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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August 3, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Roddy McDowell
A kayaking pal was talking with enthusiasm about your site so I had a look and realised that I lived across the water from you – on Bute. Thought that your thoughts on the journey re the importance of perseverance and reaching a “mindful’ state were very thought provoking. Thanks.
Roddy
August 4, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Anonymous
Hello Pam
Greetings from the Dorset Coast
I stumbled onto your site whilst looking for sea kayak reviews. Although I have been paddling for a long time, this was mainly on my own design of SOT; a composite sea kayak turned into a SOT many years ago so that I could get out into the wild and follow another passion of free diving and get close to wildlife such as seals and dolphins. This year, I made a decision to get into sit in sea kayaks so that I would not be seen a freak when I go on group sea kayak trips. So despite my experience, I am learning all over again from a different perspective.
I also share your views on mindfulness. I actually earn a living teaching a very old form of Tai Chi. Like you; I see a universal link in Sea Kayaking (and also free diving). Many free divers now study yoga breathing.
By the way, I went for a Quest LV. It has so far been a boat to grow with, but I am enjoying the challenge.
You mention your diagnosis with multiple sclerosis. I suffered a condition that gradually over a period of 5 years left me almost unable to walk. They still do not know what it is/was or what caused it. Having been very fit all my life, I found this extremely difficult. I was always determined to keep going no matter what. I did need medical help, but I believe that my gradual improvement to the point where I can almost do everything now without pain is down to my own mental strength and positive belief.
I wish you well in your endeavours. Stay positive and use each challenge to grow stronger.
Best Wishes
Ian
August 5, 2010 at 8:02 pm
pamf
Hello Roddy and Ian – Many thanks for your kind comments.
Roddy – I’ve replied to you via email.
Ian – very interesting to hear of your paddling “evolution”, and of your Tai Chi teaching. I’m also encouraged to hear of the progress you have made with your illness. For me, MS is such a vague condition, I sometimes wonder if every case is really the same thing, or if the variations in severity, progression, symptoms etc might not suggest differing disorders. Anyway, indeed I do plan to stay positive! As my yoga teacher said, if you feel well, you are well. I hope you stay well and grow stronger too. Enjoy paddling your Quest LV. And I am quite fascinated by your free diving! That always looks so beautiful when I see it on TV. You should start a blog!