Facing another challenge

Going through my average day-to-day life, I don’t run into many problems with only having one hand because I’ve already adjusted to most stuff.

Knee boarding is not one of those things I’ve managed to conquer though. At least it wasn’t until last Saturday when I spent some time on Lake Cumberland and convinced myself to try something new.

When I jumped in the water, I was thinking I’d be able to just use my right hand to get my knees up on the board. But as the water flew into my eyes and I struggled to hold onto the board let alone pull myself up, I quickly realized I was wrong.

After the first two tries, I was easily defeated. I thought about giving up, but I pushed myself to try again.

On my third attempt, I reached my left arm over the top of the board and used that and my right hand to pull myself on top. But getting on the board was only half the battle. I needed to re-adjust the strap over my knees, balance and steer at the same time.

I struggled, but succeeded in staying balanced and fixed the strap so it was bearable even though I still didn’t feel secure. The next challenge was grabbing the rope. I thought about not bothering, but after all that work, I wasn’t falling off without trying.

I thought I would have been able to hold the rope with just my right hand, but again I over estimated my muscle strength. Quickly realizing I was seconds away from falling forward off the board, I wrapped my arm around the handle to pull with more power.

I rode the waves for a few minutes and eventually wiped out. My immediate thought? Knee boarding is exhausting, but I did it.

That feeling of accomplishment after figuring out how to do yet another activity with one hand is one of the most satisfying feelings. I didn’t let only having one hand stop me, and that’s all that mattered.

A few minutes later, I noticed the wounds of my battle. A bruise on my left bicep seemed to be growing bigger and darker by the minute. Instead of being upset, I showed it off this week as I bragged about my accomplishment. My best guess is that I got it from holding the rope handle with my arm, but it could have also been from pulling myself up.

Either way, it didn’t stop me from getting out back in the water the next day. This time I got on the board on my first try and rode the waves without using the handle, which was the much easier way for me.

Overall, I’m pretty proud of myself and my bruise.