Gold Medal Expertise
I love stand up paddleboarding!
My wife and I got into it a few years ago as experienced canoe trippers and I have a background in teaching whitewater kayaking a couple decades ago. But there’s something different and awesome about being on a paddleboard (often called SUP). It’s a full body workout and the higher angle means you can see deeper into the water. We now have 4 SUPs of various types and I’ve even taken several leaders I advise out for a paddling session.
Last year an old friend got me to try racing.
(I know, people will find a way to turn anything into a competition).
The SUP racing community is small, passionate, and very friendly. At my first race I was getting advice and encouragement from some of the best paddlers in the country. I performed terribly, but I was hooked.
This year I’ve been paddling more, trying to improve my fitness and technique so I can be faster at the final race of the season in Muskoka at the end of August. Last year I finished second last.
With that in mind, my friend and I booked a lesson with Larry Cain. Larry won a gold medal in canoe at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles and started SUP racing about a dozen years ago. Today he is widely regarded as the best coach in the world. He’s still, in his early 60s, one of the best paddlers anywhere.
We spent about 90 minutes with Larry, mostly on the water with some dry land drills at the end. A lifetime of mastering how to propel a watercraft with a single blade paddle has given him unmatched insight and teaching ability. His analysis of the paddling stroke is phenomenal.
Just a few days later, I am seeing a dramatic difference in my performance on the water. I’m going faster, using better technique, and have the right cues to keep in mind so I can keep improving. (Although this better technique emphasizes different muscles which has me a little sore as I adapt).
So, why am I posting about this on a leadership blog for charity leaders?
Because getting expert advice in areas where you want to improve is relevant to all of us. If you feel like you’re not becoming healthier and more effective as a leader, or your team/organization feels like it’s not getting better, it may be that you need to reach out to someone who has insight and teaching ability to help you improve.
I don’t have an Olympic medal, and I’m not the best in the world at anything, but my clients consistently tell me I’m helping them be Healthy Leaders and Healthy Organizations. And if the expertise you need isn’t something I can provide I’d love to introduce you to someone who can.
Let’s talk, maybe even on the water…
Contact me if I can be helpful to you and/or your organization.
Subscribe to Catalyst Content for monthly insights and opportunities for charity leaders.