I strongly believe, that whenever possible, water sports should be part of the PE curriculum in schools. It make me sad when I meet people who never learned to swim, especially when the feel like it's too late! In Canada and many other countries I know that paddling is considered a "sport for life," meaning that there is not age limit, you can begin at any time, and you're NEVER too old.
Many of the schools around here are not more than 5 or 10 minutes from the lake. In fact, more than a few have middle school kayak teams. But these are outside of the public school curriculum and by nature of the additional cost, prohibitive to many students. That's a real shame.
There are so many ways that kids could be out there on the water. I know that inner city kids don't always have the opportunity to learn to swim. I almost feel like we're doing those kids a disservice by not teaching them. Everyone should have the opportunity to feel comfortable swimming with their friends. It's an inexpensive form of exercise, Not to mention, that quite honestly, learning to swim can truly save your life!
Ah, but there I go off an a tangent. Again. It's seems to me that we have the resources, why not bring it all together and teach these kids a really cool sport that they can do even after that knee operation at the age of 40? We've got kayaks and canoes, paddle boards, and even dragon boats for those who aren't as comfortable with the concept of having their boat flip or take on significant water. I propose that we have a regatta every year and bus in maybe 2 6th grade classes from each of the area schools. We can have lunch donated, make it a celebration. Heck, maybe we can even bring in a some of the Atlanta Falcons to beat on the drums. How cool would that be?
Why can't we have a kayaking Phys Ed class? Yeah, I know there's an inherent amount of liability. But that's why we guarantee that these kids can swim first. That's what we do in the middle school program, anyway. I know kayaking would necessitate a closer ratio of teacher to student. But I don't think that these challenges should stop up from introducing these kids to the greatest sport ever!?! Or a one-credit course at our local University. Wouldn't that be a really good way to bring young folks to the sport we all love??
Who's with me??? If we can get a group of like-minded people, people with a vision...can't we change the way that schools think? Let's get the kids outside, on the water. Where they belong.
TKM
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
A morning paddle can reset the stress meter to zero. Really!!It'
I don't do well with stress.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of it nowadays, so I'm using what I have to deal with it without it taking a toll on my body and my mind. Paddling is certainly at the top of the list.
It's quiet here this week. The dogs are on vacation, and my husband has moved my office to the back of the house, so that as I'm working or writing, I can look up and out of the window off of the balcony and into the beautiful trees. I like it. I was able to get out on the water this morning after almost a week and it was wonderful. As I set out off of the docks, I had to pick my way through upwards of 25 kids who were in full capsize mode in their canoes and daggers. It made me smile as I thought for a moment about back when my son used to just splash around in the lake so carefree. The good news with that is that he's so so well now! We spent some time with him over the weekend at Penn State, and decided to leave his dog up there for the rest of the summer with him. I'm feeling good about where he is. Also, he'll be coming home for a couple of weeks next month, which means that we'll be able to hang out some and paddle together. I can't wait for that!
It's really hot out on the lake today. I heard something on the news this morning about a heat wave in the mid-Atlantic states. It's not like that here, that's for sure. It's been cooler and rather rainy so far this summer. But today you can feel the heat bigtime. I take a bottle of water out there with me and sit it in the middle of the hull, but it's not always easy to drink it. If it's choppy I have to wait until I get into a cove, or pull over at a dock. I do put my hand in the water though and rub it on myself a lot. I guess this probably isn't idea for the whole sunscreen thing, but it sure feels good.
I've said before that I do some of my best thinking out on the water. I also talk to myself a lot. I have to be careful about that, because I don't really want anyone to hear me do it. You know, the whole crazy person thing. It helps me empty my mind so that I can come up with new and brilliant things. Today I decided we (the club and me) need to do a teachers' kayak clinic. I won't bore you with the details, but in my experience a lot of teachers are drawn to the sport and it works well with their schedules. Once I speak with my folks at the club and firm things up, I'll be back with details. I think I need a project, especially with my husband and what's going on with him.
So, if you have a chance, get out there. If you don't know how, ask me. Either way, I'll see you on the water.
TKM
Unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of it nowadays, so I'm using what I have to deal with it without it taking a toll on my body and my mind. Paddling is certainly at the top of the list.
