Paddling in Canada vs the South East- Cowan Ramirez

I came to Keeners because I wanted to change up the types of rivers that I was paddling. I live in Asheville North Carolina, which is a great place to go creek boating on rivers such as the Green and the Tallulah. The only problem with living in such a creek heavy area is that all you do is paddle creeks (duh). I wanted to get a chance to try a different type of river, something with big water and big waves. There is no other place better on planet Earth than the Ottawa River! My first week on the Ottawa has had its great moments, and some challenges. I have surfed the biggest waves in my life such as Waikiki and Butterfly. I have been practicing and trying new wave moves like blunts and roundhouses. There has also been some challenges along with these great moments. I am used to paddling low volume creeks, where I have to perform tight technical moves. On the Ottawa, all there is are big waves crashing into each other. Creeks have very strict lines to follow, while the Ottawa has so many different lines to choose from. There has been times where I have no idea which line I want to take, and I end up getting beatered in the crashing waves. I have not been injured or hurt yet during these beat down sessions, and sometimes I think they are kind of fun. For my first week of Keeners and on the Ottawa, I have completely enjoyed the big water and big waves. I hope to improve on my ability to paddle big water these next two weeks.