers an opportunity to go on your first paddling trip. It is supposed to be a mild sea kayaking trip. However, all you have seen about kayaking is whitewater, and the automobile advertisements with waterfall jumpers, and magazine photos of similarly crazy stunts. Your media influenced image of paddling excites the adrenaline seeking part of you, but the saner side leans you towards caution. How do you know if the paddling trip offered to you matches your real interests?
The Plan
The paddling trips that are the most enjoyable usually have clearly stated goals, so it is easier to determine if the trip is right for you. The ideal is when the plan for the trip is declared up front in the invitation such as, “we are going out on an easy tour for two hours, where our number one goal is to get outdoors with some friends, and get some fresh air in a beautiful place.” This sort of definition of challenge-social-scenic goals can really help to put all participants in a comfort zone for the best possible day.
Skill Building
Awareness of the trip plan is especially important when paddlers are in the fragile early stages of learning the sport. Our learning curve is best at an optimal level of challenge. Just enough challenge and excitement is best. Too much challenge, and you feel the boat stiffen up underneath you, your torso doesn’t flow with the strokes, and your brain tenses up with critical self talk. The day simply is not as enjoyable. A small incremental increase in difficulty from one trip to the next will give all paddlers the best opportunity to improve.
Scenic
Exploring, getting exercise or an adrenaline rush can dominate a day on the water. Don’t forget to relish in the scenic wonder, the magic of the light on the water, the wildlife and the diversity along the shore. It is important to thrive on the simplicity of self-propelled travel. On some of the best trips, the challenge is masked by the energized fun with a supportive group of people. Warm and dry at the end of the day, you can reflect on what made the day perfect.
Find the right Friends
Not everyone has the same predisposition for a trip. Find friends who share your interests in paddling, to increase the likelihood of a good match. So no matter what your level, on your next trip, put your purpose out there for discussion. Declare your intentions for the day. How much challenge do you seek? What difficulty? How important are the scenic and social aspects to the success of the day? What is the bottom line for your enjoyment? Understanding those motivators goes a long way towards guaranteeing fun for all.
Kent Ford’s background includes twenty years of teaching, coaching for the US Canoe and Kayak Team, and racing, including World Championship titles. He is also the producer of over twenty videos and books through his company Performance Video.
For more info, go www.performancevideo.com
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