Kayaking in Cape Town sound like fun? Well… it depends.
I really enjoy trying new things. At the same time, every time I stray too far out my comfort zone, I find myself wondering, “do I though?” While scrolling through Instagram I saw a pretty sunset shot taken from a kayak and thought ‘Oh, wouldn’t it be fun to go kayaking in Cape Town at sunset?’ We looked up the details of Cape Kayak Adventures in Cape Town and booked. This was the full extent of my thought process. I didn’t research further or imagine what that would be like. When I got in the kayak and started our tour, it finally dawned on me. The tour is in the ocean, ocean. As in… the Ocean.
My family laughed so hard when I told the this story because “sis, where did you think you were going?” “You literally drove there.” I know, I know, I didn’t say it made sense. Sure, I’ve obviously done water activities before: snorkelling in Thailand, gone swimming in the Indian Ocean (not the Atlantic because sane people don’t do this), geckoing in Mpumalanga, and numerous South African sunset cruises. I know that the water can get pretty choppy.
I just forgot.
Our kayaking adventure started on our third try, the first two sunset tour appointments were postponed due to poor weather, in Sea Point. So, we decided we weren’t married to the sunset idea and would take whatever the next slot to open was – it ended up being the 6:30 sunrise tour.
It was still raining when we arrived but forecast to clear up soon. As the light drizzle began to subside, we got all our gear and our friendly tour guide proceeded to explain how to kayak. I sat in the front of the kayak and received tips and information about how to paddle, steer, change direction, safety etc. The paddler at the back does the steering but since we are both on the thing, it really is a team effort.
When we set off at dawn, the water was cool and calm. We followed the instructions and set of into the sea. Paddle on each side in unison. Team work. I’m thinking, ‘great, I can totally do this.’ Then we made our first right turn right, the only tricky part of the trip. We needed to steer away from rocky shore and turn right but also be mindful not to go too far out because the aim is not to get carried out too far. Basically, just turn right. Got it.
As we did so, I felt the current grow stronger and lost sight of the shore. Suddenly, I found myself suddenly at the bottom of a large swell. I looked down and just saw moving darkness. I think my soul literally left my body at this point. Not even looking on from the outside. Just gone. Probably back to the safety of the pebbled beach.
We continued to paddle. I’m screaming. Literally screaming. It felt like I was paddling and paddling, trying to move but I’m just stuck in one place. Like one of those stress nightmares. It was quite a weird way to experience this in practice and not just metaphorically. Over the roaring waves, I repeatedly shouted behind me, “What are you doing? Why aren’t you steering?” He’s shouting, “I am.” But I’m finding it hard to believe as the wall to wall ocean prepares to consume me. It was so stressful, can you tell?
Slowly the swell was smaller, the water calmer and not only was the shore visible but then you could see Table Mountain (which on this side of town is always possible). As my heart starts to slowly regain its average heart beat. The guide appears along side me and cheerfully says “howya doing? So, where are you from?” I just stare at him blankly (well, it was probably more my wtf face than my blank face). Thankfully, my husband took up our friendly social skills mantle and chatted with him.
This was my memory of the morning. My heart was still reeling afterwards when we stopped for breakfast at Makers Landing (a food community celebrating food at South African Food near V&A Waterfront). When we got home, I had a strong sense that moving forward, I’d channel TLC and ” please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to.” That night, I dreamt I was stuck out a sea after my kayak capsized and I couldn’t find my way out the moving darkness.
My husband was confused because that’s not what he remembers about that morning kayaking in Cape Town. Yes, there were a few minor swells at the beginning and end but he recalls how still the water was as we approached the waterfront, the sun slowly rising behind the mountains as the rain clouds parted and gave way to clear blue skies. He remembers the birds fly above us and how a school of dolphins swam around the kayaks. Oh and obviously, he remembers that this activity was my idea in the first place!
The first thing that comes to mind for me is high walls of ocean and panic. So, I went back to the videos we took on our DJI-Osmo action camera and yes, it was mostly calm and oh my word, we were kayaking with dolphins! I remember feeling how amazing that was at the time. I remember watching the sunrise. I’m reminded of how anxiety can steal so many moments.
I know I haven’t sold it at all but you should definitely go kayaking in Cape Town. It’s overall pretty amazing. The guide was super friendly, it’s a great workout and such a cool way to watch the sunrise.
Don’t go on a choppy day.
Wall of Ocean.
Dark depths.
Seriously.
I was really looking forward to reading this because I needed a laugh this morning. And you delivered, as usual. Thank you!
Oh good, I’m glad. Although, I for sure need a do over on this activity 😂!