Sometimes the best weekends are the ones where you arrive not knowing what you’re doing and leave feeling like you’ve learned a whole new skill.
Our Black Girls Hike Learn to Canoe Weekender was exactly that.
A small group of us came together on the River Great Ouse in Bedfordshire for a weekend of learning to canoe, camping and spending time outdoors. It didn’t take long for the group to find its rhythm. Everyone was happy to take things at their own pace, and the instructors loved having a group who were willing to slow down, listen and enjoy the journey.
And what a journey it was.
The weather was immaculate, the water was crystal clear and the river gave us plenty of time to take in the beautiful surroundings. We worked well together in our pairs, making sure no one felt left behind as we learned how to paddle, steer and navigate the river.
By the time we reached our woodland campsite, everyone had found their confidence on the water.
For quite a few of the group, camping was a new experience too. We bonded over pitching tents, figuring out where everything should go and trying to claim the perfect spot. Once camp was set up, the team got busy preparing dinner - a delicious lentil curry with rice and poppadoms.
But before dinner, we decided it was time for a wild swim.
Some people were more enthusiastic than others at first, but eventually everyone embraced it. There was plenty of laughter as we got into the river, and something about jumping into that cold water felt incredibly liberating. After a full day on the canoes, it was the perfect way to wind down.
Back at camp, we tucked into dinner before settling in for the evening with a few games of Would You Rather and Imposter. By then, everyone was ready for an early night.
The next morning, we packed up and headed back onto the river, with everyone noticeably more comfortable in their canoes than when we'd started.
Over the weekend, we learned a new skill, explored the River Great Ouse and discovered muscles we didn't even know existed!
More than anything, though, it was lovely to see how quickly the group came together. No one was left behind, everyone pitched in and there was a real sense of looking out for each other.
It was a relaxed weekend, but one that left us feeling accomplished and perhaps a little more confident about getting back on the water for our next adventure.
Not bad for a group of beginner canoeists!