My wife Bec used to paddle in Sydney quite often until a paddling friend told her that Middle Harbour, her usual paddle spot, is a Bull Shark breeding ground. Since then, she has refused to get behind the paddle, with a fairly healthy fear of the ocean critters that inhabit Australia’s waters.
One morning during our family holiday in Avoca, Bec surprised me by asking to take my kayak out for a paddle. I honestly thought she was trying to be funny, before I realised she was serious. So with that, I rushed the family down to Avoca Lake, launched the boat, gave Bec some last minute tips, and pushed her out into the Lake.
I admittedly was a little worried. My boat is designed for big heavy loads, and she is but a little bitty thing. It is also has a moderate V hull which can be tippy for some. And with the unconventional paddle to top it off, I was expecting her to take a little swim. But instead, with rock-steady balance, she paddled out into the lake and easily steered the boat around without so much as an awkward lean.
Once she’d had enough, she then handed the boat to me for a quick burn around the lake. This is an old favourite paddle spot for me, and the place where I did my initial training when I first started paddling, so it is always nice to cruise amongst its trees and birdlife.
When I finally got back to the shore, by wife had just returned from the butcher with a couple of steaks and a few sausages for dinner. I mean, seriously, what an awsome woman?? I’m such a lucky man! Cheers – FP
She is a great woman! Now get to work in the garden!!! đŸ˜‰
Love seeing the family involved. Any chance you’ll get a sitter and she might join you again in the Harbour?
I’m guessing that will be entirely up to her! I can’t imagine she’d want to go back to the Harbour, as I put in the post she is not at all happy about sharing waterways with toothy friends. But I have suggested some more lake paddles such as Narrabeen. i also have a Mad River Canadian canoe which can take the whole family, so could always get her out in that some more too!
http://fatpaddler.com/2010/04/canoe-review-mad-river-explorer-14tt/
I love the pictures from lake Avoca. Very exotic to me!
regards
Peter
http://www.kayakr.net
Hey Mrs FP…..you look great with that Adanac paddle in your hands. You can whack those nasty sharks if they get too close with it also. You can get an Adanac Rock Garden paddle set made to fit….Christmas is coming LOL