ThePADDLER 128
HAZARDS
As part of the trip planning , it is essential to use a guide book or dear old Google to determine hazards and obstacles . Some information can be found on online forums such as UK Rivers Guide or UK Sea Kayak Guidebook , where you can ask more . Local knowledge of weirs , strainers ( submerged tree risks ), rapids , tide races and overfalls on the sea , as well as prevailing winds , are all invaluable . As part of this , it can be helpful to ask a local , but we do suggest you ask someone with relevant knowledge .
As you become more experienced , you can make decisions and complete a dynamic risk assessment on the move and employ a more ‘ read and run ’ tactic , paddling what you see in front of you . Trickier features such as rapids can , of course , must be inspected first from the bank to see the hazards and lines .
THE MIND GAMES
The age-old adage is the body will follow the course of the mindsets . You can help this by building resilience and efficacy by tackling shorter trips to build endurance and pushing comfort zones and limits in a controlled way . You don ’ t want to find your limit in the middle of a wilderness expedition in simple terms .
Over the years , we have discovered limits such as paddling through the night , distance and duration between breaks , and environmental conditions , including Force 6-7 or surfing in five-foot waves fully laden . The building blocks or foundations for these are learnt through training . Simple tricks can be used to calm anxiety , such as visualisation , rehearsal , peer group support , or even knowing when to hunker down .