Lex AKA @the_paddlin_dutchman is currently documenting his journey in kayaking and his Instagram account a great source of knowledge for people looking to get into the sport. Key to learning is trying new things and that is certainly true of paddlesports. Over to you Lex!

For most people, including myself, it can be very scary to leave our comfort zones. It’s called a comfort zone for good reason. The unfamiliar can make us nervous, scared and insecure. All too often we let this fear stop us from trying new things.

But trying new things is actually good for us. Like, really good. It’s one of the easiest ways to grow as a person and enrich your life. Learning new things about yourself, what you love and meeting new interesting people along the way.

The same is true for our paddling. It’s really easy to form a “paddling comfort zone”. Where we paddle the same boat or board, places and use the same techniques over and over. As with life, breaking this comfort zone will help you become a better paddler. It will help you paddle longer, further, and faster. Help you see new parts of the world, meet new people and make new friends.

Many people veer away from kayaking in rough conditions such as high winds, waves and choppy water. Because they fear flipping over, they never paddle in rough conditions, leading to never gaining any experience. But imagine how being able to handle yourself in rough conditions could benefit all other aspects of paddling?

First and foremost you will be without a doubt more comfortable in your boat, having much more boat control. You will probably pick up a few new skills such as proper edging your kayak and bracing. Your new improved edging skills will make steering easier your kayak, and learning how to brace will make sure you won’t easily flip ever again. All this will make you paddle more relaxed, and confident in all other situations.

It’s easy to dismiss new experiences because “you don’t like it”. But this is just one example of how trying something new can improve other aspects of your paddling as well.

I made the same mistake when I started kayaking. I always said whitewater kayaking wasn’t for me. I wasn’t interested in it at all. One day, I was convinced to go on a trip to paddle some rivers. After I paddled my first river I wasn’t only hooked, I absolutely love it! Because of this I not only learned to roll, but my bracing and boat control have skyrocketed. Making me a better, more confident and capable paddler all around, not only on whitewater.

Moral of the story? Take that rolling class, do a navigation course, make that overnight trip, practice that new technique. Try a new thing and have fun learning! You never know how something new will affect your paddling or even your life.

In a few weeks I will be helping out during a sea kayaking course. Something I am really looking forward to. Still thinking about it makes me a little scared and insecure. It’s not only my first time out at sea, but also as an assistant instructor. Will this fear stop me though? No. I know by doing this I will come out a better paddler. Learning new techniques, making new friends, new memories, and growing as a person.