Sea Kayak Trips Bulletin Board

Re: New Paddling Partners

Posted By: Shawn Baker
Date: Tuesday, 20 April 1999, at 10:42 a.m.

In Response To: New Paddling Partners (Robert Woodard)

Great Trip report, Woody

> To tell this story properly, I need to back up the clock by 24 hours. 17
> April was kayak demo day on the Piscataway river put on by Atlantic Canoe
> and Kayak. The goal was sneaky: Get the wife in a double and get her to
> like it enough so I could buy one.

I have the same problem with my wife. Perhaps it's our overwhelming enthusiasm for our sport that scares 'em off! If you find a "trick" to get her in a boat and like it too, let me know--I'll do the same!

I almost had an "in". My good buddy was dating a gal who was seriously into boating. My wife really liked her. Stupid gal broke up with my friend and split for Europe. There goes that chance for getting my better half in a 'yak.

> Things never go the way you plan and the wife tried one or two kayaks with
> me. She didn't like it at all. I have to admit, I didn't like it either.
> There were no doubles on hand that had the cockpits far enough apart to
> allow unsynchronized paddling. This could have gotten ugly quick but I
> remembered some of the stories I've read on the net on how doubles could
> ruin a relationship. Now I knew why.

Of course, if you sent her out in a single in rough water, you could ruin the relationship just as easily. They've pretty much got to want to go out on their own before you can get them in a boat. Lately, I've been talking to my wife about going to Baja and Vancouver to paddle and see whales. I haven't even invited her. I'm going to Vancouver this summer sans her, and if I see Orcas, I'm going to talk about nothing but whales until she gets so jealous, she will be forced to overcome her fear of open water and join me next time! (She's a wildlife biologist, but she dreamed of being a marine biologist, so whales and dolphins are a great fascination for her)

At least you got some great quality time with the kids.

Shawn

Messages In This Thread

New Paddling Partners
Robert Woodard -- Monday, 19 April 1999, at 7:44 p.m.

Re: New Paddling Partners
Shawn Baker -- Tuesday, 20 April 1999, at 10:42 a.m.

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