Rob van Bommel, Creator Sportscene - Sydney, Australia. Earlier this week I read an 'open letter' from Pat Keller (25 year, USA) where he asks for people's attention on a crucial point of code in the wild world of water. 

Lately I couldn't help having the perception that what makes the news, including earning the most respect, is all about those who take the highest and biggest drops. Don't get me wrong, this is not about the athletes who take these drops. They are very skilled, experienced and I highly regard them as profesional slalom, freestyle or whitewater kayakers. This is about what makes 'the news'. And we all know that what finally makes the (social) media and gets most of the attention, determines how the sport is perceived by the outside world, including these young huckers that one day want to become better than their heroes they see in the (social) media and take even bigger drops.

That's why it was good to see that Pat Keller's message and vision on river safety got so much attention and approval in social media such as the Tribe Facebook Page. It proves my perception wrong and I am happy with that. Next step would be that also these kind of messages make the big media outlets I guess...

You do not only become one of the best athletes in the world because of your performance on the water. Equally important is your contribution to, and the responsibility you take for, your community. I see that every paddle discipline has a few of these athletes and Pat is definitely one of them. Respect.

Pat Keller has been on the river since he was 3 years old. A two time Green Race Winner, Teva Mountain Games Champion, and all around multi-sport athlete Pat is easily argued as one of the best paddlers in the world. Pat's peers: "He has more fun on the river than anybody", "He's the man, continues to be the men and I just love to watch him kayaking". You can read more about Pat here www.teva.com/tribe/team/kayaking/patkeller.aspx. 

Pat Keller's Open Letter

Pat Keller - Allow me a moment to speak to you on a crucial point of the code. The level of excitement out there is so proud to see, so proud. That being said, with this excitement we must stay within our own boundaries and our own skill level. Now hang on, I'm not sitting here and preaching that you shouldn't do dumb things. I know I often go there, and probably many of my actions (and my fellow huckers) are inspiring yall in yours. Thats awesome. I learned much from watching Tao, Tommy, Clay, BJ, Andrew (even Travis Rice recently) and many other shredders. Watching them over and over. Thats great. Its a big part of how we learn. But know that it is plenty ok to take you're time, taking baby steps, to ensure that you've got that line - and that you'll stick it on the first try. Growing up, my dad would show me a cool new slot or boof rock and tell me to try it. Those around me wouldn't let me step it up until I was ready to take that step. And I thank them for that. My parents also got me into years of slalom training. Hard moves on easy whitewater. That is the path. If you dial in everything you can where the consequences are likely to be small and you WILL succeed in the harder stuff. If you think, "It'll be ok - ill probably make it" - you set yourself up for a possible fail that could put your life (and especially those around you) in grave danger.

See the line, the alternate plans, know it. Know them. If you KNOW, then set safety and go. If even just one aspect is troubling you, walk. No shame in saving it for another day. Again, im not suggesting that you don't get out there and push. PUSH ON! It is in our nature and it is the ultimate search. But stay safe, surround yourself with people that you are certain know whats up, and listen to your gut. We don't have to fire just cause its there, just cause its running on this particular day. Thats the great thing about our rivers. They stay. They wait patiently for us to be ready. When we are, they give us the most delightful sensations ever. If we are not, they can be the most unkind, unforgiving realms we can possibly enter. We all must respect these realms and tread lightly in them. Practice practice practice and wait for an invitation to step it up. Don't try that big leap that is so tempting. Nail and dial all the little steps along the way. Rivers teach us patience. We have to wait for the right time to try and roll - or it wont work.

The same goes for new hard runs, new hard rapids. Visualize and practice, practice and visualize. Also, bring you're rope. Have it in hand. Always. It is our sword, our sniper rifle. Set that cover fire and don't let you're fellow soldiers rush into a trap - even those that may be self induced. Stay safe out there, have fun and style those good lines. Share this around if you agree with these points. Lets get river respect back on top of our priorities. Cheers to all, see you in the next eddy.

Thanks for reading,

Pat Keller

* Move your mouse over the photos to see the photo credits for Craig Parks and Candace Sanders.