News articles

RAF Corporal faces her fear to achieve most improved award

RAF wakeboarding.

Eloise is a military working dog handler for the RAF Police, based at RAF Lossiemouth. So wakeboarding is not the usual activity that falls under her list of duties. 

Like many, Eloise was terrified of water. Yet with true military bravery and perseverance, she pushed beyond this fear, facing the waves and learning new skills to overcome adversity. 

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It all started when a colleague recommended Eloise tries a RAF Waterski & Wakeboard novice week; an exhilarating experience at Box End Park, Bedford, available to all through the RAF Association.  She gave the idea some thought: "I've never done it before, so why not sign up and give it a go?"

RAF wakeboarding.

Knowing of her fear, Corporal Hall aspired to test the waters at the local swimming pool before attending the novice week. However, this never happened and Eloise arrived unprepared, but ready and raring to go.

The coaches were aware of her nervousness, patiently reassuring and answering her questions so that she felt comfortable in the water and could focus on learning new skills. Eloise ventured into the water behind the small boat and managed to stand above the water on the wakeboard.

"I was quite wary of my balance and the overload of new skills, but I was enjoying it enough to have a smile on my face! Then, I had my first fall..."

The shock of being completely submerged in the water and not being able to breathe or see, unnerved Eloise. The coaches pulled her out of the water, while Eloise realised it was not as bad as she initially thought and so she tried again.

"Of course, I fell again! This time though I did not overreact or even shed on tear. I just said “hey, I’m totally fine!” and got straight back on and ready to try again. I persevered because I did not want to quit and come away from the week with nothing but my ego shattered.

That was the best decision I could have possibly made! By the end of the week, I had learnt so much, developed myself not only on the wakeboard but also in the water and pushing through the challenges that my previous fears presented. I was stood up on the long line behind the boat, riding from wake to wake, one handed on the line and able to reach down and touch the water as the boat powered along, having an absolutely brilliant time."

RAF wakeboarding.

An awards ceremony finished the week, seeing Eloise achieve an award for most improved. Having faced her fear, dreading to treading waters and eventually sailing through to learn new skills and even enjoy herself. 

"This experience has really shown me that you have just got to put your hand up to try new things and gain new experiences to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I would have missed out on this amazing experience if I had let it get the better of me, but I refused. Even now when I am back on duty in my primary role, and there is something new or challenging that presents itself, I give it a go, knowing that I’m capable of overcoming challenges and learning new skills in challenging situations. So far, it has worked out pretty well!"

There are many opportunities to get involved in sports and self-development in the RAF. You can learn more about RAF Waterski & Wakeboard on:

Instagram or Facebook

Serving Personnel can find out more about RAF Waterski & Wakeboard, through their SharePoint Site.

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