Random Paddling Photos

Paddling and especially tandem canoeing expose us to a myriad of opportunities to discover why Jesus referred to Himself as the "Living Water." For many OWLS participants, it is a big step just to trust their life jacket and do anything in or on the water. When someone goes from being afraid of the water to running a Class II or Class III rapid only a couple of days later, they return home with the understanding that they can accomplish much more than they ever dreamed possible and, with God's help, they can do anything. Goal setting, problem solving, and effective communication are skills which must be mastered for a team of canoeists to successfully negotiate a whitewater stream. Combine that with the requirements of properly packing gear and food, setting up a riverside camp, and feeling comfortably relaxed far from home and these young paddlers are discovering how quickly they can learn new skills, teach each other, and multitask at a higher level. The river itself provides "Living Parables" for us to discuss and reflect upon as we round almost every bend.

It all starts with learning the basics of paddling dynamics.

Learning to help others with a canoe over canoe rescue

We can also learn lasting lessons from our mistakes

Looks like North GA to me

Part of our flotilla on the Etowah River

Paddling the panhandle of Florida

The upper Alapaha with water

Smiles on the Toccoa perhaps

Ben at the Cartecay's Clear Creek Falls

A new day on the New River