Appealing would be the last word I’d used to describe the sight of crashing waves and choppy waters. Nevertheless, I decided to take my chances by signing up for the Southern Island Expedition organised by Water-Venture (Changi) and this is my recount of the experience.
Day 0
After a hasty dinner, Yu Rong and I rushed down to Water-Venture (Changi) to help out as promised. We were given bags of towels and event tees and told to pack them into goodie bags that would be distributed to the participants. As we packed and sorted, familiar faces streamed into view and in no time, the open space behind the wooden benches was packed with excited participants.
After registration and collection of goodie bags, they were told to proceed over to the open classroom where the introductory briefing would be conducted. Later, the planning committee briefed us on the expedition route, itinerary as well as instructions to follow when we were out at sea. Then, we were told to pack our belongings and to turn in early to prepare for the gruelling journey ahead.
Before turning in, we boiled eggs for breakfast the following morning in order to save on time. It was fortunate that we were able to stay overnight at the club because there was much preparation work to be done and the night allowed us sufficient time to do so.
Day 1
I was thankful to hear the sound of my irritating phone alarm because that indicated the start of the much-anticipated expedition! After washing up, we did a final logistics check and brought our bags out for deposition onto the bumboat. The loading of bags onto the bumboat was effortless due to the formation of a human chain, but this was not the only example which epitomised the power of teamwork. Then, we geared up after collecting our PFDs, paddles and spray skirts and boarded the bus to Water-Venture (East Coast).
Upon arrival at ECP, we did a final equipment check before transporting the fibreglass tourers to the beach. Following that, we played a quick game of icebreakers and warmed up before launching off. The pace set by the expedition leader was good throughout the first day, but the water conditions proved to be challenging as this was my first experience paddling so far out in the open sea. Nonetheless, I had much take away thanks to my partner, Yu Rong, who taught me long distance paddling techniques and how to ride on waves.
After paddling for about five hours in the water, we finally arrived at Kusu Island! Lunch at last! But our happiness was short-lived when we were told that we had to paddle around the island first as lunch had yet to arrive. We did as instructed and clowned around with tourists on the island and onboard passing vessels as we paddled. Subsequently, we beached up at a clear lagoon and lunch was served as promised. We wolfed down our food in a bid to satisfy our hungry stomachs, then headed straight for the cooling waters. It was indeed relaxing to float around without a single worry in our heads.
After being given ample time to rest and relax, we got back into our kayaks and continued our journey to Sisters' Island. As we paddled out from the safe haven of the lagoon, the waters became increasingly choppy and we struggled to keep up with the expedition group. We also could not afford to stop paddling as that would mean getting swept inwards into the breakwaters that surrounded Sisters' Island. I always wondered how one could seem so near to one’s goal yet so far away at the same time – this must have been the very instance. Fortunately, the sweeper noticed how close we were to danger zone and swiftly positioned his kayak between ours and the breakwater. That ensured that we were kept a safe distance away from the breakwater and for that, I am incredibly thankful.
Finally, after paddling intensely for quite some time, a sandy beachfront greeted our eyes. At long last, Sisters' Island! After beaching up and transporting the equipment away from the shore, we headed to the jetty to collect our belongings as well as to aid in the transportation of logistics. We were then allotted time for tent-pitching, rest and washing up. In the meantime, the guys went berserk and started a huge bonfire in the middle of the campsite. Some participants headed out to the breakwaters to enjoy the serene view while others started picking fallen coconuts and cutting them up to savour the refreshing juice. Having witnessed these sights made me realise how much the outdoors have to offer and at that juncture, I decided that I would definitely be part of future expeditions.
Day 2
The following morning was an interesting one. As we headed to the pavilion for breakfast, we could hear people complaining of a sleepless night due to insect bites and poor ventilation. It was also amusing to hear how some participants wandered to the jetty in the middle of the night only to find it packed with people who had trouble sleeping as well. After breakfast, we followed the standard routine of clearing up and then launched off as planned. The waters were as choppy as the day before, but the fact that we were going against the current made paddling even more challenging. Our kayak lagged so far behind that the expedition leader asked us if we wanted to swap partners. We declined as we were having fun riding the waves and still had strength to carry on. The expedition group progressed quickly and we soon arrived at the channel near tanjong pagar port. We had to stop and give way to the large cargo vessels passing so in the meantime, we were told to drink up and eat.
Once we were given the signal to cross the channel, we had to make sure that we did not overtake the expedition leader. From that point on, we were told to paddle all the way to the beach up point at Amber Beacon. The waves were merciless and kept pushing us towards the shore. We also had to paddle very hard just to cover a short distance. As such, we lagged even further behind and by then, the sweeper who was previously a stone’s throw away was a small speck in the vast body of blue. It was daunting because having to constantly keep up with the expedition group was an arduous task.
Eventually, Amber Beacon came into sight, but many participants expressed shock when the expedition leader did not signal for them to beach up. Apparently, there had been a last minute change in the pickup point for the kayaks and when the participants learnt of it, they became extremely demoralised. It was shocking to see how the participants who were previously leading the group just stopped paddling and drifted to the back. Nonetheless, the planning committee remained undeterred and did their best to salvage the situation. The expedition leader told his assistant to paddle back to tend to the queries of the participants and to check on their welfare. Spirits were slightly lifted and as we paddled on, the new beach up point eventually came into view. Many of us were thoroughly worn out by then but teamwork saved the day. The participants complemented one another well and the allocation of work done by the planning committee ensured that all logistics were accounted for. Lunch served as a morale booster and even though the expedition didn’t end that smoothly, I could tell that everyone still experienced a sense of accomplishment. After all, it was the journey instead of the destination that mattered.Being part of this expedition has highlighted to me that regardless of what we do, everything is a challenge by choice. People cannot force us to do what we don’t want to do but we should recognise that every challenge is an opportunity. Personally, I possess a fear of capsizing and I really didn’t see myself pursuing kayaking. Nonetheless, I am glad that I cast aside my fears and I am grateful to my friends for assisting me in this journey of rediscovery.
Participating in SIE has made me realise that kayaking isn’t just another fun sport, but rather, it requires hard work, cooperation, communication and lots of patience. It can help you grow as an individual and every time you paddle away from that familiar shore, you’ll be surprised by the new lands you discover and how far your own boundaries are pushed.
Ms Cheong Keet Yeng is a participant of SIE 2009
