Although whitewater kayak requires some physical strength and technical skill, the real key to success in sport is mental ability. Learning to paddle a kayak and read the water is often easier to learn to concentrate and not let his fear overwhelming. Since the level of fear affects their physical and technical performance, it is important having tools that can help you feel confident in his abilities. Visualization is a powerful tool to improve performance, increase confidence and reduce effects of fear.

Some rowers are not even take the time to stretch or warm up before heading down the river. They come for the adrenaline and want to go and do it. These paddlers the idea of setting aside time to sit still and see may seem too big a time commitment, but it only takes about 10-15 minutes to transform your performance on the River. Visualization is a technique that has been used successfully by a number of top athletes. If it works for professional athletes who can work for you too!

Here's how it started: Find a quiet place where you can sit by himself and not be disturbed for 10 to 15 minutes. Sit comfortably in any cross-legged in a sitting position, close your eyes and start focusing on your breathing. Bring your attention to the tip of the nose when the breath enters and leaves the body. Becoming aware of how your breath sit up and pay attention to the spaces between inhalations and exhalations. Inhale and exhale through the nose relaxing the body and mind.

Once you feel very relaxed imagine yourself on your favorite river about to execute a fast, that challenges you or perhaps you've never flown before. See himself a deep breath and relaxing in the whirlpool. Now focus on a thought of gratitude for the knowledge it has, for the opportunity to be in the river to your friends that are in the water with you, whatever makes you feel good at the time. Invite the feeling of knowing that you have the skills to do the movement that is about to do. See yourself peeling the counter and making the move successfully with perfect timing. Focus on the sense of accomplishment and excitement that sit at the bottom of the rapid you just execute the line of trust.

Repeat this practice as often as I can and see where it takes you. Then, when you are in the real eddy above the rapid, you can take a deep breath and remember all those good feelings and movements that have practiced in their mind. This will allow you to feel relaxed and confident in his abilities. You've already run the rapid success on several occasions in his mind, to know exactly what to do.

Another way to visualize is to do as you lie in bed before bedtime. This only works if you do not fall asleep as soon as you start to see! Go through the same movement to focus on their breathing, relaxation and visualization to run the same quick success. It is important to focus on feelings of trust, achievement and the joy you feel while viewing. The better you feel the easier it is to exploit those feelings when you're actually in the water.

There are many ways to visualize. These are just some ways that have been successful for me. Once you feel more comfortable with the display can become a process that is unique to you that best helps you optimize your performance on the River. Breathing, relaxation and paddle well!

About the Author:

Anna Levesque was the 2001 Freestyle Kayaking World Championship Bronze Medalist and is a motivational keynote speaker. Her company Girls At Play, LLC offers white water kayaking tours, trips and classes for women.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How To Improve Your Performance On The River

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