PROCESS RACE - focuses on the steps and actions taken during a competition, emphasizing the quality of the effort and the consistent execution of a plan. Essentially HOW you race.

A process-focused race emphasizes executing the race plan and technical elements to the best of the team's ability, regardless of the final result. In a process race, paddlers concentrate on factors within their control, such as timing, power application, transitions, and maintaining mental composure. Success is measured by how well the team adhered to their strategy and performed against their own standards. This mindset fosters growth, consistency, and improvement over time.

OUTCOME RACE - primarily focuses on achieving a specific result or placing, such as winning, placing in a certain position, or setting a team best time, prioritizing the final outcome. Essentially WHAT you achieve.

BLEND - The ability of paddlers to synchronize their movements, timing, and effort to create a unified and efficient stroke that maximizes the boat's performance. A strong blend requires each paddler to prioritize the team over individual technique, matching stroke rate, power application, and body mechanics with their crew. It involves awareness of the paddlers around you, subtle adjustments to ensure alignment, and a shared commitment to moving as one cohesive unit. Proper blend minimizes wasted energy, reduces drag, and enhances the boat's speed and glide, embodying the essence of teamwork in paddling. Blending = Achieving maximum production from each individual within the structure of an effective crew. The coaching team will seat the best person, for a particular seat, for a particular instance.

COACHABILITY - The paddler's ability and willingness to learn, adapt, and grow under the guidance of a coach or team leader. It encompasses a mindset of openness to feedback, an eagerness to improve technique and performance, and a commitment to implementing changes for the benefit of both individual and team success. Coachable paddlers actively listen, ask questions to clarify instructions, and embrace constructive criticism with a positive attitude. They demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, consistency in effort, and the flexibility to adjust their techniques or mindset to align with the team’s goals and strategies.

Key aspects of coachability include:

Consistent practice attendance is a vital component of individual and team success in paddling. Regular attendance allows paddlers to refine their technique, build synergy with their teammates, and develop the strength, endurance, and timing required for optimal performance on race day. It fosters trust and communication within the team, which are essential for achieving unity in the boat.

While attendance alone will not be the primary factor in boat placement decisions, it will be taken into consideration during the final evaluations. Factors such as technique, timing, power and attitude remain the most critical criteria. However, attendance plays a significant role in a paddler's ability to integrate these elements effectively within the team context.

Ultimately, consistent attendance demonstrates commitment to the team and ensures everyone is prepared to contribute their best when it matters most. To maximize your potential and strengthen the team, make practice a priority whenever possible.

Crew selection is a balanced assessment of fitness, on-water performance, and team dynamics to ensure the team meets competitive standards. While fitness testing provides valuable insight into a paddler’s physical readiness, it should not override critical factors such as timing, technique, synchronization, and mental resilience.

Success in a competitive crew is not solely determined by individual fitness or technique. Coachability, teamwork, work ethic, and positive energy all play a crucial role in how effective an athlete is as part of a team. This is where coaches' discretion comes into play, ensuring that the strongest crew is not just physically fit but also cohesive and adaptable.

By combining fitness testing, on-water evaluations, and team attributes, the Coaching Team ensures that the final crew selection results in the most competitive, cohesive, and resilient team for outcome-based racing.