Sea, Land and Sky – a lone paddler contemplates his place amongst the elements
I’m often reminded of how paddling defines, and is defined by, the nature of the individual paddler. People take on kayaking or other past times with a goal in mind – perhaps a return to the natural world, or a personal fitness goal, or even as a social connection to others. Like any pastime, it has plenty of positive enthusiastic people and a few knockers as well, who all come together to form the whole of it.
Even at an individual level you may find yourself crossing the line between positivity and darkness. I find kayaking both meditative and cleansing, washing away the stresses of corporate life and family. Yet on occasion life still gets me down and I too can be drawn into the negatives and politics of paddling. Such a thing happened this week.
It’s the first time I’ve allowed myself to be drawn into such negativity for well over a year, but it did reconfirm to me what I value from the sport of paddling. For me it is the personal release from the pressures of life, a way to immerse myself in my environment, a shared activity with friends, and a way to exercise that is possible for someone with my significant injuries. I am surrounded by friends who are positive well-rounded people who understand the pressures of corporate life and bringing up children and who embrace the small windows of opportunity we get for our paddling passions. Our paddling is about joy, happiness and balance – if that’s not for you, then perhaps you’re reading the wrong blog.
This week’s video is simple, joyous paddling. I was with a friend (a relative beginner to paddling) showing them one of my favourite paddle spots. There’s no crazy footage, no incredible skill sets, no chest-beating shenanigans. Just me finding peace and happiness with a paddle in hand. And not a dashboard camera in sight. Cheers, FP
Hey fat paddling dude,
I’m glad to find that I’m not alone! The politics can be absolutely draining… but, like you, I find the ocean a veritable haven of peace and stress relief.
Hang in there and keep paddling!
Rob
Looks like fun! Do you have two cameras back to back, or do you rotate one to capture the fore & aft scenes sequentially?
@Rob Cheers bro, and nice site you got there. 🙂
@Chuck Just one camera, but because the Remix is such a short boat the mount is easily within reach. I can turn the camera around quite easily.
Politics are for politicians… Keep paddling!!!
Mate,
Nothing focuses the mind like being on the water be it still,surf or white water(well,perhaps packing down in a scrum). Its a window of opportunity too escape, dream and play and to get away from the trials and tribulations of our hectic day to day lives.
I am about to retire for the second time and can not wait to be on the water again.
Ron
Sean – you are always an inspiration (and a very sweet and funny guy, to boot). Keep on paddling, and let the small stuff get washed away. 🙂
Thanks Casey. 🙂
Sean, Have a good paddle over the weekend. Where ever you decide to go and in what ever craft and paddle you take, whether it be still water, rough water, rock gardens etc …. have fun and then enjoy the sasuages,bacon and eggs. I certainly do ever weekend and one day I may see you out there by Grotto Point and you can show me the wonders of the (Gelo)cliffs and rebound.
Sean, Your blog takes a mostly lighthearted and non-elitist look at paddling as you recount your various exploits with a good dash of humour. So what’s not to like ? Plus I think your blog does a lot of good in promoting kayaking and paddlesports. Besides you paddle regularly and you’ve done 3 Hawkesbury marathons which is 3 more than I’ve done. So good on you and don’t worry so much. It’s your blog so you get to say whatever you like. Paddle on dude !