Sculls In My Skull It wasn't that long ago that I was a long distance runner and actively teaching Judo. I dearly loved doing both, each for a different reason. The running was convenient, and I was one of those people who got into it after about 4 miles. I used to run at an eight minute-per-mile pace (even did my marathons at that pace...but I digress). It was good for my body, and good for my head. I did some of my best creative thinking out on the road.

Then things changed, and I could not run. I even felt unsafe on the heaving deck of my cutter, and I sold the boat. What to do? For a while, I considered sculling.

I used to see these fragile-looking crafts on the lake in Madison when I was in school up there. I sometimes watched them work out and was impressed by their stamina. The thought of being out there and gliding across the water had an appeal for me, but I never got into it. When the leg went, it again became a consideration. But, then, I felt that the number of days one could find suitable conditions around here would be limited. Besides, how would Lady Linda feel about me cutting a hole in the garage to accommodate a scull?

In the end, I ended up with a rowing machine which I actually liked. Once into the rhythm of the thing, I would close my eyes and experience the sensation of skimming along the water. After a while, however, I wondered what the hell I was doing in basement all the time, and I wanted back out on the water.

The idea of sculling came back to me, but I realized I would never be happy (or comfy) going backwards (I know about the reverse oar systems) all the time. I don't know where it came from, but the idea of kayaking popped into my mind (I never liked canoes, almost died falling out of one into cold water...but I digress). I googled, found 'Baga and, as they say, the rest is history.

Paddle safe...

DS