The Alps were fantastic: six rivers in three days culminating in the Gyr, a full on grade IV/ IV+ paddle of 3km which we completed in 20 minutes with only about three breakouts!
However, I was nervous on some of the rivers (and I think overly so) and it took me a while to get into things. And on reflection, I don't think I'm too good at assessing risks and balancing these against what I am capable of paddling.
On the surface, it would seem that being cautious is the best way of avoiding trouble. But kayaking on fast moving water it is also important to paddle agressively and confidently. It was hesitation on the Upper Clarée (because I wasn't in the right frame of mind) that resulted in me dislocating my arm after a moments hesitation over which side of the rock to go...
The Upper Véneon was very fast and I didn't paddle as well as I should have done. I decided to walk round a drop just before Jon swam on the lead in to it. Given his swim, perhaps it was the right decision, but I ended up being the only one on the water below the drop when I had to ferry glide across to help Jon get his paddles back. I was nervous and very uncomfortable about this, and as a result I missed a couple of break-outs and didn't make the ferry glide as I should have done.
On previous trips, the Gyr had always been a big boys river and as we had paddled well in the morning, it seemed the obvious step up to push ourselves.
And before getting on the river I was again very nervous. To counteract this, while Rob and Jim did the shuttle, I spent the time putting myself in a positive frame of mind, remembering my capabilities and other rivers I had paddled (and thinking about W). As a result, I was grinning before we got to the full on stretch, and I enjoyed the river immensely!!
The point is that is important to assess the risks correctly: if you decide to walk, fair play and walk. But if you decide to paddle, make sure you are in the right frame of mind first. You will enjoy it more, and at this level, it may hurt otherwise...!
