He'd never been in white water before, and he soon discovered that paddling the little kayaks, called duckies, was hard work.

Personally, I want to improve my fitness because I envision a life of travel and sports like kayaking and swimming, and these would be considerably more fulfilling if I was physically more capable.

For example, if you found out that the recipient of your note is an avid kayaker like you, add something like, "Hope to see you paddling on the Adams River this spring."

They have real hopes of winning gold in events as diverse as basketball, hockey, triathlon, canoeing, cycling, synchronised swimming and race walking.

Occupying this free land are nature reserves, beaches and space for outdoor sports like kayaking and surfing and hiking trails surrounding the city limits.