Achieving the Balance

 Hiking to the put on above Godafoss in Iceland

 

One of the hardest things to achieve is the balance between work and leisure, or, more specifically,  financial security and the ability to live a life that provides adventure. The sense of adventure is part of what draws us deeper into the sport of white water kayaking. I realised a long time ago now that I was never going to be rich or famous from kayaking. What I also realised is that it is not about that for me. Finding myself in places like the images above and below is why I continue to follow this amazing sport. Finding a way to continue these experiences became essential...

 

Taking a moment to breathe next to Dettifoss

 

An old kayaking video portrayed the fear of men in suits swooping in to end any kind of adventure that could be had in life. It was never an actual reality but this had a relevance to things that happen during life that prevent travel and exploration. I prefer to see it in a way that gearing my life towards the things I like to do is better than doing things that make it harder. I choose to live in a certain way however everyone is different. It is about what works for the individual and how you achieve happiness, which is the most important factor.

 

Kayaking offers an adventure to anyone that takes part in it. It offers adventure, problem solving, fear, adrenaline, the strongest of friendships and much more. There are other sports and occupations that achieve these things but kayaking is one that is very accessible to lots of different people. No matter what level you aspire to get to or what you aim to do it offers the same things. Not everyone wants to follow the “big deals” on the videos and why would they. The majority of paddlers will never go above class four and that will be a huge achievement for them. It is important to remember that class five and above is a minority aim. Everyone enjoys the sport in different ways but generally experience the same feelings from it.

 

Westburton Falls is one of my favourite waterfall playgrounds

 

There are downsides like everything. It can consume your life….. Suddenly everything else can become less important which can cause a lot of problems. Loosing jobs and friends over the sport is not worth it! It will come back to bite you so be careful of what sacrifices you make.

The one thing I try and avoid being is narrow minded. I have done a lot of things away from kayaking but that is my own business. Be your own person and don’t take advice from those who shout. That is the best advice I have ever been given. That advice will keep you alive. Have aspirations and people you look up to, but make your own path. Remember people come from different backgrounds. There are people who can afford to do things at a young age due to financial backing and there are those who cannot. There’s no limit to the age at which you can kayak so if you have to work towards it then do not worry, as your time is not limited!

 

Dropping into the must run gorge on the South Kings, California

 

I am not going to start telling people how to live their lives but I will offer the advice of someone who has been in the sport a long time. I have seen mistakes people have made and continue to make. I understand the frustration of not being able to kayak and also understand the confusion of non-kayakers on why we are so affected by these emotions towards the sport. All I will say is do not ditch everything for the sport, as you will end up with nothing. Approach it tactfully and you will achieve all that you want to.

 

Social media is one of the main causes of frustration. It gives the illusion that people are out kayaking and having fun all the time. This is generally not true as social media portrays a false reality. People can come across very differently to whom they actually are. It’s easy to be famous on social media but in the real world it is far from the case. Social media can be a great tool but equally a way of leading a false existence. Just take a moment to think about what you read or see and often you will see the reality of what is being said.

 

One of the more gnarly rapids on La Chichin in France

 

Lets now look at working. Work is a part of life whether you like it or not. It is how you incorporate that into your life that is the key. I have worked in a lot of different fields ranging from some work which carries great responsibility to jobs that require no thought at all. It is true that if you find a job you enjoy then you will never work again. However this is hard to make a reality. Being self-employed is a great way to achieve a balance between having work and money with a lifestyle that allows for freedom. Obviously professions that allow you to be self-employed are essential for this. I have never liked to be in a position where I have to request time off and self employment allows greater flexibility.

 

Back in my freestyle days with another Winter in Uganda

 

So to form some sort of conclusion, this is taken from my own experiences. I am not just a kayaker and I have a lot of areas where I have drawn this advice. Enjoy kayaking for yourself, make your own path and don’t throw away opportunities and friendships over the sport. Kayaking will always be here while other opportunities may not. Be safe and be level headed. You can achieve anything you want to as long as you put your mind to it.

 

Happy to be on the river

 

The wilderness of Highland Scotland

 

Article: Matty Nicholas

Photos: Amy Elworthy & Adam Ramadan