ThePaddlerUK 24
Feedback
Without we struggle, we need it to help with reflection and
to improve.All of the above force feedback. It is the
essential thing that happens in all of the above. By gaining
feedback from mentors, coaches, the environment and the
outcome of tasks aids us in our reflection and this in turn
helps us move of the plateau.
Continual professional development
Seeking new knowledge and challenge/confirm existing
knowledge – what a great way to improve.
By entering into these with open minds ensures that we
can move on in our development. Symposiums,
conferences, workshops, skill development weekends,
coaching matters/update events and courses all help us
with our development. Come to them with an open mind
and you are sure to improve.
You will improve if there is genuine new knowledge
available or a different way to achieve an outcome.You can
also gain confidence in that of sharing your knowledge and
skills to others.
Not afraid to experiment – play time!
All of this means it’s time to get out and do! One strong
areas in those that achieve is the determination to get out
and do.They are not afraid to pit their skills against different
environments or different ways running the same rapid on
their doorstep.This child-like approach to trial and error
and being unafraid to get it wrong, is one of the ways that
paddlers can develop.
G
Are you happy to get it wrong in front of your
peers?
G
Do you not want to get the swimmer of the
year award and drink the swim booty?
G
Or do you believe if you are not swimming you
are not trying motto?
Whatever it is, isn’t great that we have the opportunity to
play with a purpose and use the thrill of getting right to
develop that critical questioning of why it worked. If it
didn’t work why not?
Summary
These eight areas are food for
thought.They are meant to
challenge what you do and if you
want to improve from where
you are then give them a go.
Whatever you do have fun
doing it!
Dave Rossetter
Dave is the full time paddlesport instructor at Glenmore Lodge – Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre. He has
been involved in the development of the new awards and provides expert advice throughout the industry on all things to
do with coaching, safety, leadership and personal paddling. He is passionate about all things paddling and specialises in white
water kayak and open canoe where he will most often be found. He is supported in his paddling adventures and coaching
by Pyranha Kayaks, Mad River Canoes and Palm Equipment.
http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/ http://www.pyranha.com/ http://www.palmequipmenteurope.com/
http://www.madrivercanoe.co.uk/