NATURAL TRIAD OUTDOORS
W
ater,
essential for life….in survival instruction the rule of threes are frequently taught: You can survive three minutes with- out air, three hours without shelter (in harsh environments), three days without water, and three weeks without food. Some say the next world war will be over drinking water. We use water for everything, to quench our neverending thirst, flush our waste, wash our cars, save our homes and towns from burning to the ground, water our manicured, fertilized thirsty lawns, cool our coal fired turbines so we can turn on the lights. We also use water for another purpose that is equally impor-
tant in some psy- chologists', natural-
ists', and outdoor enthusi- asts' eyes. Recreation. Maybe you like to swim, fish, kayak, waterski, SUP (Stand
Up Paddleboard) or just sit on the bank and gaze at bodies of water. Are we just playing in water or is there something else go- ing on about water and the human condition? According to Wal- lace J. Nichols, author of the groundbreaking book, Blue Mind, The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected and Better at What You Do, there certainly is more to the story to our connection to water. According to Nichols, there is a “new wave of neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and medical research that illuminates the physiological and brain processes that under- lie our transformative connection to water. The research includes EEGs, MRIs and fMRIs, and is uncovering remarkable truths about water’s incredibly powerful, and startlingly profound, effects on our bodies and souls.” This information may explain why we are so drawn to water. Luckily, we in the Triad have an incredible gift in that we have
a LOT of water to access. Did you know the Triad (and surround- ing Piedmont) has TWENTY EIGHT lakes that are available for a variety of activities like fishing, motor boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, SUP and more! We also have several rivers in the Triad, including the Haw, Dan, Mayo, Smith, Yadkin, Uwharrie, Deep, and their streams and tributaries. We have small reservoirs all the way to huge lakes that can provide some significant wind and waves. So, in what ways can YOU go have some fun and connect to life giving water we are so fortunate to have? We are focusing on getting on the water in natural ways here so we'll focus on kayaking/canoeing and SUP’ing, sailing, rowing, johnboats with no motors and pedal boats. Nothing against motor boats; after all you cannot ski behind a kayak, but for this article, we are focusing on a natural approach to recreate in or at the water. Let’s start with kayaks. The number one concern most have
about kayaking is “they don’t want to get stuck” in the craft. Well, today’s recreational kayaks offer large cockpit openings and you will not be wearing a “skirt” designed to keep the paddler in, so you will fall out and the water will displace you. Since you have a life jacket on (always), it really is a pleasant experience once
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