As I emerge from my self-imposed social media-ban cocoon, I find myself struggling for something to write. My moods have been less like the calm seas currently across the street from where I sit, and more like the blustering waves experienced during the cyclone a few months ago. But… more on that another time. Perhaps.
Instead I thought I’d share a craving which has been bubbling up over recent months.
I would like to try kayaking.
Yes I know you were expecting something food-related cos… hello.. we are talking about me here; but no, I’m talking about water sports.
And you did hear me right – me who basically hates being IN the ocean. I’m yet to actually go swimming in the sea which is less than 50m from my door and still struggle for ‘force’ myself out for a walk… but somehow I have visions of myself lugging a kayak across the road, jumping on board and paddling calmly but energetically while thinking zen-like thoughts and being at one with nature. Or something.
Because I’m at home all day at the moment I see kayakers, paddle-boarders, windsurfers and those on jet skis passing by my windows. There are also outriggers and dragon boats out on weekends. (Oh, and there are cars too… but they’re on the road :-). For some reason the notion of me, alone on the ocean in a kayak appeals. I find myself fantasing about exercise that I enjoy and an activity I find mentally liberating.
But… of course I realise I should listen to my mother’s advice and not rush out and buy one until I’ve tried it and know I will like it (plus I should probably get a job / earn an income first). So bizarrely I’ve come to a bit of a standstill and am at those crossroads where this could be a ‘pipedream’ that remains forever unlived.
I googled local hire companies and am now worried… ahem… (how to say this with minimal embarrassment…) that there might be a weight limit on the kayaks and I might be too heavy. Hmph!
I’ve thought about emailing one of the local hire companies and asking about my options – which feels more anonymous and less confrontational – but am yet to psych myself up to that point. I’d also like to try it in private in case I can’t actually sit on the thing or hang over the sides.
Plus I might just really hate it. After all… quite often the thought of something can be far more appealing than the actuality. And while I have this image of myself in my mind – gracefully gliding across the calm water – the reality (sore shoulders, blistered hands, falling off and not being able to get back on!) could be very very different.
Are you a fan of water sports?
Have you tried kayaking? Or canoeing?
April 9, 2013
The hardest thing I found with kayaking was getting out of the blasted thing, every-time I would end up falling in the water….. not a pretty site lol
April 9, 2013
I was talking to a friend recently about the fact that being heavier makes it harder to do things like pushups etc (lift your body weight). She’s a petite little thing but talked about her lack of upper body strength. She goes outrigger canoeing and said that they all jump into the water at some point and then get back into the boat and she struggles to lift herself in.
Oh. My. God…. there’s no way I could drag my body weight out of the water and that’s what worries me re the kayaking. But if I was close to shore I guess I’d drag it in and then re-board. It didn’t occur to me that getting out would be an issue. Argh! You’ve added to my list of #thingstoworryabout! Again… best if I can do it in private. The beach opposite where I live is very deserted!
April 9, 2013
I can loan my knight in shining armour, he comes with a couple of kayaks? Have been meaning to go for a while.
April 9, 2013
That might be an idea. I was figuring I’d have to have some lessons or something. I rowed (briefly and badly) at college but haven’t ever canoed or kayaked.
* The rowing at Uni is how I know about the blisters. I still recall the pain from putting methylated spirits on them to dry them out!
April 9, 2013
I don’t know if I am a fan of water ‘sports’ but I am a fan of water. Grew up on the beach, never tried surfing but am a real mermaid. Miss it like hell over here! Hope you can find a good kayak, it does look fun…
April 10, 2013
Thanks Lou Lou. It does doesn’t it!?!
April 9, 2013
I’ve been kayaking a couple of times as tour activities and both times really enjoyed it. I went over in New Zealand on a glacial lake and was able to get quite close to the ice bergs. And then I took the family down to do a kayaking morning at the Gold Coast. it’s not too taxing and it is really relaxing.
April 10, 2013
I suspect it’d be taxing for me Char as I’m currently so unfit, but hopefully it’d help my fitness (and strength). I’d still need to do some cardio and leg work though!
April 9, 2013
I love the water. My Dad used to be a pro kayaker way way way back. So we always had racing kayaks around. The problem was he would put me on these racing kayaks, which are really hard to balance. And not in calm water but in surf. Every time I would flip the thing and hit my head.
When I was about 13 he took me with him to buy two. And I begged him to get normal ones for normal people and to take me out in the lake. So much better!
So my advice is get a really comfy, non racing one and take it in very calm waters! I think you’ll like it though because it never feels like exercise, just relaxing.
April 10, 2013
Oohh… don’t think I’d be going for a racing one plus I like the idea of it not being too rounded so it didn’t take on water if overturned! I’d also only take it out on the water in front of my place. We’re ‘protected’ by islands (including Fraser Island) so rarely get surf.
April 9, 2013
Never tried kayaking. Don’t live very close to water either. I think it would be a blast though.
April 10, 2013
Yes Rebecca, I think so. If I could manage some music at the same time it would be wonderful… though doubt that’s possible given the need to waterproof my iPod!?!