After six long months of excruciating pain, baby steps (literally), endless PT, walking, SUPing, chiropractic, and massage… I’m back in a kayak, and today I got back on whitewater!
I paddled Section 9 of the French Broad (Class II–III), a stretch I know like an old friend and teach on all the time. I honestly wasn’t sure how it would go. But I’m stoked to report: it went really, really well.
By the time we hit the takeout, it felt almost unbelievable that my back and leg were okay.
Considering I couldn’t sit at all for over two months, being able to get back into my boat (getting in and out are still awkward and challenging for my back), take a deep breath, and paddle downstream felt like a massive win.
Celebrating the Little Big Things
Another unexpected victory?
I put on my sprayskirt by myself. 😂
When I first started testing flatwater again, Andrew had to help me put it on. Today I managed it solo, and it felt like reclaiming a tiny piece of independence I didn’t realize I’d lost. There’s so much I took for granted before.
About 40 minutes in, I hopped out at a long stretch of rock beach for a walk/stretch break. That reset made all the difference for the second half of the run.
And speaking of resets — Mia, my social media content creator, put together a fun reel of my healing journey leading up to my flatwater paddle earlier this week.
Check it out below — it captures the rollercoaster beautifully.
Thank You, Truly
To everyone who reached out with support, shared your own experiences, or offered resources — thank you. I’m so grateful for the loving, healing, supportive relationships in my life.
A huge shoutout to my amazing clients who didn’t hesitate to reschedule for 2026, and who didn’t blink when I facilitated coaching calls lying on my stomach… or standing up. Your trust and flexibility mean the world.
What You Don’t See in the Highlights
There were so many moments over these past six months when I couldn’t imagine ever getting back in a boat.
I felt defeated, sad, angry, frustrated — sometimes all at once.
Chronic pain is no joke.
Having the activities that bring you joy (and in my case, a big part of my livelihood) suddenly ripped away is deeply disorienting.
But committing to small, consistent actions over time made all the difference:
Lying on my stomach for hours because it was the only place I wasn’t in agony
Hobbling down the street on daily walks
Starting core rehab with the most basic version of side plank
Relearning how to breathe for core engagement and stability
Letting go of the timeline I wanted and accepting the one my body needed
Patience. Commitment. Acceptance.
Those were my anchors — and honestly, they still are.
The journey isn’t over. I’m continuing to rebuild strength and endurance so I can get back to teaching and paddling Class IV with the ease and flow I love. But today was a huge step toward that vision.
If You’re in a Hard Season…
If you’re in a place right now that feels defeating or hopeless, please hear this:
You’re not alone.
Keep taking those tiny steps — the ones that don’t feel like enough, the ones that no one sees, the ones that feel slow and humbling.
They matter more than you think.
And if you need some inspiration, guidance, or support along the way, I’m here.
Reach out anytime — you don’t have to paddle this stretch solo.
And if you want to look back at my healing journey, you can also check out my solo episodes of The Discomfort Zone Podcast for inspo!
