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My Bucket List : whitewater kayaking- checked

If you've read my profile ( "About me" page ), you've probably noticed that one of the ideas behind this blog was to create my own "Bucket List" and inspire other people to follow their dreams, goals and adventures.

It's not enough just to have a list of things to do before you "kick the bucket". You need to take actions. Also, you need to check back with your bucket list on a regular basis in case there is something that you have done that you can mark off or that you want to add.

The post " Adventure goals, dreams, plans for 2010 " was written in January. By now I've checked off my Bucket List : surfing at Westport and parasailing. Recently, I can proudly say that I've achieved another goal - whitewater kayaking.
Kayaking the Skykomish River ( Big Eddy stretch )

I've wanted to try it since the first time I went rafting three years ago.

The problem is , unlike many other outdoor activities, WW kayaking is not something you can just "jump in and go". Among many outdoor activities I've tried, I have to say that WW kayaking is one of the most challenging, and personally for me , it was ...intimidating ( and even scary).

Whitewater kayaking involves a steep, long and decidedly counterintuitive learning curve. There is a definite fear that comes along with moving downriver and you’re locked in this little plastic tub. For beginners especially, it’s hard not to panic while stuck underwater in the kayak.

I felt pretty comfortable after spending a few pool sessions, "mastering " Eskimo roll ( a technique used to recover yourself if you ever happen to capsize ). Lucky for me, I didn't use it.

Though, beginners are encouraged to take lessons, I simply couldn't afford spending $ 300 ( especially after investing $ 300 in gear ). But as you know me, I believe that if there is a will, there is a way.

That's why, I want to thank many great folks form Professor Paddle forum, who helped me achieve my dream. I couldn't believe how helpful, friendly and super "safety-oriented" those people were. I had a great first-time experience !

3 comments:

Annette Renee White said...

That looks like so much fun and I am going to have to add it to my bucket list! Good luck with your adventures.

ExtraHyperActive said...

Annette, thanks for your comment !

Just checked out your site, it's great ( Listologist ?!). Awesome!

Skydiving Naked video just killed me :)
I had a post about that ( did you know that there is actually a pretty big following of this particular activity?), but in my post the video was...you know...

Good for Sebastian ! ( not so good for the guy behind him:))

Unknown said...

Great List!

Here is a great place to create, manage and share your bucket list. You can also get some interesting ideas to put on your bucket list from others.

Check it out.

http://www.sharebuckets.com