Preparation- Luke

    Competition is a big part of paddling and comes in many different forms and styles of the sport. Many of us keeners would like to compete some day in our future whether it be slalom, racing, freestyle and anything else. These things take  practice and preparation to be able to do the best you possibly can, because doing the best we can feels way better than getting 1st or 2nd place. It is crucial that you are prepared mentally before it is your turn. Everyone gets a bit nervous before a ride or a race. Even if your practice lines were perfect there is always a lot of room for mistake. Everybody is different on how they prepare before they go out, some people like to get fired up and everyone around them like the crowd really excited, many others like to get completely zoned out and focus on what they need to do and how they should do it. Doing a roll, splashing yourself, or anything else will help distract your from what you are about to do and help your focus. This doesn't just help in competition but if you are trying to get a new trick it helps to imagine what you need to do to land it and how you are going to do it.The most important part of preparation is to imagine exactly what you are doing and know what to do, it would be terrible to be on the wave and not know what trick to throw or to forget what line to take in the middle of a race. You need to give it thought and go out and practice what you will do over and over again. A very good time in keeners to practice this is Race day Wednesday and Competition Friday. Even on BWBDT you can use this to help you get the biggest gnarliest beatdown the world has ever seen. Keeners uses it in speech night also when you need to think of a good speech on the spot, not be nervous and deliver it well. This skill of preparation is very helpful and can be used off the water many times when you have a big exam or something you need to be ready for. It is very good to practice this as it will be helpful in everybody's futures kayaking and not kayaking.