Here are some basic philosophies
Take advantage of every situation: Enjoy down time, learn to relax and take time to grow in everyway. Practice relaxation techniques to promote recovery from training and life in general.
Conditions: In the UK weather conditions can change in an hour, so whatever the conditions, find some way of getting out. Remember its only water (Steve West, 2011) life isn’t easy, nor should training be. Enjoy getting uncomfortable; relish the chance to work on your weakness so that they develop into strengths. Get out using any mode you can, kite surfing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddle boarding, anything goes.
Training: It should fun, you should enjoy it. You may have to grind sometimes but most of the time explore other aspects of the activity. Paddle boarding has so many diversities; surf, race, downwind, explore, yoga, zen, rapid, there is always a way that you can enjoy this sport.
Gym: The question is why be in the gym when you can be on the water? Spend as much time in your specific environment as possible. Can’t get on the water? Get on the sand. Some people can’t get on the water, so if the gym is the only venue in the winter, because the water has frozen, make sure it’s specific. Look at the movements you do on the board and replicate it in the gym. Remember any training session should take you closer to your goal.
Learning: Practice being the student. Get, as much from your elders as possible, be a sponge. Everyday should be a learning experience. Ask yourself ‘what have I learnt today that has improved my performance?’
At the end of the day three things make the difference between you and the next person and here they are;
1) Doing the basics well, as close to perfect as you can
2) Doing them with intensity
3) Doing them consistently
The last three lines are courtesy of S&C Coach Richard Scrivener
take care of the ohana
Courtney of Ryan James http://www.ryanjamesstanduppaddle.co.uk