Remember those billboards that read Got Milk?
If there was a billboard in the Mather Gorge it would read ‘Got Grit?’, and it would be on Coffee Rock; the one you are trying to get to at Wet Bottom, no fewer than 100 paddle strokes from the safe eddy that all your friends are sitting in.
Why Grit?
Grit is defined as a character trait that allows one to persevere with long-term goals, regardless of setbacks and with minimal rewards. This sounds a lot like attaining up the Potomac while the snow is blowing in your eyes, your hands are frozen to your paddle, and the river just keeps resisting.
THIS IS EXACTLY WHY WE DO CHEAT TRAINING.
Grit not only makes us able to take a beatering better when we inevitably mess up a line, but it carries over to all parts of our lives.
My Own Grit Story
This past June I decided that I would complete an Ironman in September. Most people spend years, and do other triathlons, before doing a full Ironman. I gave myself 12 weeks. I had no idea what I was doing, I didn’t train enough, and it hurt… a lot (refer to picture for proof), but I finished the race.
Since I accomplished that, there have been so many other things that have come up in my life that have been hard, but I keep thinking back to my Ironman and thinking “this doesn’t hurt as bad as that did.”
In summary, team, we do Cheat Training so that when you are sitting at your desk on Monday with frozen kayaking gear in your trunk, band-aids on your fingers, and a spare tire on your car from the Cheat Road, Mondays seem easy.
Cheat Training Registration Opens Jan 2, 2024 at 9am
Cheat Training
Discover the joys of long boating, attaining, and learn to race the Cheat Canyon! 4 trips to the Cheat included.
Cheat Lite
If you are new to the program, this is for you! Build your strength and confidence on 4 different river trips working toward running the Cheat Canyon in May. Creek or half-slice boats welcome.
In Town Spring Training
New this year! Train twice a week without leaving the Potomac.
Cheat Youth
Teenage Cheat Training program – Register Now!
Cheat Elite
Step up your game to have your best Cheat Race plus learn the Top Yough. Find out if you’re ready for Cheat Elite – Apply Now!
Creeking Lite
Part basics of creeking clinics, part river trips, we will explore 4 amazing runs of the northern Appalachia, working up to running the Lower Big Sandy if qualified.
SteveO McKone
Calleva River School Director
Steve-O is Calleva River School Director and has been with the team since 2007. He joined Calleva when we were desperate for a surfing instructor, he interviewed on a Friday and left on Monday with a group of surfers.
At the age of 19, Steve-O got in a kayak, paddled the George Washington Canal, and found himself addicted to kayaking and hasn’t stopped since! His enthusiasm, appreciation of the natural world, and drive to excel will get you addicted, too. Teaching people kayaking is one of Steve-O’s passions and now watching his kids grow up in the Calleva family is one of his favorite things.
He loves being outside and on the river as much as he can. With a rare passion for the river, Steve-O is able to share his experiences and techniques with youth and adult paddlers, alike.
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