Why do we sea kayak?
Why do we sea kayak – an ever-changing tide of motivations?
Paddling around Skye recently with Pete, we could not help but laugh at ourselves and ask: ‘Are we finally getting old!?’. It was partly to do with the aching joints when getting out of the kayak at the end of the day, partly due to the need for camp chairs to support our tired backs, partly to do with paddling into the headwinds just seemed harder work then it used to; but when we reflected and chatted about it more, we realized it was perhaps as much due to why we were there in the first place. A ‘younger us’ would have been paddling around Skye with very different motivations to this trip; getting all the way around would have been important, doing it in a fast time would have been a goal, challenging ourselves in the rough water, tidal races and rock hops would have been par for the course and of course celebrating these ‘successes’ would have rounded things off. As we sat in our comfortable camp chairs taking in the scenery and watching otters playing in the bay at a campsite, we realized none of our ‘younger us’ motivations were important on this trip; simply being there was enough, escaping from it all in good company was why we were sea kayaking and therefore our sole motivation. So, over an evening dram, that still begged the question; ‘Were we therefore finally getting old?’
Why do we sea kayak – something for everyone?
Having been inspired by the sea and enjoyed sea kayaking in all its guises for over 30 years now, I truly believe what makes it such an amazing activity is that it offers something for everyone, no matter what their motivations. Through my own experiences or listening to others the reasons as to ‘Why we sea kayak’, the answers are innumerable:
Social: it’s all about good times, chat, laughter and shared experiences with others; where you go or what you do is a side product, it’s all about the people.
Achievement: going where no-one has been before, paddling around an island the fastest, surfing the biggest waves, getting huge distances done in a day; it’s all about pushing your limits and reaping the rewards.
Performance: getting that perfect surf on a tidal race, nailing the optimum forward paddling stroke, blending strokes with ease and finesse; how well you paddle the boat and perform in the environment is key to success.
Escape: using the sea kayak as a craft to get away from it all, find solitude in the wilderness whilst camping where you only have silence for company, clear you mind of everything else other that just being; the sense of freedom and comfort from solitude is so important.
Exploration: the thirst of finding new places, discovering what’s around the corner for the first time, visiting somewhere different, being surprised by unexpected beauty; whether it’s sheltered, exposed, rough or smooth it is the intrigue of exploration that inspires.
Wildlife & scenery: the sea kayak allows us to get up close, experience, see, feel and smell the wildlife and scenery around us; heading out to spend time looking for birds, jellyfish, cetaceans and so much more in amongst wonderful scenery is so important.
Supporting others: taking others out for their first sea kayaking experience, supporting them in developing their skills, organising trips for others to enjoy; it’s all about supporting others in enjoying their sea kayaking.
Why do we sea kayak – an ever-changing tide of motivations?
I am sure you will identify with some of the motivations highlighted above; in understanding why we sea kayak I feel it can perhaps allow us to be more ‘at one’ when on the water. Therefore, in some strange way it permits ourselves to become fully immersed in being on the water and from this potentially relax into the experience and gain so much more from it. It’s not about ‘fighting’ what you perceive you should be gaining from the experience, but fully embracing what deep down you are ‘needing’ from the experience. For this to happen though we need to realize (and become comfortable with), that our motivations may well change. This may be based on how we feel on the day, what we decide we need from the day or perhaps who we are out with on the day. Likewise, motivations may evolve over time based on previous experiences or just that different things become important in life at differing stages of our life. The important thing to ask yourself when planning to head out paddling and before planting that first stroke is; ‘Why am I sea kayaking today?’. From this ensure you understand what you are ‘needing’ from the day on the water, embrace it and from this become fully immersed in it.
Why do we sea kayak – the importance of shared motivations
When considering my most amazing times on the sea, then there is a common theme that is always the guaranteed ingredient for these experiences. This is the simple fact that all of those involved with the experience had a shared and common motivation, we were all there ‘needing’ the same thing. For me being open about this, discussing and agreeing ‘why we are sea kayaking’ is invaluable; on any lengthy remote expedition I have done, it is the starting point of getting the ‘right’ paddling team together. In contrast, when I reflect on any past ‘not so amazing’ days on the water there is a similar common theme, there was a mis-match of motivations. This was either within the group, or perhaps within myself when I was doing it for one reason when actually deep down I ‘needed’ to be doing it for a completely differing one. Time on the sea is too valuable to waste for me these days; therefore, like any fine malt whisky, getting the perfect balance of harmonious [motivational] ingredients is the starting point of any trip away.
‘Are we finally getting old?’
So going back to how I got started reflecting on my motivations; myself and Pete on Skye discussing whether we were finally getting old. It now appears the answer is ‘No, we are not’. We are just now a bit more in tune with our motivations and they are clearly just evolving!
Inspired and supported by Peak PS
Cheers Doug. Scottish Sea Kayaking
