BY JULIE McCOY omeone told me that racing is not about competing against others, but competing with oneself– becoming a better paddler. That’s a healthy way to look at competition, especially in paddlesports. A river runner might look for a good line, whether a path to survive or thrive. In slalom, the line is already defined; the question is, what’s the most efficient approach and application of skill? What’s the
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PaddleSplashes ║ Jul 2021
strategy to thread through, then set up for the next gate? It’s a different mindset. While some participants there compete in national and international events, for most this was a friendly race among variously skilled boaters ranging in age from teens to retirement. The folks in this race were welcoming and helpful.
Julie is the author of the kayakcowgirl blog.
