Week 20: joining group paddles

Kayaking is nothing new to me; I’ve been paddling for a few years now. The good side of kayaking is that it’s a solitary recreational sport. The downside to kayaking is that it’s a solitary recreational sport. I’ve always pretty much paddled alone out on the water which is nice but sometimes it gets a little lonely. I always thought it would be nice to have a group to connect with from time to time. When I bought my kayak a few years ago, I was interested in joining the Philadelphia Canoe Club. Unfortunately the timing never seemed right. As a single mom it was hard to find coverage for the kids and I felt guilty indulging myself for hours at a time away from them. I feel so blessed to be in this new season of my life. The kids are getting older and I’m remarried. I see how much Breen loves his triathlon life and I knew it was time for me to indulge in a few hours here and there doing something that I love to do. As a woman, I’ve spent so much time taking care of everyone else for such a long time. I love doing that but I also have to honor my needs. So this week, after 3 years on the fence, I contacted the canoe club and found out that they were having a local paddle on Saturday from 9:30 to 12:30.

I arrived at the canoe club yesterday morning at around 9:15. Breen followed me over to help me with my kayak (it’s 50 pounds of dead weight). Thank God he agreed to follow me there because when I pulled out my camera to document my first real group paddle experience the batteries died. Breen pulled out his cell phone and snapped a few shots for the posting here today. Our group consisted of about 10 kayakers. At least half of us were there at the club for the first time. We had a great time out there talking and getting to know one another. It was a leisurely paddle on the Schuylkill River. The club house is situated in a 400 year old mill on the banks of the river. I have kayaked on this river before while Breen did open swims. Alone or with a group, I am always in awe of the juxtaposition of sitting in serene water while the trucks and cars and trains go by all around the city.

It’s a little bit of a process to become a member. You have to get the recommendation of three members. It usually takes about a year of paddling with them on their trips, attending meetings and helping with their cleaning up days. Every Thursday night the club meets for a 6pm paddle after work followed by a potluck dinner on the deck. I was invited to attend this coming week but I’ve got my son’s middle school graduation to attend. I’m going to go the next Thursday available. I’m so glad I took the time to treat myself to such a fun Saturday morning adventure. The good news is that you don’t have to be a member to paddle with them but it does have a few perks if you join. I’m going to continue to kayak with this club as often as I can and I’m excited to become part of a community of kayakers.





What did you do this week?