[Sportsandrec] White water kayaking

[JUSTIN LOUCHART]

I wholeheartedly agree with Kelly, although I will mention that blind
people can, of course, ride their own bicycles without sighted
assistance. Even on roads.

On 6/2/11, Thornbury, Kelly <kthornbury at bresnan.net> wrote:
> 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
>
>
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-- 
Justin Louchart
JALOUCHART at GMAIL.COM

"Teachers teaching to disregard possibilities are teachers teaching to
disregard potentials."