I've really been quite fortunate over the years with my health, especially considering how much overweight I had been for much of my adult life. There was the blood pressure scare, and a detached retina maybe 5 years ago, but I think that's about it. I've been a member of the over-10's for quite some time now, so I guess it's natural that I'm going to have an occasional issue.
Thing is, I don't want to. I've written before about the pressure to perform that exists when you're in a class or on a team with a bunch of younger people. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I felt ageless. At the end of class one day BSM Chisholm had us do a relay race, which we'd done before. By the end of that race, I felt a pain in my calf muscle. WHAT THE HELL IS THAT? Yeah, I'm a proud Yankee girl and that's pretty much how I talk to myself. Anyway, I pulled a muscle. Went home, iced it, took Advil, and it was fine.
One week later, after a half hour of warm-ups and stretching, she has us skipping and it happened again. Who gets a skipping injury?? CRAP. I guess it's officially a nagging injury. So, I'm in a treatment plan of stretching, icing, Advil. My instructors have told me to wrap it for class. Huh? I have never wrapped anything in my life besides a gift. I've actually had to google that.
Whatever I have to do though, I will do it. I am NOT going to give in to this little setback. Life is just so much more fun when I'm active. You just have to get to a point where you ask yourself if you want to give up, or if you want to put in the work. This doesn't just apply to a little calf muscle thing, but to everything in your life. It really is all in your power, for the most part. Things happen, but it's how you choose to react that will dictate the quality of your life. At any age.
Okay, lecture over. Wish my luck this morning as I go for my orange belt....
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
In life, and in kayaking, the water isn't always flat.
So, Jill and I hit the water Monday evening for her final class session. She went straight for the Leviathon, which is one of the homemade k-1's at the club.The water was like glass on the club side, although it had looked a bit bumpy on the course side as I crossed over Clark's Bridge. I figured we could just stay on the club side if she was paddling the tipper boat.
Up to this point, she had never flipped. As I've said before, she's got good natural balance. That's a definite plus in what we do, but not everyone has it. Trust me. Anyway, we took off from the docks and headed out on the lake.She did a really great job incorporating the technique we had been working on. Good stretching, good job trying to "spear the fish" Little bit nervous about using her legs to push off and create the neccesary twist, but for her first real paddle in this boat, she was doing really well. Then came the first hard turn...splash!! She grabbed the boat, flipped it over, and began swimming it back in toward the shore to get back in. Yay!! I was proud!
Everyone who paddles alone needs to know how to get back in if they flip. I teach the newer folks to straddle the boat, and then use one blade of the paddle as a kickstand as they get in one leg at a time. This will enable you to get in even if the water is choppy. We finished the paddle, approx 2k, before we decided to head over to the course side. After all, I didn't see too many motorized watercraft over there from my vantage point. Oops.
We started up the course, past the Olympic finish tower, no problem. We didn't have a whole lot of time left in the session, so we decided to go up to about the 500m mark and turn around to head in for the evening. Out of nowhere come the largest succession of jetskis and large boats hauling tubes that perhaps I have ever seen. No problem, right? After all, one of the first skills I teach is how to turn and paddle through those crazy big washes that we can see in the summer. Well, it was the freaking ocean. No lies! Poor Jill flipped probably about 25 meters out on the course and began the very tough swim back in. I pulled over so that I could help her get back in, and stuck my one leg out of the cockpit and into the red clay mud so that the big waves that were crashing in would smash by boat on the rocks. It was kinda nuts!! The waves were crashing in and then pulling out just like the undertow out on Tybee. We had a great time, despite the fact that we were pretty much stuck waiting for an opening to get her out there and headed back without a good chance of not flipping.
Got out of there, headed back, and of course the lake was still mirror flat once we got under the bridge. A good time was had by all.
So, what did Jill learn that night? Well, get that first flip out of that way so that you can be confident in your ability to recover from it and move on. Paddle out of your comfort zone into the rough water once in a while.
If things get really rough, just laugh your way through it.
And if necessary, just hold onto a dock until the worst is over.
Up to this point, she had never flipped. As I've said before, she's got good natural balance. That's a definite plus in what we do, but not everyone has it. Trust me. Anyway, we took off from the docks and headed out on the lake.She did a really great job incorporating the technique we had been working on. Good stretching, good job trying to "spear the fish" Little bit nervous about using her legs to push off and create the neccesary twist, but for her first real paddle in this boat, she was doing really well. Then came the first hard turn...splash!! She grabbed the boat, flipped it over, and began swimming it back in toward the shore to get back in. Yay!! I was proud!
