Experience the thrill of love on the river—a journey where every rapid and quiet moment reveals the beauty and challenges of human relationships on the water. Whether it’s a celebration of shared victories or the tough lessons learned from miscommunications in whitewater, the river tests and strengthens the bonds between paddling partners.
The Unpredictable Nature of River Love
What do premature wrinkles, rancid polypro, sandy kisses, and rock-solid communication have in common? Human relationships are hard, but for the paddling partner who’s also my special human, it must be extra tough. On the river, every moment—from gear mishaps to unexpected rapid runs—forces us to confront our vulnerabilities and celebrate our strengths.
Everyday Challenges on the Water
Mood Swings and Gear Woes
When I get scared, hungry, or face last-minute plan changes, I get grumpy. (“You’re telling me you didn’t bring any snacks?”) I also dislike waking up to wet layers from the day before, and when I get cold, my partner is the first one to hear about it (“Can I please borrow your pogies?”). Although I may feign toughness like the best of river guides, the presence of my special human leaves me decidedly less stout.
Communication and Mistakes
Navigating whitewater demands clear communication.
- Lefts, Rights, and Forgotten Essentials: Sometimes my special human-slash-paddling partner gets his lefts and rights confused—a significant communication deficit when running whitewater together. There was that one time he left his sopping wet dry suit in the rooftop box on his car for a month. I told him off, though I’ve admittedly committed similar offenses.
- Accidents on the Go: I recall an incident when the roof rack fell off my car on an interstate at night, hurtling at 70 miles per hour, with his brand new playboat attached. Both our vehicles suffered damage, and I was visibly shaken. Yet, he waited until the next day to inspect the extent of his boat’s injuries.
Confronting Fear and Celebrating Victories
Facing Down the Rapids
On my first challenging run, I slid backward through a blind slot between giant boulders with no idea of what lay at the base. Terrified, I yelled his name as my boat tumbled over the lip, only to land unscathed in the pool beneath. He was there waiting, his eyes as wide as plates—even if I hated the way his name sounded when I yelled it.
Pushing Boundaries Together
At a springtime whitewater festival near our home, I asked him to show me down a section of whitewater that was a step up from my comfort zone. Initially, he thought it wasn’t a good idea, leaving me furious. The next day, after his full day of competition, he secretly ran that section multiple times seeking out the smoothest, most straightforward lines—and then he showed me the run. My heart swelled as I barely got my face wet.
Mutual Support in Competition
At the same festival, before his own race, he stayed to cheer me on in a slalom race for those who aren’t quite ready to run the hardest whitewater. I took third place and was uncommonly proud, knowing that celebrating victories together makes the bond even stronger.
The Transformative Power of Shared River Experiences
There are few experiences as transformative as running (or not running) whitewater with your loved one.
- Testing Our Limits: Navigating swirling emotions and physical challenges puts our trust, insecurities, and expectations under a powerful maelstrom.
- The Connection Beyond Rapids: Whether cuddling in a tent when we’re cold and wet, reminding each other to re-up the sunscreen, or simply sharing quesadillas after a long day on the river, the comfort of my special human’s hand on my shoulder is irreplaceable.
- A Love that Evolves: Over the years, many inspiring, intoxicating river people have flowed through my life. The love we share on the river isn’t static—it changes, morphs, and meanders like the river itself. Some of us marry and raise families, while others remain forever married to the river, to memories, or to a fluid and dynamic future free of attachment.
Just as the river cannot be tamed or controlled, I wouldn’t dare try to subdue the singular spirit of river-borne love. For all its challenges, I simply wouldn’t have it any other way.
Related Posts:
- When Love Meets the Rapids: Guiding as a River Couple
- My First Year Rafting Guide Experience: Lessons from the River
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