I’ve started and restarted this post at least 50 times, at least in my head. The sticking point is not in telling you about the program, or why you should absolutely, without doubt get involved with First Descents.
That’s the easy part.
But when I start explaining what FD means to me, my mindset leading up to that week in Oregon, or how FD exceeded my already high expectations, that’s when the words start to jumble. That’s the part where being concise is difficult. In order to understand my respect for this program, I have to explain some backstory leading up to it… And that part’s a doozey.
I started such a post on the backstory and let the words flow, but I realized I had already typed a novella and hadn’t even gotten to the details of my week in Oregon. Perhaps one day I’ll share that part of the story, but not today.
Learning how to white water kayak with First Descents. This was one of the first few cancer retreats I did, and it was an incredible experience!!
About First Descents
However, I do think it’s worth mentioning the backstory behind First Descents. I hadn’t done much research on the company’s past before embarking on my trip, only on what I should expect. But coming home and learning the founder’s why made me love FD all the more.
Professional kayaker Brad Ludden launched the First Descents program in 2011 at the ripe old age of 20. He was introduced to the sport at age 9 during a family vacation, and it immediately became his passion. But it was his aunt’s breast cancer diagnosis when he was 12 that spurred the impetus of reaching out to those with cancer diagnoses.
The organization’s namesake is also a kayaking reference, meaning the first time a person has successfully paddled a river or section of river that has never been done. Though FD trips are on well-traveled rivers and paths, it’s still a first descent for the program participants.
The purpose of FD is to provide free outdoor adventure programs that allow young adults with serious health diagnoses to reclaim our lives and build a community of support with others doing the same. It started off as simply as that.
But in 2012 and 2015, FD participated in scientific studies resulting in peer-reviewed, published articles. These data prove FD has had a positive psychological effect on its participants, with increases in body image, self-compassion, and self-esteem, and decreases in depression, alienation, and fatigue.
(I know my nerd is showing, but the scientist in me geeked out at seeing FD has been involved in studies like these, and that there are charts and numbers to show just how amazing the program really is.)
If you’re interested in hearing about Brad’s story in his own words, check out this video. It’s pretty awesome!
Running the rapids. Taken with my GoPro.
Welcome to the Family!
Let me guess: you’ve applied for your FD1 trip, you’ve filled out your paperwork, and you’re super excited about this week of being outdoors and forming new friendships with other cancer survivors (especially ones that won’t ask you “aren’t you a little young to have cancer??”). And then realization hits – you just signed up for a whole week of surfing, rock climbing or whitewater kayaking, and you haven’t the slightest idea what you’re doing.
Maybe you’re a quick learner or athletically gifted and this is no big deal for you. Awesome!
Or maybe anything sporty is public humiliation for you (hello, my people!) and you’re not sure if you can do this, but by golly you’ve signed up and you’re going anyway. Fantastic!
No matter where you are in this spectrum, you are perfect for First Descents. I don’t think there was one person in my trip who wasn’t at least a little nervous, if not downright freaked out, about learning how to whitewater kayak. And yet every single one of us finished out the week.
One of the most beautiful things about this program is that from the moment you arrive, you’re part of the FD family. In this family, you will be loved on, respected, and encouraged in a way that I believe few other life groups and communities provide.
Upon arrival, you already know you have a connection with these people – you’ve all faced a cancer diagnosis and are thus dealing with some strong emotions and backstories related to that. Add in the facts that you’re about to try something new, an activity that admittedly requires trust from those around you, and that you’ll be living with this small group for a week. Trust and believe, y’all, that is the perfect environment for forming some deep, lifelong friendships!
The whole kayaking team that week. Nomad and Fish were on the bridge with Well Done, all cheering us on. Photo credit: Well Done.
What to Expect
This is probably the easiest section to write, but also the hardest to emphasize. You can expect an incredible, life-changing week with the beauty of nature, seriously delicious food, belly laughs, tears, and memories with some of the strongest, most inspiring people you’ll ever meet.
That’s the week in a nutshell.
But that doesn’t portray how even my introverted self preferred to spend time with those around me and just being present rather than reading or journaling for some alone time. My words don’t convey how this week is one of such love and levity that adversity and condescension seem so out of place (a fitting analysis shared by one of my lead staff, Rut Ro, the night we arrived). My use of the word “memories” doesn’t demonstrate all the car dancing, the nights spent chatting while watching for meteors, or the absolute pride and thrill of running the last set of rapids.
As with many families, there are a number of traditions passed on through the years. There’s no point in my trying to explain some of these FD traditions to you – some of them only make sense once you’ve sat at the dinner table with the family, and mentioning others would ruin some of the surprises and memories your week has in store.
I will say, though, that everyone in FD has a nickname. My name is Pukey – pleased to meet ya! (And no, it’s not a chemo reference, but a nod to having seasickness while working on fishing boats.)
The food was AMAZING!! I don’t know how Nomad and Fish came up with the flavor combos they did, but oh my gosh… These fish tacos were definitely a favorite!
The Adventure Continues…
Don’t worry, you’re not just brought into the family and then abandoned. FD1, or the weeklong trip I’ve been describing, is just part of the program. FD also offers international trips, called FDX, as well as local groups, called FDTribs. The FDTribs – or Tributaries, to stick with the theme of rivers – are not only a way to stay connected after your FD1 trip, but they’re also a great way to get involved before FD1. You can check out the website to find an FDTrib near you.
I went kayaking only once before my trip to Oregon with FD. At that point, I still wasn’t sure how I felt about kayaking in general, much less about my upcoming week of whitewater kayaking. Not surprisingly, I flipped multiple times on the rapids. Well Done, our photographer, probably got more shots of the bottom of my boat than of me navigating the white water.
But with the help and training of our coaches at Sundance Kayak School and our experienced FD lead staff, my trusty kayak Flippity-Doo-Dah and I always managed to get ourselves righted and back out on the water.
And isn’t that the same with life? Just like the river, life events may take you by surprise and flip you over, leaving you disoriented at best or terrified at worst. The question is not so much if this will happen, but when.
The question then becomes “how do you respond?” Do you tap out and sit on the riverbank? Or do you allow your friends and family to help support you and get you back on track?
Final Thoughts
I learned a lot about whitewater kayaking that week with FD. I also learned that rivers can be incredible coaches for life in general. My week in Oregon gave me not only a new family to lean on, but also newfound respect for rivers and kayaking.
If you’re applying for an FD1 program or joining a Trib, welcome to the family!!
I’m now thinking that when I get my camper, I need to also invest in a kayak – Flippity-Two-Dah. So to my FD family, old and new, I’ll see you on the flip side. 😉 And to my immediate family from Rogue River, stay glorious.
With love,
Pukey
Interested in more FD videos? Check these out:
Brad Ludden on CreativeMornings
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