How about the fear that marketing, advertising and the media place on us in the good old USA. Traveling in Ireland a few years ago back when the bird flu was first going to ravage the world I watched a news broadcast about a case of BF found in London. It was dismissed as not a big concern - story over. After returning to the states about a week later the same story made it to our newspaper. It was practically reported as an "Oh My God The World Is Going To End event. Today, we know the rest of the bird flu story.

Another "fear" is that I won't look as good as the guy on the magazine cover if I don't do this workout, take this supplement, hold my mouth right while doing dead lifts, etc, etc, etc. Nope, I probably won't ever look that good. Not supposed to. Don't really care. I don't have an airbrush following me around to make it so.

Recently, my daughter returned from a 4 month trip to Chile. We were talking about her experience and she commented that one of the most interesting things she learned was that other countries were not scary like they are often made out to be. She met great people, saw cool places and learned to speak the language well. She came back with a great experience and feeling about the people and places she visited in spite of the fact she was mugged while she was there. She said, "you know Dad, I walked down a street I shouldn't have. It could have happened anywhere". Backtrack 30 years. This small town Southern boy visited NYC and LA in his early 20's looking for job opportunities. Because of the things I had heard based on things that people say I went with not fear, but a high level of apprehension. OK, it was really a bit of fear. So what I found were big cities with high energy levels that were a hell of a lot of fun. Again, go fearlessly to where ever and perhaps into whatever, watch your topknot and use common sense. Stuff can happen anywhere but probably won't.

The chief danger in life is that you may take too many precautions - Alfred Adler

Did you ever come out of the boat and have to drain and re-enter? I assume you were using the sea sock - how did it perform? Was the boat loaded with gear? Easy access to it? Did you roll the Trak? I have had a lot of communication with Nolin. Great guy. I am looking forward to your review of the course.

Andrew,

Did you enjoy this course? Did you take your Trak and how did she hold up (I am considering a Trak so I am very interested in your experience with the boat)? I trained with Dubside at the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival a few years ago. Interesting guy.

I see from your comments that you have come to realize that sea kayaking offers a life time of learning and skills can be developed and the sport enjoyed well into our 70's and 80's. It's a great sport and a fairly small number of pros/coaches in the world who are some of the greatest people I have ever met.

Jesse