Learning My Limits in Small Craft Boating

Sometimes it is prudent to give up.

I was paddling hard with the wind and waves coming across my port bow. The storm had calmed down a bit and I was making a mile long mad dash from The Evergreen State College Beach to Young Cove. To the right inside Young Cove was my lagoon and my Madrona tree to which I tie up my various small water craft.
I could cover the distance in about 15 minutes unless the wind picked up. I hate to give into weather in my kayaking; however I had too often been in too many high risk situations caused by my lack of prudence. Although my small craft skills are outstanding, it occurred to me as I fought to stay upright that there really are limits.


I was within the last quarter mile of my destination when I capsized. I bobbed to the service with a nose full of salt water. I wasn’t cold because I had a full wetsuit on. I flipped so quickly that I had no chance to brace. I was just instantly upside down in the water. Noting how peaceful it was underwater I slowly exited the kayak and found my paddle.