I always enjoyed kayaking and canoeing, and would love to find the time to do more. Last spring I earned a level 2 kayaking certification from the American Canoe Association. This weekend, I taught my first group of students the fundamentals of kayaking and, more importantly, instilled in them the joy and freedom of quietly exploring a body of water. I love doing silent sports (Nordic skiing, cycling, kayaking) through wilderness and nature. I think it is the best way to get to know an aquatic landscape. I see the appeal of motorboats and jet skis, but for me, quiet exertion gives me immense satisfaction in experiencing nature.
This weekend, we camped at the Uzbekistan Federation of Rowing and Water Sports on the shores of the Tuyabuguz Reservoir, or as the locals call it, the “Tashkent Sea”. The weather was perfect, and it was so pleasant to teach an eager group of grade 11 students the basics of kayaking. We explored three islands just offshore. We also got front row seats to the national rowing competition that took place while we were there. The cool water was refreshing, and all of the students spent a lot of time swimming besides kayaking. The weather was absolutely perfect! My friend Victor made a cozy campfire as the temperatures cooled in the evening.
A lot of people use the reservoir as it is only 30 kilometers south of the city. Besides being popular for swimming and fishing, it also serves irrigation for nearby fields. Several fishermen were there all day and night with between 10 and 20 poles in the water. It makes for a relaxing day to be next to the water and watch the birds, boats, and fishermen come and go.
It is a nice day trip, especially if you have children. You would need to do some research about the best places to swim. We camped on the grounds of the rowing association and I am sure paying the guard a small tip, you could drive in an spend the day. We were not far from the reservoir and at night you could hear some of the truck traffic from the highway. I might head back later in the fall to do some bird watching.
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