Karma

If you look in the classifieds, you’ll see any number of bicycles, exercise machines, golf clubs, etc. changing hands. Up to the bulge in the bell curve, it’s pretty easy to make a fit, and buy and sell. The specifications just aren’t that critical. But, when you get beyond the dilatants, everyone gets a little persnickety.

So it is with kayaks. As you develop your skills and do more things, only the exactly right equipment for you will do. You have to have precisely the correct length, width, volume, rocker, etc., etc. And, in spite of what some will tell you, color matters. There is even an enlightened few who claim that different color plastics produce minute dimension variations that make a difference to them. And, in the realm of the ethereal, the esoterics avow that a red boat is always faster.

So, I spent some time, effort and no small amount of money zeroing in on a big water boat just right for me. I went the new route as the task is that much more difficult in the used market. I did manage to find a closeout deal, being unwilling to pay the full tariff on a kayak that wasn’t my primary ride.

Okay, fine and dandy. Mission accomplished. Except, shortly after finally acquiring the right boat, I began training for a swimming competition. In the process, I lost weight. Yes, it does make a difference. After all that, I had a boat that didn’t respond with the precision I wanted.

I just stopped paddling it, lacking the motivation to go through all that again, not to mention trying to liquidate my current kayak. As luck would have it, I was paddling with a group a couple weeks ago and, at one point, we swapped boats around to try out each other’s craft. The one I got was a perfect fit.

In an ideal world, I’d sell my boat for what it would cost to buy this model, assuming I’d find one priced accordingly and in good condition. And, in the right color, of course. The odds weren’t in my favor.

Switching channels, someone I know had a problem. I volunteered to take care of it for her, knowing it was an unpleasant task, but I was better suited to deal with it. Another acquaintance had a tough week of which losing his job was only a part of it. I took him out to lunch to buck him up and offer help.

Returning to the original topic, I ran an ad for my oversized kayak, not holding out a lot of hope. I had four serious inquiries within hours and sold it. Almost simultaneously, a friend mentioned he knew of the availability of a demo kayak at a very good price. Not only was it exactly what I wanted, it was in a rare, kick-butt, limited edition color. I grabbed it.

Now, I’m not one to fully embrace the concept of karma, but I’m starting to come around. I mean, would everything have fallen into place so perfectly if I hadn’t extended myself to those people earlier?