A while back I was contacted by someone who was interested in getting started in kayaking and wanted some advice which I was most willing and happy to dispense. But with most things that are ‘free’, it was largely unheeded and quickly discarded; as irregardless this person went out and bought a ‘dog of a kayak’ in politically correct terms. To each his own and this incident was soon forgotten.

And who was I to chanced on at the local beach one morning but this same person who instantly recognized me even though we had not met before (I'm famous ok); preparing to launch the kayak with a friend. My kayak was there and I offered that he tried mine out so that he would understand the difference(s) that I had pointed out, but he was not the least interested even when I repeated my offer a few times. Then I noticed that they were using totally unsuitable life-jackets (that would be of little use if they capsize in bad weather conditons) and tried to offer some advice so that if they do not have a suitable kayak; they should at least have suitable life jackets on. But again he cuts me off in mid sentence. This ignorant guy puts his pride and ego ahead of his own personal safety.

There were five of them taking turns at their one tandem kayak and I find it strange that they took little interests in my kayak and (professional) gears even though it was just next to theirs! These folks have egos twice the size of Gunung Santubong in the background.

And as they struggled to get the kayak going from the beach using all the wrong paddling actions (it would be an insult to use the word ‘strokes’!); I could only sigh as it was a needless and pathetic exercise in egotism. As they used all the macho strength they could muster, I watched as my friend shook her head, at their pathetic attempts to get their kayak to go anywhere but in a straight line. Kayaking is supposed to be an enjoyable activity but this was really excruciatingly painful to watch. I could probably paddle straighter and faster using my bare arms sitting in a bathtub! These guys would remain as 'beginners' for a long, long time doing things 'their way'!

I am a ‘master’ at kayaking only because I am someone who started before you did and nothing more than that! I only get competent through practice and learning from other masters. And I'm still learning. I supposed that there are plenty of people in this world who would rather ‘die, die’ than to ask others if they do not know something. As a student through this journey of life; if we do not ask, how are we ever going to learn anything? Maybe some people are so egoistic or have so much pride that they do not need to learn anything from anyone or situation.

So if you’re in Kuching and you are interested in kayaking, I would be most happy to offer you free advice on how to get started. Heck; I’m even willing to take you out for free and show you the rope; which is exactly what I had done for Joe, Danny, KS and others! All you need to do is to contact me (and leave your ego at home). I hate to see what I saw that morning and it would break my heart to read of any untoward incidents about kayakers in the local papers.

There’s really no need to re-invent the wheel as I didn’t either. Or is it that Kuching guys simply have humongous egos? If so then they should try jet-skiing instead. *sigh*

Stumble It!