Hello, My Name is Terry and I'm a Kayakholic

It was a rare "No Paddle Saturday"


Our group didn't have an excursion Saturday. The weather was perfect and I admit that I did miss paddling. This was the first Saturday I have spent off the water in months. I spent my day "paddling in paint" and it's not the same.

"Life without a paddle" on the weekend is proving to be a very difficult time for some of us. The thought of not being able to view a new slide shows on the HRL Paddler website in the coming week, is unimaginable and only adds to the pain of a missed paddle.

It's during time like these that we need to rely on the support of the " non-paddlers" or the " I haven't got the time to paddle paddlers". These groups can remind us that the serenity, euphoric feelings and laughs one experiences on these outings is just a temporary fix and can never carry a paddler beyond the next outing. The euphoria one gets while tripping with a paddle group is one of those life illusions. The memories they help create can't really add any meaning or enjoyment to one's life. "No Paddlers" and the "I haven't time to paddle paddlers" can always assure you of this. Sometimes their other friends the "I'll do it tomorrows" and "Some of us have to work" will chime in with them.

It seems our group has become a haven of sorts for kayakholics. Below is a letter from an anonymous member who goes by the name Terry. The first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem. Terry admits his problem. We commend him for taking this first step. Terry's biggest hurdle will be avoiding the July 5th excursion. We know this is on one of his favorite runs. Hopefully you can help him avoid the sign up sheets posted on our site. Remind Terry paddling 9.2 miles through 9 rapids is torture and what he feels is really pain. A distance like that should only be attempted by automobile. Only a mad man would attempt it by water. I know Terry has a long way to recovery and perhaps if I take his place on the water July 5th, that's a start. "I'm here for you Buddy and I know your pain , just give me your boat".

Thank you for allowing me to join Kayakers Anonymous:

My name is Terry and I have been dry for seven days now.It has been a week since my last paddle and the withdrawals are terrible, but with your help I can make it through this.

Please keep my friend Fran in mind as we struggle through these tough days.She was using the water with me at least once a week, sometimes we would be on the water for 6 hours or more at a time.I think I may have enable her addiction by encouraging her to paddle and use the water with me.There have even been times that I drove her to get to water in some very secret backwoods locations, just so we could use it together.I fear that my weakness may have caused me to get others addicted to the water habit. Several have gone and bought their own boats to use the water with.Some paddlers even share the same boat at once just to get their fix in.

If you suspect any of your friends or loved ones may have this problem, they can seek free help at HRL Paddlers.I hear they are a great support group for addicted paddlers and regular users of the water.You can find them at www.hrlpaddlers.com .

Good Luck and Thank You for your support.

Terry