Do you feel like you’ve reached a plateau in your kiteboarding? Are you struggling to learn something new? Feeling stuck is a common problem in kiteboarding and in life but there are a few tools that you can implement to get you over the hump. One of my favorites is the practice of visualization.
Visualization is a technique that I’ve been using for a few years now, both on and off the water. The act of visualization is a practice that develops momentum when learning new things or accomplishing really anything in life. From learning a new trick on the water to giving a great speech to winning an award, the power of visualization is undisputed. Visualization helps to trigger your body and your mind into realizing that the thing you’re trying to accomplish is possible.
The power of visualization is grounded in the fact that if you can’t see yourself doing something, you probably won’t get there. Visualization helps you imagine success instead of the obstacles that could potentially occur. If you focus on the obstacles, you’ll feel less motivated. Obstacles can make a new trick feel unattainable. But focusing on actually landing the trick or having a great session will help you overcome those mental restraints and barriers. Athletes from Tiger Woods to Michael Jordan to Muhammed Ali all practice visualization and have relied on it to achieve their stratospheric success.
Visualization is particularly helpful when you’re practicing the skills that you can already do but it’s crucial when you’re learning a new trick or skill. If you can’t imagine yourself doing it, chances are you won’t be able to. Before your body has developed the muscle memory it needs to land your tricks consistently, you have to work extra hard to get there. The key lies in imagining yourself succeeding. By visualizing how the trick looks and how your body is going to look and feel as you do it you start firing the necessary nerve pathways in your brain. You lay down the basis for making the trick happen. If your mind believes, your body will follow suit. Alternatively, if your mind doesn’t believe, chances are you won’t ever get there.
Utilize this practice for learning new grabs, learning to jump or learning KGB’s. I use this technique to imagine myself landing new kicker hits and for practicing my slider hits. I also rely on it to set myself up for success during competitions. Start thinking of your personal kiteboarding goals and utilize this practice to enable yourself to get there.
To develop a visualization practice for yourself, you’ll want to follow the below outline:
Find a place where you won’t be disturbed. Start by getting into a relaxed position, either lying on your back or in a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes and begin to relax.
Choose a specific goal that you want to work on; it can be anything from a board off to a back mobe. The key is to choose one thing to work on at a time.
Start at the very beginning- setting up on the beach at your local spot. Imagine feeling the wind on your skin, smell the salt and sand or the fresh, clean air, and imagine yourself getting excited to go ride. Feel the sand under your toes. Totally put yourself in the moment. The more vivid you can make the initial experience, the more your subconscious will start to believe.
Walk through setting up your kit in your mind; take in the sights, sounds and smells of the moment. Visualize launching and walking out to the water. Imagine starting to ride and feel the water underneath your board.
Now here comes the fun part: Set yourself up for the trick. The wind is perfect, steady and smooth, the water is flat, and you feel amazing. Walk yourself through every part of the trick; imagining executing it flawlessly. Imagine every part of it in depth from the takeoff to the landing. As you take off the water, visualize exactly how your body looks; visualize your hand placement, which muscles are engaged, and your kite placement. Picture the trick in its entirety a few times over. Imagine yourself in the trick and also look at it from an outsider’s perspective. As you complete the trick in your mind, visualize coming out cleanly and landing on the water perfectly.
Spend about 10-15 minutes on each trick or goal. Picture yourself accomplishing your goal a few times before ending the visualization.
The trick is to really immerse yourself in the moment. Utilize all of your senses. And finally, tailor this to your needs, for example, if you’re a wave rider imagine perfect barrels. Do this every day and you’ll be well on your way to reaching the next level in your kiteboarding.
Visualizing is a key factor in setting yourself up for success. Use it to eliminate any doubts in your mind and picture yourself accomplishing your goals. By making the vision stronger than anything that can set you back, you optimize your chances of succeeding. This doesn’t mean that you won’t have to work hard and practice, practice, practice but it is a powerful way to get yourself where you want to be.
In summation, the power of visualization is a real thing. If your mind believes, your body will achieve! If you’re feeling stuck in your kiteboarding or want to learn something new, give yourself as many tools as possible. With the next trick, you want to learn, incorporate visualization into your routine and see for yourself. The best thing is, you can work on your kiteboarding from your couch!