Everyone who paddles alone needs to know how to get back in if they flip. I teach the newer folks to straddle the boat, and then use one blade of the paddle as a kickstand as they get in one leg at a time. This will enable you to get in even if the water is choppy. We finished the paddle, approx 2k, before we decided to head over to the course side. After all, I didn't see too many motorized watercraft over there from my vantage point. Oops.
We started up the course, past the Olympic finish tower, no problem. We didn't have a whole lot of time left in the session, so we decided to go up to about the 500m mark and turn around to head in for the evening. Out of nowhere come the largest succession of jetskis and large boats hauling tubes that perhaps I have ever seen. No problem, right? After all, one of the first skills I teach is how to turn and paddle through those crazy big washes that we can see in the summer. Well, it was the freaking ocean. No lies! Poor Jill flipped probably about 25 meters out on the course and began the very tough swim back in. I pulled over so that I could help her get back in, and stuck my one leg out of the cockpit and into the red clay mud so that the big waves that were crashing in would smash by boat on the rocks. It was kinda nuts!! The waves were crashing in and then pulling out just like the undertow out on Tybee. We had a great time, despite the fact that we were pretty much stuck waiting for an opening to get her out there and headed back without a good chance of not flipping.
Got out of there, headed back, and of course the lake was still mirror flat once we got under the bridge. A good time was had by all.
So, what did Jill learn that night? Well, get that first flip out of that way so that you can be confident in your ability to recover from it and move on. Paddle out of your comfort zone into the rough water once in a while.
If things get really rough, just laugh your way through it.
And if necessary, just hold onto a dock until the worst is over.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Stay healthy forever. Period.
Around the world, paddling is considered to be a "sport for life." What does that mean? Well, it means different things for different people.
Paddling within the context of a team environment can teach your child discipline, personal responsibility, proper nutrition, work ethic, and life skills such as dealing with adversity. He or she can learn how to compete against oneself even as they learn how to compete with others at regattas and the like. And you never have to worry about your child having time to get into trouble!
Once those years are behind you, paddling can be a source of a healthy heart, strong muscles, flexible joints, and a strong social circle. These are the reasons I am such a proponent of the sport. It's wonderful to see my peers here at Lanier learning to paddle these boats, paddling team boats, and just hanging out. Strong friendships begin on the water and are fortified every time the group sets out onto the lake.
The club once had the gift of being coached by Olympian Shelley Oates-Wilding and her world class hubby Guy. They are from Australia, and that accent sounded like music to all of us. Anyway, Shelley was amazing. The first thing she taught us is that you take what you're given and go from there. She had been an elite runner, but her knees were pretty much destroyed, so she sat in a kayak. Voila! Instant Olympian! Well, not instant. You know what I mean. In the year to come, she also taught us "Wherever you look for an excuse, you'll find it." And "If you can believe it, you can be it." Lots of wisdom like that. Loved them. The ASPIRE
philosphy. More on that in future posts.
I had a student last year named Mr Church. He was right around 75 years old. First class it took me about 15 minutes to get him into the boat because he couldn't bend his knee. After that we had it figured out, but the point was he wanted to be in the boat, on the water. Replacement hips, knees, you name it. Once you are in the boat, you are on a level playing field with the rest of us. Once you begin moving the boat, joints are working, heart is pumping, lungs are breathing....you are improving your health and state of mind. Just like that.
Paddling within the context of a team environment can teach your child discipline, personal responsibility, proper nutrition, work ethic, and life skills such as dealing with adversity. He or she can learn how to compete against oneself even as they learn how to compete with others at regattas and the like. And you never have to worry about your child having time to get into trouble!
Once those years are behind you, paddling can be a source of a healthy heart, strong muscles, flexible joints, and a strong social circle. These are the reasons I am such a proponent of the sport. It's wonderful to see my peers here at Lanier learning to paddle these boats, paddling team boats, and just hanging out. Strong friendships begin on the water and are fortified every time the group sets out onto the lake.
