I would never have imagined paddling a kayak. I always thought it was for people with a lot of physical condition and experience, and I, to be honest, don't have any. Even so, I decided to try something totally different: Kayak Querétaro, at the Santa Catarina dam located in Santa Rosa Jauregui.
At first, I found the dam quite pleasant. The contrast between the mountains and the pelicans that were either out of wing or just watching, was simply incredible as was the calm that could be felt in the breeze.
Honestly, the idea of kayaking, I was scared, but I was also curious to see if I could pull it off. Thus began an adventure that not only challenged me physically, but also mentally, pushing me out of the routine.
It began with a small tour of the facilities, among them, was the kayak workshop, where this entire process of assembling a kayak from scratch is carried out. For this reason, there was one in particular named Makech, which was precisely part of the collection, this being one of the first to be built.
Something that surprised me is that the kayaks in the place are designed and manufactured by themselves. Rafael Mier Maza, the creator, learned kayaking in California but he didn't like the models there, so he decided to make his own. Today his brand dominates a large part of the competition kayaks in Mexico, and they have everything: sea kayaks, touring kayaks, surfing kayaks and even Olympic K1. In addition, the workshop combines carbon fiber for lightweight kayaks and fiberglass for the most resistant ones. Rafael and his team have been promoting the sport for more than ten years and participating in national and international competitions. Knowing their story made me appreciate even more the passion and effort behind each boat that touches the water.
After a while, I started to feel like I could control the kayak. Yes, my arms ached and I was tired, but there was something very satisfying about accomplishing something I never thought I could. Between fear, paddle games and shared laughter, I discovered that kayaking is not just a sport: it is an experience that makes you step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the environment like never before. In short, each paddle brought me closer to a version of myself that dares to try, learn and enjoy without fear. 
Edgar, one of the kayakers in the area, was accompanied by his little dog named Lockie, who was already an expert and just seeing the dam and the kayak, this being one of the most emotional moments of the experience; But, now it was our turn to fully live the experience.
One of my friends and I ordered a double kayak, and from the beginning I had no idea how to use the paddles. And she was the one who ended up being the one who kept us afloat while I tried to coordinate the movements without capsizing the kayak. Every wobble was a reminder that she wasn't used to this kind of activity... but he also got us to laugh a few times. To make it more entertaining, we invented a small game of rowing: "left, left, right, right". Which worked to keep me focused and stay afloat. In this way, between laughter and stumbles, the initial fear began to transform into confidence.
The first minutes were complicated. My arms would tire quickly, balance was a challenge and I doubted if I was going to last more than five minutes. But after insisting a bit and following my friend's directions, I started to find the rhythm. It was not easy; It was patience, concentration and some strength. And although she was tired, she couldn't stop looking at the landscape: the water, the mountains and even the pelicans crossing the sky. It was then that I understood that paddling was not only a physical effort, but also a way to connect with the environment.
Do you already know the Hotel Mexico Plaza Querétaro? Stay in a place with all the amenities, ideal for rest and work, with a privileged location in the capital of Querétaro. Find out about their offer and booking.
Travel back in time and learn about the history of Querétaro. Hop on one of the Stagecoaches and tour some of the most emblematic places in the city, enjoy a ride that will make you feel like you are in another era.
Incredible cabins with pools, perfect for vacationing with the family and enjoying hot days to the fullest.
