http://www.chrisj.winisp.net/articles/step_up.htm - http://www.chrisj.winisp.net/articles/step_up.htm

 

Since there is always a new crop of boaters every season, and since many of us desire a constant path of progression, Everyone of us should read this entire article.

 

I know I espouse my opinion quite a bit around here, but it is out of a sincere desire to share what I've learned. This article expresses much of what I feel strongly about, and is articulated well. I can vouch for the author as well, having paddled with him on several occasions.

 

Read it, and then maybe we can talk about some of the stuff he mentions in it, if you're game...

Thanks JP.

 

Good article.  I like the mentoring suggestion.  I wouldn't have stayed with it without someone sacrificing their time to get me competent and have tried to pay it forward.  If we really want our sport to remain vibrant and supported we all need to mentor newer boaters.  To be a little selfish, it also ensures you have a crew to pull partners from.

 

I might add instruction to the list of things the article references.  After 4 years of boating, I finally got some organized instruction last year and I felt it helped a lot.  While not everyone wants to spend a full week at Otter Bar, you can also gain great experience even on a one day lesson.  I also did a one day'er this April at Wet Planet with Andy Round and found the lesson invaluable.  For the amount of money I spend on gear and gas, throwing a relatively paltry sum on a day of instruction that maximizes your enjoyment on the river is money well well spent.

 

I personally learned to paddle on huge Perception and Dagger boats, most notably a bright purple Pirouette S that was probably more suitable for someone 3 times my weight.. So although I've got several years of paddling under my belt, the kids at UPS pool sessions totally school me in terms of playboating, Compared to their loops and cartwheels, I think my staple playboating move seems to be "carve left"..

 

Anyway, I think the author hit the nail on the head when he says that it all depends on what you are looking to boat and what your motives are. There's definitely a tradeoff between safety and confidence, at somepoint it becomes mental, and there is a "go for it" mentality that helps you through something you thought was above your level. Every time you do that you build your confidence more and start to look for other ways to challenge yourself.

 

I remember the biggest thing for me being Bull Sluice, the first rapid on Section IV of the Chattooga river in South Carolina, I said I would never run it but sure enough the first time I did it went perfectly and I had a new mindset about what I could do in a Kayak.

 

I'm rambling, but this subject touches close to home as I've had to deal with the same issue for the last 10 years first as a student and then as a teacher of surfing..  

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah- "Playing a rapid or a run up a level" is important. You need to find ways to simulate more hazardous environs without actually being in them.

 

And yeah, those pool jockeys at UPS have some specialized playboating skills (they can bow stall and cartwheel), but honestly, this is where I differ in opinion form our esteemed author:

I do agree with the basic sentiment that hwta you want to do dictates what skills you'll need to cultivate. But I view the sport of paddling and the skills it requires as existing on more of a TREE. The roots of which all must start with a forward stroke, followed by the roll, and then more articulate strokes, draws, ect up the trunk before branching out into boofs, cartwheels, bow stalls, screw ups, mystery moves-whatever.

 

A kayak is a vehicle or a tool first and foremost, and a toy second. Whitewater kayaking occurs almost entirely on whitewater rivers. I simply have no respect for anyone who can't catch eddies, make reasonable ferries, or read n run basic whitewater, no matter how well they can "throw down" in a pool. Of course that statement doesn't apply to beginners who are in the process of learning those skills. We all had to start somewhere. Rather my statement is meant to indicate that I personally feel as though a whole generation of paddlers is drawing the cartwheel before the horse power. It all should start with an ability to paddle forward properly. It branches out from there.

 

anyway, just trying to generate some discussion and stimulate thought on these here forums...