The club once had the gift of being coached by Olympian Shelley Oates-Wilding and her world class hubby Guy. They are from Australia, and that accent sounded like music to all of us. Anyway, Shelley was amazing. The first thing she taught us is that you take what you're given and go from there. She had been an elite runner, but her knees were pretty much destroyed, so she sat in a kayak. Voila! Instant Olympian! Well, not instant. You know what I mean. In the year to come, she also taught us "Wherever you look for an excuse, you'll find it." And "If you can believe it, you can be it." Lots of wisdom like that. Loved them. The ASPIRE
philosphy. More on that in future posts.
I had a student last year named Mr Church. He was right around 75 years old. First class it took me about 15 minutes to get him into the boat because he couldn't bend his knee. After that we had it figured out, but the point was he wanted to be in the boat, on the water. Replacement hips, knees, you name it. Once you are in the boat, you are on a level playing field with the rest of us. Once you begin moving the boat, joints are working, heart is pumping, lungs are breathing....you are improving your health and state of mind. Just like that.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
I think I hooked this one!
As you know, I teach Lanier's Adult Learn to Kayak class. I really enjoy doing it, because it not only gets me out on the water, I get paid to do something I really love, and I get to bring new people to the sport. Had a new student, Jill, out on the water last evening. I think we really made an impression.
The class is four sessions, and I typically spend the first one teaching technique to the student while they are in one of the big, heavy recreational kayaks which are really hard to steer. Once in a while I can get them into a trainer at the end of that class. Jill is definitely ahead of the curve!
After we paddled to the end of the boathouse side and back (about 2k) I told her she looked good and I thought she was ready for the trainer. We got it out, I did the old flipping demo so she knew how to recover herself and the boat, and she was off. She did great! Seems to have no trouble with balance, and really making an effort to lean forward and "spear the fish." That's a term I use so that people can visualize exactly what I want them to do with the paddle. Reach out, stab the water next to the boat, pull it back to the hip, and out. For me it's kind of a big deal when they get it right away! Took her around to the cove adjacent to the boathouse and we started working on using the legs for power and propulsion.
Many people think that the secret to paddling is all in the arms. No, no, no! If you use your upper body only, you'll get really tired fast. The key is to use your core, like so many other activities. Learning to use the correct "twist" will provide you with a much more efficient stroke and also will help with balance as you get into tippier boats.
Anyway, she loved the trainer. It's so much lighter than the rec boats, you can go a lot faster, and you can actually steer it!! Next session is Monday evening, and we're taking out the trainer. Gonna head up the course side and go until she says she's ready to turn around. Fun stuff!!
This course is an introduction to flatwater kayaking, and our hope is always that the students will stick around and join up with one of the other programs. Jill's 23 and new to the area. I think it would be a good fit. And she said it was really cool....
I think I may have hooked this one. :-)
The class is four sessions, and I typically spend the first one teaching technique to the student while they are in one of the big, heavy recreational kayaks which are really hard to steer. Once in a while I can get them into a trainer at the end of that class. Jill is definitely ahead of the curve!
After we paddled to the end of the boathouse side and back (about 2k) I told her she looked good and I thought she was ready for the trainer. We got it out, I did the old flipping demo so she knew how to recover herself and the boat, and she was off. She did great! Seems to have no trouble with balance, and really making an effort to lean forward and "spear the fish." That's a term I use so that people can visualize exactly what I want them to do with the paddle. Reach out, stab the water next to the boat, pull it back to the hip, and out. For me it's kind of a big deal when they get it right away! Took her around to the cove adjacent to the boathouse and we started working on using the legs for power and propulsion.
Many people think that the secret to paddling is all in the arms. No, no, no! If you use your upper body only, you'll get really tired fast. The key is to use your core, like so many other activities. Learning to use the correct "twist" will provide you with a much more efficient stroke and also will help with balance as you get into tippier boats.
Anyway, she loved the trainer. It's so much lighter than the rec boats, you can go a lot faster, and you can actually steer it!! Next session is Monday evening, and we're taking out the trainer. Gonna head up the course side and go until she says she's ready to turn around. Fun stuff!!
This course is an introduction to flatwater kayaking, and our hope is always that the students will stick around and join up with one of the other programs. Jill's 23 and new to the area. I think it would be a good fit. And she said it was really cool....
