K – Kayaking – SPLINT UP, LOOK SHARP

I mentioned in a previous instagram post that before travelling, apart from sleeping and toddling around the house I didn’t do anything at all without my splints on. As our trip went on my comfort zone became smaller and further out of sight.

Staying in Cat Ba, Vietnam, we did a day boat trip around HaLong Bay. We stopped off at Monkey Island, then ventured through the utterly stunning island formations, then our last stop was a kayaking trip round the limestone structures. I was doing my usual saying I couldn’t manage and was happy staying aside, which I was, and they tour guide was having none of it. He put me in a kayak with him.

I can swim, I think I could survive for a short while but yet I was still terrified and there was absolutely no way I was taking my splints off – or even my trousers. It was a boat right – I wouldn’t get wet!

Being in the kayak with the guide did make me feel safer than if I was on my own or with someone else, but at the same time he was a cocky little shite and kept swaying us and standing up, sitting on the back of the kayak and waiving everyone in the right direction.

As we paddled through the outstanding scenery my nerves began to settle, a little. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and opened up a whole new world to me.

On our camper van trip around New Zealand South Island, we stayed in Abel Tasman and did a kayak day around the national park. This was levelling up. We had a morning safety routine and what to do in an emergency and given maps we had to attach to the boat. There was a safety skirt that you had to put over your head, round your waist and hook onto the seat hole of the kayak. You weren’t allowed to go out until you did a full demo of being able to get the skirt hooked back on incase you capsize. My friends were doing a very unsubtle great job of helping me get through it, making just enough of a scene that they took us down to the water.

I knew we were going to be out for a while so I decided, in case of an emergency capsize, I wanted to leave my splints on shore for when I got back. So off they came, I skirted myself and off we went. I always go in a double kayak, it’s difficult for my wrists to stay strong and powerful to propel, my arms and back get sore and tired, so instead of drifting out to sea when I need a little break, it’s ideal to have someone behind to keep us going.

Kayaking around Abel Tasman was insane, we saw so many seals, birds, penguins, ducks and amazing sights. It was so peaceful and calm and, I’ll put some pictures below because I have no words.