LORENZO DEL BIANCO
fast-rising surf as you weed the daisies! What about us, the paddlers of the sea?
The footy industry has scant concern that we are special needs sorts. We leap! And most our time spent leaping in and out of a kayak is onto awkward spots that are rocky or surf-pounded. Upon leaping we appreciate it if our footwear comes along for the ride. Is this too much to ask beyond profit
margins that our holey shoes do more than float? Probably, as the second problem with
holeys lies in the essence of their design— the holes.
things nibbling my toes. The shredded wound inflicted by a piece
of clam shell that I picked up while flushing the fish was a reminder that fashion and function ran hand in hand at my expense. I am not the only one to peer through
the shoe-holes and see the light. A friend working at an outfitter was offered a free pair if she would promote them by wear- ing them at work. “Fire me if you want, I’m not wearing
those!” Perhaps an uprising has begun? Admittedly, my cushy holeys I wear for everything—except kayaking. I now paddle
Did anyone consider that what goes out also comes back in? It is simple physics. Drainage versus suction.
Did anyone at holey shoe central consid-
er that what goes out also comes back in? It is simple physics that there is an equal reaction for every action. Drainage versus suction. A case in point: Two unfortunate tiny fishy souls who were trapped wiggling on my toes. Hapless victims of entry level physics, one in each shoe no less. This happened as I lugged my kayak
through a mucky canal sending all but two fish swimming away. The event brought to the surface childhood fears of creepy sea
in a pair of water shoes that, though they have holes, are so far fish-free and stay on! As for multipurpose foot duds, I have yet
to find anything to match the fashion and function of my childhood favourite for both cruising the city and mucking about in the sea—a good solid pair of red sneakers.
DAVID BARNES is an artist, photographer, and au- thor of a self-published book of kayaking essays, Black Pearls of Wisdom: Tales of the Tribal Kayaker. He lives on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
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