I think I may have hooked this one. :-)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Life as a middle school kayak coach
Before I found my true calling working with adults on the water, I indeed spent several years coaching middle school students. I coached the Elephympians, a clever hybrid which came from the Gainesville mascot, Red Elephants, and the word Olympian. The middle school program here is big, and it's the feeder program for our developmental and high performance teams. (Let me take this opportunity to say that I have a TON of respect for the teachers who deal with these middle schoolers on a daily basis!!)
I like kids, really I do. I have a son who is the light of my life. He actually paddled with the Elephympians many moons ago. But, I digress. My team was a good size for this sport, usually between 15 and 20 kids. I had one assistant coach for whom I was always extremely thankful. He drove the john boat for me and was able to pull the kids (more importantly, the boats) when they flipped. Which happens a lot.
Kids are really different. This is a sport where balance is critical, and some of them have it right out of the gate, while some really struggle to learn it. The thing is, if you're patient with yourself, you absolutely can learn it. We start the kids out in the trainers, which are racing boats, but are very wide across the hull and much harder to flip. These boats all have rudders, so the kids can learn how to steer and use good technique but not really have to be as concerned about balance. This boat is the one we use to teach them how to recover if/when they flip. It's critical that you learn to recover yourself first (always wear a pfd!) and then flip the boat over. If too much water gets into the cockpit, they WILL sink.
Last time we had a real drought, we pulled out 6 boats we had lost in previous seasons. Better to educate the kids than to wait for a drought!
A couple of years ago, I had a first-timer named Daisy. She was shy, and a little timid about getting into the trainer. We talked her into it, and off she went. Then she flipped and started panicking as the boat started to take on water. We got her out and were able to save the boat, but no way did she want to get back in!! This is the moment where I learned our role as coaches of young people can be huge. We were able to get her out into a canoe with a couple of other kids, and she eventually became quite a good little paddler, even winning medals over the next couple of years. BUT, THE IMPORTANT THING HERE IS THAT SHE DIDN'T DEVELOP A LIFELONG FEAR OF WATER!
Until that moment, I don't really think I got how huge our role as youth coaches can be. Everything you say and do (watch the cussing, my personal challenge,) and how you respond to their personal crises can have a profound effect on who they become! As I meet people who don't swim, many of them had a moment which in some way was similar to Daisy's. What a shame.
So, as I close for today, let me leave you with this: Be a coach!! It's rewarding, and it's really kind of nice to have kids call you coach as they move forward beyond you. Always remember the profound effect you can have on them, and realize that you don't have to coach them to BE Olympians, you only need to teach them to believe that they CAN be.
I like kids, really I do. I have a son who is the light of my life. He actually paddled with the Elephympians many moons ago. But, I digress. My team was a good size for this sport, usually between 15 and 20 kids. I had one assistant coach for whom I was always extremely thankful. He drove the john boat for me and was able to pull the kids (more importantly, the boats) when they flipped. Which happens a lot.
Kids are really different. This is a sport where balance is critical, and some of them have it right out of the gate, while some really struggle to learn it. The thing is, if you're patient with yourself, you absolutely can learn it. We start the kids out in the trainers, which are racing boats, but are very wide across the hull and much harder to flip. These boats all have rudders, so the kids can learn how to steer and use good technique but not really have to be as concerned about balance. This boat is the one we use to teach them how to recover if/when they flip. It's critical that you learn to recover yourself first (always wear a pfd!) and then flip the boat over. If too much water gets into the cockpit, they WILL sink.
Last time we had a real drought, we pulled out 6 boats we had lost in previous seasons. Better to educate the kids than to wait for a drought!
A couple of years ago, I had a first-timer named Daisy. She was shy, and a little timid about getting into the trainer. We talked her into it, and off she went. Then she flipped and started panicking as the boat started to take on water. We got her out and were able to save the boat, but no way did she want to get back in!! This is the moment where I learned our role as coaches of young people can be huge. We were able to get her out into a canoe with a couple of other kids, and she eventually became quite a good little paddler, even winning medals over the next couple of years. BUT, THE IMPORTANT THING HERE IS THAT SHE DIDN'T DEVELOP A LIFELONG FEAR OF WATER!
Until that moment, I don't really think I got how huge our role as youth coaches can be. Everything you say and do (watch the cussing, my personal challenge,) and how you respond to their personal crises can have a profound effect on who they become! As I meet people who don't swim, many of them had a moment which in some way was similar to Daisy's. What a shame.
