On 17 February I joined hundreds of paddlers tackling the 120 km Dusi Canoe Marathon. It was the second endurance event in my 12×12 Challenge and one of the clearest examples of why I chose the project in the first place.
Until the previous year I had never paddled, professionally or recreationally. Most of my early practice was on flat water. Then I moved to a faster, less stable canoe and discovered very quickly that confidence on easy water does not automatically transfer to a demanding craft.
Progress is not always graceful
Falling out, swimming to the bank, emptying the boat and climbing back in was frustrating. It was also training. Balance, efficient strokes and reliable movement patterns take repetition, especially when the skill is completely new.
The broader 12×12 idea was to show that new challenges can be physical, emotional and psychological at the same time — and that starting late is still starting.