It's quiet here this week. The dogs are on vacation, and my husband has moved my office to the back of the house, so that as I'm working or writing, I can look up and out of the window off of the balcony and into the beautiful trees. I like it. I was able to get out on the water this morning after almost a week and it was wonderful. As I set out off of the docks, I had to pick my way through upwards of 25 kids who were in full capsize mode in their canoes and daggers. It made me smile as I thought for a moment about back when my son used to just splash around in the lake so carefree. The good news with that is that he's so so well now! We spent some time with him over the weekend at Penn State, and decided to leave his dog up there for the rest of the summer with him. I'm feeling good about where he is. Also, he'll be coming home for a couple of weeks next month, which means that we'll be able to hang out some and paddle together. I can't wait for that!
It's really hot out on the lake today. I heard something on the news this morning about a heat wave in the mid-Atlantic states. It's not like that here, that's for sure. It's been cooler and rather rainy so far this summer. But today you can feel the heat bigtime. I take a bottle of water out there with me and sit it in the middle of the hull, but it's not always easy to drink it. If it's choppy I have to wait until I get into a cove, or pull over at a dock. I do put my hand in the water though and rub it on myself a lot. I guess this probably isn't idea for the whole sunscreen thing, but it sure feels good.
I've said before that I do some of my best thinking out on the water. I also talk to myself a lot. I have to be careful about that, because I don't really want anyone to hear me do it. You know, the whole crazy person thing. It helps me empty my mind so that I can come up with new and brilliant things. Today I decided we (the club and me) need to do a teachers' kayak clinic. I won't bore you with the details, but in my experience a lot of teachers are drawn to the sport and it works well with their schedules. Once I speak with my folks at the club and firm things up, I'll be back with details. I think I need a project, especially with my husband and what's going on with him.
So, if you have a chance, get out there. If you don't know how, ask me. Either way, I'll see you on the water.
TKM
Monday, July 8, 2013
Finally, vacation is here!! Freedom to paddle, and other stuff.
I've been waiting for this week forever. Well, it seems like it anyway. This is the week that we get to head up north and hang out in my personal Disneyland...Penn State!! Before you think that's a little bit lame, I feel like I need to explain that when I went to Penn State as an 18- year old, my mom had just committed suicide, and my Daddy, well, he'd been gone for years. Penn State became my family, and the center of many things wonderful. That has not and will not change.
Anyway, it's been really hard to unplug lately. And it's been raining for what seems like months, which keeps me off of the lake at a time when I need it more than ever. It''s raining again this morning, but maybe that will keep me on task as I get my oil changed and pack up the beagle for a long trip to stay with my mother-in-law. I will absolutely be hitting the lake this afternoon, you better believe it. The weather in the evening has been ideal the last couple of nights. I may even take out an SUP. But I probably shouldn't plan too far ahead today. Tomorrow's paddle, however, is already inked in my mind. it's a must.
Before we leave town late, late tomorrow, we'll be going to see an orthopedic surgeon about my husband's leg. I'm guessing he'll give us some kind of plan, a timetable for treatment, something. This week will also be a good time for us to have a big blowout and get ready to fight whatever may come.
I guess we'll see what happens. I bet I'll be spending as much time on the water on the next few weeks. Water is healing, and peace, and friendship, and love. I think I'll need some of those.
TKM
Anyway, it's been really hard to unplug lately. And it's been raining for what seems like months, which keeps me off of the lake at a time when I need it more than ever. It''s raining again this morning, but maybe that will keep me on task as I get my oil changed and pack up the beagle for a long trip to stay with my mother-in-law. I will absolutely be hitting the lake this afternoon, you better believe it. The weather in the evening has been ideal the last couple of nights. I may even take out an SUP. But I probably shouldn't plan too far ahead today. Tomorrow's paddle, however, is already inked in my mind. it's a must.
Before we leave town late, late tomorrow, we'll be going to see an orthopedic surgeon about my husband's leg. I'm guessing he'll give us some kind of plan, a timetable for treatment, something. This week will also be a good time for us to have a big blowout and get ready to fight whatever may come.
I guess we'll see what happens. I bet I'll be spending as much time on the water on the next few weeks. Water is healing, and peace, and friendship, and love. I think I'll need some of those.