So, as I close for today, let me leave you with this: Be a coach!! It's rewarding, and it's really kind of nice to have kids call you coach as they move forward beyond you. Always remember the profound effect you can have on them, and realize that you don't have to coach them to BE Olympians, you only need to teach them to believe that they CAN be.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
I love the smell of lake water in the morning
For the most part, I'm a morning person. I guess I figure that since we only get so many days, I want to make the most of each of mine. That's why when I have a day off, I like to get out on the water early...I like the solitude and the feeling that it's my lake for that moment in time.
When I got to the boathouse this morning, there was a group of mainly under-10's loading into a van and heading back to their club in Oklahoma City. That's a long drive from here, about 15 hours. I know, I've done it before. I let them get on their way before I got my boat out and sat it down on the dock so I could begin my stretching.
The water was like glass. I don't say that just to say that it was flat, which it was. But it was shiny and clear, and I could see some big fish and a turtle swimming right off of the dock. It gets so hot here later in the day, but in the morning all of the creatures make themselves known. It's a whole other world on the other side of the water, and that's the best time to get acquainted.
Before too long, I hopped into my little white boat and took off. I decided to go up the course side, past the Olympic tower and up past the bend in the river. I figured I would go maybe 8k this morning. Make it worthwhile. I passed a really big bunch of geese (forgive me, is that a gaggle?) right as I reached the finish line marker. I'm never really sure whether I can trust the geese. They're a little territorial, and can be mean. As I made my way past the geese convention, I picked up the pace. Didn't want to get taken out by a goose with an agenda. Paddling up past the docks, I encountered some ducks. Ducks are so much more laid back I think. I knew it would be safe to fall into my breathing/counting/stamina-building stroke without fear.
This is the time when I do some of my best thinking. When my body and mind are in rythym I can problem solve, and I can communicate with my creative self. It's a nice place to be. I think a lot about how lucky I am to be where I am right at that second. On the water, in the middle of all of this expansive beauty. And I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to get somebody to pay me to do what I really want to do with the rest of my life: Bringing the sport of kayaking to people of all ages, and giving them the tools to be healthy and active to a ripe old age.
Anyhoo, by the time I got back to the boathouse, I was feeling pretty good. Very relaxed, limber, and healthy. Little stiff, but that's the over -10 thing. I know I'll walk it off. I'm on a mission.
And, I've got karate tonight.
When I got to the boathouse this morning, there was a group of mainly under-10's loading into a van and heading back to their club in Oklahoma City. That's a long drive from here, about 15 hours. I know, I've done it before. I let them get on their way before I got my boat out and sat it down on the dock so I could begin my stretching.
The water was like glass. I don't say that just to say that it was flat, which it was. But it was shiny and clear, and I could see some big fish and a turtle swimming right off of the dock. It gets so hot here later in the day, but in the morning all of the creatures make themselves known. It's a whole other world on the other side of the water, and that's the best time to get acquainted.
Before too long, I hopped into my little white boat and took off. I decided to go up the course side, past the Olympic tower and up past the bend in the river. I figured I would go maybe 8k this morning. Make it worthwhile. I passed a really big bunch of geese (forgive me, is that a gaggle?) right as I reached the finish line marker. I'm never really sure whether I can trust the geese. They're a little territorial, and can be mean. As I made my way past the geese convention, I picked up the pace. Didn't want to get taken out by a goose with an agenda. Paddling up past the docks, I encountered some ducks. Ducks are so much more laid back I think. I knew it would be safe to fall into my breathing/counting/stamina-building stroke without fear.
This is the time when I do some of my best thinking. When my body and mind are in rythym I can problem solve, and I can communicate with my creative self. It's a nice place to be. I think a lot about how lucky I am to be where I am right at that second. On the water, in the middle of all of this expansive beauty. And I spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to get somebody to pay me to do what I really want to do with the rest of my life: Bringing the sport of kayaking to people of all ages, and giving them the tools to be healthy and active to a ripe old age.
Anyhoo, by the time I got back to the boathouse, I was feeling pretty good. Very relaxed, limber, and healthy. Little stiff, but that's the over -10 thing. I know I'll walk it off. I'm on a mission.
And, I've got karate tonight.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Your first assignment!
Pretty exciting that we've reached this point already!!
