Whitewater Archives - Matthew Brook Coaching

Don’t move the goalposts!

Particularly in the current climate, stability is important. Whilst so much is uncertain, we need to have some goalposts that don’t move. This article is all about holding our goals lightly, yet taking them seriously.

The vital challenge

As coaches and athletes, setting goals is vital to achieving. Without something concrete to work towards and surpass, how can we experience success?

Not only that, but without a progressive goal, we will be tempted to stagnate. To stay comfortable. Unless we set a bar to attain, we will sit contentedly below it, not even attempting to reach upwards. To push ourselves to progress, we require challenge.

Pressing towards a goal in this way will inevitably reap rewards, even if they don’t fall within the precise success criteria we have set. Whether we attain the desired goal or not, our progression is a certainty.

New Video Content Incoming!

Lockdown can be a challenge. This time, however, I am trying to view it as an opportunity to try new ventures. So this post is just a little update to let you know what new content is incoming!

Over on my Youtube Channel I am starting to put out a regular schedule of varied videos.

Every Wednesday there will be a Webisode – a longer video containing educational/interesting content. To get a flavour of these, check out the embedded video below.

Thursdays meanwhile are Throwback days. These videos will mostly be minimally-edited river reports. They’ll sometimes contain music, sometimes not! But my aim is to give a flavour of adventuring into some of this world’s most stunning natural spaces.

Though this is mainly a project to keep me sane in lockdown, my intention is definitely to continue long after. So please head over and subscribe to join me in the learning process!

And feel free to let me know in the comments if there’s anything in particular you want to see a video about.

Coaching Insights: Feelings vs Practices

One of the biggest challenges for us as paddlers (and as humans, in fact) is how changeable our feelings are. Unexpected or unpredictable situations on the river can seriously exacerbate this. So this week’s article is all about addressing our feelings and adapting our practices.

Long live Rodeo!

As of yesterday, the 1st of November 2020, tickets are live for the River Dart Rodeo. So I thought it would be a good time to reiterate some final details.

January the 16th, 2021 is the date for the Rodeo. This is an event for anyone who loves getting out on the river in a slicey boat. You’ll need to be comfortable on the Upper Dart at water-levels between 0.6 and 1.0 on the Dunnabridge gauge. And, of course, be prepared to shred!

A significant aim of this event is for us as a kayaking community to give back. Because of that, the only financial condition to getting a ticket is showing proof of a donation to either Save Our Rivers or an equal rights/conservation charity of your choice.

Logistically, it is a small-scale event. There are only 30 tickets. Obviously, the Covid situation may change before January the 16th. That might mean that we postpone the event. But once you have a ticket, it will be valid for whatever new date we settle on!

So don’t wait! If you want to be involved with the coolest event this side of Mars, follow the link and book a ticket!

RDR Ticket Announcement, now a major motion picture…

Rodeo isn’t dead! Long live Rodeo!

Whitewater Culture

Not only as coaches, but for all whitewater paddlers, culture is vital. It makes the difference between positive and negative relationships on (and with) the river. So today’s article is all about culture.

After a few weeks’ pondering how to approach this topic, I finally decided I wanted to reflect the diversity of opinion on this tricky subject of culture. So we are trying something new today. My first (loosely) interview-style blog!

I contacted five people across a spectrum of whitewater experience and asked them three questions – questions I often ask of people I am coaching. What do you think defines whitewater culture? Name one thing you love about whitewater culture and one thing you really dislike about it.

I consider it vital to look at what shape our whitewater culture is in. For the sake of our own, and future generations’, enjoyment, understanding the culture enables us to shape it for the better. So without further ado, here are the responses!

Half- versus Double-Slice

With the River Dart Rodeo fast approaching, I think the time has come to settle this once and for all! The ultimate battle of the tail-happy and spinnable! Half- versus Double-slice! Which one is better? And which one are we going to see coming out on top on Rodeo day?

Before I begin, a point of clarification. The terms double-slice and full-slice are often used interchangeably for any kayak with a low-volume bow and stern. My preferred term is double-slice, so that’s the one I will be using! Though, as a friend recently pointed out, if a half-slice has one low-volume end, surely a double-slice ought to have four…

Double-Slice: The Talking Points

Twice the slice, twice the fun! Leaning more heavily on full-on freestyle capacity, double-slices enable play on every feature of the river. Though they sacrifice some of the confidence-boosting river-running capacity of their half-slice brethren, low-volume boats can still take on most whitewater you throw them at!

