This was my first training using a double kayak with my expedition partner and teacher, Koji. Double Kayaks are much faster but the paddle stroke is different and much longer. My paddle stroke was a little high so my shoulders were very very very very sore after we finished. We trained in Saga which is between Yanai and Shunan. Also, on a side note, I got a little sea sick. Here is my visual training log https://cloud.gaiagps.com/public/bYKwZqiVoL3xX30DtrsYtive/Aerial/
This was the first time I made the 18.2 mile trip around Kasado Island. The weather was beautiful but it was a little cold. On the way back I paddled into a section of beautifully still water and noticed a group of small wales feeding on smaller fish a few feet in front of my kayak. Japan is really a beautiful place. Here is my visual training log https://cloud.gaiagps.com/public/DyyOVtBTi5nsoaHQeW7Fqhiq/Aerial/
I completed my first trip around the 3 islands (Ozu, Kurokami, and Sen Islands) for a total of 17 miles in about 5 hours. Talk about hard, my back was sore for two days. Also, I’m noticing my anxiety about distance is not as pronounced. What I mean is that when you see your destination which is often very far away and covered in a layer of fog, you know it will take hours to get there and grow anxious about the trip. I was able to focus on the paddle stroke and realize every stoke moves me a few feet towards my goal. Here is my visual training log https://cloud.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/5db7770bd6d1765891adbe2e92f29258/Aerial/
I did the 14 mile loop around Ozu Island again. I’m getting more comfortable in the Kayak and my paddle stroke is getting better over long distances, but my muscles are still sore and my body is definitely tired. I have to keep training. Here is my visual training log but my battery died halfway through https://cloud.gaiagps.com/public/kkqhpGAGrxop13uxczfxazJc/Aerial/