This weekend I participated in a beginners kayak training session in my home state of Maryland. The husband found out about it through members of our boat club here in NYC. Since our club is going through renovations, the husband wanted me to get on the water and learn/practice skills. So he signed me up and off we went back to Maryland to a neighborhood called Scaggsville. We reserved a hotel (Residence Inn by Marriott Fulton at Maple Lawn) up the street from the reservoir called Scotts Cove Recreation Area through Cross Currents Sea Kayaking and made a weekend of it. The organizer, Rick let us rent out his kayaks since we didn't have any. Luci and Denise were my instructors and they were very nice and knowledgable. I learned the forward, reverse and side stroke. I also learned edging, bracing and did my first wet exit. I was terrified and also I really didn't want to do it. I don't know why. Then I saw everyone else doing it and felt a little bit of courage, plus I didn't want to be left out, and finally, I did it. It wasn't that bad! I also did a rescue! I rescued the husband and then he rescued me! It was so memorable that we did it together and I am glad we shared the experience. The other people that were in the group were also very positive and encouraging. I really liked all of them and wish I got to know them better. We also saw 5 different ways on how to load a sea kayak on top of different types of vehicles. The first technique/vehicle was the simplest where Lisa used a T-shaped bike rack looking thing and we place the kayak on top of it, then pushed it in the back of her truck. After that she said she just ties it down and she is DONE! The second technique/vehicle was a smaller kayak and we placed it on top of her vehicle where there was a roof rack and then she tied it down. The third technique/vehicle was she used 2 folding wooden 4x4 beams to slide then lift the kayaks onto her SUV's roof rack and she tied both down. The fourth technique/vehicle was we lifted the kayak using a step stool and the roof rack had these cradles for the kayaks. Finally, the last one was this jeep that had a pull down-mechanical system (called the Thule Hullavator Kayak Lift Assist Rack) where you place the kayak sideways and then the arm folds, then it is put on top of the roof. That one was fancy and looked expensive ($900.00), but also very impressive! The husband and I were amazed on how there are so many ways to transport kayaks. Coming from NYC, we don't have to worry about that, Until now! The husband liked Rick's NDK Explorer kayak so much he found one in PA for sale. He drove down there with his dad's Outback and hauled it back to New Jersey using foam, the car rack and straps only. He also bought a hoist system to store in the garage. We then used it at Monksville Reservoir to practice towing during Labor Day weekend. It was super fun not to do any work (while being towed) and I also used my paddle leash. Matt also wanted to practice rolling. So he bought a rack system for our Honda Fit and went to Lake Sebago with Mario and Javier (talented friends from our boat club). They both taught him Greenland rolling and Matt texted me HE DID IT (like 5 times!). I am so proud of him. What a journey!
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