[Paddlewise] Conquering Kayakers

Hello Paddle Wisers,

This is a response to the Conquering Kayakers thread.

In  1995 and 1996 I crossed the Great Lakes on solo 
crossings, I am the first to say that I did not conquer 
any of the lakes or nature at all. My approach to the 
crossings was to make them as easy as possible with 
training, equipment, and waiting for the best weather I 
could get. It was rather a way to challenge myself, to 
see what I was capable of. I remember a gentleman in 
Cobourg, Ontario saying the following after he learned 
that I had crossed the lake "You must feel like your on 
top of the world". I replied that I did not feel that 
way. For me it was like completing a project and when it 
was done I look ahead to the next project.

All of that changed when I launched on the Superior 
crossing, surprisingly that crossing evolved into a 
spiritual journey for me. When the final crossing was 
over I once again did not feel great I just focused on 
the next project in my life. But I will forever treasure 
the gifts I received during that crossing, they being 
the memories that are etched forever in my mind. 

Good Paddling,

Don Dimond	
Owner of Superior Visions Sea Kayaking School
Board Member of Twin Cities Sea Kayaking Association
Director of Midwest Alliance of Sea Kayaking Educators	
			
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