Preliminary note: With this article, I’m launching a new series of posts under the title Technical Notes. Unlike other texts that lean more toward reflection or philosophical insights, this series will focus on concrete aspects of technique and tactics in slalom.
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When we train and compete in slalom, we don’t always feel like we’re paddling the same way. Some days, the gates seem to rush toward us as if they had a life of their own, and the current pushes us from side to side, giving no respite. On other days, everything flows with remarkable ease: lines emerge naturally, strokes are precise, and the river seems to carry us effortlessly, as if it knows exactly where we want to go.
This contrast reveals a constant tension between reactivity and proactivity. By the very nature of the sport, slalom paddlers oscillate between a reactive mindset—responding to the unexpected or paddling from a place of “panic”—and a proactive mindset—anticipating and navigating with intent. This back-and-forth depends largely on our level of foresight, tactical clarity, and technical execution.
Within every athlete live two characters: one who resolves critical situations when options are limited, and another who conceives the run in advance, expanding decision-making space and maintaining control.
When we fail to create sufficient working space—due to technical imprecision, poor course reading, or tension—we fall into reactivity. But when we sharpen our reading of the course, manage body positioning and stroke quality, and make sound tactical decisions, we enable proactivity: we guide the boat, rather than simply respond.
Coaches and athletes must strive to build a style of navigation that relies as little as possible on reacting to problems, and as much as possible on proactively shaping the run.
| Domain / Factor | Situations that Favor Reactivity | Situations that Favor Proactivity | Controllable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course Reading | Superficial or incomplete reading of the gates | Detailed analysis of the course and possible lines | Yes |
| Visualization / Preview | Passive or unstructured visualization | Active visualization including alternative solutions | Yes |
| Decision-Making | Improvised decisions with little room for correction | Anticipated decisions with time for adjustments | No |
| Working Space | Poor boat/body positioning limiting options | Positioning that creates options and allows correction | Yes |
| Rhythm Control | Being influenced excessively by water due to a lack of a detailed plan | Imposing one’s own rhythm based on a technical plan | Yes |
| Physical Condition | Fatigue reducing anticipation ability | Good condition sustaining focus and control | Yes |
| Emotional Regulation | Stress or frustration blocking reading and technique | Confidence and focus enabling clear decision-making | Yes |
| Environmental Conditions | Sudden current changes not accounted for | Smart use of water features to improve trajectories | No |
| Technical Style | Rigid or non-adaptive style | Versatile style with a variety of technical tools | Yes |
| Prior Training | Repetition- or speed-focused training | Training oriented toward tactical understanding and creative problem-solving | Yes |
While some elements—like environmental conditions or poor positioning due to previous mistakes—are not entirely within our control, most of the factors that influence how we respond on the water are. This represents both a responsibility and an opportunity.
Slalom is not just about executing moves; it’s about building a way of navigating. The more we train our ability to anticipate, read, adapt and regulate our emotional state, the more space we give to proactivity. And with it comes a style of navigation that is more fluid, conscious and effective. Ultimately, the goal is not just to react better—but to need to react less.
