I just found these pics from the last time my son and I kayaked Shingle Creek. I remember how he really didn’t want to go, although he never said anything. He knows I enjoy our time together and came along just for me. I also remember how hard he struggled and how his persistence led him to victory. After rewinding this experience, I was reminded again just how fortunate I was to have such a great kid.
I knew as soon as his paddle hit the water, he just wasn’t into it. Although he insisted everything was all good, he was betrayed by his disposition. But I did what any good father would do and pretended I didn’t notice. I wanted to see just what I could get out of him before he had a straight up meltdown, so I paddled on.
As we increased our distance he had to dig deeper and deeper.
The water level was up along with the current because of a recent rain making it even more difficult. There were a few bends where the current picked up that really wore him out, but he kept on going.
When he made it to the end of the trail, he celebrated his victory. I was proud to have witnessed such an epic battle and in that moment I was reminded of something my pastor said, “Love is more than a feeling, love is commitment and requires determination.” Every time I look at the photo and see his paddle raised in triumph I feel a sense of what it took for him to persevere.
When I see this picture I see a son’s love for his father.
This looks like such a fun way to bond with you son–and a beautiful way as well! The few times I have been kayacking I had a blast but I was also shocked that it was such a workout. I was sore for days after–but such a fun and beautiful workout!
What a great father son trip! I remember when I was younger I hated some of the things we went out to do at first and then loved them by the end of the activity. He looks so proud!
Aww this is definitely a memory you and your son will never forget! My husband kayak fishes in Pompano Beach/West Palm Beach area with friends but he cannot wait until our son is old enough to ocean kayak with him. He took him on Veteran’s Day to kayak in the Intercoastal and they both come back so animated so I know you guys had a wonderful experience!
Your son is incredibly sweet. You can totally see the look in his eyes like, “Why am I here?” lol. I’m so glad he pushed through and was able to celebrate his own victory as well as spend time with you. I actually had no idea Shingle Creek was public to kayak on, that’s pretty cool. Although, I’m sure my daughter would kill me if I asked her to attempt this with me.
I’m so loving your photos. What camera and lens did you use? Paddling through the water is a task that I’m quite afraid of even when wearing an inflated vest for safety. Especially when there are bends, maintaining balance is a challenge.
Just a T3 with the bottom of the line zoom lens.
He sure looks like he’s having fun in that kayak! It’s so important to take time for these bonding moments with our kiddos one on one. I’m glad you did just that!
WOW you can really see the look of determination on his face in the first sets of photos. The victory photo is really the best, I am so glad he stuck with it, I am sure that means a lot to you that he stuck with it. I’ve never gone Kayaking, that’s not my idea of “fun” but I would try it to just do it once.
I love this! What a great story and wonderful experience together! Kayaking is so hard and you can tell by the look on his face he was REALLY determined to get this accomplished!
Thank you for sharing the wonderful experience of Kayaking Shingle Creek with your son! It brings back wonderful memories when our family went kayaking in the marsh of Monterey county. It was an absolutely amazing experience! I think we should try to do it again this coming Spring!
What a beautiful place. Great activity to get away from it all too