TKM
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Today I let the geese convince me to turn around. They won't be so lucky next time.
What a perfect morning for a paddle on Lake Sidney Lanier. It's overcast, and apparently there is bigtime rain on the way later today and the rest of the week, but the conditions this morning are ideal on the water.
I've really been looking forward to getting out there this morning. I'm really an advocate for the stress relief aspect of kayaking. Work's been tough lately, and we just found out that my husband has a big tumor on his tibia and who knows?
So, I left the dock hopeful for some sort of relief. It's unbelievable, you know, how quickly the calm sets in.
I was probably 5 strokes off of the dock and already I felt better. The water is flat as a pancake, and it's the time of the year that if I decide to go for a swim, the lake is perfect. And so I set off, paddling and breathing, breathing and paddling, stretching and calming down by the stroke.
My karate training has made it possible for me to have a much more productive stroke, which is nice. Before I knew it, I was halfway up the course and settling in for a long one.
And then, like the little Hellians that they are, about a million geese decide they want to block my path. You know, geese and I just don't like each other so much. They yell at me, I
yell at them. I tell them to leave, they don't listen. I've even asked the Canadian Olympic team to pack them up onto their trailer and take them back.
Seems the Canadians don't want them either. Ugh. But here I am in the moment; do I paddle through? Or do I turn around and give a victory do these "birds without a country?"
Okay, so I turned around. I've paddled about 4 kilometers, I feel good, so I still feel like I win. As I pulled my boat off the water, I was able to notice I felt so much more clear than I did when I arrived at the boathouse.. Not gonna lets stupid birds take that away from me.
But next time? Maybe I'll just paddle through, maybe a punch in the beak, who knows. But geesies, consider yourselves warned.
TKM
I've really been looking forward to getting out there this morning. I'm really an advocate for the stress relief aspect of kayaking. Work's been tough lately, and we just found out that my husband has a big tumor on his tibia and who knows?
So, I left the dock hopeful for some sort of relief. It's unbelievable, you know, how quickly the calm sets in.
I was probably 5 strokes off of the dock and already I felt better. The water is flat as a pancake, and it's the time of the year that if I decide to go for a swim, the lake is perfect. And so I set off, paddling and breathing, breathing and paddling, stretching and calming down by the stroke.
My karate training has made it possible for me to have a much more productive stroke, which is nice. Before I knew it, I was halfway up the course and settling in for a long one.
And then, like the little Hellians that they are, about a million geese decide they want to block my path. You know, geese and I just don't like each other so much. They yell at me, I
yell at them. I tell them to leave, they don't listen. I've even asked the Canadian Olympic team to pack them up onto their trailer and take them back.
Seems the Canadians don't want them either. Ugh. But here I am in the moment; do I paddle through? Or do I turn around and give a victory do these "birds without a country?"
Okay, so I turned around. I've paddled about 4 kilometers, I feel good, so I still feel like I win. As I pulled my boat off the water, I was able to notice I felt so much more clear than I did when I arrived at the boathouse.. Not gonna lets stupid birds take that away from me.
But next time? Maybe I'll just paddle through, maybe a punch in the beak, who knows. But geesies, consider yourselves warned.
TKM
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Another kayaking class, more lives changed forever!We
I often mention to my students that paddling is life-changing. I usually mention this as we're making our way off of the docks for the first time during the first class, and my students nod in skeptical agreement. I know that I'm right, of course, and I always sort of smile to myself knowing that before the next couple of hours are through, they'll know I'm right as well.
This past Saturday was the final session in my most recent Adult Learn To Kayak class. There are six in the group, and four of them had decided to go out in the "trainers," the first level sprint boats. The other two fancied themselves as having no aspirations beyond the rec boats. This is fine with me. Although I strongly encourage my students to go to the very boundaries of their comfort zones and step across, I won't force anyone to do anything that truly frightens them or makes them fear for their safety.
As everyone pushed off, I didn't see any real problems for anyone, except possibly for Gary, who had really long legs. If you're familiar with sprint boats, you know that your balance is compromised if your knees are bent way up into your chest. Knowing that Gary might have a larger challenge than the others, but also knowing that none of the other boats would fit him any better, we set off.
