Re: [Paddlewise] Looking back (and forward)

Ralph said:


Having come to sea kayaking later in life (age 48 or 49), I often look
back to places that I had been to in pre-paddling days and tried to
image what it would be like to kayak in them.  (snip)
If you could re-visit some of your pre-paddling haunts again, only this time
with a kayak, which would they be and why?(snip)

As usual, Ralph's question is insightful and thoughtprovoking. I guess I was
lucky enough to start kayaking earlier in life, and for many of the same
reasons mentioned. Because I'm in the Navy, I get paid to visit some of the
best paddling and diving spots in the world, which is neat. It's one of the
reasons that I finally scraped together enough to get a used K-light so now
I'm not dependent upon local shops and rentals. In this regard, Ralph is
right on the money too. Having your boat on your back is a truly liberating
experience anywhere there is water nearby.
    I have managed to paddle Hong Kong harbor (lots of boat traffic,
probably like I imagine the Hudson is), Thailand, Guam, Singapore,  Hawaii,
and other places like that. All have been unique, exciting (sometimes too
exciting!) and have allowed me to get a unique perspective on the areas and
people we visit that most of my fellow sailors probably don't get.
    The one place that I used to visit a lot before I took up paddling, and
that I truly regret not paddling around, is the Philippines. The waters
there were lovely, lots of neat things to see, and the area is truly rich in
history. I just figured we'd be able to keep coming back-- Now we don't go
there any more. Oh well, it's a big world and 70% is water, lots more places
to see.
     Last but not least, it's great to know that at 36 I can hopefully look
forward to many more years of paddling to come. And with the advances in
materials coming out, can you just imagine the lightweight kayaks of the
future? 15 pounds and indestructible? I can't wait....
Regards,
Kevin Kenney

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