Editorial: THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

February-March 2006

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 Alan Wilson

Adventure is a relative term. An activity that may be routine to some people, can be life-changing to others. A novice's first paddle strokes can begin a lifetime of adventure, which is just what happened to me.

Before I got into paddling, I used to wistfully admire my friends' sleek kayaks. They looked appealing, but due to an injury from a serious accident I was sure I'd be unable to paddle. So despite repeated offers to take me out for a spin, I kept declining.

When I finally did give in to their urgings, one balmy spring evening years ago, my first paddle strokes were a revelation. The double paddle al lowed my weak side to work with my strong side. I was able to re-balance myself and feel a renewed self-confidence.

It also gave me a renewed appreciation of the marine environment. I'd never been in a such a tiny vessel, able to float in mere inches of water. Drifting over the reefs and shallows revealed a world beyond any of my previous intertidal explorations. And my life hasn't been the same since.

Whatever adventure means for you whether its your first evening paddle or a full blown expedition -I hope the stories in this issue inspire you to some of your own.

You'll read about wildlife encounters in a Raja lagoon, a grueling solo kayak expedition around remote Hatch Gwaii, a trip around two stormy Vancouver Island capes, a mothership trip in the Galapagos, a kayak fishing trip off New England, a 'rediscovery' of the Gulf Islands, and more.

While these experiences differ from person to person and place to place, they're similar in impact on the participants. They demonstrate the maxim I've learned, that something special happens every time you're. in this ever-changing environment. There's always something to delight or excite you, or teach you a lesson, whether it's an unusual tide, or rushing currents, waves or winds, open ocean swells, or just floating happily on a sun-dazzled, glassy sea.

But the highlights of a marine adventure are the wildlife encounters, the eagles, whales, bears... Witnessing the lives of other intelligent life forms helps us depart our human-centered world for awhile. We glimpse a wider reality than ours, and at the same time recognize our bond.

While direct wildlife contact should not be sought, there is an undeniable power to being in wild places with the creatures who live there. Just make sure you're up on the local regulations and never approach wildlife. watch at a safe distance.

It feels good to beat cepted by other beings, especially whales, as if somehow we're forgiven our the slaughters of the past. And some of them even seem to like us!

Let's be sure we do a better job of getting along this time around.