Self Awareness and Self Reflection | Getting Better Podcast

[@pauldanielewicz1054]

Excellent video and topic. The longer I paddle, the more I find improvement comes from better mental preparation and focus. Of course being physically fit and practicing certain skills is important. But if I’m having an off day or physically “fighting it”, attitude and concentration make a big difference in getting through a rapid or a run. Getting better at visualization and staying calm in the moment is key, too.

[@AlexBarham]

For sure, sometimes you have to remember that the only rapid that matters is the one you are dropping into

[@zachtom3132]

Hey Alex, I've been getting pretty into class IV in Washington and California and had been doing pretty well until a few weeks ago. I was back in California over the summer and hadn't gotten as much class IV in as I had wanted due to releases getting canceled and covid. It was the first big rain of the season here in Washington and had a bad swim on the biggest rapid on the river. I had ran the rapid many times before and once at that level. I nailed the first two of three moves, but then didn't get far enough left and got stuck in a very big hole. I tried to fight it out but swam. The next trip 2 weeks later on the same river at much higher flows, on a different rapid I dropped into a massive hole and tried to hold on but swam again. These were the first swims I have had in almost 2 years, and I my confidence is shaken. I think I need to find the joy in paddling again. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@AlexBarham]

I'm definitely going to one on seat time, and the fact that every season we have to ramp into the swing of things. Trying to come right back in where we left off months later is always a disaster. Don't stress it

[@frogyman1023]

Thx for the cool video

[@AlexBarham]

Glad you liked it

[@frogyman1023]

And I know you said you some times can't make videos because you dont have the product you said that in the rewind video but can you make a video on what the best pfd is pls Thx

[@AlexBarham]

@@frogyman1023 That is indeed true. However, I never say anything is best or better. Those are subjective. More so with soft goods because I am sponsored by NRS so I am not an objective resource.

[@frogyman1023]

Oh thx i try to be first because I love your videos and they realy encourage me to kayak and send bigger and narlyer drops so thanks for making such amazing content

[@frogyman1023]

Ups I replied to the wrong comment I ment the other one but I understand because you are sponsored by nrs

[@ryanpotochnik1374]

Thanks for the Videos. Also I bought a med machno one of the best boats if had yet.

[@AlexBarham]

Awesome! You're very welcome

[@TheWoodyworker]

This is great work. I tell developing paddlers not to rush into "harder" stuff to build skills. Instead, paddle familiar waters in a more challenging way. Hit eddies, waves and holes in new ways, maybe in series. Practice attainments, and play-boating. Paddle rivers you know backwards. Build skills on easier stuff, so they are there when you do step up.

[@AlexBarham]

Thanks Mike! Always a hard sell to make you young guns, but hopefully some will take it to heart.

[@frogyman1023]

First

[@AlexBarham]

lol first first acutally

[@frogyman1023]

I am a child so I can ask questions what does that statement mean

[@AlexBarham]

@@frogyman1023 You were the first on the video and I think the first person to call first on one of my videos