|
 I don't really fit the stereotype New
- Forum: BoaterTalk
Re:  Why Women Paddle... TracyN New
Date: Jun 04 2008, 19:07 GMT
From: mcollins
 |
|
 |
|
I started paddling with an ex-boyfriend after a weekend course. He never really overcame his initial fears whilst I loved the sport immediately.I progressed quickly in my first two years and often ran things that were probably over my head. I didn't really see what the big deal was: you flipped and then you rolled up and carried on. Eventually I got my ass kicked and calmed down a bit. Even after I got to be a pretty good boater I noticed that I had to work twice as hard as the guys to get any props. It affected my confidence after a while and took away some my enjoyment in kayaking.
What I love most about kayaking is the excitement, pulling out of the eddy before a big drop knowing that it's just you. I like being the first to run a new rapid, with a line I've picked myself. The feeling when everything goes well and you just react perfectly to everything that comes at you. Or when things goes wrong but you still react well and pull it off anyway.
What is the most difficult is finding the right group to paddle with. I don't feel comfortable with the hard core guys but I still want to run challenging rivers. I'm happy boat scouting or taking verbal directions but I'm not going to drop off Gorilla blind. Luckily, there are a couple of other women I paddle with that are great paddlers and it's so much fun paddling with them and with low-key guys.
Anyway, no real points to make, just that all women are not scaredy-cats. Although, I do paddle with a number that are, guys too for that matter.
Marie
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
BoaterTalk 
