This past weekend I went on a float trip down the Illinois River with my USA Stars Jiu-jitsu family and some friends. It was a pretty sweet day; the weather was overcast and the water was high and flowing. We had one canoe, five individual kayaks and two 2-man kayaks in which all 12 of us switched around and enjoyed.

We left the city around 5:40am to arrive at Arrowhead Resort before 9am (round-about 3 hours road trip); checked in, claimed our boat rentals, then hopped on a bus to start the 12-mile float down the river. On this trip, a couple cell phones and Canon camera were damaged, but, as it goes, that is a risk when taking electronics on the water. Thank goodness for insurance, am I right?! Definitely bringing a dry bag next time… We still managed to get some great photos and had a blast hanging out with each other. I don’t know what I would do without my family and friends to keep me training, keep me laughing, and keep my head straight in this life.

We are planning another trip out to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to float the river again in August. This time, individual kayaks for everyone! Kayaking is so much fun, I highly recommend it.