I am actually headed several states away for a wedding this weekend. When I travel, I always know ahead of time where the lake is, can I rent a kayak, weather forecast, that sort of thing. I have blocked out some time early Saturday to get out there while everyone else is still asleep. A minor inconvenience considering how amazing I will feel for the rest of the day...
Your assignment? I would like to see you look around in your own area. Is there a lake, a state park? Even a little river that doesn't have too many rapids. Next, can they rent you a kayak? Or even a canoe?
For the time being, this is only a fact-finding mission. It's important for you to know whether the system is in place or not. Do not buy a kayak!! This is a mistake that many new paddlers make....the boat you start out in is seldom the boat you will eventually paddle. Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
Let me know how it goes for you. You know I'll do the same.
I am actually headed several states away for a wedding this weekend. When I travel, I always know ahead of time where the lake is, can I rent a kayak, weather forecast, that sort of thing. I have blocked out some time early Saturday to get out there while everyone else is still asleep. A minor inconvenience considering how amazing I will feel for the rest of the day...
Your assignment? I would like to see you look around in your own area. Is there a lake, a state park? Even a little river that doesn't have too many rapids. Next, can they rent you a kayak? Or even a canoe?
For the time being, this is only a fact-finding mission. It's important for you to know whether the system is in place or not. Do not buy a kayak!! This is a mistake that many new paddlers make....the boat you start out in is seldom the boat you will eventually paddle. Ah, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
Let me know how it goes for you. You know I'll do the same.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Ten REALLY good reasons you should learn to paddle!!
Since I began paddling 7 years ago, I can honestly say I am in the best shape of my life. I consider myself somewhat of a "born-again athlete," if you will. Yeah, I wake up kinda stiff in the joints, but it goes away. The benefits really outweigh a little bit of discomfort.
That is so important.
So. Why should YOU paddle? Well...
1. Got bad knees? Your kayak doesn't care. This is about as no-impact as a sport can be. For real!
2. Paddling is a mood-enhancer, de-stresser, all-around feel good activity. You can have a really crappy day at work, go get in your boat and paddle for an hour or so, and it all just washes away...
3. You can meet some really cool people! Here on Lake Lanier I've met so many people from around the U.S. and the world. As an instructor, I've had a really diverse group come through the class. I have so many different friends around here now, and it's just awesome! And, if you can become associated with a kayak club you will have a whole new way to volunteer as well as a full social calendar.
4. Once you get off of the water, you want to eat healthy the rest of the day!
5. You can cheat on your diet without worry occasionally, because you'll burn it off paddling!
6. Paddling is a life-long sport. Look around the globe and see older folks who live longer because they exercise!!
7. Paddling is a great family activity!! Very young children can go out on the water with their parents. What a great way to observe nature as a family while learning a healthy respect for the water! Word of advice: Teach your kids to be comfortable in a pfd (personal flotation device) early on in their lives and they are more likely to use them later on.
8. It's a great way to observe nature without intruding upon it. There is a nest of bald eagles near our club here and they are so awesome to watch!! It's fun to have a staring contest with a crane or race a fish. Don't put too much pressure on yourself . You probably won't win. But you'll get over it.
9. Get that vitamin D from the sun! Always, always wear sunscreen, eye protection, and even a ballcap to provide protection. Even with it's cloudy, the rays reflecting off of the water can burn you good. Still, you need the sun to be healthy, and you can still get a little bit of healthy-looking color.
10. Step out of your comfort zone! Putting yourself into a kayak, especially one that's just a little "tippy," can really make you feel great about yourself! You might get hooked, or you might just have a new profile picture. Either way, trying new stuff makes life so much more interesting!
Okay, so I've got more. Seriously, guys, life-changing is really not too strong a word. Whether you're an under 10 or an over 10, this sport can bring things to your life that are beyond description. So, think about it. Or, you can just let me wear you down. :-)
That is so important.
So. Why should YOU paddle? Well...
1. Got bad knees? Your kayak doesn't care. This is about as no-impact as a sport can be. For real!
2. Paddling is a mood-enhancer, de-stresser, all-around feel good activity. You can have a really crappy day at work, go get in your boat and paddle for an hour or so, and it all just washes away...
3. You can meet some really cool people! Here on Lake Lanier I've met so many people from around the U.S. and the world. As an instructor, I've had a really diverse group come through the class. I have so many different friends around here now, and it's just awesome! And, if you can become associated with a kayak club you will have a whole new way to volunteer as well as a full social calendar.