Whereas half-slices focus on a smooth but playful downriver ride, the double-slice offers the ability to bring playboating moves into the downriver realm. Cartwheels, splats, mystery moves – it’s all possible in a double-slice.

Whether you are looking to spice up some familiar runs or move from the world of playboating into river-running, these are the boats for you. Playful, sometimes unforgiving, but always hilarious. Double-slice boats have always opened up the three-dimensionality of whitewater more than any other type of boat.

Not only that, but with modern designs like the Loki, Homeslice, Hellbender and Ozone, double-slicing does not have to come at the cost of comfort. Long gone are the days of unfurnished plastic outfitting and cramped toes. Technology now allows for the size-10s and above to happily enjoy staring skywards just like the rest of us!

Shredding the Bitches in my favourite double-slice. Photo by Beth Morgan.

Half-Slice: The Talking Points

Ably shredding the line between downriver cruising and gleeful verticality, double-slice boats are popular for good reason. Whether you choose a well-loved classic like the RPM or one from the plethora of modern variants, a half-slice will take you pretty much anywhere you want to go.

Pretty much every company on the market has a half-slice design nowadays. They occupy the workhorse slot in many paddler’s toolkits. Why? It’s simple. Not only do they enable smooth and dynamic river-running, they offer a pinch of playful spice!

Great for both learners and experts alike, half-slices are less forgiving than creekboats, which is in no way a bad thing. The learning curve may be steep, but the reward is profound. A persistent half-slice paddler is likely to find their technical ability will improve very quickly.

And with the wide range of choice on the market these days, there is a half-slice to suit every size and variety of paddler. At one end of the spectrum are the more play-orientated options like the Antix. Occupying the goldilocks zone in the centre are the more river-running-focused Ripper, Rexy and Rewind. At the far end, there are even some creek-capable options, like the Steeze. And that barely scratches the surface!

Jack throwing a freewheel in his Exo Party Rexy. Photo by Tom Clare.

Conclusion?

For any readers of my previous articles, my bias in terms of the boats I expect to podium at the Rodeo is probably well-known! But this article is about more than that.

So before we get to any discussion of the Rodeo, let’s look at a more general comparison. As stated above, the focus in these two boats, though similar, is not identical. Where half-slice boats are about slick , sometimes playful, passage downriver, double-slices use the downriver journey as an excuse for outright play! The half-slice uses features playfully in order to run the river. By contrast, the double-slice runs the river in order to play the features. Is that a facetious statement? Probably!

But whilst these boats are cut from a similar cloth, there is no question that their purpose differs. For most kayakers, the half-slice is a far more practical choice. Its ability to carry speed, to ride over obstacles and to play the river when desired is a huge plus.

Will the Rodeo podium be occupied by half-slice riders, however? I don’t believe so. Of course, someone in a Ripper or RPM could put down a smooth and stylish ride. But the ability to link ends whilst floating downstream, to capitalise on every small feature of the river, gives the double-slicers a distinct advantage.

Ultimately, it will all come down to who has eaten their Weetabix and impresses the judges most on the day! We will just have to wait for January the 16th to find out.

What’s in my quiver?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that kayakers love talking about boats! At the heart of the matter, there’s a gear geek in all of us. In 2020, I have made a few changes to my line-up. So let’s take a peek at what’s in my quiver and why I love these boats so much!

Creekboat: Pyranha 9R

The original 9-foot racing boat. Agile, precise, sharp-railed. As a smaller paddler, I have always preferred slim craft. And the first generation 9R boasts a wonderfully narrow hull. Obviously, this makes it not only fast, but far more responsive on edge.

Modern boat technology has moved increasingly towards point-and-shoot kayaks with so much rocker that they simply ride over everything. By contrast, the original 9R walks a fine line. It has decent rocker, but not so much that the paddler doesn’t have to work. Whilst this may not suit everyone, I love the way that this boat punishes poor paddling. To maximise the boat’s capability, a paddler needs to be pro-active and confident with their edging. If not, the 9R’s defined stern rails will send you to places you’d rather not go!

When paddled aggressively, however, the 9R is unparalleled. It can bear the weight of a decent amount of gear without compromising on performance, making it ideal for coaching or expeditions. Of course, it helps that I am on the lighter end of the weight-range on that particular point!

