7/30/19

Slater Wiles

My experience paddling at Kenners.

     After two weeks of paddling and a third one that has already started, my experience here as a Kenner is coming to an end. I am here now to explain what has transpired throughout these past 15 days including what I have gone through.

     It was a Sunday, more specifically, the 12th of July, the day my mother dropped me off at camp. She was balling her eyes out since she wasn’t going to be able to see me for three weeks which was and would be the longest she hasn’t been with me. I, personally, was fine with it. She helped me unpack then said goodbye and left.

     The first week was very fun, but the least out of them all. The reason being that I made minimale progression in my boat. Not being very good, things like waiting in long lines to surf then immediately getting flipped over or flushing out of a wave would be annoying. I was also very shy for some reason which is really unusual thing for me since most people see me as an outgoing person.

     The second week was a lot more fun. I got to know my fellow keeners better and paddling with them was like paddling with good friends. Getting to know your colleagues really helps enhance this experience and paddling in general since they can really make your day a lot better. I got better at paddling and seeing progress really helped and encouraged me to learn new things.

     This third week is now upon me, and has been up-to-date the best week so far. The speech night last night was awesome since we all know each other very well by now. I had an awesome day paddling yesterday kayaking over and under logs and surfing push button for half the day. It was definitely up there for my top three days here!

     This has overall been an awesome experience and I’m very happy that I was sent here. One thing you could take away from this is that as the weeks go on, usually you enjoy yourself more at this camp. So if the first week doesn’t go as planned, just bow there are two more ahead, and try to make everyday the best day ever!