THE SPARE ROOM
TRAIN THE
BRAIN
Words and photos : Chris Evans , Lead Paddlesport instructor at Plas y Brenin
The last article looked at finding and building confidence during paddling ; a few things can be done before paddling to get into the correct headspace and after to allow the focus to be on the right things for reflection .
Similarly to the previous article , these are a few things that you can have a play with to see if they can promote a positive mindset to allow your best performance . These are suggestions and should be looked at as such ; if they don ’ t work , don ’ t feel like you have to force yourself . These golden threads could be vital elements to any coaching toolbox ; same again , these are pointers ; if it ’ s not working for you or your learners , apply a different approach .
BEFORE PADDLING
Before getting on the water , many elements can fill up mental space , everything from home or work life to thoughts of the rivers themselves . I ’ ve had people that have filled their minds with the information from guide books in the past , including things like ‘ must make portages ’ to ‘ a leaders test piece ', and this becomes a mental hurdle before the paddling kit has even gone on .
This before paddling time is also the environment where the super excited will be bouncing off the wall ; again , this has the potential to bring everyone up with them or fill the mental space with unwanted thoughts . If the uncontrollable psyche brings everyone to a high , let it ride ; if it ’ s not , either try and move away , block it out or strategically change the subject .
BUILDING MENTAL SPACE
Use the time before to try and empty your mind ; it ’ s often this mind full or lack of mental space that sees us forgetting that vital bit of kit or too full of worry to be able to think about the task at hand . To avoid the mind un-necessarily racing , the distraction tactic could be focusing on something simple like all my kits packed and in the right place . Vital elements of positive self-talk like I ’ m fuelled up , rested , and ready or the above point of either changing the subject or vocalising your feeling . If you feel comfortable enough to voice your concerns , you ’ ll be amazed at how many other people are in the same situation as you , potentially even the super psyched ; it might be their smokescreen .
ThePADDLER 91