Beginners and Intermediates not pictured before (Trainer Ben, Gary, Kayren Jackie and Glenn)Our last day in the pool and I will miss the sunny walk back to the lodge each morning with the grass under your feet and your body glowing from its time in the water. My instructors felt I was ready to move onto my offside roll (called other side roll now as they should both feel the same) and all credit to them I got the hang of it. We have all written our notes each night from the course a it may be some time before some of us see a kayak again.
Everyone was exhausted for the last days river session but the beauty of the Otaki river made up for it. We would travel gorges filled with blue glacier melt water in places you would be unlikely to see on foot. Spanna and Matt now had time to show us their skills and I sat amazed as they pointed their kayaks into the wave and spun 180 degree flips. One day I thught, one day...
I'd managed to avoid having to exit my kayak in the rapids over the course through being rescued by the instructors or pulling a successful roll. As is natures way the river as if to remind me of its power and dangers tipped me a final hint. As I ferry glided across a section next to a hole the torrent of water flipped me over (forgot to keep paddling - tiredness I think!) and with Matt unable to reach me I pulled the spraydeck off under the rushing water and out I popped like a cork. Its a cold old place and you tire very quickly trying to swim for shore in the rapid. Spanna was there however and I grabbed the edge of the boat. Just how strong was Mick all those years ago to have done the same in the Eversts Dudh Kosk in waters a million times faster and colder?
We had a debrief meeting where everyone without exception praised the kayak school and of outside for the photo. Maybe one day I thought I may get back for the intermediary course. I hope so, these have been among the best four days of my life and in the company of very friendly people..........
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