Starting this blog is something new for me. As a profession, I’m a full-time communicator, but personally I’ve been involved in boating for about 15 years. I got started back before I was married. A few guy friends of mine convinced me to go with them one weekend. They had just taken a whitewater canoe class and they were like, “come on — you can do this.” Growing up my family always camped, and I loved that, but had no paddling experience. Regardless, I went — and they were right — I was hooked. It was a time in my life when I was consumed with work, where was I going, what was I doing. I was personally frustrated and had no outlet for my emotions. I found that after a weekend on the river I had in fact detached from work, disconnected from the blackberry, and simply had fun. I was a much better person on Monday for it.
In my first few years I paddled an open-boat or whitewater canoe. It was large, and I struggled to manage it at the put in and takeout of rivers. After a while someone suggested I try a kayak. My open boater friends called it “going to the dark side” but the reality was I could load a kayak (or stick it inside my Mazda Mx3) and get to the river without struggling. I could also carry my boat at the put in and takeouts without any assistance. (Did I mention I’m fiercely independent?) Anyway, I liked this kayaking thing.
That is how my story begins. From time to time I hope to tell a story from a trip or class in the past or present. There have also been lessons learned. I will also post when I have classes on the calendar in case you interested in learning. I do work full-time (some 50-plus hours a week) and I’m in graduate school at UAB, so that doesn’t leave a whole lot of time, but I love teaching.
helen2o 
Good first start as a teacher of English (years removed). The important thing is to put your voice into it. A blog is not formal-you are talking-the way you would talk to your best friend. You can make formal grammar mistakes because it is in your voice. What will be interesting will be your descriptions of different creeks/rivers and how you rate them for beginners /intermediate/ experienced paddler. Your reader will become “your friend.” They will appreciate your expertise, yet feel that you are just like any other person like them who has found release and adventure with a paddle in their hand digging into the water trying to control a small kayak against the unusual strong force the water exerts and the satisfaction found at the end of a successful run.
Great guidance Ricky. It’s interesting that you mention how you rate rivers and what’s good for beginners/intermediate/experienced. There is an international river scale but just because you’ve done one class doesn’t mean you are ready for the next. That would be a great blog post.
this looks lovely dear.
Blogging is even easier than kayaking. And you’re not alone. Shout if you need help…
Fabulous! A great start. Can’t wait to read more.
Cool, Helen! I look forward to reading your posts. And I agree, paddling makes for a stronger, better me come Monday mornings. See you on the river, friend!
Very good. See easy peasy huh.
Thanks Matt…it was a little bit of trial and error, but you are right…I didn’t break anything!