The Unintended Consequences

of

Teaching

A subject that came up at the IDW was what happens to us after we become instructors. Well, lots of things. We become more engaged in the sport. We find ourselves reading on technique. We feel a part of another fraternity. We think about what comes next and, in many instances, we start to become less expertise in our own techniques! Huh?

It's true. Spend a lot of time teaching beginners and your technique starts to slip away. After a while you realize that you have been paddling only on flat water and have not been practicing your own stuff in conditions. One day you realize that it has been a while since you did a T-rescue in 3-4 footers or executed a scoop rescue. And when was the last time you did a high brace, a real high brace, where you went all the way horizontal before recovering?

All too aware of this, Sherri and I were out Monday in an offshore wind. There was just enough fetch across the harbor to produce nice clapotis slop along the inside of the breakwater. Although the pictures don't really capture the action, those waves were going over our laps. It was a chance to relax the hips and swing and sway with Sammy Kaye (did I just date myself?). Needless to say, it felt good to be in a boat that was dancing and on water that seemed to say, "Welcome back. Let's see how much of your edge you've lost."

Want to teach? Want to be a good teacher? Then take time to teach yourself and one another. To this day, a part of every one of my paddles is to work on one or two strokes or some technique. Hey, at my age I can't afford to lose my edge.

Paddle safe...

DS