4. Once you get off of the water, you want to eat healthy the rest of the day!
5. You can cheat on your diet without worry occasionally, because you'll burn it off paddling!
6. Paddling is a life-long sport. Look around the globe and see older folks who live longer because they exercise!!
7. Paddling is a great family activity!! Very young children can go out on the water with their parents. What a great way to observe nature as a family while learning a healthy respect for the water! Word of advice: Teach your kids to be comfortable in a pfd (personal flotation device) early on in their lives and they are more likely to use them later on.
8. It's a great way to observe nature without intruding upon it. There is a nest of bald eagles near our club here and they are so awesome to watch!! It's fun to have a staring contest with a crane or race a fish. Don't put too much pressure on yourself . You probably won't win. But you'll get over it.
9. Get that vitamin D from the sun! Always, always wear sunscreen, eye protection, and even a ballcap to provide protection. Even with it's cloudy, the rays reflecting off of the water can burn you good. Still, you need the sun to be healthy, and you can still get a little bit of healthy-looking color.
10. Step out of your comfort zone! Putting yourself into a kayak, especially one that's just a little "tippy," can really make you feel great about yourself! You might get hooked, or you might just have a new profile picture. Either way, trying new stuff makes life so much more interesting!
Okay, so I've got more. Seriously, guys, life-changing is really not too strong a word. Whether you're an under 10 or an over 10, this sport can bring things to your life that are beyond description. So, think about it. Or, you can just let me wear you down. :-)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
kids of all ages, and the coolest sport you've never heard of
I started karate this year. It's a relatively small school, with one large beginners class with students of all ages. I call it the under10's vs the over 10's. Those of us over ten are still children but realize that the farther away from ten that we get the less flexible we will be, the more important stretching is, that sort of thing. But we're all still kids. Life, and your ability to be active at any age, can be a lot more fun if you look at things like way.
It's important for this blog that I tell you that I just turned 50. I don't feel 50, whatever that means. I actually feel wonderful. I kind of just fell into this world of kayak and now it is a very large part of who I am. I consider myself an ambassador to the sport...if you know me you've already been in a boat or you're on my radar. I coached a middle school team for a number of years; it's the feeder program here for our high performance program. I've seen chubby kids with no other place to go compete with others and themselves on a daily basis emerge into self-assured, healthy young men and women,. It's wonderful to see. It's the sport for non-athletes as well as athletes. For those who don't quite belong, for the kid who rides the pine.
At some point I was asked to begin teaching the "Adult Learn to Kayak" classes. This is where the over 10 mentality is key. I have coached paddlers between the ages of 8 and 80 and there are more similarities than there are differences. The over tens might present more of a challenge getting into the boats, what with knee and hip replacments, or never having been out on a lake. But once my students are in the boat, making it move, gliding over the water, hearing nothing but fish jumping, water dripping off of the paddle, and the beat of their own hearts....the feeling of the awesomeness of the moment is the same no matter the age.
This feeling, this spiritually cleansed (on a cellular level) moment, is what I love to bring to people. It is addictive. When you realize you have the power to make yourself feel so good and be so healthy, the moment is huge.
This is what I want to do for people.
It's important for this blog that I tell you that I just turned 50. I don't feel 50, whatever that means. I actually feel wonderful. I kind of just fell into this world of kayak and now it is a very large part of who I am. I consider myself an ambassador to the sport...if you know me you've already been in a boat or you're on my radar. I coached a middle school team for a number of years; it's the feeder program here for our high performance program. I've seen chubby kids with no other place to go compete with others and themselves on a daily basis emerge into self-assured, healthy young men and women,. It's wonderful to see. It's the sport for non-athletes as well as athletes. For those who don't quite belong, for the kid who rides the pine.
At some point I was asked to begin teaching the "Adult Learn to Kayak" classes. This is where the over 10 mentality is key. I have coached paddlers between the ages of 8 and 80 and there are more similarities than there are differences. The over tens might present more of a challenge getting into the boats, what with knee and hip replacments, or never having been out on a lake. But once my students are in the boat, making it move, gliding over the water, hearing nothing but fish jumping, water dripping off of the paddle, and the beat of their own hearts....the feeling of the awesomeness of the moment is the same no matter the age.
