Kayaking class was AWESOME!
I had a mild panic attack early on--after we watched the video and got into the kayaks, the instructor showed us how to do a "wet exit," and told us this was the first thing we had to try to do so we could make sure we knew what to do if we tipped over. So, one by one, we had to purposely tip the kayak and push ourselves out from under water. I completely panicked because I had some difficulties squeezing into and out of the kayak out of the water, before we even entered the pool. I was convinced I was going to get stuck and drown--or die of embarrassment. But my instructor was super nice. I was taking a long time to force myself to tip over when it was my turn, and he asked me how I was doing--I told him I was scared my fat a** would get stuck. He laughed and said that's what just about every student tells him. I finally got up the guts and did it! I survived!
The rest of the class was a piece of cake after that--just learning different paddling and turning techniques. But I was sooooo proud of myself for overcoming so many fears in one night--fear of drowning, of trying something new, of being in swimsuit in public, etc. etc.
Thanks for the pep talks before the class, though, ladies! It was really helpful to know other "real" women can do and enjoy kayaking.
and the finished product!
