The Science of Canoeing By Richard Cox

performance. For them it is important to always be at the 'top of the tree'. Extroverts are therefore likely to be in
need of challenging training programmes and require frequent reminders to focus their attention on the task at
hand. They are more likely to excel at prestigious events, for example, national championships, where there are
many spectators and their achievements will receive greater recognition/publicity than low key events.
Introverts, basically shy, inward looking types, are more likely to take an active part in canoeing because they
seek the opportunity of being close to nature, prefer it to team games, etc. They are likely to prefer longer
distance events, training on their own, etc. Whereas the extrovert is likely to express his pleasure or indignation
about how training is going, the introvert is less likely to volunteer any information.
As well as the extrovert/introvert continuum, the personality model developed by Eysenck also includes a
stable-unstable dimension. The extrovert or the introvert may lie towards being secure or insecure in their
personality traits.
The insecure extrovert is likely to give up easily, get depressed if all does not appear to be going to plan, if s/he
is defeated, has had a recent illness, etc. The secure extrovert is likely to always be confident of winning and
able to push themselves beyond that which others thought they were capable of. The insecure introvert is likely
to feel that they will never be able to make it to the top, that they have inherent weaknesses. The secure introvert
is more likely to train very hard because of a need to prove to himself, to his parents/teachers/friends, that s/he
has ability and is not a failure in life.
Whilst the "secure extrovert" may need holding back from competing in events before they are ready, the
insecure extrovert may need his confidence boosting to encourage him to even start racing. Describing the
adulation he will receive if he wins is not likely to be a motivating force.
In terms of chastisement the "secure extrovert" is likely to require a stern telling off when misbehaving and will
probably enjoy a public condemnation of his actions, whilst the 'insecure introvert' will require a private,
friendly word of advice if he is not fulfilling what is asked of him.
Having described the basic personality traits of these stereotypes, it is important to remember that
generalizations can be dangerous. Every individual canoeist is unique and must be treated as such.
Personalities are not fixed and irreversible. A certain amount of personality is thought by some psychologists to
be inherent, but few would argue that life's experiences cannot change it dramatically. Many a coach will have
experienced the shy, dull and timid 14 year old who blossomed into a confident, successful and effervescent 20
year old following successful integration into competitive sport. To summarise, the coach must be sensitive to
individual personalities and behave accordingly. It may be necessary to direct different individuals towards
different events, to employ different programmes of training, to encourage tactical racing in a particular way -
although one must be cautious in this respect especially with younger paddlers.