As Springtime  approaches, I am especially looking forward to paddling with our beginning  paddlers that have joined HCKC!

We have all been through the challenges of being the beginning paddler…… trying to learn new skills, figuring out the new equipment we need, wondering how to get our new vessel from the garage to the water’s edge and especially wanting to fit in with a new group of experienced paddlers.

My anxieties were many:

• ·       What if I capsize? How embarrassing!
• ·       What if I have the wrong equipment? Hold the paddle upside-down? Show up in the wrong clothes?
• ·       What if I’m too slow and I hold up the whole group?
• ·       I’m not too graceful getting in and out of my kayak. What if I fall in the water?
• ·       What if these people don’t want to paddle with me?

The reality is that some of those things happened. But, other things happened, too.

I made new friends and found like-minded people to paddle with. I participated in local training, learning new skills and becoming more efficient and confident. I found wonderful mentors that were kind and helpful. I have been on new paddling adventures that had only been in my dreams. I found a paddling community that is passionate about safety, helping each other and having fun on the water………Thank you,  HCKC!

Linda Decker