How to Build Confidence as a Novice Boater
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to tackle more challenging rapids, becoming a skilled paddler is a gradual process of learning, pushing limits, and growing in skill and self-assurance.
Building confidence as a river runner is a journey that takes time, practice, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to tackle more challenging rapids, becoming a skilled paddler is a gradual process of learning, pushing limits, and growing in skill and self-assurance. Here’s a motivational guide to help you along that journey, with insights from some of Utah Whitewater Gear’s most seasoned river runners who have transformed from cautious beginners to confident experts.
Begin with the Basics
As a new paddler, focusing on mastering the basics is crucial to building a solid foundation. Learning essential skills like reading water, controlling your paddle, and understanding how your gear works will set you up for success as you advance. Don’t be afraid to spend plenty of time on easier rivers, refining these skills until they feel second nature. Experienced river runners will tell you: confidence comes from knowing you can handle the fundamentals when it counts.
Our customer Sarah put it this way: “I spent my first season just getting to know the water on the Moab Daily. It may not be the most impressive stretch of whitewater, but the muddy, low water helped refine my water reading skills. Practicing on such a low consequence section really boosted my confidence as I moved on to Westwater and Cataract Canyon.”
Seek Out Instruction and Mentorship
Learning from knowledgeable people is one of the best ways to fast-track your growth as a paddler. Taking a class, going on guided trips, or seeking a mentor can provide invaluable insights and technical skills that might take years to pick up on your own. Not only will you learn from experts, but you’ll also gain practical knowledge that will make you feel more at ease on the water.
Noah, a seasoned river guide, emphasizes the importance of quality instruction: “A good class or guided trip can make all the difference. When I started, I didn’t have that kind of access to training, and it took me longer to build confidence. Learning from people who know what they’re doing is the quickest way to improve.”
If you are looking for kayak, packraft, or SUP classes, checkout our partners at Wasatch Whitewater Kayak School. If you are looking for a good mentorship program, check out a Utah-based nonprofit called Go Paddle Utah.
Progress at Your Own Pace
In 2025, pressuring your buddies to go big is OUT! Knowing your limits and steady progression is IN! Confidence grows from a steady progression, so there’s no need to rush to tackle advanced rapids if you’re not ready. Start with easier runs, gradually challenging yourself as your skills improve. Each stretch of river you conquer builds your resilience, helping you take on the next one with more assurance. Reflecting on each run, assessing what went well, and identifying areas for improvement will help you learn and adapt along the way. Tracking your progress—whether mentally or in a journal—can remind you of how much you’ve accomplished.
In The River Runner, Scott Lindgren talked about how the old-school mentality—where athletes had to keep up or hike out—hurt young paddlers. The pressure to perform left little room for personal growth. When Lindgren re-entered the sport after health struggles, Aniol Serrasolses encouraged him to move at his own pace and trust his instincts. Lindgren, at first surprised by this mindset, later credited it as a major reason he kept paddling.
Celebrate Your Wins and Embrace the Journey
Pushing through challenges on the river is one of the most fulfilling parts of paddling. Every new rapid, every tricky maneuver, and every rescue skill you master are wins worth celebrating. These victories, big and small, are what build confidence over time. By setting aside moments to reflect on your journey and celebrate your accomplishments, you’ll start to see yourself as a more capable and experienced river runner. And when you look back, you’ll see just how much you’ve grown.
At Utah Whitewater Gear, we’ve had the pleasure of seeing countless customers grow from novices into seasoned river rats. It’s a journey that’s incredibly rewarding, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking advice, upgrading your gear, or looking to join a community of paddlers, know that the river running experience is about progress, persistence, and joy. So, take it one rapid at a time, and remember: you have what it takes to become the expert you envision.
Comments
Be the first to comment...