Refine The Basics
In 1997, two friends and I launched a whitewater kayaking instruction business. That spring, we traveled to central California for the first of what would be many of our “Gold Medal Kayak Camps.”
Our concept was a “training camp” for recreational paddlers.
We attracted the kind of people who sought a deeper enjoyment of rivers by learning peak performance strategies from elite whitewater canoe slalom athletes and coaches, many of whom were Olympians.
Our first Gold Medal Kayak Camp was a rounding success. Paddlers of all ages and abilities dedicated four days of their time, resources, and open-minds to the improvement of their skills. The vibe was fun and terrific friendships were formed that are still in place today.
After our initial event, my business partners and fellow coaches asked “How do we raise the bar for our next camp?”
This question launched a brainstorming session about the “latest and greatest” techniques gleaned from the international racing circuit that we could share with our students. After all, who doesn’t want to learn the advanced techniques of peak performers?
The following year, day one of the camp got underway the same way as before — each student introduces themselves and then specifically states what they want to learn during their time with us and with each other.
One by one, each student rattled off a self-deprecating line about their paddling ability and then would say something like:
I want to work on my posture while sitting in the boat.
I want to work on my forward stroke.
I would like to paddle with more stability.
To our surprise, no big goals were shared. Never was there a mention of a new technique.
Each desire was simply a refinement of the fundamentals of good kayaking. Our students asked for the basics.
On a dime, my partners and I adapted. We changed our strategy. Instead of latest and greatest, we delivered the basics.
Not just for year two, but every year for more than 20 years now.
Today, our students return to us to repeat the basics of kayaking and to be held accountable for their quest in excelling in river fundamentals. Simple stuff that keeps them paddling rivers each and every day.
Our students’ requests should not have surprised us.
Developing into an elite athlete — or to become better at anything — happens when we simply focus on refining the basics. Advanced techniques and the big leaps of the elite don’t just happen. They are born out of the smallest steps practiced diligently and consistently over time.
We may be the teachers — but our students are the ones who remind us of how we got there.
It takes as much attention and persistence as you can give to the most elementary elements in the process. Any process. Any passion.
With gratitude,
Joe
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Hi, I’m Joe, the owner of 5 With Joe Performance Coaching. My clients are leaders, organizations, and teams who utilize my Olympic Gold Medal performance strategies and 40 years of navigating whitewater river rapids to streamline decision making and actions when engaged in complicated river currents of business and life.
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