The plan was to paddle around the bend from the boathouse to the venue side, by the finish tower, and up the course. The water was glorious, flat as a pancake, although this did change with the wind once we got around the corner. It probably only took 500 meters for Gary to flip for the first time. Fortunately, we were close to the shore (I coach this as a matter of my survival in this class lol) so we all paddled to the shore and Gary and I did a master class on how you get back into a sprint boat that you've flipped. Before too long, we were off again.
As we paddled toward the tower, we were greeted by an explosion of SUP boards, kayaks, and canoes. It was wonderful, and what I envision for this venue!! In addition to a SUP race, our club was doing a paddle-a-thon to race money for travel and equipment. This meant all of the the athletes and all of the equipment were there at my disposal...bahahaha..
We paddled a kilometer or so up the course before we decided it was time to go back and join the fun. They didn't know it yet, but my number one priority was to get them in the Dusen K-4 with high performance. We got out and put our boats up onto the dock. It was great to see people swarm over to try out our equipment as my guys cycled through third seat in the Dusen. I absolutely LOVE to see the smiles as these folks who before a week ago had never even been in a kayak as they sprint down the course in this wonderful boat!! It makes me happy!! Everyone also got an opportunity to SUP, paddle Dragon Boat, anything they wanted. It was really a good day.
At some point, my students realized they they still had to paddle back to the club. Haha. I think I heard some groans, but as we made our way back to the club, past the beach and the rowing docks, I could hear people talking through their smiles. I knew that as we put up the equipment, people would lament the fact that the class was over, they would ask me how they could join, and I was pretty sure that Gary was completely hooked and would want to join the Masters' program.
I was right.
See you out there!!
TKM
This past Saturday was the final session in my most recent Adult Learn To Kayak class. There are six in the group, and four of them had decided to go out in the "trainers," the first level sprint boats. The other two fancied themselves as having no aspirations beyond the rec boats. This is fine with me. Although I strongly encourage my students to go to the very boundaries of their comfort zones and step across, I won't force anyone to do anything that truly frightens them or makes them fear for their safety.
As everyone pushed off, I didn't see any real problems for anyone, except possibly for Gary, who had really long legs. If you're familiar with sprint boats, you know that your balance is compromised if your knees are bent way up into your chest. Knowing that Gary might have a larger challenge than the others, but also knowing that none of the other boats would fit him any better, we set off.
The plan was to paddle around the bend from the boathouse to the venue side, by the finish tower, and up the course. The water was glorious, flat as a pancake, although this did change with the wind once we got around the corner. It probably only took 500 meters for Gary to flip for the first time. Fortunately, we were close to the shore (I coach this as a matter of my survival in this class lol) so we all paddled to the shore and Gary and I did a master class on how you get back into a sprint boat that you've flipped. Before too long, we were off again.
As we paddled toward the tower, we were greeted by an explosion of SUP boards, kayaks, and canoes. It was wonderful, and what I envision for this venue!! In addition to a SUP race, our club was doing a paddle-a-thon to race money for travel and equipment. This meant all of the the athletes and all of the equipment were there at my disposal...bahahaha..
We paddled a kilometer or so up the course before we decided it was time to go back and join the fun. They didn't know it yet, but my number one priority was to get them in the Dusen K-4 with high performance. We got out and put our boats up onto the dock. It was great to see people swarm over to try out our equipment as my guys cycled through third seat in the Dusen. I absolutely LOVE to see the smiles as these folks who before a week ago had never even been in a kayak as they sprint down the course in this wonderful boat!! It makes me happy!! Everyone also got an opportunity to SUP, paddle Dragon Boat, anything they wanted. It was really a good day.
At some point, my students realized they they still had to paddle back to the club. Haha. I think I heard some groans, but as we made our way back to the club, past the beach and the rowing docks, I could hear people talking through their smiles. I knew that as we put up the equipment, people would lament the fact that the class was over, they would ask me how they could join, and I was pretty sure that Gary was completely hooked and would want to join the Masters' program.
I was right.
See you out there!!
TKM
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Life can be a bear sometimes. Balance is key. I think I've got mine back.
WOW.
As I look back over the last 6 to 8 months, I see why I'm carrying a little extra belly fat nowadays. If I didn't believe that whole stress/belly fat thing before, I sure do now!
