Lure of Whitewater
Water is a fascinating thing. Next to the air we breathe it is probably the most significant thing on this planet. Certainly there is more of it around than any other material, for three fourths of the earth’s surface is covered with it, and over 80 percent of the human body consists of it. It is the universal fluid: we drink it plain, or we doctor it up by adding color, flavor and gas to it. We use it to create power and light for growing food, washing our clothes, mining for rare metals, and transporting goods from here to there.
Of all the substances on earth, water has some of the most interesting characteristics. First of all, it is wet and slippery. It slithers around unless penned up, and it works tirelessly to escape its bonds so it can rush downhill until it eventually joins the ocean. If dammed up it will quietly bide its time and then descend as rain somewhere else on earth in its relentless journey to the sea.
Fresh water is quite heavy, weighing about 62 pounds per cubic foot. This means that in addition to having the quality of weight, it can create a lot of force. The kayaker discovers this when he tries to dislodge his boat from a rock in the rapids: water can exert 8 to 10 tons of force against a boat hung up in a fast-moving current.
Water also has personality. It appears alive. It can sparkle; it can look ominous. Its gentle sound can lull you to sleep, its boisterousness can tingle your nerves, or its forbidding roar can fill your heart with apprehension.
Water is incredibly versatile. As a liquid it is most common, but as a solid it can cool you off on a hot day or store itself up for the spring run-off. As a crystal it gives birth to the world of skiing, tobogganing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. As a solid it can be skated upon.
Water, as a liquid, is dynamic. It can form the tiniest ripple from a trout nibbling on the surface of a quiet pond, or become a 50-foot tidal wave roaring across the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the greatest moments in the history of mankind must have been when man first discovered that he could move in water either by swimming himself or by riding along on a log. Together with the invention of the wheel and the use of fire and metal, man’s ability to propel himself along in water marked a major breakthrough in the development of civilization. No longer landlocked, man had a whole new horizon extending before him, much as space travel in our own age now lures us on to the distant stars.
And as he mastered water, he learned to play in it. Actually, there are only two ingredients necessary to enjoy boating on water: an ability to swim reasonably well with confidence, and an appreciation of and fondness for water-even if it is cold. If you enjoy the smell and touch of water and are fascinated by moving current and thrilled at the sight of rapids, then perhaps kayaking is for you.
In general, people of all ages enjoy kayaking. Children just barely big enough to see over the cockpit and strong enough to lift a paddle have been seen kayaking merrily around millponds and gentle streams. Historically, the Eskimos began to teach their children the Eskimo Roll as soon as the child had reached the age of 12.
In terms of muscular co-ordination, experience has shown that youngsters of 8 and 9 often have a remarkable sense of balance and movement and can handle themselves smartly in the water. Of course the fact that these little folk probably weigh only 60 pounds or less certainly gives them an advantage, for with so little weight in the boat it rests as lightly on the water as a leaf, and seems able to turn at a mere suggestion.
During the adolescent years and in the 20’s those who enjoy kayaking will often be caught in the competitive urge, will turn more serious about the sport, and will train their bodies to a fine pitch to improve their skill. Many schools, colleges and youth groups are taking up kayaking as an ideal environmental sport.
Perhaps the golden years of kayaking extend from age 30 to 60.
By the time a person is 35 (if he is realistic about himself) he will no longer try to keep up with the college crowd to win the coveted racing championship, but will gladly settle for the veteran or senior racing class. And many more will be content simply to attend a race, sharing the excitement that prevails in the campground and taking part in the activities.
Older people should not shy away from kayaking either. Steering your own little craft around the coves and inlets of a wilderness pond, in search of fish or wildfowl or even an illusive view of a sunset, can be a rewarding experience. If, gliding along silently, you round a bend and suddenly come upon a deer-or better yet, a moose or an elk-the day will long be remembered.
A well-known set of rapids that has given you many good times in past years will always welcome you again as a long-lost friend. And what can be more satisfying than introducing a young paddler for the first time to one of your favorite whitewater runs?
As therapy, kayaking is unmatched in its ability to wash away the pressures of a too highly charged modern society. A weekend trip, or even a Sunday afternoon paddle, can rejuvenate your spirits for a taxing week ahead.
Thoreau was right: rivers are a constant lure to the adventurous instinct in mankind.