This feeling, this spiritually cleansed (on a cellular level) moment, is what I love to bring to people. It is addictive. When you realize you have the power to make yourself feel so good and be so healthy, the moment is huge.
This is what I want to do for people.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
How it all began; or.."next time, maybe it will be your brain!"
Ten years ago, I was a single mom, significantly overweight, living in a snowy little town outside of Pittsburgh. Long story short, met a guy online and moved my son and my life to Georgia. I know my family was more than a little bit concerned. But, I've never been afraid of adventure.
My son got involved in sprint kayaking through a middle school program. We had recently volunteered to work in boat control at the world championships here, and it guess it really made an impression. Sprint kayaking is done on flatwater; it's quite a bit different from white water. No rapids here!! I started spending a lot of time at the boathouse volunteering, and was always very curious about paddling. It really looked like a lot of fun, but these boats are "tippy," and frankly I was afraid that I would flip and get stuck in the cockpit, hang upside down in the water, and drown. The journey to kayakmom really begins there.
One day I finally got up the guts to get out in one of the trainers. It's a sprint boat, but is very flat and wide across the hull. Everyone who comes through the spring program starts out in one of these. I am happy to report that I quickly learned that when I flipped, the water got behind my big butt and pushed me out with the action of a shoehorn. Yay!! That was a big day for me. No need for fear.
I was really beginning to enjoy being able to get out on the lake. Couldn't paddle far, but I could paddle around behind the boathouse without flipping, Life was good. Right around that time, someone pointed out to me a bright red splotch in my eye. Went to the doc, who told me my blood pressure was something like 194/140. They made me take pills and wouldn't let me leave the office until my blood pressure was down. A lot. They told me that I would need to take several different pills to control it. "Can't I just control it using diet and exercise?" I asked hopefully. Yeah, like that was gonna work. I will never forget my Hungarian doc looking me in my bloody eye and saying "Well, a blood vessel burst in your eye. Next time it could be your brain."
Wow.
Joined weight watchers and lost 65 pounds in 6 months. And that's just the beginning of what got me to where I am today. And it has NOT been easy.
My son got involved in sprint kayaking through a middle school program. We had recently volunteered to work in boat control at the world championships here, and it guess it really made an impression. Sprint kayaking is done on flatwater; it's quite a bit different from white water. No rapids here!! I started spending a lot of time at the boathouse volunteering, and was always very curious about paddling. It really looked like a lot of fun, but these boats are "tippy," and frankly I was afraid that I would flip and get stuck in the cockpit, hang upside down in the water, and drown. The journey to kayakmom really begins there.
One day I finally got up the guts to get out in one of the trainers. It's a sprint boat, but is very flat and wide across the hull. Everyone who comes through the spring program starts out in one of these. I am happy to report that I quickly learned that when I flipped, the water got behind my big butt and pushed me out with the action of a shoehorn. Yay!! That was a big day for me. No need for fear.
I was really beginning to enjoy being able to get out on the lake. Couldn't paddle far, but I could paddle around behind the boathouse without flipping, Life was good. Right around that time, someone pointed out to me a bright red splotch in my eye. Went to the doc, who told me my blood pressure was something like 194/140. They made me take pills and wouldn't let me leave the office until my blood pressure was down. A lot. They told me that I would need to take several different pills to control it. "Can't I just control it using diet and exercise?" I asked hopefully. Yeah, like that was gonna work. I will never forget my Hungarian doc looking me in my bloody eye and saying "Well, a blood vessel burst in your eye. Next time it could be your brain."
Wow.
Joined weight watchers and lost 65 pounds in 6 months. And that's just the beginning of what got me to where I am today. And it has NOT been easy.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
welcome! Or, why should the kids have all the fun?
Ten years ago, I never would've believed I would be blogging about kayaking. Or how it has changed my life. Or how it can change your life. Or how you're never too old to play. Heck, I would probably not have blogged at all.
I was a very different person then. I was out of shape, and kind of wandering through life with no purpose. Then, through what had to be divine intervention, I landed on the beautiful shores of Lake Lanier, had a medical issue, and had a son (who I adore) who steered me right toward what is now my passion. You'll hear a ton about all of that later, trust me. I believe I have a calling to share what I have learned about kayaking to anyone who will listen...and to tell the adult population that this is the most freaking awesome sport ever!! You can start paddling TODAY and change your life forever. No lie. And I will tell you how.
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