You scout the rapid, you get back in your kayak and wait to be signalled down. You look up and get mesmerised by how beautiful the leaves of the tree above you look in the autumn light. Suddenly a whistle blows and you are brought back into reality. It is time for you to leave the eddy, but you cannot remember the line you just scouted. Feelings of embarrassment and frustration well up. You don’t know whether you should you admit you’ve already forgotten the line or just go down the rapid and hope for the best. Does this scene sound familiar?
October is ADHD Awareness Month. Like many adventure sports, white water kayaking attracts a high number of people who are neurodivergent. Whether they are diagnosed or not, paddlers who show traits of ADHD may struggle with attention, impulsivity, managing emotions and more whilst out paddling.