When and how did you realize you could tie T'ai Chi into your kayaking routine?

I guess the answer to this first question is up above. Initially, I did not realize I was incorporating elements of T'ai Chi into my paddling. It naturally came about. Maybe from the dance and gymnastic lessons I had as a kid, but mostly I believe through my practice of Freestyle canoeing, which has many similarities to T'ai Chi.

Before I started to practice yoga I was invited to demonstrate Freestyle canoeing to a group at the Kripalu Yoga Center in Lenox, MA. There reaction was much the same -- "Do you realize that you're doing Cripple Yoga in a canoe?" That reaction inspired me to take up yoga and to eventually become an instructor.

How would you describe Thai Chi to someone who has no idea what it is?

Some view Thai Chi as a moving form of yoga, breathing, and meditation combined. There's a variety of forms, which consists of a sequence of movements. Many of these movements were taken from the martial arts. Like paddling, T'ai Chi is based on rooting, centering, the use of weight shifts, waist and hip rotation, etc., all of which is done at slow dance-like speed.

Paddling a canoe or kayak is like a dance. It is a union of the person, boat, paddle, and water to create graceful, precise, and flowing movements - like T'ai Chi.

What is the best way for someone new to Ti Chi to get involved in it?

Just like paddling, I recommend taking a lesson with a qualified instructor. Each instructor will be different in their approach, so if you don't click with one instructor don't give up -- take a lesson with another. I would contact Betsey Foster for her opinion and guidance.

Do you have a Ti Chi Routine that you do before and after you kayak? If so what exercises does it consist of?

I usually try to do some type of Pranayama (breathing exercises) before, during, and after I paddle. Prana is the energy or life force that keeps the body alive, healthy, and alert. Loosely translated, pranayama is a series of breathing techniques designed to help with breath control and to maximize the benefits of prana.

Many of us look at breathing as something so simple and obvious that we often take it for granted. But breathing has the power to affect our mind, body, spirit, and paddling. Every time we inhale we bring oxygen into our body. From this - the transformation of nutrients into fuel occurs. When we exhale the body is released of carbon dioxide - a form of toxic waste. How we breath can make a difference on whether we are calm or agitated, tense or relaxed. It can also make our thinking confused or clear. This can have a significant impact on how we paddle and handle challenging situations.

In addition to breathing, I try to warm-up first before going out for a paddle. The warm-up can be just going out and paddling very slowly and deliberately before picking up the pace or it can be dancing around and moving the whole body. Each time I go out it is different.