Why Do You Canoe or Kayak?
Thursday September 17, 2009
Why do you paddle? Sounds like a silly question doesn't it? But have you ever really thought about it? Whenever I ponder the reasons I paddle I often get lost in thought. I kayak for adventure, serenity, and even for exercise. I paddle to be close to nature and yes, even just for fun. I even paddle when I need to think. There is just something about casting off and leaving all of your troubles on the shore.
So again, I ask, why do you paddle? Let us know.
Comments
It’s a “paddlin’ thing”… if you have to ask… well, you know the answer to that… I’ve seen alligators in zoos, in National Parks, and places like that but only recently saw one of any significant size in the wild, sunning on the river bank. What a sight! I try to find a buddy most of the time because of the logistics involved, but I prefer to paddle alone. I can achieve a “Zen-like” state when I am alone on the water, and have never been able to reach that level of inner peace and serenity except when I am in a “boat”; either a kayak or canoe, that is… no gasoline engines for me… it’s not the speed that provides the thrill. I can’t explain it beyond that, but to you, I don’t suppose I have to. To those who have never tried it, I say put down that doughnut, unplug your mp3 player, turn off the TV, and grab a paddle! You won’t regret it the least little bit!
Excellent ChuckC!
Yes, paddling with alligators close by is a very cool experience. Back in the spring I came up on a 8+footer. As he (or she) spotted me, the he/she slithered into the water silently and vanished beneath the surface. It was a very eerie feeling and I couldn’t help but feel that it was going to pop up right next to me.
Paddling out in the ocean and coming upon some dolphin is equally exciting.
Thanks for sharing!
Get diversity in my outdoor adventures. Hate doing the same thing. Want to try it all- whitewater, ocean, Arctic kayaking!
I started paddling as part of my fishing experience. Now that I have my own kayak, I’ve explored and fished in places I only used to dream about. It definitely is a change from the everyday, and it’s good for you too. Now that summer’s over, looking forward to catching the fall colors on the water, and if I’m lucky, a few fish. Nothing like sitting out in the middle of a mountain lake or pond and giving a hoot and hearing the echo slap back; or the slap of a beaver’s tail on the water; or nature just doing what it does and having a front-row seat. That pretty much sums it up for me. Looking forward to experiencing what the ocean has to offer.