Here is a boy who, even after a winter of taking private swimming lessons to prepare for his summer in Kilkee, still didn’t like to get his face wet, let alone put his head under water!
Now he spends hours in the sea playing in the waves and riding them with his boogie board; looking for, and even picking up, marine life at the Pollock Holes; using seaweed as a toy; exploring the rocky ridge called Tucker; observing the changing tides, crashing waves, rock formations and wildlife around the cliffs; and in general enjoying a life near the sea. Now I am even hearing enthusiastic talk about his plans to surf one day… a prospect I am not as enthusiastic about!
Much of the new Eoin, I credit to his time spent this summer at Nevsail Watersports Summer Camp . Thanks to Nevsail, Eoin is now willing to spend hours in the wild and cold Atlantic Ocean, both at the camp and on his own, afterwards. In the camp, he has had the opportunity to try his hand at such watersports as kayaking, canoeing, boogie boarding, snorkeling and more – and has even spent some time building a raft! The enthusiastic young instructors at the camp have been great about encouraging this shy, hesitant boy to try activities that he would never have attempted otherwise and their kindness and sensitivity have made him feel welcome and comfortable in the camp.
Eoin’s daily explorations around the bay of Kilkee and his experience within the camp, have made him, not only more confident and comfortable with the sea, but more confident in his own skin. This makes every minute I’ve spent squeezing him into, and prying him out of, his wetsuit – and then properly cleaning it after each use – well worth the effort!
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July 29, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Declan
Thats my Boy
July 31, 2010 at 1:51 am
bloggingfromthebog
When you see him you’ll probably think he grew while he was here!
August 7, 2010 at 3:09 am
Eoin
Thank you DAD 🙂
August 1, 2010 at 3:49 pm
lifeonthecutoff
What an exciting adventure and learning experience for Eoin. How you agonized over whether or not this would be a good thing for him to do just a few months ago. I can’t wait to see and talk with you someday soon, though I know you will be busy when you return. Take care.
August 1, 2010 at 5:13 pm
bloggingfromthebog
I know, I was not sure about this camp and it has turned out to be a highlight of our stay here!
Kate came over on Friday and we’ve been having such fun and doing so much that I have a lot to write about, but no time to sit down and actually write it!
August 2, 2010 at 11:07 am
lifeonthecutoff
All in good time. Enjoy your time with Katy there as there will be plenty of time when you get back.