Herb's Story

December 2001 - January 2002

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Herb Clark

The fact of the matter is, I'm not the least nervous person in the world. So when it comes to kayaking, I was reluctant to try it, afraid I might tip over. The thought of the murky, cold, west coast water was almost enough to keep me from even giving it a try, but at the 1996 WaveLength Ocean Kayak Festival on Gabriola Island I overcame my fears. Along with other beginners and under the guidance of professional paddlers, I headed out to sea.

I'd canoed before and fished plenty out of a rowboat as a kid, but I found a kayak was more streamlined and exciting. However, as soon as we were out from shore, I glanced around, lost my focus and balance, and went over into the water.

Immediately the other paddlers were calling to me and their boats were close by to help. That eased the panic but what really helped was that the water was only chest deep! I got soaked through and decided to turn back to the Festival site where I shared my experience with everyone, chattering and shivering in my wet clothes. Having been dunked in the ocean, I felt a camaraderie with the other paddlers at the Festival.

What had seemed like a terrible threat ended up being a welcome experience. The next day my partner Kathie and I went out in a double kayak and this time I managed to keep my focus and become immersed in the ocean in a different and much drier way. But I'm actually glad I had the dunking.

Herb is part of the WaveLength family in Victoria, BC