1 . Make the environment not immediately off-putting !
Words : Del Read Photos : Del Read , Tom Clare , James Lankford & AUCC
Katalla on the river Mohaka , New Zealand . Photo : Matthew Roxburgh
PADDLER 29
I recently had somebody reach out to me to ask me if I had any advice or tips for someone just starting kayaking . The social and welfare committee member at a university kayaking club was the person asking . They were relatively new to kayaking themselves and weren ’ t sure how best to support new paddlers in the club . This person was also keen to hear tips for encouraging more women to join the club . After sending some ideas across , it occurred to me that this would make a perfect feature ! !
White water kayaking is a great activity that can quickly become your life ’ s greatest love . However , starting white water kayaking can have a steep learning curve , sometimes putting people off . Here are six tips to support new paddlers and help them to fall in love with white water kayaking . Please do comment if you have any tips of your own to share !
1 . Make the environment not immediately off-putting !
I am sure there is a more concise way to phrase it , but the heading for this point says it all . If you put people in an uncomfortable position too early , they will not return . There is no point in throwing beginners down white water rapids where the level of paddling needed to negotiate that rapid is far beyond their skill level . They could hurt themselves through capsizing or swimming . They will also likely be so scared that any enjoyment gained from that rapid is lost . Chances are , they won ’ t want to come back to try it again .
Instead , build the difficulty of the environment up slowly . Start in the summer in a safe and comfortable environment like a pool or lake . Build up simple skills and confidence . Then build up additional skills needed from there . If you are a white water club , plan the first river trip to be a river with a current and some eddy lines but no significant white water . Matlock is a local favourite of mine for this . When I lived in Birmingham – it was Jackfield rapids . Teach basic skills such as how to get out or into an eddy . Maybe even build up to ferry gliding . In those calmer and safer environments , paddlers will feel more confident to try the skills you teach them . Then when you do build up to tackling more significant rapids , they have a better chance of successfully paddling them , and hopefully , if they do swim won ’ t be completely put off the sport .
Words : Del Read Photos : Del Read , Tom Clare , James Lankford & AUCC
Katalla on the river Mohaka , New Zealand . Photo : Matthew Roxburgh
PADDLER 29