After an incredible day paddling one of my favorite Class III-IV runs, a paddler from another group turned to me and asked:
“Why aren’t you paddling a harder river today?”
I found myself fumbling for a reason that would somehow justify not “living up to my potential”—at least in his eyes.
“It’s cold and rainy, and we didn’t feel like driving over to the other river,” I replied.
But as soon as I said it, I felt icky.
Because the truth—the real reason—was simple:
I wanted to paddle this river with my friends.
It’s fun for me.
The Weight of Expectations
I don’t think that paddler meant to make me feel any kind of way. In fact, it might’ve been his version of a compliment.
But still, it got me thinking about a few common (and unspoken) assumptions in the whitewaterworld:
That paddling a river below your upper skill level somehow means you’re not having real fun.
That your paddling choices should match someone else’s idea of who they think you are.
That if you’re not running something “hard enough,” you’re not cool, brave, or legit.
Let’s go ahead and call BS on that.
Let’s Talk About the Word “Just”
“I just did the lower section.”
“I just ran the first rapid and walked the second.”
Sound familiar?
There’s often an undercurrent to that word—“just”—that suggests what we did wasn’t enough. That we shouldn’t fully celebrate it unless it was the gnarliest, hardest, most badge-wort
hy thing.
But here’s the truth:
You only get one life. You get to choose what’s fun for you.
So stop justifying your choices. Start celebrating the skills you’re building, the fun you’re having, and the connections you’re making.
(And yes, I’m talking to myself here, too!)
Ask Better Questions
One of my biggest pet peeves back in the “Green Narrows 1.0” days was this classic question:
“Did you run the Green or just Green Light?”
Want to know who’s never asked me that?
The paddlers at the top of their game—the pros, the lifers, the legends.
That question only ever seems to come from people trying to prove something.
But I believe most people ask because they’re trying to connect. And if that’s the case, then let’s connect in ways that uplift and encourage.
Here are some better questions:
“Did you have a good day?”
“What do you love most about this river?”
“What was your favorite move today?”
Celebrate Because You Want To
You don’t need a resume of rapids to prove your worth.
You don’t need anyone else’s approval to enjoy the heck out of your day.
“Because I want to.”
“Because I like it.”
Those are great answers. Maybe even the best ones.
Want to Build Confidence on and off the River?
If this message resonates with you and you’re craving more confidence, joy, and flow on the water (and in life), I invite you to join me this June for Find Your Flow Week.
🌊 2 spots left! [Click here to learn more.]
