[Sportsandrec] White water kayaking

[Thornbury, Kelly]

When I was sighted I was a white water kayak instructor/guide, and since 
going blind I've been on several white water trips through the local 
college. I would like to start out by saying that I am a very strong 
proponent of independence and doing things as a blind person that sighted 
individuals do. That being said, I also accept that I need to apply certain 
limitations on what I attempt to try, like riding my bike alone along a 
roadway for example. For me, white water kayaking is one of those activities 
I don't try or support doing alone as a blind person. I'm sure many people 
will disagree with me, and in some situations I would navigate a river in my 
own craft in a group, but true white water conditions present a number of 
unforeseeable conditions that make the risk of injury (or worse) and those 
risks aren't worth jeopardizing your health over just to say "I did it." 
When I do get on the water in anything over a Class III, I travel with an 
experienced kayaker in a two-person craft. The boat I have is admittedly 
more like a small raft (inflatable), but this boat is more stable in the 
rough water and may be a confidence booster to anyone with limited kayaking 
experience.

Again, I'm sure many would disagree with my "don't try it alone" thinking, 
but with my experience I am very aware of the risks involved. Check out the 
two-person option, its not the same as flipping your own craft through a 
gnarly section, but I still enjoy it every time I get out on the water.

Good luck and enjoy the river...be sure to bring your waterproof camera.
Kelly