I am gravitated towards outdoor activities that are somewhat dangerous.

I tend to worry my dear mother with some of the things I decide to try.

While some people might consider my hobbies in the “extreme” sport category, I see them as calculated risks in which I carefully push my personal comfort limits.

In recent days, I have pursued two outdoor interests that I have previously dabbled in, but never wholeheartedly pursued: kayaking and mountain biking. Both have their danger points, yet I made the decision to try some new things this month in the hopes of improving my overall adventurer skills. I have embarked on a journey of outdoor-sport discovery, so to speak, gaining some new hobbies now that summer is upon me.

Case #1: Kayaking

Ahhhh, the good ol’ kayak.

I’ve done some kayaking in previous outdoor spaces (Mammoth Caves and the Bayou), but it had been a while since I’d spent significant time out on a river. My friend graciously came along, lending me not only the kayak, but his expertise in navigating the various facets of kayak handling. FYI: simply strapping a kayak onto a car’s roof rack is quite the challenge.

As I neared Shenandoah River State Park, I could see glimpses of the river through the trees and tilted landscape. The beautiful river. At a closer inspection, my friend and I noticed the high water level and fast flow. It would be an interesting ride, we decided, and there were some nuggets of uncertainty blossoming in my gut as we drove to our put-in location.

Kayaking in such a wide, fast river was a little beyond my comfort zone. I quickly thought through the risks and potential dangers, and then made the decision to go for it. And to have fun.

The experience was magnificent and highly memorable.

My kayaking skills improved, I enjoyed the entire trip, and I accepted the fact that a choppy river equates to a rather wet kayaker. I even saw a river otter!

Now I have the “itch” to get out and kayak more, gradually pushing my limits with water conditions and obstacles.

Case #2: Mount Biking

As a kid, I remember taking my bike along the wooded area by my house, but as an adult I’ve pretty much stuck to some form of pavement. I recently discovered that there are quite a few mountain biking trails in the Northern Virginia area, so I got my bike tuned up and decided to just go for it.

The first time I went out, I cruised along the entry path, then felt that nervous energy as my level of control decreased. I fluttered my brakes and tried to avoid a head-over-handlebars situation. Who knew that going downhill with rocks/roots/jumps could be so hazardous? (Probably most people who know what they’re doing). I fell a few times, mostly going uphill when my legs couldn’t seem to peddle hard enough to maintain my balance. I collected a few bruises, misaligned my gear derailer, and was sopping with sweat.

The next day I did it all again. This trail was quite a bit above my comfort zone, yet I pressed through it bit by bit. I was grateful that no one else was around to run me down or spot my humiliating uphill stints.

Once again, I was surprised at the fun-factor of cruising a bike along a dirt path riddled with obstacles and so many pitfalls. Perhaps it’s the risk that increases my level of enjoyment? Perhaps it’s the physical challenge as well as the mental one? Regardless, I left with gear grease on my calves, mud splatter on my back, and a big smile on my face.

Life is short. Take (calculated) risks. Try something new.