My dysfunctional ankle has made some progress in the past five or so weeks, enough so that I can think about getting back in my kayak. Think is all I can do at the moment, but I’m planning on doing in the not-to-distant future. (Not being able to get in a boat or go for a walk has been extremely frustrating to me.)

Since breaking that little bone, all I’ve been able to do is visit the shore and stare longingly at the rising and falling tides. There’s something to being there and being able to enjoy the view, but there’s something a little more satisfying in being out on the water.

Having grown up around the water I sometimes forget that there are others who don’t take to Aquarian desires the way I do. (I hope I always maintain a healthy respect for the inherent dangers associated with recreating around an environment for which we humans were not designed.)

I’ve always felt comfortable around lakes, streams and the ocean, and I’ve (almost always) been able to know my limitations (thanks, Dirty Harry) and not over reach – stretch the bounds, so to speak.

While I’ve learned to be comfortable around water, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding others who may not have shared that comfort, but learned within an hour or two to master their initial fears and share in the enjoyment and sensual pleasures of gliding over the ocean in your own self-propelled vessel. There is a reward in seeing an apprehensive sole turn into an enthusiastic participant.

Over several years while I was pursuing paddling opportunities, my wife was fulfilling her motherly duties. Only in recent years did she begin to take an interest in getting on the water and paddling a bit with me. And while we don’t make it onto the water a lot, we’ve enjoyed some time together on the water and look forward to more in the future.

Perhaps I should let fellow guide Alan Greenburg of Bradford tell you the story of his wife’s long metamorphosis from one who was fearful and apprehensive around water to the person you see in the picture.

In Greenburg’s words:

“The enclosed picture shows my wife taking her kayak out for a paddle for the first time. This picture does not come close to explaining how monumental this event truly was. It all started about 24 years ago when I first met Debbie.

“On our first vacation together in Florida, I quickly learned Debbie was very apprehensive around water. She would wade out into the ocean, but would not go past waist deep water, and if a wave came in, she would immediately move to shore. She can swim, but would only do so in a pool, never in the ocean or a lake. Her apprehension all stems from her first swimming lesson. Her school swim teacher threw her into a pool and basically said, learn how to swim or you will drown. Fortunately this seldom occurs anymore.

“We married quickly and I slowly began taking her to the water as often as I could. For our first canoe ride, I promised I would stay close to shore and stay over shallow water. If we did capsize, I told her to just stand up, as I would never take her to water over her head.

“I also said when she told me it was time to go back to shore, I would immediately do so. This trip lasted about 15 minutes. Since that day many years ago, we have been to Florida numerous times and have been on a number of canoe and power boat rides. Her nervousness around water has significantly decreased, but when she tells me she’s had enough, I immediately return to shore.

“During the past 10 years I have become more and more involved in sea kayaking and am now a Registered Maine Guide in that sport. Our daughter goes kayak camping with me once or twice a year, but not my wife.

“Well a year ago Debbie began talking about getting her own kayak. I did not comment on this as I wanted to see how earnest she was. This spring, she began talking about kayaking again. We had a number of discussions which led to me buying her the kayak she is paddling. It’s not a sea kayak, but it is the perfect boat for her and the type of paddling she wants to do.

“It took a long time for her to develop the confidence to get to this point. I believe the smile on her face shows it all. You should be proud of yourself, Debbie. I know I’m proud of you.”

Greenburg passed this story along in hopes of encouraging others to work on “overcoming whatever issues concern them. With the right support, you have a good chance of being successful.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself, Alan.

Having a healthy respect and a little fear of something like the ocean is natural. With a little coaching, some instruction, training and the right equipment you too could sometime find yourself out there on our waterways, enjoying all that nature has to offer. I hope to see you out there!

Jeff Strout’s column on outdoor recreation is published each Saturday. He can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.