About

I am Scottish and live “across the water” on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll. In 2007, after many years of hillwalking, cycling and running, I took up sea kayaking – and I haven’t looked back. I am enthused and inspired by this activity – it contains everything I love about outdoor pursuits: physical challenge, peace, nature, scenery, new things to learn, new places to go, new people to meet, adrenaline (if you want it) and on and on.

I am writing this blog from the perspective of one who is learning sea kayaking from scratch. Despite having lived close to the sea for most of my life, I had no previous direct experience of it other than sailing as a passenger. I certainly had no credentials in hanging upside down from a small boat and have frequently found myself well out of my comfort zone as a result. But this is no bad thing. I also subscribe to the concept of mindfulness, and I am finding plenty of opportunity to apply it to my sea kayaking practice. It is definitely an enlightening experience.

Paddling off Pabaigh, Lewis

It is my hope that someone out there who is also learning (or contemplating) sea kayaking might view some of my findings as useful, or at the very least might take comfort in the knowledge that not everyone is necessarily or immediately a “natural”. I am discovering that perseverance is essential.

To keep things interesting (hopefully) – I will include some other tenuously related topics that preoccupy me. On that note, in June 2009, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, adding an unexpected new dimension to my voyage in kayaking and in life.

There is much to learn and practice. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you.

Pam

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