Relaxation

Photographer: Sascha Hüttenhain

Have you noticed how athletes often take a moment just before they act? Picture a track runner at the starting blocks, the golfer checking the fairway when teeing up, the figure skater just before starting her routine. These highly trained individuals are recalling that sensation brought about from engaging in an active process of relaxation. Knowing how to relax your body and muscles enables you to stay in control at times of impending stress. When we are nervous and unsure of our situation, when the wind is up and waves are churning, our bodies can go on high alert which may then generate excess muscle tension, amongst other things. This in turn can create stiffness and loss of flexibility, consequently making us feel a whole lot worse.

Photographer: Sascha Hüttenhain

When paddling, as with any sport, relaxation is the turnkey to an enjoyable and rewarding performance. When you watch athletes, gymnasts or dancers, you can see that their skill is a balance between knowing how to utilise their bodies and knowing when to relax it. In sea kayaking, active relaxation can afford you physical flexibility of movement and the ability to respond to the change in the water's surface under you. It can also give you the mental agility to focus on pending goals, regardless of the conditions. That graceful balance of action and relaxation can bring about enhanced confidence and sheer enjoyment.

Photographer: Sascha Hüttenhain

How to achieve active relaxation? Whilst volumes have been written on this subject, here are some pointers. To begin with, be sure to warm up and loosen your muscles. Sense the tension in your body from toes and fingertips to the trunk, neck, and face. As you focus on it, let it go. Notice your breathing, control it through steady intakes of air and exhail slowly. Your aiming for slow and steady. The more you actively relax, the quicker you'll be able to recreate it when you need it. Later, some day when the wind picks up and the chop rocks your boat, you'll be able to shed that tension and paddle with flexibility, and a degree of serenity which in itself is a beautiful thing!

Photographer: Sascha Hüttenhain