Team Potomac Paddlesports: First Time Fun at the Fish Ladder

I can still remember when I first started paddling and was doing Cheat Training with Tom McEwan; for those of you who are not familiar with Cheat Training it involves weekly attains and down river workouts. I had only been paddling for a few months and was having trouble making the elevator move at the top hole of center chute. In addition to the other attainers there were also quite a few people play boating as well. After a few missed attempts my frustration and embarrassment were building when a young C-1er gave me some pointers and encouragement. On my next attempt I messed up my entrance and completely missed the spot I was aiming for in order to the make the required move. The young man and his father, also in a C-1, encouraged me to go right back at it and finally I made the attain. Almost a year later I now have the privilege of paddling with Jordan as a member of Team PPS and this past weekend Jordan showed me down the fish ladder for the first time. I guess the point of this story is that I can still remember what it felt like to be a beginner paddler on the Potomac River. I was so grateful for the advice and support I received from time-to-time even if it was from a complete stranger. I am a better paddler because of it. So if you are a more advanced paddler and you see someone struggling don't be afraid to speak-up. If the person prefers not to listen that is up to them! Bottom line...beginner, advanced, or expert- we can all be supportive of one another. I mean after all that is what community is all about. Here are some pics of my fist time down the fish ladder...Enjoy!