editor’s note
Don't panic?
Quarantine is a scary word. It conjures up images of being locked in
to four walls, with no light, stale, recirculated air and no way of
escape (sounds like a B grade suspense movie). The fact you’re
quarantined means your situation’s tricky, for either yourself, others
or both. Most likely it's to do with illness and a possibility you’ve
tested positive, for something. Basically you're a potential risk so
you're on your own until further notice. This was written before the
UK went into lockdown. Please follow and heed the Government’s
advice and stay home.
It’s something from a dystopian sci-fi novel. But the above is quite true of
many an individual as I write. The only difference is the language; it’s not
quarantine but self-isolation, a descriptive term not to induce as much panic.
The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest thing of its type for a generation.
It's global, it’s right here and it’s right now. And forget all the
scaremongering and sensationalism; it’s happening: fact!
Some may be aware of my family situation. My daughter had an emergency
liver transplant in Jan 2019. She now lives day to day immunosuppressed. If
she spikes a temperature – and it’s a tiny threshold – that results in a hospital
trip. With what’s happening I can’t think of anything worse. Unfortunately, as
much as hospitals and the amazing people working there do great work,
they’re also establishments where ill people congregate. There stands a much
higher risk of my daughter getting a nasty virus having been admitted with
something more minor (as much as minor can be following a liver
transplant). As such my wife and I have made the decision to quarantine
ourselves, or self-isolate if you like.
Freedom of movement is what makes us as a race an interesting species.
Locking us down is therefore completely alien in concept. Even being able
to go to the local shops down the road; we all move freely, most of the
time without issue.
As stand up paddle boarders, self-isolation will hit hard if you're going
through it. Regardless of whether you’re seriously ill or only mildly
affected. I feel for you if this is your situation. Yet it’s definitely for the
greater good.
Living next to a wind swept, south coast beach was a conscious decision
on our part. Now, as events unfold, I’m more greatful than ever to be where
we are. This isn’t to rub people's faces in it – you make your own choices
accordingly. In general a location such as ours is much better for my
daughter than a hemmed in town or city.
If you’re stuck for SUP without access to water, and limited to restricted
movements then I get your frustrations. Hopefully SUPM can give some
respite and have you looking forward to better times on the brine. Finger’s
crossed the whole pandemic thing moves on quickly, for all our sakes.
Stay safe, keep your chin up, wash your hands and see you on the water soon...
NOTE:
British Canoeing has further revised its position and now strongly
recommends that all paddlesport activity should immediately cease
on rivers, waterways and coastal areas until further notice. This is in
line with government advice requiring people to stay at home,
except for very limited purposes, avoiding social gatherings and all
non-essential travel.
Tez Plavenieks, April 2020
[email protected]
Twitter: @tezwoz.
Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind