The last time I kayaked in the ocean, it didn’t end well. Â It was almost 1 year ago, and I tanked while heading over the first set of waves. Â I was tossed (twisting my back), and then hit by the kayak (providing a lovely black eye). Â Needless to say, I didn’t go back out again for the rest of the season.
Bay kayaking is more of a controlled environment. Â Calm water and the safety net of nearby docks.
For 2013, my plan was to make sure I had enough arm strength and confidence from bay kayaking before facing the ocean again.
And today was the day. Â A quiet morning, low tide, no wind…all the right conditions.
As I rolled the kayak onto the beach, there was a fisherman at the water’s edge. Â Oh good…a lifeguard! Â Apparently, he did not understand his responsibilities because he left soon after I launched. Â Oh well, the drivers of the beach tractors were my back up.
So, I successfully paddled over the waves and out to the calm water.  Watched a beautiful sunrise…and conquered my fear.  Only disappointment?  No dolphins (my main motivation for ocean kayaking).  Will have to try again soon  🙂
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2 responses to “Conquering Fear”
We have tried ocean kayaking twice and both times toppled over by a wave coming in to the beach. Have to learn how navigate the waves!
It’s hard! I wait for the waves to calm before riding in. And sometimes, I jump out before I’m all the way in to avoid a crash!