First Descents changed my life. I know that sounds like an exaggeration and you’re wondering how is that even possible. It was just a week on a river right? Well, that is where you are wrong. My week at FD1 was so amazing, exhilarating, and calming. You might even say that it was healing. If you haven’t read about my amazing experience, please take a moment to read about it here in my post Time in (and out) of the Eddy. FD changed me emotionally and I miss my FD Family dearly, however, I also miss the river. I miss the effect it can have.
I never expected to find my calm place in the midst of the rapids on a river. I never expected to be able to leave my worries on the shore, so to speak. That is exactly what happened. I found my happy place. It was freeing, amazing, and I cannot wait for more of it.
In my search for more I came across the Hoosier Canoe & Kayak Club. I am sure you are thinking the same thing I was: there isn’t even a semblance of white water in Indiana, what sort of club could be here with any time on white water? Well, I am happy to have found this group and to have been proved wrong!
I joined the group last week online and immediately had a friendly email reaching out to guide me. I then joined the Facebook group and shared a bit about myself. I was greeted with a warm welcome from many members. I was hesitant to head out to the pool since I don’t have my kayak or gear yet (yet is the key word in this sentence). I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough or ready.
This week I headed out to a pool, without a kayak or gear, without knowing anyone, and I even forgot my towel. I was out of my element. They jumped right in and got me setup. There were a few kayaks available and someone grabbed me a paddle so I could paddle around the pool. Soon thereafter came another member with an extra spray skirt so I could head right into learning how to roll. It turned out, I didn’t need to be worried at all. I didn’t feel judged. I felt welcomed.
There was no shortage of help or comradery in the pool. They helped me learn pieces of the roll and reassured me that I would get it and not to give up. They shared stories about learning, and sometimes relearning, how to roll. We shared experiences about our time on and off the river. Afterwards we shared videos and pictures and talked about upcoming white water adventures.
If you are wondering, I didn’t get the roll at the pool that night. However, I did find my happy place again. I found my time of peace and clarity. I found people who get it. I can tell you one thing for certain. This won’t be my last experience in the pool with the Hoosier Canoe & Kayak Club. I’m looking forward to grand adventure with this group of individuals. You also can bet that I will figure out the roll! Is it Wednesday again yet?
I never expected to find my calm place in the midst of the rapids on a river. I never expected to be able to leave my worries on the shore, so to speak. That is exactly what happened. I found my happy place. It was freeing, amazing, and I cannot wait for more of it.
In my search for more I came across the Hoosier Canoe & Kayak Club. I am sure you are thinking the same thing I was: there isn’t even a semblance of white water in Indiana, what sort of club could be here with any time on white water? Well, I am happy to have found this group and to have been proved wrong!
I joined the group last week online and immediately had a friendly email reaching out to guide me. I then joined the Facebook group and shared a bit about myself. I was greeted with a warm welcome from many members. I was hesitant to head out to the pool since I don’t have my kayak or gear yet (yet is the key word in this sentence). I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough or ready.
This week I headed out to a pool, without a kayak or gear, without knowing anyone, and I even forgot my towel. I was out of my element. They jumped right in and got me setup. There were a few kayaks available and someone grabbed me a paddle so I could paddle around the pool. Soon thereafter came another member with an extra spray skirt so I could head right into learning how to roll. It turned out, I didn’t need to be worried at all. I didn’t feel judged. I felt welcomed.
There was no shortage of help or comradery in the pool. They helped me learn pieces of the roll and reassured me that I would get it and not to give up. They shared stories about learning, and sometimes relearning, how to roll. We shared experiences about our time on and off the river. Afterwards we shared videos and pictures and talked about upcoming white water adventures.
If you are wondering, I didn’t get the roll at the pool that night. However, I did find my happy place again. I found my time of peace and clarity. I found people who get it. I can tell you one thing for certain. This won’t be my last experience in the pool with the Hoosier Canoe & Kayak Club. I’m looking forward to grand adventure with this group of individuals. You also can bet that I will figure out the roll! Is it Wednesday again yet?
New River Gorge - Photo by Jam
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