Whitewater kayaking can be as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Many paddlers become almost addicted to the adrenaline rush that comes from facing dangerous rapids. Others are more attracted by the athleticism and technical challenges of the sport. Many newcomers, brave in other situations, are surprised to find themselves scared of the rushing water, the closed kayak cockpit, or the combination of both. The best way to overcome such fears is to develop your skills slowly and methodically.
Approach
Step 1
Progress slowly and steadily. Whitewater kayaking is not learned overnight. Take a class with patient instructors and avoid overzealous friends who want to put you in water too far beyond your comfort zone.
Step 2
Spend time developing proper form and good technique in water that is well within your comfort zone--even after you begin pushing your limits in more challenging water. In addition to honing your skills, a return to easier water may help you realize how far you've come in overcoming your fears. With experience, your perception of the water, and danger, will change.
Step 3
Find a good place to repeatedly practice maneuvers that make you nervous. Choose a place in challenging water that has safe, calm water just below. If you successfully perform the maneuver, your confidence and skill will increase. If you take a spill and miss your roll, you'll know you have an easy swim for shore. Ideally, this place will have eddy service back to the starting point for repeated practice.
Step 4
Learn to roll, and practice it in safe, rushing water close to shore eddies. A solid roll will increase your confidence on the river and help you feel more relaxed.
Step 5
Take a swift-water rescue class through the American Canoe Association or local outfitter. This course trains you not only to save others but also how to save yourself. Practice self-rescue techniques in safe water, so you will know what to do automatically if the need arises.
Step 6
Before attempting a scary move, have a backup plan. If the move doesn't go as planned you will get a head start on your next move by knowing what it is. Planning ahead could be knowing where the best eddy is or asking someone to set safety, which means they stand ready to throw you a rescue rope--or come get you--if necessary.
Step 7
Practice defensive and aggressive swimming to increase your comfort level and intimacy with moving water. Practice in places with deep water, big wave trains and few rocks. Ask someone to stand ready with a throw rope in case you need it. Do not do this alone. If you do not find this exercise at least somewhat fun--after trying it a few times, not just looking from shore--then maybe whitewater kayaking is not for you.
Step 8
Never paddle alone. Always go with at least two other paddlers who, preferably, know the river and have rescue knowledge, experience and equipment.
Tips and Warnings
- If you find you cannot get over the fear of being inside a closed kayak, try a sit-on-top kayak designed for white water. If you are the instructor or paddling companion of fearful paddlers, keep in mind that if they get too scared, they might turn away from the sport for good. Provide them with opportunities to succeed and to slowly develop their skills and comfort level. Do not scare them unnecessarily with safety instruction more appropriate for advanced paddling situations.
- Never stand up in swiftly moving water. Float on your back with your toes pointed downstream, near the surface of the water. Do this until you spot an eddy you can swim for or until someone rescues you. Standing up in moving water can result in foot entrapment, a situation where your foot catches on the river bottom and the current pushes the rest of your body downstream and, possibly, under water.
Things You'll Need
- Kayak
- Paddle
- Personal Flotation Device
- Spray skirt
- Helmet
References
- American Canoe Association: Best Practices
- Whitewater Rescue Manual; Charles Walbridge and Wayne A. Sundmacher; 1995
- American Canoe Association: Paddling 101
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