Times Fly - Brooks Botta

It's hard to believe that so much time has already! The halfway mark for Keeners has officially past, but it seems as though I have only been here a few days! Over the past few weeks, I have developed many new tricks, and increased my river prowess through swift water rescue! But, just as importantly, I have cultivated many friendships. Through many groans in the weekly morning Yoga sessions, to cheers as you are finally able to nail a trick after numerous failures; the comradery grows quickly. The Ottawa is an amazing river and allows you to develop very quickly as a boater. My kick flips are becoming more consistent and the blunts are finally making sense! 

Even though swift water rescue class may sound like a drag, it is unbelievably fun, and allows you to protect yourself, and friends on the river! One of my favorite activities has to be the "Log Game"; a log is put in a narrow chute that can be quickly removed in order to confront Keener's with scenarios that may make them uncomfortable. Keener's then swim the chute and attempt to swim over the top of the log. Over the course of the event, we were clotheslined by the log numerous times to the giggles of other students while some managed to swim over to the shock of others! I am grateful to say that I have spent these days at a wonderful camp with great friends! 

Brooks Botta