Tama River Kayaking 2006-04-11

They had a course set up on the river on this day (gates suspended by cables that kayakers must navigate like a slolem course). I saw some kayakers out practicing and others racing down the river. When I passed several kayakers on the path (carrying their kayaks back to the start of the slolem course), they said they had came all the way from Hokkaido. Amazing, people coming from Hokkaido to Tokyo to appreciate the outdoors. I've got to go out to the Tama River more often.

In fact, I'm seriously thinking about learning how to kayak. I've always wanted to learn, but I've never had enough of an urge to make me pay for a class. And I've always been a bit scared of it, to be honest. (I don't think river kayaking is something you should try and teach yourself...) But now my kids are going to a preschool where the teacher is a well known kayaking instructer and coach. He takes the preschool kids out on the water in canoes and needs parent volunteers...and I'm feeling the volunteer spirit. I'd like to get to know him better and get an introduction to the kayakers he coaches and hangs out with. At my age, I realize that if I miss an opportunity like this, then it may not come up again. I'd really, really love to learn this sport, get to know my kids' teacher in the process, and pick up a wonderful sport that I can practice with Japanese friends. We have no shortage of rivers (and kayakers) nearby.

From another perspective, when we visited the preschool recently, I asked a neighbor for his impressions of the place. He had met the teacher but didn't know him personally. But he said they constantly have barbecues just outside the preschool, and it's a gathering place for people who love the outdoors. He said that if our family likes the outdoors, then we'll make lots of friends there. I couldn't help smiling at that description. :)