Q&A with Michael Hodgins
Michael Hodgins is a whitewater kayaker and Ottawa-based physician and one of the more familiar faces around MKC. He took his first kayak course with us in 1999 and has come back every summer since, making him one of the longest-running students in our 47-year history. We asked him about his passion for paddling and the reasons he’s kept at it over the years.
MKC: What was your experience as a first-time MKC student like?
Michael Hodgins: I remember that I was completely useless in a kayak but that it was one of the most fun things I’d done. Kayaking is so all encompassing, and there’s a puzzle aspect of getting down the whitewater. I honestly cannot think of a more fun summer holiday.
MKC: Do you think we have enough play in our adult lives?
MH: In spite of my Scottish Presbyterian genes I feel that fun is a very important part of a full life. That may seem a bit trite, but on some level most people enjoy being happy and having a bit of fun. A very elderly lady who I once had the privilege of attending at her nursing home advised me that it’s “good to scare yourself a little every day.” Sound advice, as it certainly makes one feel alive.
MKC: Why do you like being on the river?
MH: I like the intensity of the paddling, the mental and physical challenges posed by working with moving water. A recent popular trend in mental health counselling is mindfulness, a good part of which involves living in the moment. With paddling this is pretty automatic. Being on the water is so engrossing that it’s hard to think of anything else.
MKC: Why do you keep choosing MKC for your vacations?
MH: It is my belief that our bodies are designed for activity. Even on holidays I like to keep moving. I also really love being outside, especially in nature, away from the city, especially when water is involved.” Some of the nicest MKC moments are just sitting in an eddy with the sunlight sparkling and the water swirling around, watching the boats go by. As a get-away-from-it-all vacation, MKC is perfect. And with the accommodation and meal plan one literally has no other responsibilities for five whole days. It is truly awesome.
MKC: Any stand out memories from the past twenty years as an MKC student?
MH: One of the most memorable days of my life was last August when my class went to the Upper Petawawa. I paddled over my first waterfall and it was like jumping into a glass of soda water.
MKC: So, paddling has the doctor’s approval?
MC: I think anyone should consider giving it a go, and I could point out all sorts of studies that show the clear health benefits (both physical and mental) of physical activity, being out in nature and being active near water. In these days of pervasive screens and virtual reality, it is really good to reconnect with the natural world. I also feel that it’s important to try something new every now and then. When I’m in my boat I feel like I’m about 25. (Sadly, upon trying to get out of my boat after a day of wet frolicking I feel like I’m about 100. But that wears off pretty quickly.”
Interviewed by Adrick Brock, journalist and MKC instructor
