The Biggest Adventure

Triple Step on the River Etive

Why you ought to try white-water kayaking

I tried kayaking in my first year at uni, I went along to a pool session with some girls from my halls, and before I knew it I was on my first trip without any idea how I got there or why or even what kayaking white-water was or was like. They never got back on a river, but after my first trip I was pretty hooked. Since then I have had the pleasure of meeting a load of cool people, within the uni club and at other kayaking events I have been to in Scotland. I have travelled as far as the French alps to kayak, and am returning there this summer, along with a new location in Slovenia. 

Scotland has the best white-water in the UK, and I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to try such an exciting and challenging sport. I am still very much learning, but it is a sport well worth investing in. I mainly run rivers, but there are a whole host of disciplines and type of kayaking - from flat water, sea kayaking, surf kayaking, slalom, free-style play boating, kayaking water polo and a whole lot more to learn. 

1. It is challenging mentally and physically

This is me on the same feature as above, and in a year the difference in my paddling is pretty cool

Particularly when you are new to kayaking - everything will seem very challenging, but when you start to nail the lines, and see improvement, you will feel so rewarded. Every time you get on a river, you get a little fear, but you learn to push through it. When you go down a scary feature, you have to push yourself mentally. When the weather starts to turn sour, you will have to push yourself to keep going when you are cold, or if you have to portage a feature, or you are hungry. But you learn to keep yourself motivated, and push your limits past your normal comfort levels. And you will feel great afterwards. 

2. You will see the best scenery 

Also the boats are so pretty and colourful 

I think kayaking was what started my love affair with Scotland. Getting out on a river pretty much always gets you out somewhere secluded and gorgeous, and it is truly incredible to see the world from the water. 

3. Kayakers are so friendly 

Most of my pals at uni are kayakers, and they are a lovely bunch. I think as an extension of the outdoors community, you have to be. You learn to have a lot of gratitude for your friends when they fish you out of a rapid, or give you chocolate to keep you warm. You have to work as a team in a way that is different to traditional team sports. You depend on your team to keep safe. I think as well you end up spending a lot of time with people you don't know too well for a day or two, and it allows you to build a great friendship with them.

4.  You will have the best stories to tell

I think my top moment from 2015 was getting down this grade 4 with a dry head and I told anyone who would listen coz I was so proud. 

To be honest, there is quite often a lot of carnage and it makes for great bonding. Doing any kind of adventure sport as well inevitably leads you to a particular kind of life style. Even away from the water there are the stories of getting there, and where you stayed and where you went. Kayaking has really given me lots to talk about and it has filled my uni experience with some great moments. 

5. Kayaking will relax you in strange way

I am in there, honest.

If you are anything like me and you like getting outside, you will understand. But in another way, for me being outside of my comfort zone on a rapid makes me forget all other things other than what is immediately in front of me, and that is pretty cool. Like I say the scenery is awesome too, and there is nothing more relaxing than admiring gorgeous scenery whilst floating along the water.

6. You will sleep well afterwards

Like, really, really well. 

So there you have it, and ode to kayaking.

Crack of Doom, River Etive

Scouting rapids on a lovely sunny day