Confidence

The strongest and the weakest thing on the river is confidence. At times it is so illusive to me and other times it's just there. I have seen really great paddlers have it taken away in an unfortunate moment. But the good news is that the moment can be like a cloud passing over the sun. Fleeting. For others it's a battle to keep. One of the things I like most about being with other paddlers is that once on the river there is no pretension. Honest feelings are the only thing that the river allows. You see and share the real emotions...the honest joys felt along with the doubts. No words are necessary...just a look, a nod or a gesture to communicate yet everything is said. Real trust and love between people is achieved this way.