Helping a beginner get into a new sport can be a rewarding experience, both for the beginner and for you as a mentor. The outdoors can be an especially challenging environment to participate in a new sport. One of the biggest hurdles for beginners is lack of familiarity with the etiquette, equipment, and techniques. Think back to what you needed when you were a beginner in the outdoors and that will form a strong basis to help you guide others to find the joy you appreciate in the outdoors.

OG Rafter Bill McGinnis always believed in bringing people from fear to confidence to joy, so here’s some tips to help a beginner folks from fear to confidence to joy in the outdoors:

Choose the Right Sport

The first step in helping a beginner get into the outdoors is to choose the right sport. It's important to choose a sport that the beginner is interested in and that suits their physical abilities and personality. For example, some beginners may have a paralyzing fear of the water so being upside down in a kayak may not be for them, however they may still enjoy the floating down the river so rafting might be their speed. Regardless of the sport though it is important to open the door and invite people into the outdoors. You may need to invite them multiple times to join you, but it is critical to make sure you keep the door open to them. Also recognize that this sport may not be for them and that’s ok, just be understanding that whitewater boating or even other outdoor sports may not be for them.

Explain the Rules, Etiquette, and Equipment

Once you have piqued someone’s interest and kept the door open, the next step is to explain the rules and equipment of the outdoor sport you’re doing to the beginner. Keep in mind that a beginner is not familiar with the sport, so plan extra time to explain the basic rules, equipment, and techniques, and answer any questions the beginner may have. If possible, provide visual aids such as diagrams or videos in advance to help the beginner understand when they do show up next time. Bear in mind that training someone involves taking time to train them to accomplish the activity at hand and you will likely have to have the same discussion multiple times with them to make sure they understand and can perform the skill you are trying to teach.

Start Slowly

It's important to start slowly when introducing a beginner to the outdoors. Don't overwhelm them with too much information or too many rules and techniques all at once. You want to start on easier rivers or trails so they will not instantly give in to fear and quit. Start with the basics and gradually build up their skills and confidence. Have empathy for their experience, be patient and understanding, and don't expect the beginner to be perfect right away. Try to remove your ego from the equation so that they can find those little bits of joy in the first experience.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Practice is key to developing the skills necessary to enjoy a new sport. Encourage the beginner to practice regularly, whether on their own or with a group. Offer tips and advice on how to improve their technique, and be supportive and encouraging throughout the process. It's important to celebrate small successes along the way, such as completing a rapid they were scared to run for example. Practice is key to building confidence since it helps beginners to develop their initial skills.

Build a Supportive Community

Being part of a supportive community can make all the difference when starting a new sport. Encourage the beginner to join a local boating/outdoor club, attend classes or workshops, and introduce them to your connections in the outdoors. Being around other people who share their passion for the sport can be inspiring and motivating. It can also be a great way to make new friends and build a sense of community so they feel welcome in the outdoors.

Be a Role Model

Take your role as a mentor seriously and model the positive behaviors you want to see for the beginner. Show them how to be a good outdoor athlete by being respectful, supportive, and fair. Be enthusiastic and hold yourself to higher standards so new participants in the outdoors understand the culture that we want to keep in the outdoors.

Stay Positive

Finally, it's important to stay positive throughout the process. Starting a new sport is challenging, and there will be setbacks along the way. Encourage the beginner to stay focused on their goals and to persevere through difficult times. Remind them of the progress they have made, and celebrate their successes along the way. Personally staying positive to be that rock for the beginner can mean the difference between tough adventures being a learning experience and being the driving force to quit.

Helping a beginner get into a new sport can be a rewarding experience for both the beginner and for you as a mentor. By taking time to explain the rules and equipment, starting slowly, practicing regularly, finding a supportive community, being a role model, and staying positive, you can help the beginner develop the skills and confidence necessary to enjoy the sport. Remember to be patient, understanding, and supportive, and to celebrate the small successes along the way. If you want some helpful resources for beginner boaters, check out our Beginner Rafting Series below: