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And today it was kayaking. A water based sport. Something I thought I would never do. I love water but cannot swim to save myself – or so I thought. I have been trying to find a sporting club of some sort – but nothing really stood out to me. I did try dragon boats last year – it seemed like a good idea and I love the look of them. I went down to a practice session (I think that’s what it was) and found myself with about a dozen other people, some newbies like me, others knew what they were doing. Out we went in this boat – 12 of us and that, for a start, did not really suit me. Obviously I had not given it much thought. I really wanted something where I could go out by myself or perhaps with one other person. But not 12! My husband rows but that did not suit me either. 

Then one day, on my way home, I looked at the river as we drove over it – and there, just heading north, was a lone kayake paddler. And THAT looked like fun. So once I got home, I started looking into it.

To join my nearest club (or any kayaking club I suppose) you do need to go through two inductions – the first one is dry and that’s where you are shown over the club house and all their amenities etc. The second induction – the wet one – is somewhat more of a challenge. It was described to me: I would be going out in a boat, paddling myself, capsizing it and getting out of that, then swimming a bit of a distance. If you get through all that without drowning or giving up or whatever and you enjoy it, you’re in. You’re a member. 

Now, please bear in mind that I cannot swim. Not for anything. And I was envisaging that I would simply be asked to swim back to shore after capsizing the boat. No. Wrong. Once I had recovered after that capsizing, we took the boat back to the shed – then the lady pointed to a white buoy – which seemed to be at least half way across the river. AAAGGGHHH! I had to swim out to that, then turn and swim back again. Oh. Yup. Ok. HEEEELP. I very nearly pulled out there and then but then realized that I really did want to do this so at I should at least try. And I did. I cannot use overarm to save myself, so between breaststroke and side stroke and a few others I invented along the way, I got out there. And back. It seemed to take forever but I don’t think it was long at all, really. 

I was pretty chuffed by the time I’d reached the shallow water again and was told I had passed. Then I discovered all the rocks that were covered by water and you couldn’t see. Wow. How in the heck I didn’t seriously hurt myself is beyond me. I stumbled and started tripping and generally ripped my feet to pieces. But I didn’t fall. I was able to keep myself upright and got away from the rocks. The next challenge – to get back up onto the platform. Hmmm. HOW? I asked someone and I was told to just launch myself. Yea. Right. Nup. That won’t work. In bygone days I would not have had a problem, but the body isn’t quite so willing these days and I seriously wondered what in the heck I would do. I looked at the beach and decided that I would go the few extra steps and back to the platform once I was out of the water. Then I saw that another lady, nearer to my age, had moved forward and was offering me both her hands. So I grabbed them and out I came! Thank goodness for her. 

So – I was in. I had passed. No more tests to do. I had a shower and changed there, washed my feet, was given my fob key and off I went to my car. I felt great. But my tootsies were a tad sore – and still are. I washed them again when I got home and smothered them in Savlon. And I am doing this twice a day at the moment and am still finding more cuts and grazes – so more Savlon. They are gradually getting over themselves.

One of my closest friends here wants to join too, but hasn’t been able to do either of her inductions. I have said I will go with her when she does them and once all is said and done, I reckon we’ll have a darned good time paddling out there. I plan to go for a paddle twice a week if I can and go to the gym three or four times. Surely, with all this, I should start getting fit sooner or later. 

Well, I live in hope.

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