The Adventures Of Huck Finn
This weekend I finally got off te beaten path and headed out into the Waccamaw river. Mark Allison from Surf City Surf Shop just got in a few rental kayaks and I wanted to try them out. Also our new employee was feeling a little culture shock moving from DC to Conway so I wanted to show him some of the finer things that our beautiful area had to offer. So we loaded up the kayaks and headed for the river.
Our first outing on the Waccamaw was not fun at all. This is due to improper equipment. I got stuck with the home made short wave paddle. Being my first time in an open kayak I was unaware of what type of paddle was needed for a successful enjoyable venture on calmer flat waters. Being left far behind, but close to the noise and sight of the highway, I grew upset pretty fast. Ready to call it quits after just over 30 min Emerson and I started heading back.
Regrouping from the quick mourning outing Emerson and I came up with a new plan: Get a new paddle! A simple phone call to Jeff Cribb (master of random gear) and we scored a new paddle. Armed with a new paddle and a new plan we ventured into the Kingston Lake area of the Waccamaw river. However our plan was a little short sighted. Little did we know we had to pay a ramp launch fee of $2, but we only had $1. After getting that little situation taken care of (he let us in for only $1) we were off.
Like the Adventures OF Huckleberry Finn, Emerson and I were off on our "raft" ride up the river talking to river folks along the way. It was pretty amazing being on the water away from the hustle and bustle of "city life" and actually coming into contact with local fisherman enjoying the same tranquilness that we were. To add to the surreal scene we ran into one of my family's life long friends enjoying the fondest moments that I have come to know him by: fishing. I have know this individual in many different lights for some years including - but not limited to - middle school janitor, friend, fishing buddy, boat operator, father's coworker and self-esteem builder. My friend's name is Micey, (I am not sure if it is his real name but it is the only name I have ever know him by) and it seems as if I always bump into him in these nice peculiar ways.
After a pleasant little chat between boat captains talking about the daily catch, Emerson and I headed up the river into the Kingston lake area. Faraway from everything and close to it all the trip was great.
This little experience on our kayak trip made the whole trip worth while. I have been struggling with the notion that there are no new unexplored lands and I will never be the first to see something that hasn't already been captured remarkably well in picture, video or word form. With that being said I am glad to be able to relate present day experiences with dramatic passages I read and vividly imagined as a child. This is a new way at looking at life and being drawn into a world of make believe and fantasy. May I have many more new experiences in the future.
THE GEAR
2 Bic Sport - Ouassou Models
Length : 8'6 - 260.0 cm
Width : 31 - 78.0 cm
Weight : 18.0 kgs - 18.0 kgs
Max. Load : 242 lbs - 110 kgs
Material : Thermoformed polyethylene
Program : All waters
Capacity : 1 adult + 1 child
Paddles:
1 Bic Sport Take-down Paddle
* Asymmetrical
* Foam-filled
* Equipped with splash-guard
* Shaft ovalised to the right for better grip
* Black anodised
* Rigid shafts
* Can be adapted for left-handers and can be taken apart
1 Home Made Short Wave Paddle
The kayaks were fun. They were a little heavy so that one person could not carry one by themselves. Also there could be some little improvements with the kayak design such as a dry well and larger foot rests. The back support system was comfortable for a short trip but I would guess not so for an all day adventure.
Bic also makes other models that I am hopeful to try. I will keep you posted on them. For more info check out Bic Sports. (Yep, its the same guys who do the pens)
