“Treasures” From The Past: Proof of My Short-Lived Canoeing Career
by Jenners • 01/05/2012 • Miscellaneous, My Childhood • 37 Comments
My brother inherited our parents’ house after they passed away, and he has been steadily excavating through the piles of stuff they stored in the basement. He recently came across a “treasure trove” of my stuff, packed what would fit in a box, and sent it to me. Although he called it “a big box of your crap,” I think a better word might be “a big box of blog fodder.” I thought it would be fun to write a series of posts about these “treasures” from the past. Previous posts featured my homemade Rolodex, my high school wallet, my personal flair and my patch collection. This time, you’re going to see tangible proof of my canoeing career!
When I was in high school, I was on a canoe team. (How dorky is that???) We trained for several months for a big canoe regatta in New York. It was no joke—we did a 6-mile relay race, with three sets of two paddlers doing 2 miles each. This was no leisurely canoeing. This was flat-out, paddle as fast as you can on your knees for two miles. It was really hard. But I’m pleased to report that my team placed in the top 3—and I have the medal to prove it!
Ha! Suck on that, Chris and Mike! I did so do competitive canoeing! (Note: Chris and Mike are my brothers.)
I never really canoed again after this event, except for an ill-advised trip from Canada to the U.S. and a brief dalliance with insanity when a friend and I competed in a “triathlon” that involved running, canoeing and biking and almost resulted in my untimely death.
Next time we’ll conclude this series with a look at a mere fraction of my fabled unicorn collection.
A canoe team…that’s actually pretty interesting! And a canoe regatta sounds even cooler
Never knew that they had things for canoeing since it seems like kayaking and rowing are the more popular sports.
I’ve only canoed once in my life and that was when we went camping 2 decades ago. Even then, my brother and I couldn’t coordinate our rowing and we just went in circles for a while before our arms got tired. So in my book it’s quite impressive especially since you canoed for a team AND you got placed in top 3.
I am impressed!
I have only stepped foot in a canoe and nearly tipped it over! However I had a rather large collection of unicorns myself and I look forward to reading about your menagerie
Oh my goodness, I think canoeing is so much work. You really have to work. I signed my son up for a class, darn near killed him. He liked Kayaking, but the canoeing and third place that’s really good.
I am impressed, indeed. Never learning to swim well, that would probably be the last place you’d ever find me…LOL
canoe team? rock on jenners! very glad you survived the triathlon
I am in awe!
Awesome! I’ve never canoed (that word looks really wrong) in my life but, if I ever move back to Hawaii, I’m definitely joining an outrigger team. My grandma was on one there when I was a kid and I loved the team pictures she had on the wall and everything. I’m going to have to do a lot more arm work first though!
Canoeing! How fun! I always enjoyed it but never really had many opportunities to enjoy it.
I don’t think the canoeing is dorky at all. I wouldn’t want to do it competitively but just a nice trip down the river would be fun.
the things we find out about you…
That. is. awesome!
It’s amazing what our parents keep. I think they do it for moments just like this! Since I bought a house my mom has been emptying all those “things” she saved into mine!
I love a leisurely day spent canoeing down the river. I applaud your athleticism and competitive spirit and admire your medal.
I have a few facebook friends I went to high school with. I love when they post things from the past especially photos. My mom is a save nothing woman so all of my childhood things were thrown out at some point. I tend to do the same thing and so my kids grab their stuff when they see me get in a cleaning mood.
Wow a triatholon? And I thought we were friends
You are so awesome.
I am also impressed! Canoeing is very difficult!!
how did i ever miss the canoe story when it first was posted? lol
I had no idea there was competitive canoing! You must have been buff- that is hard work
Dude! That really does sound like hard work. I honestly didn’t know that was even an option.
Well how about this – you have a hidden talent!! I don’t think I’ve ever been in a canoe in my life (or kayak, for that matter). I have mastered piloting a “john boat” (small aluminum fishing boat) with one paddle, though.
I love it! I just recently went kayaking for the first time in Hawaii and loved it but only because my sweetie, Tom, did all the rowing!!
wow–I’m impressed. Canoeing is hard.
Canoeing is healthy, not dorky.
Unicorns, on the other hand…
Canoeing sounds really difficult…I had no idea you have to kneel in the boat! You should have received a cash prize! I think it’s kind of cool that your high school had canoeing, it’s the first I’ve heard of.
What possessed you to enter a triathlon that included canoeing? Triathlons sound tough enough without adding paddling while kneeling to the mix. I’m very happy you survived!
I am so impressed! I have never even been canoeing, and feel scared to try, because my arms might get tired. I like exercise that deals more with the lower half of the body, where I am stronger. I love your medals though!
That’s really cool!
I can’t wait to see the unicorns!
You are becoming more well-rounded and worldly to me with every post I read!
Love that you did that!
I’ve never heard of a canoeing team! I think once would be enough for me too.
You had me at unicorns!
Actually, I don’t think canoeing is dorky at all.
It’s not canoeing, but I’ve always wanted to be on a rowing team! Jason and I were just talking about this the other night.
No dorkiness at all. I loved to canoe — I would have jumped on the chance to be on a team or to have competed.
Ya know, depending on how this global warming thing goes, NJ could be under water. Those canoeing skills could enable you to get to the store for books and chocolate.
Looking forward to the fabled unicorn collection!
Well, that came as a total surprise. Why it should I’m not sure, I guess you just don’t come across as an outdoorsy type – and I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Canoeing?! Wow! I don’t think it’s dorky at all, but I do love your commentary.
I really cannot wait for the fabled unicorn collection.
Well! there is no end to the layers of Jenners! Canoeing may sound silly, but it is really hard work, and I am impressed!