An introduction to kayaking and rafting
awaited us today, providing us with both technical experience
regarding the activities, as well as experience on working together
as a team on rafts and kayaks. We were split into two groups, one
that took two rafts up and down river and another that jumped into
kayaks, which they paddled up and down river as well. Both the groups
were given a brief but detailed explanation about hydrology
(including descriptions of vector flows, eddies and streams).
The rafting group was divided into two
teams that were placed in one raft each. As the raft was paddled up
and down stream, the groups were taught how to hold a paddle
properly, get back on to the raft if they fell out and the various
commands associated with rafting.
On the other hand, the kayaking
group was taught how to paddle properly, create group formations and
wave surfing. Both these activities were highly taxing in terms of
both physical and mental strength, as we were often paddling against
strong currents and thinking about the right actions to take in
certain situations such as when we had to make the raft or kayak
straighten along the river.
Each group swapped their activities
(kayaking and rafting), after a short break for lunch. At the end of
the day, everyone had most if not all the strength drained from their
bodies and were craving a rest. It was by far the toughest day yet.
Ashab a.k.a Orion
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