8 lessons Kayaking taught me
After I was convinced they were not fraud, I made my payment and did other enquiries on what to expect. Remember, you don't go into adventure unprepared, you need to plan ahead and equip yourself for possible risks and other things it entails.
Do you know that a day to the Kayaking experience, I could hardly sleep? I was awake all through the night. Okay, I was fixed for the first batch quite early in the morning. So I didn't want to lose my slot knowing that I was coming from a distance. Besides, my dopamine level has increased and the excitement kept me up all night. It was not that difficult locating the venue, I got into the company of another lady, Felicia who coincidentally was headed the same destination.
Finally, the hour came for the kayaking experience. Maybe I should have been more attentive to the instructor but I was eager to get afloat in the kayaking boat. I could hardly go past a mile before returning ashore because of fear of drowning...pheew!
These are lessons I picked from this experience I would definitely give another shot:
1. Learn the basics
To do well in any examination goes beyond answering the questions correctly. You need to follow instructions. As I mentioned earlier, I was not so attentive to the instructor. Or maybe he was too fast and impatient. While kayaking, I was struggling to maintain balance. It was a scary experience. You needed to see the way I was shouting "Mummy!" "Mummy oo" but she was not there to save me.
2. Know how deep the water is
Another thing that increased my fear was I didn't know how deep the water was. So there were many things running through my mind. Probably, if I knew how deep the water was, that would have made me more comfortable in the water expedition.
3. Calculate the risk
Before venturing on the adventure, I had to calculate possible risks which included drowning and other accidents. I had to clarify these with the organisers and instructor to know if I would be safe in case of such eventualities if they happened. Thankfully, the lifejacket was part of the safety measures and there was a standby rescue team so all fear was dispelled.
4. Move with a team
It was assuring moving in groups. I figured I could not have made any effort or gone far if I were not in the company of other kayakers. It is better to do life with people than go solo. In adventures, it is fun when you are in the company of other people on the same mission. They become your energisers and support systems.
5. It is better to try than not try at all
So at all, at all.....na e bad pass. I know I didn't go a distance like other kayakers in my team but at least I made an effort. I overcame my fear of water as per drowning and still gave kayaking my best shot. Somehow the waves were always carrying me to the luxurious yacht packed by the corner. I had to ask the Lord if this is a sign of better things ahead....LOL
6. Never give up
After several failed attempts, I could have recoiled to a corner and allowed the situation to kill my excitement. But I didn't. Instead, I decided to be a cheerleader. I was cheering other kayakers as they made their journey to and fro. It was a brave move and that was worth celebrating. I could not go as far as they went but I turned to their biggest fan so the essence was not defeated.
7. Learn how to swim
I don't think it is enough to depend on the rescue team in case of mishaps. My surest bet would have been to be good at swimming. That way I don't really depend on people for my safety. I become rest assured that I got this. When taking risks, you should have some form of insurance first from the one you give yourself. For me, that would have been in being a badass swimmer.
8. The God factor
This can not be overlooked. No matter how good a Kayaker is, it takes the grace of God to go for such adventures to return unharmed and full of life. Before undertaking anything, we should always bring God into the equation, then we are rest assured that HE has got our backs!
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