I am really enjoying the bright sunny weather we are having at the moment. How stunning Ireland looks in the sun. However, no rain means that water levels are low at the moment. This means that we have to be a little more imaginative when it comes to kayaking locations. On Sunday I decided to try a static trip at a small feature in Laragh. It turned out to be one of the best sessions I have done in a while (if I do say so myself!!!). We used a small but powerful jet of water and 2 eddys to practice edging, ferry gliding, forward paddling, trunk rotation, flat spins, s moves, reverse ferry gliding, break outs and break ins. Everyone in the group improved hugely during the 2 hour session. By then end of the session everyone was paddling with style and confidence. We got off the water with huge smiles. Sitting in a small clear river pool on a sunny day with a brilliant group of people who were learning and having fun really reminded me that kayaking is not all about running big rapids on high water rivers. We can learn so much every time we take the water if we are prepared to look at things differently and to appreciate what we have.
The day before I had the opportunity to work with some of the students from the UCD kayak club. I started kayaking while I was in UCD and I think my life would have turned out very differently had I not been lucky enough to join them. I joined the club by sheer chance. I happened to be walking past their stand in the college sports hall on my way to somewhere else when somebody stood out in front of me and asked me join the club. It’s funny how the seemingly insignificant events in our lives can actually turn out to be some of the most important. So don’t forget to keep your eyes open to the little things..who knows where they might take you. Thanks UCD canoe club 🙂
