Spring Training graduates '06-'08
write:
"As I paddle, a lot of those nuances come back to me . . . I really appreciate all that you taught me, even if I wasn’t able to implement it right away. Its paying dividends now."
"I won!!! Obviously, you made the difference. Many thanks!!!!!"
"Everything is useful in one way or another. Talking about the stroke, watching others, focusing on one thing at a time, having someone keep reminding you over and over to REACH, seeing oneself on videotape, and watching others videotape also, and coming back to practice some more. Oh, and the ergometer and having Susan right there to comment."
"I have a great appreciation for all the time and energy that went into preparing and implementing the lessons, not to mention doing it all so well. I didn't just learn how to improve my stroke, I learned how to train better also!"
I achieved ". . . continued improvement in stroke mechanics and discipline, and a better understanding of stroke elements and corrections. I feel that I've come a long way, and still have much to do. Cool . . . " The coach is ". . . constantly working to improve your understanding, analytical ability, and coaching experience. I remain an enthusiastic and devoted disciple . . . quite proud to be a part of this."
"Over the past few days I have made amazing progress . . . What you feel like you are doing in the boat and what the video camera sees can be light years apart!"
"Eternal gratitude and real appreciation for your commitment to constant improvement in your students and yourself."
"Getting into the double really helped give me a feel for what I ought to be doing."
". . . you have a good eye for proper technique and a drill for every part of the stroke. Your communications skills are excellent and never-ending patience. Thanks for all your help . . ."
"My paddling has greatly improved . . . now rotating . . . planting the paddle much more forward . . .I am feeling the plant/glide effect and much more!"
"I just had a periodic browse through the Spring Training material and the latest spreadsheets. Excellent stuff. I trust that the results have confirmed to you what is obvious to us . . . you are an excellent coach, well organized, and with a good understanding of stroke mechanics and training principles. You have a good eye for technique and correction, and the experience and confidence to accept and discuss areas where your views might differ from others. I liked the structure of the sessions, and the way you combined large and small group exercises. I was initially skeptical of my own ability/willingness to make that 2-hour drive on a regular basis, but that became inconsequential after the first session. My only real complaint is that I started out thinking that it would be just another piece in my development as a recreational paddler, and came out the other end thinking training programs, regular video and analysis, bottlenecks (what's fixable that keeps me from getting better faster), and faster, tippier, more demanding boats. It's still recreation, but rather a different direction than I had imagined and intended. I would, and will if the possibility arises, repeat the experience at any opportunity."
"How can I ever begin to thank you for all the time and effort you have put into teaching me how to paddle? Today felt really good, and, at the same time, I see how much more I have to learn, and how much harder I need to work. But, thank you, thank you, thank you! For all you have done to help me figure out how the heck to paddle these silly boats."
". . . thanks so much for kicking my butt yesterday! This is exactly why I wanted to do the coaching ..."