Growing up in Harare, Zimbabwe, and with time spent on my grandparents farm and at boarding school way out in the remote bush, I was surrounded by the vibrant and untamed beauty of African wildlife. From an early age, my days were filled with explorations in the bush, observing animals in their natural habitats and developing a profound respect for the natural world. These experiences have profoundly shaped who I am today, even  in my role as Head Coach and Executive Director of City Island Rowing. This blog explores how my love for African wildlife has influenced my coaching philosophy, emphasizing the values of respect for nature and perseverance.

The Lessons of the Wild

The African wilderness is a teacher like no other. Watching a pride of lions hunt or a herd of elephants move across the savanna teaches you about the intricate balance of nature, the importance of teamwork, and the resilience required to thrive in a harsh environment. These lessons are not confined to the wild; they translate seamlessly into the world of sports, especially rowing.

One of the most powerful lessons from my time in Zimbabwe is a deep awareness of how everything is connected. Just as every animal plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, every rower in a boat contributes to the overall performance of the crew. This understanding fosters a sense of responsibility and mutual respect among teammates, essential qualities for any successful team. I teach my athletes that there are a myriad of ways that each person can contribute to the overall health and happiness – and as such speed – of the team… it’s not just about being tall and strong.

Respect for Nature and Teammates

Respect is a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy. In the wild, respect for nature is paramount. You learn to appreciate the power of a charging rhino or the stealth of a leopard or the ferocity of an African thunderstorm. Similarly, in rowing, awareness and respect for your surroundings, being immersed in the now and your teammates, your opponents, and the sport itself is crucial.

I teach my athletes to respect the water and their boats, understanding that rowing is a symbiotic relationship between the rower and the elements. This respect extends to their teammates, emphasizing that each person’s effort and dedication are vital to the team’s success. This mutual respect fosters a positive and cohesive team environment, where athletes support and uplift each other.

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

The African bush is a place of constant challenge and adversity. Animals must continually adapt to survive, whether it’s finding water during a drought or evading predators. This resilience and perseverance are qualities that I strive to instill in my rowers.

Rowing, much like life in the wild, is full of obstacles. There are days when the water is choppy, the weather is unforgiving, or the competition is fierce. I encourage my athletes to embrace these challenges, seeing them as opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient. Just as animals in the wild must persevere to survive, rowers must push through tough times to achieve their goals.

The Power of Observation

One of the key skills I developed from observing wildlife is the power of keen observation. In the wild, noticing the subtle changes in the environment can mean the difference between life and death. This skill is equally important in rowing. We row on open water, and the weather can change quickly. Paying attention, reading the signs and acting decisively can be the difference between getting safely ahead of an unexpected wind squall, or being caught up in it.

As a coach, it helps to pay attention to the smallest details, from the technique of each rower to the dynamics of the team. I teach my athletes to be observant, to understand their own strengths and weaknesses, and to be aware of their surroundings. This attentiveness helps them make crucial adjustments during practice and competition, leading to continual improvement and develops life skills that will serve them well beyond rowing.

Embracing Patience and Timing

Nature operates on its own schedule. Watching a predator patiently stalk its prey teaches you the importance of timing and patience, and knowing when to pounce!. These qualities are invaluable in rowing.

Rowing is a sport that requires patience and precise timing. Each stroke must be synchronized, and the crew must work in harmony. I emphasize the importance of patience during training, understanding that progress often comes gradually. Just as a cheetah waits for the perfect moment to strike, rowers must learn to be patient, trusting the process and their training. During a race, oftentimes crews will be side by side, the lead changing back and forth, until one person has an errant stroke and their crew momentarily loses their rhythm and harmony. A quick thinking crew must react immediately and take advantage of that momentary weakness. A surge in commitment that we call a “power 10”, can see us break free from the rival boat, and propel us to victory.

The Importance of Balance

Balance is another fundamental lesson from nature. The ecosystem is delicately balanced, with each species playing a role in maintaining this equilibrium. Similarly, balance is crucial in rowing, both physically and mentally.

I teach my rowers the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, ensuring they find time for rest, nutrition, and mental well-being. By fostering a balanced approach, athletes can perform at their best and avoid burnout.

Building a Sense of Wonder and Curiosity

My early experiences with African wildlife instilled in me a deep sense of wonder and curiosity about the greater outdoors. This sense of curiosity is something I strive to pass on to my athletes.

I encourage them to be curious about their environment, and I often take a moment during practice and encourage my athletes to just take in the wonder of nature around them. Maybe it’s a sunset, a school of fish swimming by, a rainbow, egrets hunting on the shoreline or simply the bright blue sky. 

I constantly foster curiosity. How does something work, why is it like that, what would make this better? I continually ask questions and seek to understand the intricacies of rowing. This curiosity drives innovation and improvement, pushing athletes to explore new techniques and strategies. By nurturing a sense of wonder, I help my rowers stay engaged and passionate about their sport.

My love for African wildlife has profoundly shaped my coaching philosophy at City Island Rowing. The lessons learned from observing nature—respect, perseverance, observation, patience, balance, and curiosity—are invaluable in developing successful athletes and, more importantly, well-rounded individuals. 

By instilling these values in my rowers, I aim to prepare them not just for success on the water but for life’s challenges. Just as the African wilderness taught me to navigate the complexities of nature, I hope to guide my athletes through their own journeys, helping them become resilient, respectful, and curious leaders.