When you start your paddling career progression is often very rapid. Skill acquisition is quick and you develop the technique required to safely get you down a piece of water. After you have been paddling for a while it is easy to hit a plateau. Moving past this can seem quite difficult but a few changes or adaptations can help you to continue to make progress/develop.
Consider where you mainly paddle. Change venue if you can. Try a new piece of water.
Paddle more. It’s a simple step that can really speed up your progress.
Get some professional coaching. Picking up or developing bad habits is very easy. Having an expert look at your paddling technique could speed up your paddling development rapidly.
Spend some time in the pool. Practice your weaker paddle strokes on your weaker side in a warm/safer environment can pay dividends by the time you get back onto the rivers.
Are you a creeker, playboater, or slalom paddler? Trying a different area of the sport and therefore a different type of kayak can lead you to develop new skills.
I have found that I have made the most progress by paddling with people, who are at my level of paddling or even better someone who is paddling much better than myself. Learning by watching, copying, and following the lead always works well.
Spending some time working on the same stretch of water can often really help develop your skills. Sessioning a stretch of water with multiple lines, breaking and break out can help hone you skill
Try to do a multi day trip. This can be difficult depending on the part of the world you live in but having a concentrated stint of paddling can really help develop your skills (as well as your muscles).
Spend some time getting the outfitting in your boat just right. Having a boat that fits well will help you transfer your power and weight into the boat more effectively.
What about number 10? Well this one is over to you….(let me know by leaving a comment on this post).
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