Today was our maiden voyage on our new kayaks. We’ve been going back and forth trying to figure out what sort of boat to get. Last night we stopped at a local shop and learned a lot from the store manager. Our first thought was to get a canoe so we could always be together. That made sense based on our experience with the tandem bicycle.
Of course, there is a difference between a tandem bike and a two person boa. On the tandem bike the captain gets to steer, shift and stop either be deciding for himself or being told to do so. If one person gets tired, the other can work harder to pedal and keep things going. A tandem allows you both to get the amount of workout you choose. On a boat, both are in control and communication is even more essential. If you don’t communicate and work together you’ll end up going in circles or hitting each other with paddles (unintentionally or maybe even intentionally). If one gets tired, the other needs to work a lot harder to get keep things on track.
We opted for the set of single kayaks. That allows us to drift along together and be “in charge” of our own floating destiny. I think it was the right choice.
So, you want to hear about the trip. . .It was short and sweet. We drove just a couple miles to a little nearby pond, unloaded the kayaks and hopped in the water. It was very pleasant with nice calm waters. There were a couple other boats around with some people doing some bass fishing. You know that is on our list to do soon too — from the kayaks of course!
Anyway, we went around the whole little pond in a two hour tour. Deanna led the way most of the time as I sat back and tried to figure out how to go straight. She seemed to glide effortlessly while I wrestled my ship in a zig zag pattern. Oh well, I’ll practice and figure out that part.All the zigin and zagging aside I had a blast. We checked out most of the shore line and saw several turtles. Deanna LOVES turtles so I think she enjoyed that. She also enjoyed beating me in our first official race.
Next time we go out, we’ll try to remember the camera (and find a way to waterproof it). The only picture we have now is with the car loaded up.
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