Most important insights
Leadership Lessons from Years of Whitewater Canoeing
In a previous life, I was a whitewater canoeist. Not in a closed kayak, but in an open canoe modeled after traditional Native American designs, paddling with a single blade. The extra challenge greatly appealed to me, and to make it even more exciting, I chose wild rivers like the Soca in Slovenia and the Etive in Scotland.
Years of whitewater canoeing, guiding groups, and teaching have not only taught me technical skills but also provided valuable leadership lessons. These lessons are deeply intertwined with my R.E.S.E.T. method, which focuses on personal leadership through Reality & Responsibility, Experience, Shift, Eliminate, and Train. In this blog, I share my leadership insights directly tied to this method.
1. If You Hesitate, You’ll Be Challenged (Reality & Responsibility)
During a trip on the Soca, I became the de facto leader of the group due to the lack of another guide. Although I had little experience guiding, I tried to keep everything tightly under control. In hindsight, I realized that this need for control stemmed from my own insecurity. My lack of self-confidence led to my authority being challenged.
This is directly linked to Reality & Responsibility. To lead effectively, you must first face reality: where do you stand personally? You need to acknowledge doubts and uncertainties and take responsibility for your own growth. Only by acting confidently and responsibly can you successfully face the challenges of leadership.
2. Trusting Your Team Starts with Self-Confidence (Experience)
During my "four-star assessment" as a whitewater guide, I received feedback that I made a "bold move" by giving the group freedom in a challenging section of the river. I was able to make that decision because I trusted my own judgment and the trust I had built with the group. This trust gave them the space to play while I ensured safety in the background.
This aligns with Experience: the emotions and judgments you experience as a leader play a significant role in how you make decisions. In this situation, I felt confidence, both in myself and in my team. That positive feeling allowed me to let go and give them freedom. Leaders must not only be technically skilled but also be mindful of the emotions and judgments that drive them in the moment.
3. Too Much Control Signals an Overwhelming Challenge (Shift)
During a group descent at the C-Boater Armada, we encountered truly high waters. I had paddled the section before and was assigned to lead a group. The group's need for control skyrocketed. At every bend, we got out to scout, which made the trip endlessly long. Due to exhaustion, people began making poor decisions, which made the day even harder for everyone. In hindsight, I realized that this was a sign that the section was too difficult for the group. Instead of pushing on, I should have shifted perspective earlier: this is too much for us.
This is a clear example of Shift: as a leader, you must learn to adapt and view things from a different perspective. Sometimes, the situation demands that you adjust your approach and recognize when the level is too high. By shifting perspective, you can find new solutions and avoid exhausting or dangerous risks for the group. Leadership requires the flexibility to reassess and adjust when necessary.
4. Leadership Means Being Mindful of Yourself and Others (Eliminate)
After that long day on the water, only two people thanked me for safely guiding them to the endpoint. This made me reflect. People who are entirely focused on their own challenges often lose sight of the bigger picture and forget to appreciate the leader’s efforts. As a leader, you must understand this and avoid falling into the same trap of hyper-focus.
This is where Eliminate comes into play: as a leader, you must learn to eliminate unnecessary distractions and worries. If you get too caught up in details or emotions, you lose the bigger picture. By removing your own insecurities and distractions, you create the space to focus on what truly matters: your own balance and that of your team.
5. Lead by Example – Don’t Expect Anything You Wouldn’t Do Yourself (Train)
A valuable lesson I learned is that as a leader, you cannot expect anything from your team that you are not willing to do yourself. In whitewater, this means that as a guide or coach, you can’t expect your team to rescue you if you put yourself in a dangerous situation. This insight drastically changed my perspective on solo paddling.
This principle falls under Train: by continually training and developing yourself, you ensure that you set the example your team needs. Whether on the water or in another context, people follow the example you set. Your actions speak louder than words. A leader who continues to grow inspires their team to do the same.
6. When Things Get Tough, All Eyes Are on You (Reality & Responsibility)
During a trip on the Maas, a canoe capsized, causing panic within the group. The beginners were stranded on an island and didn’t know how to proceed. At that moment, I had to remain calm and guide the group, step by step, to safely cross to the other side. By staying composed, I gave the group the confidence they needed to regain control of the situation.
Here again, we see Reality & Responsibility: as a leader, you must always face reality and take responsibility for the situation, especially in difficult times. In moments of panic, everyone looks to you. It’s your job to stay calm and take charge so that your team feels safe and knows what to do.
7. A Good Backup Is Worth Its Weight in Gold (Experience & Shift)
One of the most important lessons I learned is the value of a good backup. My paddle buddy was always the one paddling last, keeping the group together. If I needed to focus on one person, he would take over the rest of the group. This partnership gave me the space to better fulfill my role as a guide.
This relates to both Experience and Shift. You experience support and trust when working with someone who can share the same responsibilities. It also helps shift perspective: you don’t always have to be the sole leader. Sometimes, sharing responsibility with a reliable backup is the best way to effectively carry out leadership.
Leadership Begins with Personal Leadership
Looking back on my years of whitewater canoeing, I see personal growth above all else. I’ve certainly grown technically, but the most important growth occurred in my personal leadership. This aligns perfectly with my R.E.S.E.T. method, which focuses on developing personal leadership through Reality & Responsibility, Experience, Shift, Eliminate, and Train.
Leadership begins with yourself: making clear choices, learning to trust yourself, and acting consistently in line with your values. Once you’ve established that foundation, you project confidence and direction to your team. Actions inspire, while words alone can lull people to sleep.