But, I digress.
The issues I've had recently with my son and his bouts with anxiety and depression have made me look at myself again. Of course I have the same problems! I've come to an understanding that my time on the water is like therapy. I've read that you can control these issues with diet and exercise, and if I made a graph of my stress levels when I'm paddling regularly vs when I'm not, I know the stress factor would be way down.
Lightbulb moment!!
The Adult Learn to Kayak class has started for this season. I love seeing the cross section of society that signs up for the class. The first session there was a young married couple who just wanted to work on their general paddling technique for the coming season. They had no interest in sprint, which is what we generally do, and just wanted to paddle around the lake and look at the wildlife. For me this is awesome. I'm getting paid to paddle around, talk to nice people, and watch birds fish? Yes, please! They were so grateful for my taking them on as students. Haha...they have no idea that they're doing me the favor!
The club has started scheduling the class in 2 3-hour blocks this year. Saturday was the first time I've done 3 hours straight on the water with students. I was a little concerned because three hours can be a long time out there, especially when the sun is high and the bass boats are out in full strength. But it was great! I had 6 students this time around, and they're great. We started out in the rec boats for a couple of km's and then I brought them back for trainer time. The trainers are the basic level sprint boats. Wide across the hull, with a generous cockpit. Generous enough for middle age bodies, lol. Four of my folks tried them, and I think we had one flip. It was great! I think they each plan to paddle them when we take our "long paddle" during the next class.
Once we finished up with the trainers, we got out the SUP boards. This is new for Lanier Canoe and Kayak. I'm glad they've finally gotten involved with this. It really is the wave of the future, and we need to have a SUP club in the building. I've actually started doing this myself. It's fun!! All of my students tried it and loved it. Definitely going to be a little more of that.
You know, as I look back across what I've written, it looks rather disjointed and fragmented. But I think it represents how they past months have been for me. I've learned I'm at my best when I'm on the water, and that I truly am happy and blessed to have the opportunity to introduce others to something which has been life changing for me.
I can't wait to see what the summer brings.
TKM
As I look back over the last 6 to 8 months, I see why I'm carrying a little extra belly fat nowadays. If I didn't believe that whole stress/belly fat thing before, I sure do now!
But, I digress.
The issues I've had recently with my son and his bouts with anxiety and depression have made me look at myself again. Of course I have the same problems! I've come to an understanding that my time on the water is like therapy. I've read that you can control these issues with diet and exercise, and if I made a graph of my stress levels when I'm paddling regularly vs when I'm not, I know the stress factor would be way down.
Lightbulb moment!!
The Adult Learn to Kayak class has started for this season. I love seeing the cross section of society that signs up for the class. The first session there was a young married couple who just wanted to work on their general paddling technique for the coming season. They had no interest in sprint, which is what we generally do, and just wanted to paddle around the lake and look at the wildlife. For me this is awesome. I'm getting paid to paddle around, talk to nice people, and watch birds fish? Yes, please! They were so grateful for my taking them on as students. Haha...they have no idea that they're doing me the favor!
The club has started scheduling the class in 2 3-hour blocks this year. Saturday was the first time I've done 3 hours straight on the water with students. I was a little concerned because three hours can be a long time out there, especially when the sun is high and the bass boats are out in full strength. But it was great! I had 6 students this time around, and they're great. We started out in the rec boats for a couple of km's and then I brought them back for trainer time. The trainers are the basic level sprint boats. Wide across the hull, with a generous cockpit. Generous enough for middle age bodies, lol. Four of my folks tried them, and I think we had one flip. It was great! I think they each plan to paddle them when we take our "long paddle" during the next class.
Once we finished up with the trainers, we got out the SUP boards. This is new for Lanier Canoe and Kayak. I'm glad they've finally gotten involved with this. It really is the wave of the future, and we need to have a SUP club in the building. I've actually started doing this myself. It's fun!! All of my students tried it and loved it. Definitely going to be a little more of that.
You know, as I look back across what I've written, it looks rather disjointed and fragmented. But I think it represents how they past months have been for me. I've learned I'm at my best when I'm on the water, and that I truly am happy and blessed to have the opportunity to introduce others to something which has been life changing for me.
I can't wait to see what the summer brings.
