Flirting With Disaster

          After a unsuccessful attempt at kayak surfing in San Clemente, I learned that I needed to build up my core strength by flat water kayaking first. Rosanna had been learning how to paddle board with an instructor in Oxnard and he was willing to provide kayak lessons for us.

           The morning came after my morning routine and we got a phone call from Sean Patterson, Rosanna's instructor. He was canceling on us because his insurance doesn't cover kayaking, only paddleboarding. He pointed us toward a place that rents kayaks in Channel Islands Harbor and apologized for any inconvenience. We had to make a decision. We could let this kill our dream or move forward with a sense of purpose. Of course, we decided to move forward head first. We met up with Our Brother, David Balfour, at Channel Island Harbor.

         From a wheelchair perspective, we had numerous challenges ahead of us. How were we going to get from the wheelchair safely into the kayak? Once on the kayak how were we going to keep from flipping into the murky water and how would we disembark the kayak once back to the dock? The funny thing is that we did not discuss any of these things till we finished and having lunch.

          I had faith that everything would work out fine. I wrapped my arms around the heads of Rosanna and David and slowly walked down the ramp towards the kayak. I was slowly lowered down to the dock. They assisted me as I scooted into the kayak. I my heart raced during the entire process. I was full of fear of falling into the drink or slamming onto the dock.
       

           Once situated on the kayak, it took me a few moments to get a feeling of stability.The owner of the kayak rentals suggested we use a tandem kayak because it would be more stable. I waited for Rosanna and David to get into their kayaks and we were off cruising the channel. We went about 200 yards and my core muscles were toast. I leaned back to help reserve my strength but the back rest wasn't situated for that. My arms seemed to stop working. The entire experience seemed to scream "You need to start working out and build your strength."

          Rosanna put me in tow and  brought me safely back to the dock. We faced the next challenge. Getting from the kayak to the dock. David was very hesitant about the idea and asked to hold on to my glasses. The owner of the rentals gave me his arm to pull me out of the kayak. My nerves were shot. We kept from rolling over into the water and avoided disaster.

 We headed to Pepe's Mexican Food. for some great  Mexican grinds. Pepe's  is competing as the best burrito in 2010. We commenced a debrief of our adventure and our near miss. David, a chiropracter and accupuncturist, was willing to share his insights with Rosanna and I over lunch. Many of these insights I shared earlier. It was a successful mission, we kayaked and stretched our faith muscle. In retrospect, it would have been a disaster if I ended up in the water. How would they get me out? This filled up most of the conversation and realizing how lucky we were that I didn't go in and how much of a burden it would have been if I did go in the water. By the grace of God we had a successful trip.