The Pilgrim Congress

I am what is generously referred to as “competitive,” but what could be more accurately described as “an asshole.”  Something horrible happens to me when I am around other people and participating in any activity that could possibly end with someone winning and someone losing.  Its a disease.  I have assholitis.  Remember this, it will be important later in the post.

Back on topic, Portsmouth Kayak Adventures.  In a word, awesome.  In many words, really frigging super fun and very awesome and also reasonably priced good times.  What more do you need to know after that totally coherent review?  A story perhaps?  A story about my very first kayaking experience at Portsmouth Kayak Adventures?  Well, if you’re going to twist my arm…

When my husband asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday I really put some thought into it.  And by put some thought into it, I mean I randomly decided that I wanted to try kayaking because as he was asking me this question I was noticing that our neighbor had what appeared to be a brand new kayak on the roof of his car. 

Well, my husband actually held me to it and made me go kayaking for my birthday (by the time my birthday came around I was no longer as intrigued by this whole paddling in a small boat in the ocean thing).  So, one fine Sunday my brother, my husband and I headed out to Portsmouth Kayak Adventures for a 2.5 hour tour around the New Castle area. 

The experience began with our guide bringing out some rental kayaks, paddles, and life vests for us and our fellow tourmates (just made that word up, if you use it please be sure to credit me).  After everyone was fitted for a kayak our guide gave us a quick, but informative lesson on some kayaking basics.  Then we were off!

The guide (who was adorable by the way with a cute Californian accent, though I’m fairly certain he was a born and bred New Englander) helped us all get into the water and then began to lead us down the waterways. 

Now remember when I explained my affliction earlier?  Unfortunately I had a flare up during our gorgeous kayaking trip.  Once we were in the water, my husband in his kayak on one side of me and my brother in his kayak on the other side, I was overcome by the desire to be a better kayaker (pretty sure that’s not what people who kayak are called, but I can’t be bothered with details) than either of these jackasses, er, men that I love (even just talking about it my assholitis starts acting up).

I spent the next 2 and a half hours paddling my ass off, forgoing any semblance that this was a leisure cruise, blatantly trying to show up my husband and my brother. 

And, oh, it was glorious because it turns out that I kick ASS at kayaking (or at least I kick the ass of my husband and brother, neither of whom had ever done it before and who may not have been aware that we were competing at all).  Once the tour was over I was exhilarated by my win.  My husband and brother though, they seemed confused when I began jumping up and down and telling them to, “Suck it, I’m awesome!”

Inappropriate competitiveness aside, I found that I loved kayaking and I loved Portsmouth Kayak Adventures.  The staff was incredibly nice and helpful, the tour was gorgeous, and it was all well worth the price.  I plan on taking another trip soon (my brother, oddly enough, refuses to go again) and PKA has definitely taken up a favorite place spot in my heart.