Day 46: Trying to row that dirty water

I'm Adam Sell and I have two months left before I leave Boston. My challenge? Do something in the city every day. Have ideas for my adventure? Send me an email.

I like to think of myself as a reasonably athletic guy. Or at least, to the point that I wouldn't embarrass myself during a pickup baseball game or soccer kickaround. But that little misconception of mine was exposed and exposed greatly when I encountered the kayak. I lived on the same floor as a rower my freshman year, and I didn't envy the folks she lived with - crew practices are at an insanely early hour. And in a small room with three people? That had to be no fun.

My arms are sore. And I don't think we even went that far down the Charles before doubling back. My friend, who was rather more experienced than I at the art of the kayak (I've never sat in a kayak before today), was in the back seat of the two-man boat, and probably is hurting more than I am, considering just how much compensating for my poor form that she had to do.

All this and more with Charles River Canoe & Kayak in Newton. For just a Jackson or two, you too can make a complete putz of yourself by repeatedly (albeit unintentionally) turning what should be a straight-shot kayak ride into a zig-zag. You too can steer into lilypads, other canoers, or even big hard-to-miss islands.

And don't forget the best perk - biceps that want to secede from the Union that is your body. Maybe it was just my novice technique, but I probably trailed more water into the boat from my paddles than if I'd just jumped into the grody river. For that, I apologized to my friend repeatedly, since I wasn't sure I was going to be able to stop doing it. And when it comes to driving into other boats? Just try not to hit them at high speed. At least I managed to control that.