My first Lochsa trip years ago ended with me driving home in tears, defeated by the reality that I just wasn't ready to be there, and feeling like an outcast to to people I look up to. It fucked me up for awhile honestly, but it made me realize that my love for this sport isn't something I chose, and it's not something I can abandon. I decided to spill every ounce of my being into being the best paddler I can be. I'm so stoked to finally have gotten back and firing it up this weekend. Had some great lines, some carnage, and lots of laughs. Meteor showers, hot springs until early morning hours with faceless strangers, and many new friends. #church
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@pyranha.kayaks@wernerpaddles@immersionresearch
First time I've ever had a guide for a backcountry day and it couldn't have been more enjoyable. Big shouts to @iwatebackcountryguides for a beautiful day of skiing.
Yesterday we got a little off course on our backcountry mission, and had a pretty decent suffer fest getting back to the car. Eventually we found an old Kamoshika track, I had this strange feeling like it was leading us to safety. Turns out it indeed led us directly back to the car, and even gifted us with his presence for a moment. I have always heard tales of these animals, and to see my first one in such a serendipitous fashion is very special to me. Thank you, might Kamoshika, for guiding us safely home.
In my first year kayaking, I followed the classic trajectory of getting in way over my head. I disregarded advice from people who knew far more than me. I jumped into this run against their sure footed objection and quickly found out how unprepared I was to paddle high volume class IV water. I ended up taking my first really nasty swim and got beat down pretty hard. By the time I was dragged to shore, I was coughing up water, my muscles felt like jello, my heart rate was through the roof, and my mental state was pure panic. The next season, I continued to get in over my head and take some shitty swims and chunderings. This spring, I had a very humbling experience that reset the clock. I spent the whole year working on fundamentals. I spent as much time ferrying, catching eddies, playboating, training hip mobility, and dialing in all my different rolls. Feeling much stronger and more confident than ever, I put in for a redemption lap. I didn't keep my head dry, but the hundreds (thousands maybe?) of rolls I have done this summer paid off, and I was able to paddle without the fear lingering inside me, and was able to just enjoy it all. My journey to be a strong class V paddler will never end, but I am getting to the point where I can set my sights on a river and paddle it. This is where the real adventure starts.
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#whitewaterkayaking #kayaking #whitewater #montana
The last time I paddled this river I could barely make it down alive. So stoked and proud of myself and all the hard work ive done over the last couple months to push myself and progress. Big shouts to @donkevv for mother ducking @klemgar and I down the gorge.
Years ago at @bigforkwhitewaterfestival watching the racers paddle this rapid was when I decided I wanted to learn to whitewater kayak. Finally getting to run it is such a huge milestone in my life. Much love to all of you who have helped me make my dreams on the river come true. 💜
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#whitewater #kayaking #whitewaterkayaking
