Back on the water!

Yesterday I finally had a chance to get on the water. My PT had cleared me for some light paddling, and I have been waiting for weather and time. My wife took the twins down to Balboa Park, so I had some free time. I loaded up the boat and headed down to Bahia Point. I figured a nice easy paddle on Mission Bay would be perfect. As I launched from the beach, it felt great to have water under my keel again. I carefully watched my mechanics as my blade sliced into the water. I decided to wear my brace. It did not seem to affect my paddling. I paddled my kayak northward at a slow but steady pace. I used the bouys as targets, as I approached each, I worked on several of my sterring strokes. A draw here, a bow rudder there.

The elbow felt good, but I was not about to push the pace nor the distance. Although there was a power boat and a water skier, there was still a peaceful feeling about the water. As I reached the end of bay, I looped along the beach, gliding along, looking down into the sea grasses for any fish. Alas, nothing was spotted today. I crossed back over the channel and landed on the beach near my car. I was out for about an hour. It felt so good to be back paddling. I had forgot how much I need that time to myself.

I iced the elbow down when I got home and took it easy for the rest of the day. I opted to wear the brace for the rest of the day. The next day, I kept a close eye on the elbow and other than some light soreness, I think I can start paddling in a careful regular fashion. I think I'll shoot for a Thursday at Aqua to celebrate the end of the year.