Why is it that some paddlers train hard but don’t compete?
Why is it that some paddlers worry that they are not good enough to compete?
Why is it that some paddlers have so much self-doubt about their own ability that they don’t
compete, yet they are really very competent and strong?
Why is it that some paddlers don’t compete because they feel as if they are not fast enough, yet if they raced they would be faster than most in their category?
Why is it that some paddlers would like to compete but they feel as if they have to have the perfected style of an Olympian, so they hide from competition?
Why is it that some paddlers lack confidence to race?
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In my first year of racing I came second in the Avon Descent and I didn’t have an Olympian’s technique but I trained hard and just did it.
My second year in racing I paddled over 200 kilometres in 24 hours and set a world record, came third in the
Avon Descent and I didn’t have an Olympian’s technique but I trained hard and just did it.
Years to follow I paddled many 4000 km rivers paddling every day for weeks/months and I didn’t have an Olympian’s technique but I trained hard and just did it.
It is certainly beneficial to have a good technique but having the passion, the commitment and training hard makes you faster and fitter.
Just because you race doesn’t mean that you will lose the yearning for social and other types of paddling.
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If you want to get faster you have to spend time in the boat.
The more hours spent training in the boat within reason (or cross training/gym) will get you fitter and faster. More hours in
the boat will also increase confidence. Racing will increase confidence. Racing is also fun.
Remember getting a good technique can take time – but in the meantime you can still get strong if you train hard.
Stop worrying about one thing and another, just get in there and give it a go.
Confidence is gained by doing it and not by sitting back wishing
you were doing it.
When racing focus on another paddler about your speed and try to beat them rather than beating yourself up because you didn’t win your class.
Just get in there and give it your best shot. Not everyone can win, but you can get better.
Remember a tippy boat can take a lot longer to master. Choose one that you are comfortable
in.
Are you one who is yearning to race but are sitting back
You will be surprised what rewards come from racing.