Great paddling comes to mindI have a favourite saying that goes "if you don't mind, it don't matter." Last night we learned that using the mind does matter. Mike gave Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador members a presentation entitled "Rolling - mental preparation and physical preparation." It touched on "self talk" and mental imagery to prepare to roll or undertake any task for that matter.
I was aware of the impact of mental imagery on successful completion of tasks. Most athletes do it when they see visualize their routine in their mind before performing. We do it prior to setting up to roll. We don't have that luxury when we take an unexpected dunk. That is in my opinion when we can most benefit from the self talk and mental imagery we do beforehand.
Self talk and mental imagery is something that can be done anytime. It is possible to imagine a knock-over in circumstances not previously practiced while sitting in a car waiting for the light to change. Practicing the reaction over and over in the mind will help with an appropriate response if it actually happens. All without getting a hair wet!
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