This is the day I really fell in love with Bellyaking; which I’m surprised to say given my initial feeling for the day. We are went to the Pigeon, which is a step up from the rivers we have been on. It is a class 111+ whitewater. I was nervous to learn this.
On this day of the progression clinic the damn had been released for the summer, so we went for it! It usually takes me a second to warm up when I first get on, but that didn’t happen this time. We saw the take off right below the damn release going straight into some rapids. As we got geared up, the spot was booming with rafters, there were tons of busses bringing in people, all ready to go white water rafting. I watched some rafts take off with yells of excitement as they head down the river riding up and down on the waves, some getting stuck around rocks.
Then it was our turn for our Bellyak gang to take off and get out there! And man…right from the start I couldn’t help but have shrills of excitement. As we flew head first, laying flat against the water, I realized we are so much smaller than the huge rafts floating by. The waves were HUGE and we were flying over them and through them, just legit belly surfing.
Feeling the adrenaline, nothing could wipe the smile from my face. I had become a fan of the wave trains. I was amazed that this river was just full of them and fast flowing water, we were really bookin’ it! This was where the skills we learned were put to the test by the faster, stronger water current.
I implemented what I had learned in the last three classes as much as possible, though this river tested my skills. I was following Adam to learn lines in the river to follow, but it got difficult to see him when the waves started crashing down around me. I flew over them, or in some cases they flew over me. I began catching major air to the point that I almost flew off the back of the boat, but it was still so exciting!
As I flew over a wave, coming down I discovered a major hole. I was tossed into it and spit off of my Bellyak. Holding on, I tucked it back under me and hoisted myself back on. (note to self- ask what to do to avoid holes, my new best friend, this river is full of them).
After this spill, I found myself worrying about what’s ahead. Half way down the river I realized how much fun I was having in the moment, even on a challenging spot. This made me realize I need to focus on what is happening now and enjoy it, rather than fearing some unknown rapid ahead.
This being said, we were all having a blast ripping through the current. During an Eddy out (break moment) my question was answered about avoiding the: dun dun dunnnn..holes. When you see a hole up ahead, it is a good idea to use a forceful stroke before the wave to get enough stamina to get ahead of the hole, and to not be pulled back and under.
This reminded me of a previous lesson learned: speed is your friend. During eddy outs, I found it was easier to drift with the water to lean into where you want to go. I couldn’t tell if this was from feeling more comfortable on the bellyak, or if stronger river currents make this maneuver easier (I’m happy with either reason 😉 ).
Practicing more tricks, I was able to lean back on the Bellyak so the front of the boat is above the water and I am sitting and balancing on the very back with my knees underneath me, gliding along. This was a major accomplishment, since balancing on the boat doesn’t come naturally and needs to be practiced. As I got cheers from my teammates, I couldn’t help but feel the love of this group, learning this sport together and helping each other with different things we’ve learned is an amazing part of these lessons.
I conclude this lesson with amazingly fun adventure full of splashing waves, conquering rapids and shrills of excitement. I am also overjoyed to feast on my favorite food afterwards, O glorious watermelon <3
