MANILA, Philippines - For bikers and racers, a four-kilometer trail is an appetizer of sorts, an adrenalinetrigger, a warm-up to condition their bodies. For a kayak beginner, like me, paddlinga four-kilometer stretch in Mactan is "the main event" which was utterly exhausting yet enjoyable, at the same time.
It was a good start, according to no less than seasoned kayaker Buzzy Budlong who ably assisted us (media group) during a half-day kayak tour (sponsored by ROX) in Mactan one Saturday morning that started and finished in Karancho Beach Resort in Maribago Cove. I was elated to be part of that crash course class under Buzzy, who currently holds the title as the country's Longest Kayaker to beat because of his notable performance in last year's Friendship Kayak, a 3,300km paddling tour all over the Philippines for 100 days (check friendshipkayak.com for more info).
Buzzy started the crash course with the basic info on kayaking, on parts of the kayak and the paddle, proper paddling and maneuvering and ended with an important reminder - Rule #1 In the event of a collision, we're not supposed to scream in horror but rather submerge the paddle blade into the water, perform the STOP maneuver to bring the kayak into a halt.
After prepping up, we chose our partners, then proceeded with the warm-up within Maribago Cove, where a heap of outriggers were moored near the resorts. We took a few rounds for awhile then we drifted to the open sea. Our destination: Coral Reef, southeast of Mactan Island. What seemed to be the easy paddle strokes exercises we did off sea and during warm-up turned to struggles in the real game. My partner Aldo (our photographer) and I had to deal mostly with the water current and so we agreed to synchronize our paddle strokes to finish the whole thing with flying colors. It wasn't a competition though but we just wanted to feel good about ourselves since it was our longest kayaking experience to boot. Hahaha! So much for wishful thinking! Aldo, who weighs less than I do (I suppose) sat in front and did the "navigation," instructing the stroke directions. Rule #2: In tandem kayaking, the person who sits in front (near the bow) must weigh less in order to gain more speed.
Pitstop #1: Fronting Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort & Spa. It took a while for us to get the hang of the real thing. Buzzy summoned us 12 kayakers through a whistle blow to huddle parallel to the Imperial beachfront to flex our muscles that were beginning to get sore at that time. We opened our hatches (storage compartments) and took out our bottled water for a refreshing drink. Rule #3 - Bring enough provisions such as food and beverage.
The level of difficulty increased a notch higher when we headed to our next stop: Agus Cove in Brgy. Agus, Lapu-Lapu City. We were overwhelmed with the pristine waters in this area which is perfect for snorkeling. It is during this time when we developed self-control, enough to keep up from taking a dip and continue with the itinerary. And so we held on to our paddle shafts and went forth with our power strokes until we reached the entryway of the cove where Buzzy had long been waiting for us.
Pitstop #2: Agus Cove. We reached the cove during low tide yet our kayaks were able to cross a vast area of mangroves. It is through this that I realized what a kayak can do that an outrigger can't, that is exploring slopes, coves and small caves, and can travel on shallow waters.
The mangroves and the rock formations we saw were sure eye candy but the highlight of our tour was the cove's lagoon which is just a few meters away from the entrance. I felt sheer joy being in the middle of a 5ft. deep lagoon (at low tide) for the first time, nibbling on marshmallows, Cheetos and Duritos, aboard a kayak on a fair weather. Ah, it was pure bliss that lasted only for 30 minutes or so since we had yet to complete the two-kilometer mark.
So off we rowed back to the Agus Cove entryway then turned right towards our destination. There were a few bancas, fish boats and jetskis that swiftly passed by us, the passengers seemingly interested on the parade of paddlers who zigzagged through the Mactan Channel. We looked funny, I guess, because of our unsynchronized rowing or maybe because 'twas like a parade of presidentiables hence the mix of kayak colors - there's green (for Gibo), yellow (for NoyNoy) which is ours by the way, orange (for Villar), and red (Gordon).
I took a deep sigh of relief when we reached the shoreline of Coral Reef (Beach). But before we even got to completely stretch our bodies, we were approached by a rude security guard who advised us to leave at once. And so we retreated (argh!). This time, I told Aldo to sit at the back after I realized that the reason for causing our delay (yes, we sometimes end last) is maybe because we had a wrong sitting position. Aldo obliged with a devilish laugh! And so we went on to prove that we're not sloppy paddlers. Rule #4: Communication is vital. Yes, we listened to the navigator and we compromised when needed but our empty stomachs kept us from zooming ahead of them. Rule #5: Take a heavy breakfast.
With all the occasional pauses, we were far behind the group. We returned to our same old route only this time we traversed through Karancho, towards Rock Island, a few meters from Maribago Cove, for a quick break. Not minding the distance, I began to appreciate Mactan, with all its white sand beaches - there's Hadsan, Maribago Bluewater Resort, White Sands, and among many other pocket resorts along the shoreline. I began humming Glee songs while enjoying the panoramic view of Mactan Island in one side and Olango Island on the other.
Pitstop #3: Rock Island. The name itself evokes a general idea on what this islet is about. Rock Island has rock formations that provide shade for kayakers who wish to take a short break after a grueling ride. This is located between Plantation Bay and Maribago Bluewater, a place for snorkeling and leisure swims. So, if you're just nearby, rent a banca or board a kayak to visit Rock Island.
Final stop: Tambuli Beach Club, East. I gave up paddling while we made our way to Tambuli for lunch. My arms ached! Aldo did the rowing. We came last, as usual. It was 1:30pm and we could hardly imagine spending time at sea for roughly four hours. To me, it's an accomplishment. But because of prior engagements, I wasn't able to join the group paddling back to Karancho.
As of press time, I'll be in Talima Adventure and Water Park, The Islands Group's newest baby, itching to row for more than four kilometers; after all, who would settle for a 30-minute leisure kayak after that four-hour, four-kilometer paddling? You see, kayaking requires good rowing skills coupled with patience; and the beauty of it is that nature surprises you with its charming lagoons and tranquil spots.
Shoutouts to ROX assistant vice president Ruby Palma for the invitation. ROX has a branch in Ayala Center Cebu's the Active Zone that sells outdoor gears. If you wish to try out kayaking, ROX has the right gears for you - surf shorts, rash guards, fisherman's hats, amphibious sandals and dry bags. ?