Agustin and I have had quite a busy summer! And even though we are so grateful for the opportunities we have had to travel with our jobs – its hard that this summer we had to spend most of it apart.  That being said – we want to take full advantage of the summer days we have left together and soak up Seattle’s gorgeous sunny summer weather as much as possible!  So Agustin and I decided last weekend for my first Saturday off in 8 weeks we should go kayaking! Now… when I first attempted kayaking with one hand…it was a bit discouraging.  But after a few tries I figured it out, but to be honest.. its hard.  But last year, when Agustin and I were in Hawaii to celebrate and document Meghan + Olly’s gorgeous destination wedding, we all went on a kayaking trip down this gorgeous river leading to an incredible waterfall.  It was then, that Agustin and I figured out a way to effectively kayak together in a two person kayak – and now I can really enjoy it!

So while we were out on our kayaking adventure, I took note of some interesting expressions from viewers on the beach and fellow kayakers because of how I hold the paddle, so I thought – what a great opportunity for another episode of A Life Modified! (To see more episodes, click on the “A Life Modified” link under categories or read up about the series and some background on my story here! )

Like I said – if you are wanting to try one-handed kayaking.. it is totally doable! Just a bit more of a challenge but I am sure with practice could be mastered.  For me, there are some things I truly want to master independently and do one-handed with 100% confidence (i.e. photography), but there are other activities that yes – I can say I can do them one-handed and by myself, but it is so much more enjoyable and not as tiresome when I welcome the assistance of someone else.  It’s a beautiful balance, but we can chat about that later.

Most of the time I will paddle on one side and Agustin will paddle on the opposite side and or if he is paddling, alternating sides then I sync my stroke to join him when he is paddling on the left – so he steers and I help give more power. So he is normally in the back of the two-seater kayak and I am in the front.  In this video  – you will notice I am sitting backwards, for the purpose of the video and demonstrating how I do it – and unfortunately the video got cut off a bit early, but you can get the idea :)

Welp here it is! One handed Kayaking video and a couple of pics from my iPhone. Happy Wednesday!

Kayaking kellylemonphotography lifemodified from Kelly Lemon on Vimeo.