Phil, one of the new instructors at Boots n Paddles, is working towards gaining another qualification for his paddle instructing CV, so today I was his test pupil. I do have some previous experience in open boats but I had never been in a solo canoe before. It was windy today so Phil had hoped the Muirtown basin on the canal would provide some shelter. However, it still proved to be quite windy and initially I struggled to get the boat to go where I wanted it. I found it quite difficult to maintain a straight line and was slow at turning. The wind and my own inexperience meant that we eventually had to get out and pull the boats back up the canal a bit but once Phil had given me some pointers I found I had much more control.
You have to use your body to maneouvre the boat and at the same time think about lots of different elements in your paddle stroke. Phil first demonstrated, then had me play around with, what happened when you sat in different places in the boat. We also experimented with different paddling techniques and after a couple of hours I felt much more confident.
There is a real sense of pleasure and achievement in being able to move a boat around successfully on the water. It is hard to describe exactly what is so satisfying about this kind of activity. I think in part it stems back to what I discussed in day eight's post. There is a change of focus from your everyday worries and a re-connection with your bodies capabilities. I think that, much like our relationship with environment, we have disconnected with some aspects of what make us human. There is a simple joy to be had in the movement as well as the more in-depth mastery of kinaesthetic abilities. Couple those with an ability to explore your natural environment and you have a very powerful tool for improving physical and emotional wellbeing.
The enjoyment of this experience was increased by Phil's expert advice. His tips and pointers sped me through a process of learning that would be far more time-consuming and frustrating if attempted unaided. The role of the instructor has its obvious links with that of a teacher. Despite the riskier environment, and the less formal relationship between instructor and client, I recognised many of the character traits prized in the teaching profession in the way that Phil worked. The patience, care and the way Phil communicated with me created an environment I felt comfortable making mistakes in. His encouragement and praise also helped to build my confidence. I am now looking forward to getting out doing a bit more boating in the next few weeks.
You have to use your body to maneouvre the boat and at the same time think about lots of different elements in your paddle stroke. Phil first demonstrated, then had me play around with, what happened when you sat in different places in the boat. We also experimented with different paddling techniques and after a couple of hours I felt much more confident.
There is a real sense of pleasure and achievement in being able to move a boat around successfully on the water. It is hard to describe exactly what is so satisfying about this kind of activity. I think in part it stems back to what I discussed in day eight's post. There is a change of focus from your everyday worries and a re-connection with your bodies capabilities. I think that, much like our relationship with environment, we have disconnected with some aspects of what make us human. There is a simple joy to be had in the movement as well as the more in-depth mastery of kinaesthetic abilities. Couple those with an ability to explore your natural environment and you have a very powerful tool for improving physical and emotional wellbeing.
The enjoyment of this experience was increased by Phil's expert advice. His tips and pointers sped me through a process of learning that would be far more time-consuming and frustrating if attempted unaided. The role of the instructor has its obvious links with that of a teacher. Despite the riskier environment, and the less formal relationship between instructor and client, I recognised many of the character traits prized in the teaching profession in the way that Phil worked. The patience, care and the way Phil communicated with me created an environment I felt comfortable making mistakes in. His encouragement and praise also helped to build my confidence. I am now looking forward to getting out doing a bit more boating in the next few weeks.