Keeners is an amazing experience that I highly recommend to any kayaker between the ages of 12-17. It turns good kayakers into great kayakers and good people into great people. The three weeks spent here will inevitably change a person, almost always for the better. However, the first week of Keeners was especially grueling for me this year because I didn't prepare very well, and I know that I'm not the only one who struggled with extreme soreness for the first few days. If you follow these steps, you'll be able to avoid the week one slump.
Step One
Prepare for Keeners by kayaking at least once or twice a week in the month before you leave. We spend up to 8 hours a day on the water every day and if you've been sporadic with your paddling up to Keeners, you're likely to regret it when muscle soreness sets in. If you can't paddle that much then I recommend exercising regularly, focusing particularly on your upper body.
Step Two
Drink a ton of water. This may seem pretty obvious but most people forget to drink enough water during the day because they're in it all day. Not only does drinking water give you energy, but it also prevents muscle soreness and sunburns. Plus, dehydration sucks.
Step Three
Stretch. A lot. If you don't, you'll regret it pretty quickly when you accidentally pull a muscle and have to spend time off the water. So many people forget to do this in the morning rush and then end up with muscle pain for a week.
Step Four
Have the right mindset. Don't think of your soreness or tiredness as a punishment, think of it as a reward for working so hard. When you're feeling the most sore, it's because you're building up muscle and gaining endurance so that kayaking can become even more fun. Tiredness is also good because it helps you sleep through the night instead of staying awake staring at the ceiling. So enjoy the soreness and tiredness because it means you're working hard!
You'll have fun at Keeners no matter what you do, so enjoy your time in this amazing place!
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