TKM
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
I think I smell spring!
Wow, is it just me, or was this the longest winter ever?
Since I moved down here to "the South," I have realized how easy it is to get acclimated to the warmer weather here in Georgia. I've often thought that if life's path were to lead me away, that I might end up right smack in the center of Pennsylvania, where I spent so many happy days as a youth.
After spending a weekend there in February enduring wind chills of less than 0, I am happy to report that I have revisited that decision. I love warm! And I love the fact that my lake doesn't freeze, and that I don't need to own a winter coat, and that it will be truly spring here as the North hopes to dodge snow for the rest of the season.
That said, spring is not coming one moment soon for this girl. I have to say, that between work, and issues in my own life, this winter was one of the toughest seasons of my life. I cried a lot over the past few months. The fact that it's March tells me that I've made it through this brutal combination of trying times and S.A.D.(seasonal affective disorder...)
So, hello spring! Hello paddling weather!! It's supposed to be nearly 70 degrees this weekend. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to it all this year. An off season of karate has really made my upper body much leaner and stronger. Now to address that stupid belly fat. Let's face it...nobody wants to see that! But, I'm a typical woman of my age, and therefore, there it is. Lol. Did I mention I was under a little bit of stress?
Got many great things to look forward to this year on the water. Lots of senior citizens going to be out there for the first time in many years. The club has a big stack of sup boards, too. I'm looking forward to becoming a pro on one of those. And I'd love to bring sup yoga to the club.
I was at a business meeting recently, and as is often the case here in the South, prayer was included by one of the speakers. I felt like it spoke to me, so I'm going to share:
Prayer for Understanding
May I come to understand
That blessings are everywhere,
That my attitude will effect outcomes,
That challenges are often gifts in disguise.
May I come to Trust
That most things get better with time,
That my instincts and gut feelings have value,
That a positive attitude makes things go smoothly.
May I come to See
That I have many skills and talents I can use,
That I am a positive influence on many people,
That there are those around me who wish me well.
May I come to Value
That today is a blessing to be enjoyed,
That each person is unique and important,
That each moment of my life has meaning.
_______________________________
Take what you will from this, and go from there.
See you on the water.
TKM
Since I moved down here to "the South," I have realized how easy it is to get acclimated to the warmer weather here in Georgia. I've often thought that if life's path were to lead me away, that I might end up right smack in the center of Pennsylvania, where I spent so many happy days as a youth.
After spending a weekend there in February enduring wind chills of less than 0, I am happy to report that I have revisited that decision. I love warm! And I love the fact that my lake doesn't freeze, and that I don't need to own a winter coat, and that it will be truly spring here as the North hopes to dodge snow for the rest of the season.
That said, spring is not coming one moment soon for this girl. I have to say, that between work, and issues in my own life, this winter was one of the toughest seasons of my life. I cried a lot over the past few months. The fact that it's March tells me that I've made it through this brutal combination of trying times and S.A.D.(seasonal affective disorder...)
So, hello spring! Hello paddling weather!! It's supposed to be nearly 70 degrees this weekend. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to it all this year. An off season of karate has really made my upper body much leaner and stronger. Now to address that stupid belly fat. Let's face it...nobody wants to see that! But, I'm a typical woman of my age, and therefore, there it is. Lol. Did I mention I was under a little bit of stress?
Got many great things to look forward to this year on the water. Lots of senior citizens going to be out there for the first time in many years. The club has a big stack of sup boards, too. I'm looking forward to becoming a pro on one of those. And I'd love to bring sup yoga to the club.
I was at a business meeting recently, and as is often the case here in the South, prayer was included by one of the speakers. I felt like it spoke to me, so I'm going to share:
Prayer for Understanding
May I come to understand
That blessings are everywhere,
That my attitude will effect outcomes,
That challenges are often gifts in disguise.
May I come to Trust
That most things get better with time,
That my instincts and gut feelings have value,
That a positive attitude makes things go smoothly.
May I come to See
That I have many skills and talents I can use,
That I am a positive influence on many people,
That there are those around me who wish me well.
May I come to Value
That today is a blessing to be enjoyed,
That each person is unique and important,
That each moment of my life has meaning.
_______________________________
Take what you will from this, and go from there.
See you on the water.
TKM
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