DeRiemer eSchool

There is a wonderful model on cognitive learning that shows we vacillate between different levels of understanding. When we are first exposed to a sport there is a good chance that we are unconsciously incompetent. As we watch from a distance we think, “I can do that!” After exposure, we become consciously incompetent. “Wow, I had no idea these things flipped so easily.” With some instruction and practice, we become consciously competent. “If I just keep this edge up crossing the eddyline I’ll stay upright.” And after miles on the river, we become unconsciously competent. So much so, that should someone ask us how to do a certain maneuver, we would have to consciously try a few before being able to give an answer. Some of us are programmed to give verbal answers more easily.

You are approaching The Rapid. A familiar feeling arises...it makes your muscles tight, your balance spastic and it messes with your head. You label it FEAR. Here are some ways to focus your mind positively and deal with irrational fear.

FAILURE, DEATH, EMBARRASSMENT, INJURY, DROWNING, THE UNKNOWN, TAKING THE STEP UP, SWIMMING, HISTORY......

One: identify the fear.

•Once identified, this "feeling" can be assessed in terms of whether the danger is real or perceived. For example, when evaluating A. "I'm afraid I'll swim and be embarrassed" and B. "I'm afraid I'll swim and drown", the former is more likely to be real and the latter perceived.

Many paddlers have been told that they have the skill to run more challenging rapids -but they hold back. What drives us? What limits us? There is much information in this field. If we use this info consciously, we can influence the level at which we boat and free ourselves up to enjoy whatever level we choose.

People like to perform their best and so purposefully (although often unconsciously) seek out conditions that produce a state of optimal arousal in the brain. A paddler can perform at her peak when the brain is neither overwhelmed nor bored. Each of us has our own measure of just what optimal is. People participate in kayaking because of the intrinsic feelings of enjoyment, well-being and personal achievement. This state of being, which lies outside the parameters of worry and boredom, is called being in the moment or in the Zone.

Why do people kayak? The bottom line is that the experience is so enjoyable and meaningful that we want more! Kayaking can provide feelings of enjoyment, well-being and personal achievement. In order to have this kind of experience, these conditions must exist:

• The activity is completely voluntary.
• Your state of mind is open.
• The goal is clear and the feedback is immediate.
• There is a feeling of control over your actions in the environment, a sense that your personal competence is matched to the challenge, even though the outcome is uncertain. When I started boating my hero said that 90% of the sport is mental, that once a paddler gets a certain degree of skill, the rest depends on her head. I’ve found that statement to be fairly accurate.

You’ve got a great roll. It’s fairly effortless. You are almost 100 %. Of course, that stat is qualified by adding, “in the pools”. Although you’ve practiced all the drills to simulate combat situations, somehow that roll isn’t with you in the current. Instead there’s this sloppy, difficult roll that often requires more than one try, if it works at all! What can you do to keep the smooth roll with you when you hit the whitewater? Get rid of the fear. It is fear and not technique that is ruining your roll. There are some mental preparations that can help a lot. When I started boating my hero said that 90% of the sport is mental, that once a paddler gets a certain degree of skill, the rest of her progress depends on her head. I’ve found that statement to be fairly accurate. So, here are some mental and practical tips to ensure that you bring your good roll with you anywhere you go on the river.

Enjoy this a collection of articles written by Mary DeRiemer of DeRiemer Adventure Kayaking.

The Mental Side of Kayaking By Mary DeRiemer

Why do people kayak? The bottom line is that the experience is so enjoyable and meaningful that we want more! Kayaking can provide feelings of enjoyment, well-being and personal achievement. In order to have this kind of experience, these conditions must exist:

• The activity is completely voluntary.
• Your state of mind is open.
• The goal is clear and the feedback is immediate.
• There is a feeling of control over your actions in the environment, a sense that your personal competence is matched to the challenge, even though the outcome is uncertain. When I started boating my hero said that 90% of the sport is mental, that once a paddler gets a certain degree of skill, the rest depends on her head. I’ve found that statement to be fairly accurate.