July 7, 2004

Katie Makes 3

I took off work so we could meet up with Mark at Mason Neck State Park. But after unloading the kayaks and katie getting on the water, it got dark and thunder rolled. Katie practiced a quick couple (30?) bow rudders and then got off the water as it started to rain.

I had Katie sit in the car while I put my kayak away. I was sure the predicted heavy thunderstorms were about to hit and knew the assessment would cancel. But 20 minutes later the sky lightened up and the thunder went away.

Mark pulled up a few minutes later and was quickly on the water. I chose to stay on shore - I didn't want to put any more pressure on Katie by scrutinizing her moves ;)

Katie and Mark paddled off and I could see her going through bow rudders. I took the car up the hill and parked along the overlook near the water. I decided to walk down the trail and watch them from a distance. Without her glasses on, she'd never know I was watching...

I watched them run through eskimo rescues and towing, and Mark spent some time helping her perfect her roll. The re-test didn't take long but it seemed like forever for me waiting on shore.

They paddled back to the launch and I asked Mark if I could still call her a two and a half star. He told me that no, now I have to call her a 3 star ;) Katie's face brightened on hearing those words. She was pleasantly pleased. She would tell me on the ride home with all the practical questions Mark asked her that she was afraid she had not passed.

Katie has worked hard this season on improving her skills. I'm very proud of her. Maybe she'll let me sleep in this weekend instead of getting up early to go paddle ;)

Pictures...

Woody