As it is in Paddling

With Paddling the challenge comes from within and the obstacles to be overcome are the water the wind and the weather rather than other participants. We paddle at our own pace while we explore the wild that is on the water. 

Paddling opens our eyes to the natural world and to the cycle of the earth and the earth's internal clock. We paddle open water, steep narrow creeks, shallow marshes, tidal rips, ocean waves, great white water rivers wide open lakes and the list continues. 

When paddling whitewater we learn to stay cool when things get tense, and when we get into too deep we learn how to get out of trouble. We learn that some days it is appropriate to challenge ourselves and that other days it is equally appropriate to walk away. 

When we paddle a distance on a canoe trail or collection of lakes we are thankful for the sound of the rhythm of our paddles in the water, for the late evening loon cry and the croak of the early morning bull frogs. We embrace the calm and the peace from our experiences. 

We paddle for life as there are so many ways to get on the water and so many adventures around the next river bend.

Shawn Lupa is Kabeyun's head of trips, and has worked at Kabeyun over the course of many seasons both as a paddling and a nature counselor. Elsewhere in his professional career, he has served as a camp director, forest ranger, and outdoor equipment specialist.