Kayaking is both healing and adventurous

By Kim Jin-hyun

Yeosu is an ideal place for water sports, because it has about 400 islands, each of which is unique and beautiful. These islands are located in the deep and shallow mud sea, all of which is clean and fresh, thanks to a current called “Kurusyu.”

Thus, seven years ago, I began to kayak. Mine is two-man kayak, slow and inflatable. At first, I was afraid that I would sink, but in time, I began to enjoy it more and more. Kayaking around the islands in the deep sea, I always expect an adventure with the high waves. While I paddle around in the mud sea, I get to see the sunset at twilight.

In fact, in this age of competition, where people have stressful lives, they don't have time to reflect on themselves or even on their families. They live like lonely Robinson Crusoes.

In this tight life, a sport like kayaking can help us escape from our normal lives and provide us new perspectives in experiencing nature. It is also a remedy.

The sea accepts anything because it is in the lowest location. It also resembles the sky. On a sunny day, every wave on the sea reflects the sun. On a cloudy day, the sea resembles the sky. Or on a rainy day, squalls hit the sea like piano keys. As a result, the sea sounds like millions of piano recitals.

Therefore, the moment I make plans to go kayaking with my friends, I become excited because it always refreshes me with its beautiful scenes.

On the kayak, my friends and I immediately recognize that we are part of nature. The sky, the beaches, and the sea take us in. Free from daily life, I try to talk about private matters with my kayak partners and deepen our friendship, relieving my mind. In no time, we reach our destination ― an island ― after two hours or so of kayaking.

Feeling hungry and eating the food that we prepared for the trip, we try to express how we feel about the beautiful scenes that we have encountered.

I tell them my experiences. For example, how I feel as if I was in a cloud with a net of blue knots in the red sky on the sea. At twilight, I passed through the full moon shining on the sea. On high waves, I saw two waves hitting against each other. They are amazed by my story.

Finally, my kayak mentor begins to describe the shape of the island. It has a steep area with rocks and a gentle slope with soil and sand as well as other landscapes. Human beings also have many images like the island and we are encouraged to express our hidden merits by confronting reality rather than avoiding it.

On the way back to the landing, we paddle together slowly, looking straight at the water and I am reminded of a sage's words that an awakened man considers water to be land, body and mind.

In the sea, kayakers begin to reflect on their lives. A friend says, “Taking a kayak helps me live more energetically.” The other says, “Before kayaking, I was the only man who could solve the problems in my life, but I recognize that I need more cooperation.” Another says, “On the water, as I face obstacles continuously, I should learn how to overcome trouble."

Kayaking stimulates me to adapt to my life in good ways. Coming home, my friends’ messages, the mentor’s insight and the scenery remain vivid and unforgettable.

Kim is an English teacher at Yeosu High School in South Jeolla Province. His email address is shinykim60@daum.net.