When I came across a meet-up group for kayaking, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was just days out of a marriage and my life was still mostly packed into boxes. I was untethered, uncertain, and seeking change in my life. I attended the Sandia Paddle & Film Festival extravaganza later that evening and although I hadn’t really met anyone yet, and I’d only kayaked for a very short time on the lake, I was already hooked. I just hadn’t realized it yet.

It was a rush to get there after work, but I began attending Wednesday evening “Open House” paddling events at Sandia Lakes and found myself looking forward to them for days. My time on the lake developed into so many things. Sometimes, it was placid and beautiful – the perfect ending to a hectic day. Other evenings developed into informal kayaking lessons, stroke practice, and best of all, ultimate Frisbee from kayaks. I hadn’t yet made the decision to try whitewater kayaking and in fact, I hadn’t put-in at the Rio Grande yet but already kayaking was slowly but surely changing me from the inside out.

When I’d first began, I had envisioned it as a way to get outdoors, meet new people, and get more physically active. What actually happened was much more profound. I found that I was more courageous than I knew. I developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of the incredible natural world in which we live. I began seeing the Southwest from a whole new perspective, from the water. It was freeing somehow. On the water, all the pressure and stress of daily life melts away and you’re awestruck and grateful.

Best of all, each time I attended an event, I met wonderful like-minded people. These were people who took the time to introduce themselves and were interested in how I was doing. Those with more experience were always eager to share tips and pleased to reassure me when I struggled with new skills. They were encouraging and open. It seemed that we all had something in common; we were seeking change or movement in our lives in a positive direction. We were trying to find our best selves.

                I attended New Mexico Kayak Instructions white water classes and realized that these classes are about much more than just the mechanics of paddling and navigating the river. To be sure, Kelly Gossett and his carefully chosen instructors know their stuff and are the best in the business, but at the core of what they teach are bigger things. Things like self-reliance, integrity, and strength.   Attending a weekend whitewater class is at its heart a team building and personal growth experience. Take my word for it, you will come away a better person than when you arrived. I have been honored by the friendship and power I’ve found through kayaking and I can’t think of a better way to spend evenings and weekends. I can’t wait for spring!

Robin Reynolds

www.robin-reynolds.com