Darcy Gaechter on the East Fork , Kaweah River , California Photo : Don Beveridge
WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DO YOU DO FOR EXPEDITIONS ? Prior to the Amazon Expedition , I attacked most challenges in life very physically . I ’ d train for both strength and cardiovascular – you know , if you are getting worked in some giant hydraulic , being very cardiovascularly fit is helpful ! Before paddling the Stikine , for example , I was lifting weights to get stronger and swimming laps underwater to work on how long I could hold my breath . I was also trail running in the mountains , and I kayaked as much as I possibly could .
But the Amazon taught me that the mental and emotional challenges are just as strong as the physical challenges on most expeditions . So now I spend a lot of time working on my mental space . I ’ ve been studying a lot on the Flow State – seeking it both in my kayaking and everyday life . I ’ ve found that working on my mindset , specifically having a positive mental outlook , really helps my attitude on expeditions .
I ’ m more patient , more expectant and ready to improvise when things don ’ t go as planned . I spend a lot of time practising what I like to call the ‘ adventure mindset ’, which is an attitude that expects the unexpected and is prepared for on-the-fly problemsolving . A mindset that accepts that there will always be obstacles to anything we try to do , and is ready and willing to tackle each problem as it comes .
IF YOU COULD HEAD ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO PADDLE , WHERE WOULD IT BE ? Ecuador , of course ! But besides Ecuador , northern British Columbia ! I love this part of the world . There are opportunities to lose yourself in wild places for weeks at a time , see amazing animals , and generally , drop out of civilization for a while . Oh yeah , and the whitewater is world-class ! Colombia ( the country ) is also high on my list . But the last two years have been pretty light on
paddling for me because of shoulder surgery , the pandemic , and some family issues , so I ’ m just excited to go paddling anywhere at the moment !
WHAT ’ S THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEBODY THINKING OF BECOMING AN ADVENTURER ? Adventuring as a way of life can be many things : exciting , eye-opening , educational , challenging , rewarding , and so much more . However , I feel ( and I think a lot of others who have pursued this lifestyle feel ) that , in the end , you need something more in your life to have a good feeling of fulfilment . This ‘ something more ’ could be human relationships , volunteer work , community service – some kind of higher purpose besides kayaking and adventuring . So , I enthusiastically say , do it ! But don ’ t make it the sole focus of your life ; make sure to leave a little room for projects and moments that will leave you feeling like you contribute to something larger than yourself . This is where I ’ ve found a deeper level of meaning and satisfaction .
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A FELLOW EXPEDITION KAYAKER ? Patience , a good sense of humour , good improvisation skills , and someone who can deal with things going wrong and still maintain a good attitude . When problems arise , I want someone who will dive into those problems and find solutions . Of course , good kayaking skills , rescue skills , and the ability to work as a team are all super important , but having a good attitude is # 1 .
ThePADDLER https :// darcygaechter . com
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