Even so, for a technical creeking vessel, there is nothing I would rather paddle. The 9R is nimble and confidence-inspiring – the ideal boat to aid progression.

Dropping into the Erme gorge. Photo by Tom Clare.

Slice-machine: Prijon Delirious

Whenever people ask me about the Delirious, I am quick to respond: “it’s the best boat in the universe!” That is definitely just rhetoric. But the indisputable fact is that I love this absolute beast of slicing!

Essentially symmetrical bow-to-stern, this boat can cartwheel like no other! It is absolutely no exaggeration to say that this boat can throw ends for days! Equally though, if you want to stall out and stare at the sky, the Delirious has you covered. It has a slight flare of width behind the paddler’s hips, which enable incredibly fine control when vertical. Pirouettes are an absolute breeze in this boat.

And yes, of course it is a damp ride! Not only the age of the boat, but the fact that the deck is constantly underwater, mean the paddler ends up sat in a puddle! But it’s a small price to pay for maximum playfulness!

Not only that, but the Delirious (unlike modern full-slice boats) still has low enough volume to be able to fully engage with the three-dimensionality of whitewater. Where modern boats might get rejected by features, the Delirious can grab phenomenal downtime in the right spot.

Of course, I am definitely intrigued to try modern boats like the Ozone, which blur the line between old- and new-school. But it will take something very special indeed to topple the Delirious off the top-spot!

Twice the slice, twice the fun! Photo by Helenka Boden.

Playboat: Gui-Gui Prod Helixir 2018

Flatwater freestyle has always been my go-to means of keeping fit. I hike down the road with a boat and splash around for a happy hour or so. Whilst I definitely have other uses for a playboat, maximising enjoyment of that particular past-time was my first criterion when looking for a new playboat back in 2018.

I have always sat uncomfortably between the weight-ranges of most common brands’ playboats. As a rule, I’m too short for a “medium”, but want more volume than a “small” will offer. So when the opportunity arose to get a custom carbon boat, I leapt at it! Of course, my judgment was definitely swayed by Quim’s ridiculous promo video for the Helixir.

Since then, the Gui-Gui has served as my faithful flatwater and surf machine! Besides Hurley (which I don’t really count), it has only seen a real river once. But the responsiveness, lightweight construction and insane pop have all helped me to push my playboating more in the past 2 years than in in the preceding 5.

And no, I probably don’t need a carbon boat. I’m not enough of a competitive playboater to warrant one. But it sure feels good! There is no sensation quite the same as the solid smack of stiff carbon landing a pan-am or airscrew on a steep wave. And if, like me, you do a lot of walking with you boat, the fact it only weighs 9kgs makes a big difference!

Aiming for cleans at Hurley! Photo by Jack Grace.

The Wishlist!

Whilst the three-boat quiver is suiting me well enough currently, that doesn’t mean it can’t grow!

I recently spent a lap on the Mellte in my friend Tim’s Pyranha Ripper and it reminded me how much I love that boat. From a coaching perspective, it truly does blend the two worlds of confidence for creeking and playability when it is wanted.

The similarity in hull-shape between my 9R and the small Ripper is clear, which just means that almost no transition in paddling style is required. With its low-volume stern, the Ripper excels in manoeuvrability. Indeed, the confidence-inspiring rocker and agility of the Ripper mean that I trust it more than my 9R in many situations. Though perhaps this just comes from my predilection for slice-boats! Who knows?!

Thanks for re-igniting the Ripper bug for me, Tim! Photo by Tom Clare.

What boats are in your 2020 quiver? And what new designs or old-school flavours are you looking out for?

How can I watch the Rodeo?

River Dart Rodeo Announcement Video #2 is now live. But for those who prefer reading and want to know how they can watch the Rodeo, here are the main points!

Safety

Given that the event is taking place on the Upper Dart, risk is an inherent factor. For that reason, we are setting certain parameters in place to try and keep everyone safe.

Most important of these parameters is the water-level cap: the event will take place only if the river is between 0.6 and 1.0 on the gauge at Dunnabridge. Competitors should be comfortable paddling the river at these levels. If water-levels are not favourable, we will postpone the RDR to a future date.

Secondly, wherever possible the Rodeo locations will be in relatively low-risk environments, where safety cover can be set to mitigate threats. Whilst there is not an official RDR safety team, riders are expected to provide safety cover for one another. So don’t forget your throwlines!

Finally, the RDR requires all competitors to use a boat with appropriate, functional grab-handles and (at least) stern airbags; we fully appreciate that slicey boats and bow airbags don’t necessarily mix! Riders must also have an ISO-approved buoyancy aid and helmet. And no matter how much of a rodeo ninja you may be, please dress for a swim in the bitter January conditions! All the layers you’ve got, and then a few more!

Spectators

There will be two possible ways to spectate: paddling in or walking in. In both cases, we ask that groups or individuals do three things:

be respectful of other outdoor enthusiasts,
adhere to social distancing guidelines,
make sensible decisions about the weather conditions and daylight hours on the day. Walkers in particular, please allow yourselves enough time to hike out again.

For people hoping to paddle in, we would simply ask that you be patient with both organisers and competitors. Because no matter how much we try to keep our impact on other river users to a minimum, and we will, such a large group occupying a small section of river is going to be a little awkward at times.

We would also ask paddle-in spectators to remember that there is no official safety cover in place for the event. If you would not normally paddle the Upper Dart at the levels specified, please do not use Rodeo day as the excuse to try! Conversely, if any spectators do feel willing to offer some safety cover, please feel free to message me at Matthew Brook Coaching in advance.

Tickets

A little reminder for competitors that the ticket link, which will be a Google Form, will go live on Sunday the 1st of November at 1800 hours GMT. It’s first-come, first-served, so be sure to fill in your Form as quickly as possible.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next announcement.

And remember, rodeo isn’t dead…

The TL:DR version!

Coaching Insights: Mix it up!

Mixing up our training is so important. This article is as much addressed at coaches as anyone. After all, we are all learners. So today we are looking at how mixing up our style can optimise our progression as paddlers.

Don’t get stagnant!

It’s a well-known fact that practice makes permanent. Doing the same thing over and over makes you excellent at doing the same thing over and over! In some cases, that’s a really good thing. Hitting a tree with your throwline from 10 metres away repeatedly is sure to come in handy in a sticky situation!

But in other cases, repetition can be fatal. It can ingrain bad habits and lead to complete stagnation. Not only is that bad for us physically, it has mental and emotional ramifications too.

The cure? Variety! Mix things up. Try a new discipline. Take a playboat on over-familiar whitewater. Experiment with new tricks. Switch up your environment. If you’re a whitewater paddler, get out in some big, messy surf and watch how it boosts your big-water confidence. Normally paddle a modern creekboat with all the rocker? Hop in a half-slice or (better still) full slice and trying throwing some ends on your local runs!

Doing this will prevent us from remaining in the pitfall of comfort and stagnation.

The Science of Learner Happiness

But it isn’t just about avoiding the negative consequence of stagnant apathy. There are massive pros to adding variety into training routines. It is hugely stimulating to our brains to test new things. Appropriate challenge generates productivity and enjoyment.

Coaches talk a lot about “peak flow experience”, that state of learning where we are being just challenged enough to remain engaged, while also experiencing success. At “peak flow”, we are neither overloaded, nor bored. We are having to adapt, to engage our brains, perhaps even to fail. But the sum experience is success and stimulation for us. And in this way at least, the human brain is simple: success makes us happy!

To illustrate the point above, here’s a story from my own experience:

Don’t go kayaking!

This may sound crazy, but bear with me! One of the most amazing catalysts for paddling development I have discovered recently is to not go kayaking. Instead, I have been running and swimming. Specifically, I have been training myself to swim in whitewater.

At least one, if not more, of my multiple weekly paddling sessions has transitioned into this new exploration of late. The joy it has reignited for simply being in the water and for studying how currents move is astounding. It has inspired me to try new downtime moves. My understanding of hydraulics has increased and my ignorant fear has proportionately decreased. Ever time I go out, I discover something new. And on top of all that, I’m becoming fitter.

What does this have to do with the science? Well, I am trying new things. I am being challenged. My brain is having to grapple with things I’ve not previously explored. Sometimes I have failures – using my winter wetsuit and finding I was too buoyant to get downtime, for instance – but I also have great successes. During a recent Chertsey session, I felt in control of my downtime for the first time ever.

And the overall experience is one of joy! A paddling progression that was previously teetering on the edge of stagnation is now flourishing again. And I am enjoying it!

Big surf is one of my favourite playgrounds to complement whitewater paddling. Photo: Helenka Boden

Feeling inspired? Get out there and mix it up!

