Yay, the warm weather is here and kayaking can begin. I love kayaking more than anything. Well, maybe not more than Peeps. We went out kayaking on Memorial Day. It was sunny and the temperature was a perfect 70 degrees. Ah yes, but the wind was pretty fierce. Picture paddling like mad, only you’re moving backwards. Mmm, not so much fun. But, me being me, got to thinking how I could use this in a blog post. I had to do something to take my mind off the hard work!
So here’s how paddling into the wind is like life and business:
* Sometime you just have to push through, no matter how hard or uncomfortable it is. After we were paddling for a while, the wind died down and I felt great. I could feel those endorphins and I felt so accomplished and strong. All those 4 am workouts are paying off.
* You have to know when to stop and re-focus. We thought we’d go another few miles up the river, if the wind was still very strong, we were going to turn around since kayaking is supposed to be fun, not a chore. It turned out we didn’t have to turn around early since the wind died down.
* How badly do you want it? I love being out on my kayak and short of a thunder storm, I’m willing to go out in all kinds of weather. I really, really wanted to kayak on that day. It is so good for my body, mind and spirit.
* Hard work pays off in the end. One might say that I am very concerned, er obsessed, with my food intake. After paddling hard for 2.5 hours, I can pretty much eat what I want afterwards, knowing that I’ve burned off the calories. I love chicken parmesan sandwiches from our local deli. These are a special treat for me and I wouldn’t go near them if I were just sitting at home doing nothing.
So have you been kayaking into the wind lately? If so, what have you learned?
Photo is courtesy of Go Kayak Now.
Nancy Loderick's Blog 
countingducks
June 5, 2013
It looks risky, but I really want to do some myself. I did as a kid
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Nancy Loderick
June 5, 2013
Hi,
Ocean kayaking can be quite challenging. I prefer to do my kayaking on quiet ponds or meandering rivers, so it’s not too risky.
Nancy
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Ken Loderick
June 5, 2013
As your kayaking partner, I like the part about eating what you want afterwards. Yes, the harder you paddle the more I can eat! Sounds like a plan to me! 🙂
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Nancy Loderick
June 5, 2013
Hi Mr. Ken,
I think you have this whole food thing down pat. Every time we’re out on the water and I ask you what kind of zen are you feeling, you answer, “chicken parm zen.” 🙂
Nancy
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Tanumoy Biswas
June 5, 2013
I really wanna do this! 🙂
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Nancy Loderick
June 6, 2013
So Tanumoy,
What’s stopping you 🙂 I say go for it!
Nancy
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Tanumoy Biswas
June 7, 2013
I will, I will! 🙂
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Nancy Loderick
June 7, 2013
Tanumoy,
Good for you. Please let me know how you like kayaking. 🙂
Nancy
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Tanumoy Biswas
June 7, 2013
Oh yes, absolutely! 🙂
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Richard V Frankland
June 6, 2013
I like your analogue.
One gets a similar feeling of satisfaction onboard a yacht beating to windward in windy conditions. The sense of achievement in making the harbour or rounding the point is immence. Anything to do with wind and water has such a deep spiritual association that gives me, at any rate, that wonderful feeling of being at one with nature.
There are limits to ambition however, and like your kayak experience, the skipper of a yacht has to know when the conditions require him to turn and run before the wind; their consideration driven by the strength of the crew and the structural integrity of the vessel. There, for the wise, is always another day to make the voyage and win the that satisfying reward of a secure harbour. Never give up trying, one day the wind and tide will work in your favour.
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Nancy Loderick
June 6, 2013
Hi Richard,
Thanks for that great analogy. I love how you word the limits to ambition.
Happy sailing, or should I say happy yachting 🙂
Nancy
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