Accompanied by five instructors and a flotilla of Jet Skis and speedboats, the kayakers finished the voyage within 90 minutes under the scorching sun. With an average age of 65 years, the paddlers were understandably thrilled by their accomplishment after reaching shore.
“I dreamed of being a sailor when I was small. So when I heard about this opportunity, I just leapt at it,” said Yeh Jui-san, 78, a Taipei resident and the team’s oldest member.
Similarly chuffed was Chen Jung-hua. The 70-year-old Amis aboriginal held nothing back upon climbing out of her kayak, dancing on the beach in celebration of the group’s success.
According to event organizer A Kernel of Wheat Foundation, some of the kayakers did not know how to swim and received four days of intensive training prior to the trip.
“The seniors demonstrated courage and determination in calming concerned relatives and finishing the course, foundation Chairman Harold Lu said. “They accomplished something even many young people never dare to do.” (DF-JSM)
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