Missing a paddling year

I'm sure others have experienced the disappointment that comes with not being able to paddle for an extended time because of an injury, illness, or other extenuating circumstance. Well, that will be me this year.

Late last summer and early fall, I fell ill and skipped several planned trips, but I thought that over the winter, I'd be able to heal up and get ready for this spring and summer. Sadly, that won't happen now, and I'm looking at missing an entire year of paddling. At best, I'm hoping to make a couple of fall trips though that might be misguided hope. My paddling life isn't over, not by a long shot; I'm just on an indefinite and rather miserable hiatus, compounded by the despondency of a lost year of paddling.

If you've been in a similar situation, I guess my question is how did you salve that never-ending yearning to be on the water. Currently, I'm evaluating all of my tripping gear, completing minor repairs, making lists of paddling needs and wants, putting together some new shelves to hold some additional acquisitions, and watching way too many videos of other people paddling. Add to that I'm putting a dent in several books on paddling topics that I've been meaning to read.

Any other suggestions?

I kind of know what you mean - I missed out on 2 years of trips in Canada (pandemic) where I started paddling annually in 2007. And at age 76, I can’t afford to miss any more. I was just talking to my main tripping partner yesterday and we both agreed we need to get in all the trips we can. He is turning 76 in a few days. This year I have 2 Canadian trips planned.

During the pandemic I evaluated all my gear, selling some, replacing/repairing some and acquiring some new. I also completed the downsizing of my fleet from 5 to 2 canoes.

When it comes to online canoe tripping porn, my wife tells me I am going wear out my iPad since I spent several hours daily on it, almost all involving canoeing.

And lastly, I am on a no lifting restriction now until the end of the month due to surgery. Hang in there, you will get better.

Oof- I’m sorry to hear that.

I was supposed to be on a trip this week, but broke my hand a couple weeks ago and will be out of commission for a while. My situation is much more abbreviated than yours, but paddling, fishing, camping, anything that needs both hands is out. Of course I’m right handed and that is my busted one.

I am sanding and finishing some bright work, cleaning up the shop, spending more time with the family, and trying not to think of what I could be doing. I really don’t have any suggestions outside of what you’re already doing, but I empathize and hope you get back to it this fall. I’m sure it will feel amazing to be paddling again.

Wishing you a fast recovery.

Bob

Sorry to hear you’re unable to paddle. I’m on the tail end of such a period and can tell you that it’s a perfect time to tweak things, lighten your portage loads, plan, and keep in shape or rehab injuries. Sometimes it feels hopeless and you think you’re never going to get back, but those thoughts are fleeting. Good luck and keep up the good thoughts. We all take a turn at the trough.

in over 60 years I've only ever missed 2 years- one when I had a massive heart attack which left me as weak as a kitten, and one when I broke my back and was bedridden for almost a year... I got through them by sorting gear, reading trip reports, and having good friends who literally forced me to come on a few trips each time by riding princess, and who carried my gear and set it up for me.

Sorry to hear this.

I missed all of last year. Two days before my first trip of the year I blew my shoulder out lifting weights. I already started packing for the trip and remember the depression kicking in as I unpacked my gear with one arm in a sling.

Knew I just needed to forget about paddling until I got a working arm again. Focused all my effort on that. Had surgery that July and did PT with a driving motivation. Managed to do a backpacking trip that Oct…that felt glorious.

By Feb (7 months post surgery) I was released from therapy which was remarkable for the extent of my injury (full tears in 3 out of 4 rotator cuff tendons).

Crap…today officially marks one year since my injury.

Maybe you have some friends that can take you out just for day trips?….I know just being in the canoe would help me and hopefully you too.
Best wishes…hang tight.

Please remember it is a matter of perspective. I'll trade places with any one of you. I WISH I had your problems!! LOL.

Just spend the year doing everything listed above and plan trips. Also, while it won't be canoeing, pick one of your other favorite activities and develop it. I got back into flyfishing (how did I take 10 years off?) and ramped up my mountain biking. Obviously every one is different with what they can accomplish, but find that thing(s).

There are many things you can get into? Maybe it's time to finally do that thing you have batted about for awhile. Learn a language, start painting, grow a huge veggie garden, shoot air guns in the basement, finally build that slot car track you always wanted.

Just don't stop.

scoutergriz said:

in over 60 years I've only ever missed 2 years- one when I had a massive heart attack which left me as weak as a kitten, and one when I broke my back and was bedridden for almost a year... I got through them by sorting gear, reading trip reports, and having good friends who literally forced me to come on a few trips each time by riding princess, and who carried my gear and set it up for me.

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You have some great friends, scoutergriz. None of the folks in my current paddling circle really do any tripping, so my trips are solo or with my son. When I can get other people to accompany us, I'm usually the one pulling the load.

I think I need some new friends.

I think I need some new friends.

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Perhaps but I still prefer solo and, probably, always will.

Hang in there and remember that what cannot be remedied must be endured.

Lots of good recommendations above... have you considered building?

Blukanu said:

Sorry to hear this.

I missed all of last year. Two days before my first trip of the year I blew my shoulder out lifting weights. I already started packing for the trip and remember the depression kicking in as I unpacked my gear with one arm in a sling.

Knew I just needed to forget about paddling until I got a working arm again. Focused all my effort on that. Had surgery that July and did PT with a driving motivation. Managed to do a backpacking trip that Oct…that felt glorious.

By Feb (7 months post surgery) I was released from therapy which was remarkable for the extent of my injury (full tears in 3 out of 4 rotator cuff tendons).

Crap…today officially marks one year since my injury.

Click to expand...

Even worse, when I broke my back it was only a few days before a trip to the Mattawa- my food barrel went without me...

Gamma1214 said:

Perhaps but I still prefer solo and, probably, always will.

Hang in there and remember that what cannot be remedied must be endured.

Lots of good recommendations above... have you considered building?

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I wish I possessed the inclination and talent to build anything beyond the rudimentary, but, regrettably, neither are in my quiver. However, I'm making progress on assembling some new shelves in the garage and re-sorting my gear, so that's been good.