How to rock the Walmart Trip By: West Burge

         Every session the Ottawa Kayak School Keeners go into the local town of Pembroke, Ontario for a trip to the grocery store, the movies, and the mall. In this blog I will be telling you how to make the most of your grocery store visit. The first thing you need to do is make a list of things you want. The Keeners packing list requires you to bring a journal that could be used to make your list. You can also use your phone.  Always make sure to wright down everything that you think of right away. The worst thing is having a great idea and then forgetting it right before Walmart. When adding things to your list make sure that the items you consider will benefit you and others. Buying senseless paraphernalia is a waste your money and your time. Also consider buying communal food or items. People will like you more if you offer something to the group. Once you are actually in Walmart try to minimize impulse buys so you can buy quality items on your list. I bought a very nice bottle of olive oil for cooking instead of buying a shirt. You only have a limited time in Walmart so make it quick when finding things. A really good way to maximize your time is to ask an employee, they know the store better than anyone else. The last thing I have to say is remember to buy things that will last through the session. Oh, one more thing, make it to the bus on time!

Swimming out of my boat- Cat Hardman

When coming to Keeners you should know you are most likely going to swim and today was the day I swam. It was a little weird because I haven't swam in about a year because I have just been playboating and running waterfalls. I knew I was going to swim, but the way I did surprised me. Since today was Race Day Wednesday we had many kinds of challenges and one of them was to go into the whirlpools and one of the coaches would call a name in the group and the and person that had there name called had to swim. The rest of the group had to get the paddler and all of the gear back on the shore. So the group that did that the fastest won. The groups consisted of four people, and my in my group was Olivia McGinnis, Albie Binkley, Rachel Buys, and myself.

When it was our turn to race Steven Wright called Albie's Name and and as he swam I raced to get to his boat and as I was trying to get to eddy with his boat I flipped in the process without a paddle. Normally I can hand roll but I was on the eddy line which makes it really difficult to roll. I started to use Albie's boat trying to roll and because it was full of water I couldn't. Therefore I swam, and it was very interesting for the rest of the teams to watch me swim and still trying to get Albie's boat to him to complete the race.

It took us about 17 minutes total to complete the race, and obviously we came in last. Our race was definitely the one to laugh at, and everyone laughed. Even our group laughed at us. So when coming to Keeners expect to swim, even if you think you won't, you will. But if you swim the must not be an "Unhappy Baby" as Steven Wright says. If  come to Keeners and swim just laugh, and be happy.

Is this it.

Thump….Thump Thump…..Thump..THUMP THUMP. The sound of my heart overpowers the thunderous rage of the river. As I look over the horizon line of dragons tongue my throat dries up and my breath quickens. And I think is this it, is this it, is this…..

The day started out as a normal big water beat down day we (the keeners) ate bacon and pancakes to get ready for one of the three scariest days of our keener session. Everyone has to run a line or surf a hole that scares them, everyone. At first I thought I was going to just surf right side phils for the first time but after this day my kayaking career and my whole life is about to be changed.

After all of the carnage in Mccoy's Stephen Wright then asked who would want to run the main channel and get beat down hard, so I tentatively raised my hand but that hand quickly shot up when he asked who would want to run the middle channel and also garvin's chute.

Thinking back that little motion of raising my hand would alter the course of my destiny. We pulled up on shore to get out and scout this monster of a rapid, we went through all the possibilities, the good, the bad and the fatal. After looking at this for about and hour, seven of us decided to run this, this rapid. And of course after one of the instructors ran it I was up. My blood pumps faster and faster, my hands start shaking from pure terror. And I think is this it. As I approach the horizon line, I also approach the reckoning of my paddling career. Will I burn bright and fast like a firework or will I succeed and stay a constant flame. Over the edge I go, no time for any thoughts other than me succeeding in my line. One stroke two, now I am past the danger and BOOF! My boat hits the whitewater and I paddle hard to the sneak on the left of a sticky hole. I get through that and I flip and roll up. The exhilaration is pure and unhindered by defeat, but instead it is lifted high by success.

Ray Barbera