As we begin the new year, I am reminded of Oren Lyons' quote, "We may be in different boats, you in your boat and we in our canoe, but we share the same river of life."
Indeed, the concept of a thriving paddling club in the middle of the largest Oil and Gas capital city can be as strange as the very existence of Houston itself, a least visited of the top 4 cities in the US, yet a thriving economy, lively ambiance, and the most culturally diverse city in the US. So, it's no surprise that the club’s 60th year in 2024 is a milestone of sorts, with a membership now as diverse as ever; each of our paddles is from different boats, propelling through the water of the same river, bayous, and coastal waters, uniting us.
Aside from being an assistant Scoutmaster for over a decade and a father of 3 Eagle Scouts, I, a self-described loner, was initially attracted to kayaking because it is usually considered an individual sport; you are your captain. For some of us, it may also be a mental game that requires intense focus on the next turn on the river or keeping the stern steady on the white cap bay during an unexpected wind. But I quickly learned here at HCC that it is also a Team sport where cooperation of immense proportions has come to bear. At HCC, many trip leaders and others introduced me to new paddling places, cared for and taught me about safety, and shared paddling skills for my improvement. Those countless river miles also tend to bind us, paddlers, together. It’s these other paddlers I’ve met along the way who stay with me the most. Their experiences, including stories, advice, questions, struggles, and achievments, have become a part of my own life's tapestry. Furthermore, some of my best moments of mental clarity/healing came while sitting in a kayak on Brazos, simply observing the gentle movements of the water around me. I am very grateful to be a part of this community of paddlers.
We have much to look forward to in 2024. Keeping with HCC’s deep tradition, we will celebrate the club's 60th anniversary with great fanfare and invite many past officers and celebrants. We will also host the 2nd annual Charlotte’s Challenge race and fun paddle that the club inaugurated last year. We want to strengthen our partnership with the sister club HASK, as we have done throughout 2023. Most of all, I look forward to celebrating the joy of paddling throughout this year with you all.