Other Ways

david · Post by **david** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 1:26 pm

Just came across a beautiful description of the "Way" of seakayaking by Derek Hutchinson, a British kayaker whom many consider one of the pioneers of western kayaking. Though not all will share the passion, I think the words can be related to whatever "Way" you choose or are involved in.

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The sea provides the unfamiliar, the unworn and the unexpected. Sea kayaking gives a person the opportunity to venture on to a wild, unpredictable expanse in a craft that moves solely by the strength of their arm [whole body, actually], directed by their experience and knowledge. Facing the challenge of the sea in this way causes a paddler to journey into the genuine unknown - the unknown and untried areas of his own soul. The sea kayaker depends on neither the wind nor engine; he shares his craft and responsibility with no one.

[In rough conditions…] the strength of the wind and the height of the waves and swell are sometime such that a rescue, other than an eskimo roll, would be impossible. You are then aware of the presence of others only when they appear on a wave crest coinciding your own upward rise. Communication is therefore non-existent; each man paddles his own lonely trip with his own thoughts, hopes and fears. He pushes himself to his limit; facing a personal test far beyond anything that could be devised on paper. That is why, when people say that sea kayaking is non-competitive, I feel obliged to point out that it is competitive in the broadest sense of the word. The dedicated paddler aims not so much to win prizes and cups as to improve his last performance or, taking up the challenge of some difficult crossing, or trip, to seek new ways to prove his own capabilities, skills, endurance and courage.

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Derek C. Hutchinson -- Introduction to his book, The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, fourth edition.

david

[This message has been edited by david (edited January 10, 2002).]

Bill Glasheen · Post by **Bill Glasheen** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 2:32 pm

david
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Yeah, I still have a vision once in awhile of biking down an open road... sun and scenery in the horizon, wind running through my hair...

What, you envision riding naked???

- Bill

david · Post by **david** » Thu Jan 10, 2002 10:18 pm

Just goes to show how one person's fantasy can be another's nightmare.

Vladimir · Post by **Vladimir** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 2:29 pm

Yes, Skiing!!! I love it! Fresh air, snow and speed. Just got a new pair of Rossie's, tried them out during the Christmas vacation, too bad there was no real snow. It was kind of icy. But that's the beauty of having new skis - they cut right into the ice. Felt very stable on them.

Also, something new I tried two years ago and loved it - Whitewater rafting. Oh, what a rush! If you haven't tried it - I highly recommend.

Regards,
Vladimir.

LeeDarrow · Post by **LeeDarrow** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 6:55 pm

While it's not a speed thing, scuba diving.

This is the closest to actual flying that I have done since I gave up skydiving after a series of near-accidents (one chute failure, one missed drop zone due to pilot error causing me to land IN an outhouse).

There is a little island in the Caribbean called Turks & Caicos where I have done show work for the Beaches Resort there. 1/4 mile stroll down a beautiful beach, swim out about 10 feet from shore and you are over one of the world's most glorious dive spots.

On the other side of the island is an even BETTER site, rated #3 in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Austrailia and a site in Hawaii.

Add to that the facilities, Beaches is owned by the Sandals Resorts people, but is for FAMILIES and has a great set up for everyone and is all-inclusive.

But enough commercial. Go.

Dive.

Enjoy.

Lee Darrow, C.Ht.