It's been a lifelong dream of mine to own a kayak. I remember going to demo days when I was in my 20's, seeking out the perfect boat.
Now, when I say I'm taking the plunge, I wish I could say that I'm actually going to buy a kayak, but that's not the case. Instead, I'm going to tackle one of the hurdles that prevents me from enjoying the sport.
I can't swim.
I can float (kinda), and splash around well enough, but if I actually needed to travel any distance on my own in water, well... it wouldn't happen. Especially if there were currents involved. Up to this point, I've compensated for this disability by always kayaking with someone, who (I assume) could help me if things went bad.
But now that I actually have the time and funds to do some kayaking, I don't have anyone who's available to go with me. Although solo kayaking isn't the safest, I am tired of waiting for all conditions to be perfect before getting involved. So... I'm signing up for private swimming lessons in the hopes that I will gain the confidence for some easy solo lake trips.
The last swim lessons I had (over 30 years ago) were not terribly successful; in fact, I seem to remember the instructor telling my mother something to the effect of "not everyone can get comfortable in the water and be a successful swimmer..." but I will not let this affect my determination to try. I am not coordinated, I am not athletic, but I am not going to be a quitter. The end result may not be pretty, but I will learn to swim. I just hope, for the sake of my wallet, that it only takes one 8 session block of lessons.
9/9 update: I did it! Starting on the 28th, I'll be taking lessons.
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