Taking My Diabetes Kayaking

I took up kayaking on my move to South Florida in 2004. It quickly became the love of my life and in 2008 I updated my wide slow beginner kayak to my 13 foot Venture Easky. My Dream location, my dream kayak; now to let the adventure begin. 


Unfortunately at this time my diabetes progressed to the point where I needed insulin via a pump. I refused to let this deter me. Managing diabetes when exercising requires a lot of planning.  Diabetes was not going to manage me or stop my love of paddling. I paid closer attention to the food I ate and I spent a lot of time paddling locally to see how it affected my blood sugars. I became proactive in managing my diabetes. Packing snacks, adjusting my pump settings took some trial and error and I made sure to never paddle alone during this time. My goal was to complete a kayak camping trip to Cape Romano in Florida's 10,000 islands. 


This dream came true in 2012 when I headed off to Cape Romano with Kayak Erica and a small group of excited women. In addition to all the things needed to pack for at 3 day 2 night trip, I had to pack the all important diabetic supplies. glucometer, adequate test strips, pump supplies including extras in case the pump was dislodged. 
We took off in 50 degree weather with a brisk wind. The one male that was to join our group backed out! 


This was truly a challenging paddle for me. open waters, stiff currents, all things I had limited experience with. My fellow kayakers were all supportive. My blood sugars remained stable though out the 8 mile trek to our destination with frequents snacks, and stopping my bolus delivery briefly. Changing my insulin pump site in a 2 man tent with no mirror was my biggest diabetic challenge of the trip which I handled with ease. 
I've since had a couple of other successful kayak camping trips; but the memories of this one always remind me that with grit and determination anything is possible. I challenge all others with medical issues to not let them keep you from your dreams. 

Did you know this article was a Paddler's Post submitted by one of your fellow paddlers?

Submit your own epic paddling tale, paddling lesson, or helpful tip and share with the community!

Related Articles

THE UNCALCULATED RISK (1977) Historic Film About Whitewater Safety Fellow Paddlers, I was able to…

More times than not, the reason you aren't catching big fish is not because you aren't doing enough…

Dungeness Spit from above, with the New Dungeness Lighthouse in the distance Dungeness…

A sea kayaking accident underlines the peril of cold water Watch the video here or read the whole…