How to Control Fear and have more fun whitewater kayaking...

[@stephenburden8947]

Eric. Thank you for sharing all of this information. It’s been a reflection of how I like to kayak and also a great tool for learning how to paddle and engage with my thoughts about it. Really appreciate all of this. Great video!

[@shawhi1]

How this video could've gotten any thumbs down is beyond me. This guy's experience mirrored my own. I wish I would've had E.J. as my mentor. Can't wait to share this wisdom with my son who is gonna try kayaking for the first time this month...although in a pool, this video gives me the confidence to share this sport with him not as a father, but as a fellow athlete.

[@toddmulligan2609]

The sound is pretty bad and he keeps getting texts

[@michaelraab4907]

EJ, I started kayaking this summer and have done 5 or so ww runs. I want to say thank you for this video series. You have been a huge inspiration for me to get out there and do more on the water and I have learned so much from this series and older videos with you in them. I hope get get a chance to meet you and thank you in person but if not, Thank you!

[@STUFFDO-je9cl]

In a previous life, when I used to play baskeball, I discovered that the key to running the break was to relax and take in the whole floor with wide peripheral vision. Not to focus too much on the defender right in front of me, and never to focus on my body or the ball. Playing my best, I sometimes felt like I'd make the pass or take the shot without even meaning to ... like it would kinda flow out of me without effort. Flow state, they call it. Kayaking can be like that ... and it's so awesome when it is!

[@exxodus930]

Thank you for this video E.J. It's just what i've been needing. I own all my own gear, signed up for a clinic and thought about canceling and selling my gear because im afraid of my boat. Its a mental beatdown when i get on the water and try to work on conquering anxiety. Hopefully with your tips i can overcome that roadblock and start enjoying whitewater.

[@gailmciver1440]

Wow, great stuff Scott and you have the best teacher in my opinion too.... Thank you for your support with my fear EJ. I need a much broader external focus. 🤓😁 Ivevbeen observing others when paddling. Men are really vocal and get active when they're nervous and women tend to go inward and quiet...... I'm gonna adopt the male approach from now on, or try!

[@Truth-Be-Told-USA]

I have done whitewater in a sit on top infallible kayak and I have a solid flatwater roll. Going out this week in colorado for the first time in my rockstar 4.0 with an instructor. I have 2 fears number one missing eddys and number two hitting my head. Although I have always wore a helmet and I have hit my head when rolling. I like your woo hoo idea I think that is going to help me. We shall see. Great video

[@PanicFreakAtl]

Love you Eric You’ve taught me so much

[@antonymitchell3385]

Another trick I've used when leading people down rivers on the edge of their comfort zone, is to pull a silly face when breaking out of eddies, to try and break away the internal monologue, and give that external focus.

[@djpandad2981]

Good video. Good information. Keep up the good work. '

[@billyb3689]

Great video. I was wondering do you think your original slalom background has really helped with focus, preparation, and breaking down rapids?

[@mhazel9551]

EJ, absolutely love your content! Trying to get started in ww kayaking.. any tips? I'm 6'2 250lbs

[@coltentodhunter7551]

Thanks EJ!

[@superchargedkayaker]

Great video EJ! Got any more tips or resources for improving ones head game, specifically for when you are competing?

[@gailmciver1440]

As well as the tips from EJ, I've been using a confidence hypnotherapy type meditation which I listen to. It was created by a lady called Marisa Peer, she does something called transformational therapy. It has helped me.

[@gailmciver1440]

How do I get to come do kayaking skills at Rock Island please?

[@gailmciver1440]

@@ericjacksonkayak that would be awesome!! 😁🙏💜 ! I would need lots of notice as I live in the UK. I'm willing to travel, always wanted to visit that area.

[@smuxie_]

Can someone help I was trying to learn how to whitewater kayak last summer but stopped taking lessons because I didn’t know how to roll and I got really anxious when I was underwater