My friends are my heroes!

My friend Del wrote a brilliant article recently where she called out 5 women who inspire her in kayaking; specifically, she stated the things she loved about these amazing individuals! We often use the hashtag #myfriendsaremyheroes, but I think that Del has hit on something vital here. It’s really easy to think well of people, but how often do we just up and say it!

In the whitewater community, we need to be building each other up and stating exactly why our friends are our heroes. So today’s article is about 5 inspirational people I am thankful for in our community.

Del

I couldn’t start this article without talking about the infectious ball of happiness and kindness that is Del! She is a positive presence wherever she goes, whether online or on the river. Always willing to chat and laugh as we float downstream. Full of passion for the sport and the whitewater community. So determined to improve her personal paddling that she inspires others to do the same.

If you paddle with Del, you will not be able to stop smiling! But the thing that will strike you most is her generosity. I cannot count the number of times Del has fed me snacks (or sandwiches), because “we can’t have you starving!”

Thanks Del for consistently pushing me to improve. For being a listening ear. Thank you for all the snacks! For your unbeatable smile.

Jack Grace

“Can I take a playboat on the Tees please?” were some of the first words Jack ever said to me. That probably says quite a lot about him. The fact I said yes probably says a bit about me too…

It has been a privilege watching Jack grow from an enthusiastic youngster into the person I most enjoy kayaking with in the world! We’ve reached a stage now where we understand each other. Where most of our on-river communication is non-verbal. If Jack thinks it goes, I can trust him that it goes. When he’s feeling unsure, I usually am too – sometimes I’m already walking!

If you want to be in safe hands on the river, paddle with Mr Grace! He inspires confidence in those around him. And if the proverbial hits the fan, you can guarantee he is already in place to pick up the pieces.

On top of all that, Jack cares about people. Deeply. He’ll ask you how you are, then ask again! We need more of that in this community.

Thank you for keeping the most solid head on your shoulders. For your willingness to mega-train! Thanks for your kindness.

Tom Clare

Everyone’s favourite paddling photographer, I’ve had the privilege of knowing TC since our first year of uni together. From Scotland to Austria and everywhere in between, Tom has always been someone to depend on!

We’ve paddled in skins at HPP in March (a terrible idea in case anyone’s wondering). Due to navigational ineptitude, we’ve hiked the most circuitous route into the Pattack ever (and missed most of the river)! We’ve had interesting encounters with Mountain Rescue.

We like to joke that if nothing else, Tom can be relied upon to make everyone else in the group look good. But that suggests he doesn’t do anything else. And for all the times his lines aren’t stylish, Tom has been a faithful friend, a legendary cameraman and a smiling face on the bank-side end of a throwline a thousand times over!

Thank you for your selflessness. For your massive grin! And thank you more than I can say for making all this possible by creating the most amazing website.

Joel

I’ve only known Joel for about a year, but he’s one of those people who you just get on with straight away. Though perhaps there’s something about running the Upper Dart together in high water that forges bonds of trust very quickly! Joel’s laid-back attitude and wisdom on the river make him an epic companion for adventures.

Joel is another friend on whom you can rely. Whether for safety on the river or stoke as you head to the next one, he is dependable. Not only that, but Joel loves adventure. When there’s biblical rain out on the moor, sure, you could run the Upper Dart on high, or you could go hiking and explore some silly ditch up above the tree-line!

But the most amazing thing about Joel is his giving nature. Thank you for being willing to drop your own interests to help others. For your stoke. For making me want to push my personal high-water mark!

Sharing the excitement of Jordan’s first lap on the Loop with Joel.

Ollie

Hands down, Ollie is one of the kindest, most self-sacrificing people in the whitewater community. Generous with his time, his energy and his home! Plus, he’s dog-father to the two best boys on the planet!

Ollie is not afraid to dream big. Ever since our uni days together, scheming up insane trip ideas and designing longboats together, Ollie has proved his genius time and again. Not only is he talented, but he is a considerate friend and an unbelievably kind man. Case in point, when I snapped my Odachis in half, he had them repaired with a new shaft in under a week. All while running his own business and letting me crash in his house!

Ollie inspires me to push forwards as a coach and a business-owner. To not accept less than my own best. His self-starting attitude and perseverance are a fine example to follow.

Thank you beyond words for your generous spirit. For early morning Green laps and gym sessions! Thank you for being an inspiration.