Mini Tek-Talk - 12/29/24 - Strategies for Paddlers

Which of the three strategies speak to you the most? Share it in the comment below and give a like/support to each other.

I’ve been paddling for over 15 years. I've spent over 10 years helping develop paddlers and grow a team organically. Now I’m boiling all that experience into a blueprint to speed up your training and learning.

There's many reasons why someone joins a paddling team, whether dragon boat or outrigger. There are many reasons why someone joins any hobby-based team. I started TLC with the mission of developing community-focused paddlers and leaders.

I hope to inspire people who start off as paddlers to then use what they've learned to become leaders in their communities, because that's exactly how I got to where I am today. I started paddling in high school in 2006, so it's been close to 20 years of paddling now. I started off as a paddler my first year and soon became the captain and eventually the coach of my university team and then later my adult team. I have made many mistakes along the way, as well as successes.

Today I wanted to briefly share strategies that I have for people to develop as new or intermediate paddlers.

1 - Figure out your why

Why are you paddling? What is the reason why you come out to paddle and train? What do you enjoy the most about the paddling? This will help us anchor why we show up time and time again. In order for you to develop as a paddler, you need to look within and figure out why you do it. Note that this can change over time, but it's still important to dial down and figure out what drives you.

2 - Figure out your short term and long term goals

I think it's safe to say that everyone wants to make improvements and want to get better. That should be the general direction that you are heading in. However, often times the biggest challenge is actually focusing. When we have a goal that is generally well-intentioned but no actual steps, we don't end up going anywhere. Depending on what is most salient to you at this time, write down 1-2 short terms goals and write down 1-2 long term goals. At this time, they don't need to necessarily connect but do write them down. It will help you focus on how you want to improve and take the next step.

3 - Show up

In the beginning, everything will seem new and foreign. There will be others who already know how to do it, but know that they started somewhere too. You need to show up to the sessions both physically and mentally. When there are optional gatherings or events, you need to show up and make the effort to learn. When there are extra practice sessions, you need to show up to see how others do it and learn from the captains and coaches. Be mentally present too by asking questions or observant of others' technique and way they do things. Don't skip out on opportunities to grow.

Thank you all for joining and I'll see everyone next week!

PS. I've uploaded a video of what I covered above in case you missed it. See everyone next week!

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