I remember when it happened. That moment when I realized, I am a kayaker. The first time I paddled out into the currents of the James River in Richmond, Virginia, I had countless feelings. Excited, terrified, wobbly, inexperienced, happy, alive. I was new to the sport and had no idea what the world of white water had to offer me and the paths I would cross during my time in the current. While there were so many unknowns, one thing was certain, I wanted to know this sport and become one with it.
It reminds me of how I felt when I saw John Wilburn. I remember the first time I locked eyes with him. The sounds of the band around me seemed to fade. Others became foggy as he shook my hand and looked down at me with those warm blue eyes. The next day, there we were, side by side kayaking down the James River.
I remember when it happened, the moment. It's when I decided to follow John down the James River. I tried to mimic his graceful lines as best as I could and trust his movements. It was then that I became a kayaker, and the incredible adventure of paddling beside him began.
I had been kayaking with John for almost 6 1/2 years. He was my husband, my best friend, my boating companion, and the most graceful kayaker I've had the pleasure to watch and learn from. Our mutual love for paddling and each other took us to beautiful rivers all over the country. We found ourselves side by side exploring rivers in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tennessee, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and finally, Northern California.
Once we witnessed the rolling green mountains of Southern Oregon, it was over. We knew we had to live there, and so in August of 2013, we packed up our lives and ventured out west hand in hand. Words cannot describe the beauty we witnessed out there. Crystal clear rivers, cascading water falls, lush green forest, everyday we felt inspired.
On John's last day with me, he looked at me right before the last 50 yards towards the river and said, "I'll see you soon muffin." I'll never forget the smile on his face and the excitement he had for what was to come. John was happy that day, excited for another adventure, he was a kayaker.
As we approach the first Gauley release next weekend, I want to share his story with you, and his complete love for the adventures of white water kayaking. His story is so important, and his way of living is something I think we can all take with us. We'll be better because of John. I want you to see the river from John's eyes, experience the lines from his movements, and feel his excitement and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds him in every rapid. I hope you take John's love with you on the river this Gauley season and everywhere. I hope you feel him every time you push off into the current and remember him. Just look around and see the beauty you are surrounded by, he is there.
In Memory of John Duncan Wilburn
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