News and Events
The Paddling Guru: The Value of a Paddling Education
Mar 01, 2011
While many paddlesport activities seem like a ‘no experience required' venture, in reality a little education can go a long way in your safety and enjoyment of the sport. You can easily spend a hunk of change (mostly dollars!) on your boat, paddle and other assorted gear but when it comes to professional instruction many are hesitant to invest. A good instruction program can help guide you on the most effective route to becoming a great paddler.
Everyone wants to be an efficient and safe paddler, right? You'd be lying if you said “NO”! I have asked paddlesport audiences around the country the question: “Have you ever had a professional lesson?” I generally get less than 25% of the audience who raise their hands. I have also asked “How many people have done a proper wet exit?” Sometimes the number is less! Remember: there are 2 groups of paddlers….those that have tipped over and those that are going to! Why not be prepared?
Efficient boat control is based on some fairly straightforward concepts both physical and bio-mechanical. Once you understand the way the boat and paddle move and the way your body works the rest is pure magic. Walking away from a class with this beta can help you get to the next level in your paddling! Getting good gas mileage in your vehicle is important, right? Well using good, effective body movement is critical to your enjoyment of the sport. Doing something incorrectly may lead to early fatigue, sore muscles and worse case scenario, injury. Wrists, elbows, shoulders and backs are but a few of the body parts that get a good workout from paddling. It's a good idea to learn and exercise good technique to keep your body in tip-top shape.
Speaking of shape…..Do you paddle to get in shape or do you get in shape to paddle? This is a whole other topic but as spring arrives and you get ready to paddle think a bit about your physical condition as you prep yourself for the season. Flexibility, strength, balance and endurance are all part of getting ‘in shape' for paddling!
Today many instruction programs are student based and the instructor will look at your wants and needs and adjust the class accordingly. A good program will have a blend of thinking, watching and doing to help you learn. Safety is stressed and generally it's FUN that replaces FEAR when it's time to work on ‘gnarl skills'! Look for programs with high SPF ratings….SAFETY, PERFORMANCE and FUN!
So whether you're a novice looking at getting into the sport or a seasoned paddler wanting to take your paddling to the next level think about enrolling in a class to gain this knowledge. There are many different programs around the country that focus on paddlesport education. Most paddlesport shops have either in-house programs or can recommend good, local instructors. Skill symposiums are becoming very popular and usually have a huge range of programs and instructors and coaches form near and afar. Even paddle expos and demo days usually have good educational opportunities. Get out there and LEARN. Become an educated paddler……and don't forget the WET EXIT!!!!!
One with the Flow,
The Paddling Guru