A paddling passion

The family that paddles together, grows together.

While that may not be a well-known saying, it is an accurate motto

for the Kerr family.

The Kerrs from Costa Mesa regularly go on kayaking excursions

together in the Back Bay.

“Kayaking for us is family time,” said Daniel, 16. “Having the

same experiences, enjoying the same things, that helps bring you

together.”

Daniel and his sister Gloria, 14, were the original Kerr kayakers

when their mom, Carol, signed them up for a summer class at the

Newport Aquatic Center about five years ago.

“I saw an advertisement somewhere for the Newport Aquatic Center

for the kids for a summer program where they offered a kayak trip,”

Carol said. “They were at an age where I thought this would help

build confidence. Together, they gave each other brother-sister

support and they loved it.”

Carol learned that the classes were not limited to youngsters and

signed up with her husband, Kevin, the following summer.

“It’s very safe and very relaxing,” Carol said. “We enjoy the

scenery. We love bird watching. It’s exciting to be able to be so

close to nature just a few steps away from the city. A lot of people

don’t even know about the Back Bay and we are right there so close to

nature.”

The bird watching is actually Kevin’s hobby, but he has passed

that passion to the rest of the family.

“My dad hasn’t talked to us all that much about birds until we

started going on these trips,” Daniel said. “It has been interesting

to get to know his interests more.”

The family, including 10-year old Bonnie, bonds while on their

kayaks because it forces them to work to accomplish a goal of moving

from Point A to Point B.

The Kerrs have also gotten other people involved in kayaking.

Recently, Bonnie was in charge of a three-man kayak that included

her 10-year old friend and the friend’s 8-year old brother. Neither

the friend nor the friend’s brother had prior experience kayaking.

“They did just fine,” Kevin said. “The little brother was in front

and the person in front sets the pace of the paddling. Even though he

was the youngest and the one with the least experience, he was in

charge of the pace. It was a neat little ego trip for him.”

The activity has helped create the same sort of confidence in the

Kerr children.

“[Kayaking] definitely builds your confidence because once you’ve

done something, you know you can do it again,” Daniel said. “It also

gives us a feeling of camaraderie, like you get from team sports,

because we have to work together to get to where we want to go.”

The Kerrs have done more than just kayak together. They also go

hiking and play sports together.

“We like to do things together,” Kevin said. “It’s a kick.

[Kayaking] is similar to hiking in that we’re talking to each other

as we go. We get good exercise and we talk about whatever comes to

mind. But kayaking is different [than hiking] because you have the

smell of the ocean, and I think you’re closer to nature and you get

even more exercise.”

Paddling benefits participants’ cardiovascular system as well as

work their back, shoulder and arm muscles.

Daniel, who is a member of the Edison High cross country team,

said rowing has helped him in his athletic career with the Chargers.

“I think kayaking has helped me in cross country by building up my

upper body,” Daniel said. “Sometimes that gets overlooked in cross

country, but you need upper body strength so you don’t waste energy

with wasted movements in your upper body.”

Gliding through the water with family and friends while getting in

shape can also be a spiritual event.

“I think it really opens up your mind and eyes to God’s beautiful

creations,” Carol said. “It is the best-kept secret in town.”