Keeners: Behind the Scenes

Hey guys! Julie Zebrowska here. It's been a while since my last blog. Exactly a year actually. I'm back at Keeners for another awesome session! The thing I'm most excited about for my time here is spending time with both the new and old friends I've made here. The friendly atmosphere and the relationships I've built here are a big part of why I keep coming back. Even though it may not sound special to some of you, it's really the small moments where we enjoy each others company that matter most to me. Like when we get to dance and have a laugh on the bus ride back to the takeout. Or when you find out you have something in common with someone else. These brief moments of interaction seem so simple, yet it's astonishing how far the go towards creating a bond with the other Keeners.

Unfortunately, the pleasures of kayaking aren't what I'm here to talk about today. A lot of posts on this blog talk about great accomplishments, new experiences, as well as memorable moments during one's time in the Keener program. However. there are plenty of times where one endures hardships and frustrations. As part of the learning process, it's guaranteed that I was going to make plenty of mistakes. Often, these mistakes take a toll on both your body and mind. Waking up early in the morning with a plethora of cut, bruises, and body aches is less than pleasant. But what some people overlook when they think about whitewater kayaking is how draining it is emotionally. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying everyone feels this way. I've met paddlers who have no fear of the water, or of the consequences of making a mistake. On the other hand, I have to conquer my fears during every rapid, and every surf. In my opinion, paddling is terrifying. I'm afraid that whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Maybe the adrenaline rush I get from overcoming these fears every time is why I enjoy it so much. Since I'm constantly setting new goals for myself, I feel like it's a great confidence builder. From my last time here, I've learned to stop comparing myself to other Keeners while on the river. Instead of being hard on myself for not being at their level yet, I can feel proud of the small things I achieve like catching a new wave for the first time, or running a new line that scares me. Keeping realistic expectations for myself keeps me from getting too discouraged if things don't work out the way I planned.

It's only been two days, so I have lots left to learn. I'll keep all of you up to date on my experiences here, and I'll see you guys again next week! 

-Julie