There's something about kayaking

Sprint kayaking is probably the first (and only) sport that I trained competitively in and at some point I was even hoping that I could possibly become good enough to take part in international competitions. Somehow that didn't come to pass but kayaking still became something I enjoy doing on a regular (if time permits) basis; which actually means once a week or even once a fortnight.

The awesome canoeing club I go to

The thing about kayaking is that it is quite a difficult sport to pick up. The real sprint kayaks are really hard to balance and the correct technique for paddling could take a long time (most take years) to master. Even if one has kind of mastered the technique and the balancing, it still takes a certain amount of concentration and discipline when you are out paddling. This is especially true for someone like me who goes paddling once a fortnight or sometimes even longer. Each time I go paddling, I spend about 60% of my energy on balancing and 20% on getting a proper technique; and since delivering a proper technique also contributes to good balancing, that makes 80% on balancing.  So what do I focus on when I am paddling? I try to keep my upper body straight (vertical), not slouch or leaning to either side; control the amount of force I put on each foot; make sure my hands don't go too far back during each pull; maintain good rotation while not leaning to either side and not letting my bottom slip to either side. There are probably a lot more details but the general idea is: balance the forces between the left and right and you should be fine. It sounds simple but execution is hard and if at any time you lose focus, there's a high chance you are going for a swim.

Too bad I don't have any photos or videos of my paddling sessions. Well if I could get a sports cam like the GoPro, or even if someone could loan me one (or even give me one :D), I could take a shot of paddling at the Yarra river. 

Anyway, I find that my thought life is very much like going kayaking - it takes discipline and effort to keep my mind in check. I have to be alert and constantly aware of what is in my mind and take captive of every thought like what Paul wrote (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). If I don't manage my thoughts purposefully and allow tempting thoughts to infiltrate my mind, it's just not going to turn out well. So just think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and anything that is excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8) and I should stay afloat just fine.