My Paddling Partner

June-July 2006

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
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by Dian Weimer

Leslie and Dian, adventuring together. Mark Churchland photo.

Having been born and raised in Vancouver, I’ve always loved the sea, but I was unprepared for the passion that has become part of my later life—adventure sea kayaking.

Thirteen years ago, my family was invited to spend a weekend with my great friend Leslie and her family at their summer home on Bowen Island. Leslie suggested that we take our two older children for a kayak lesson at the rental shop. The proprietor was an amiable young man who inspired us with his passion for the sea’s flora and fauna, and taught us how to trust the kayaks by having us stand up in the boats, playing a racing game. We were hooked.

The first few trips were taken with our daughters, but as we expanded our horizons, the two of us took subsequent trips on our own. Neither of our husbands has the slightest interest in either kayaking or camping. My husband is extremely nervous in small boats and actually has a reputation for capsizing canoes and skiffs. The only time I was ever able to entice him on a camping trip was with the promise of a tennis court and pub adjacent to the campsite. He likes his creature comforts. Nonetheless, he is very supportive of our adventures.

Leslie’s husband, while supportive, thinks we’re slightly mad embarking on dangerous excursions. When we planned a paddle on the Squamish Estuary on an exceptionally cold but sunny day in January to see the hundreds of eagles congregated there, he made the comment that he should take out additional life insurance on Leslie. I think he was only half joking. The first thing Leslie always does at the end of a trip is call to assure him we are alive and well.

Our journeys have taken us to coastal destinations where, thirteen years ago, we would never have expected to find ourselves. Gradually Leslie has taken charge of charts and tide tables while I have become the chef and meal planner. This division of labor has worked very well for us. The self-reliance and special ‘solitude’ experienced on our paddling adventures is treasured—no cell phones, emails, Blackberrys, TV or any of the other trappings of modern life intrude. We travel with Nature’s rhythm.

Over the years we’ve met other women who’ve wanted to join us, but we’ve developed such a rhythm together that we don’t want to break that chemistry. A sense of humor, patience and trust in each other have been the most important components of our friendship as we’ve explored ever more challenging areas on the BC coast.

One of my observations about kayaking is how many women participate, including female tour guides. I’ve considered why, and concluded it’s because paddling is necessarily a co-operative, non-competitive activity. Paddling companions have to work together to create all of the aspects of a ‘home’—pitch the tent, make meals, clean up and wash clothes. And on the water, Mother Nature prevails. Winds, tides, currents and weather take precedence over a paddler’s agenda, making co-operation a necessity.

While kayak touring is non-competitive, I must admit that Leslie and I have twice participated in the ‘Round Bowen Kayak Race’ and have entered the race again this year, June 3rd. We are among the oldest of the competitors, but it’s a personal challenge and a lot of fun.

Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Bowen Race, call 1-800-60 KAYAK or see www.roundbowenrace.org.