Kayak is a Palindrome

This morning Pete and I threw off the shackles of suburban droll and packed up the truck to head out to explore the wild blue yonder. Of course by blue I mean green. And of course by yonder I mean the Guadalupe river.

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Pete sounded a bit like Mr. Miyagi while trying to explain to me how to succeed in piloting the kayak. “You must focus Daniel-san. Have balance. No fall over.” It’s the balance thing that I forgot when, about 5 seconds off the shore, I took my first spill. I believe I am now the owner of the “fastest flip in a kayak after launch” distinction. Eventually I did get the hang of it and successfully traversed a set of Category 2 rapids without getting a mouthful of water.
Overall it was a great workout, beautiful scenery, and a fun time.

The less challenging part of the river.

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Pete showing how it’s done.
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“Fat guy in a little boat” :) If it looks like I’m taking on water, I am. It’s because Pete forgot to replace the plug in the tail after we emptied the kayak following my record-setting spill.
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5 Responses to “Kayak is a Palindrome”

  1. Kelly
    September 16, 2007 at 3:20 pm #

    I could look at pictures of you trying to kayak all day long….good times.

  2. Dan aka Dad, Pappas
    September 16, 2007 at 3:46 pm #

    Looks like a lot of fun!
    I wonder what the top speed on a kayak is?

  3. Pete
    September 16, 2007 at 9:25 pm #

    Hey friends of the Espinoza’s, I love taking people out to enjoy the river, so let me know if you want to go! Oh, and since these photos were taken, my farmer’s tan has slightly decreased.

  4. Rachel
    September 17, 2007 at 11:54 am #

    Pete, I must say that you look smashing in the personal floation device (you’re not going to fail the 7th grade!).

  5. Kara
    September 18, 2007 at 8:48 am #

    Did you eat a lot of paint chips when you were a kid?