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Introduction
Shifting your perspective can completely change the way you perceive a city. Walking around or riding your bike both have pros and cons but lately I've been enjoying paddling through the various canals that Berlin has to offer. I've spent many days walking along the canal, watching the kayakers and tubers drifting along with some envy. I love the water and from that perspective, you see the city in a different light. You no longer are so focused on the people but rather the trees and bushes towering over the edge of the canal with the occasional onlookers sitting on the bank, where you once were.
Setting off down the Landwehrkanal
There are a few popular spots along the canal where Berliners love to gather. After about 30 minutes of paddling, I ended up in one of these spots; a three-way intersection with hundreds of people surrounding and floating on the water playing music, enjoying drinks and snacks that they had packed for the day. After slowly paddling through this section, taking in all of my surroundings, I decided to paddle north towards the Spree River where I could continue my journey. I was very surprised when I was turned around by the lock operators, who simultaneously allowed much less robust tubes through. I was redirected to the parallel canal where the operator falsely claimed I would be able to get through. Instead, I had to figure out a way across a road and many other massive structures such as a Covid-19 testing center. I crossed the street and passed the testing center to finally find a slightly challenging place to launch my paddleboard. Luckily, before the start of my journey, I had secured a relatively long line to some rings that are fixed to the edge of the board and this enabled me to lower my board down to the water, 10-15 feet below. I finally was ready for the next leg of my journey!
Launching on the Spree
The Spree is much larger than the Landwehr canal and it therefore has a very different atmosphere. The waters can be a bit more rough with small waves and a stronger current. You can still see many people floating along but instead of small inflatable boats, there are more kayaks, tour boats and some even more creative and unique floats such as a small wooden hut on pontoons. Some people join river tours, while others rent private boats with a group of friends. One of the more interesting groups you may come across would be the open-air boats that resemble a floating club. They have many lights, electronic music and people in wild and unique outfits. Another great option if you are unable to get out on your own watercraft or another rental, is to go on one of the larger boats that offer tours in the heart of the city. Some go by museums and beautiful architecture, while others can take you clear out to Potsdam for a multi-hour tour complete with drinks and snacks and in some cases, full meals.
Pit stop on the bank of the Spree
After paddling around for an hour and a half, I decided to take a rest and refuel with some snacks from my waterproof bag. I found a large tree that would provide me with some shade and tied up my board so I wouldn't drift off, down the river. The current, especially in this area, was quite mild but staying still on a moving body of water is always challenging, especially since I was hoping to read for a while without worrying about moving. After regaining some energy from my sandwiches, mixed nuts, apples, and some dates, I was ready to push on a little further in order to discover the "Insel der Jugend" or the "Island of Youth" in English. It was a perfect name given all of the young people who were lounging, partying and paddling around without a care in the world. It was refreshing to see after such long pandemic restrictions and fear surrounding the circumstances. People were finally enjoying a beautiful summer day once again.
Paddling back to the start
After rounding the Island, I had to start making my way back to the canal. I was hoping to find a more direct route back, through a different bridge. Unfortunately, I was out of luck and ran into another speedbump in the form of a slightly submerged, rusty fence and a crowd of people watching me from every angle. Although I may have been able to get through, I figured it was best to avoid the embarrassment of getting stuck or popping my board and likely a tetanus shot.
Getting back out of the river was a lot smoother but there were quite a few confused faces as I hauled my board back up the ladder where people were enjoying the view of the river hanging over the railing that I had to hop over. I quickly walked back across the crowded street with my comically large board in my hand and backpack stuffed with all my gear on my back. Once I relaunched in the canal, exhaustion began to set in and I found an entertaining and relaxing section of the canal to lay back and relax. I laid back on my backpack that I had secured to the stern of my board and cracked open a drink while I floated along in the shade listening to the random music and laughter surrounding me. Many more people had made their way to the canal while I had been in the river and it was interesting to see the masses floating by as I made my way back to where I had locked up my bike. My launch was very small and one of the few places not filled with glass or other hazardous materials; unfortunately, it was being used by another individual so I had to come up with another plan. I found a rubber barrier along the canal wall that I could easily climb up. I then pulled up my board in a similar fashion to the ladder on the Spree. After deflating and packing up my board, I got on my bike and rode home, ready for a shower and a good night's sleep.
Terminology
Shifting - Changing or moving slightly
Perceive - to become aware or conscious of something
Envy - to feel a longing or desire for someone else's success or situation
Gather - to bring together or to come together
Lock(maritime) - In this context a lock is a section of water that helps boats and other vessels get from one body of water to the next. It lifts or lowers the level of the water to make the transition smooth
Simultaneously - to describe something happening at the same time as something else
Robust - Very strong or tough in nature; not easily broken
Leg of a journey - A section or portion of a larger trip or route
Atmosphere - the environment, surroundings or feelings brought on by a place.
Pontoons - long tube-like objects used for enabling something to float
Resemble - to look like or have the impression of something else
Refuel - Usually for filling a vehicle up with something that can be burned for energy; Also has metaphorical meaning to regain energy, especially with food or rest.
Waterproof - the ability of something to resist water, especially for containers which keep water out
Lounging - to relax in a laying or sitting fashion
Circumstances - Condition or fact related to an event or action
Speedbump - Literally, a bump in the road to help slow traffic. Metaphorically, something that slows or inhibits progress
Submerged - to be under water
Tetanus - an infection caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, etc. Often from puncture wounds.
To Haul - to transport something, especially behind a vehicle
Comically - In a funny manner
Stern - the rear section of a boat or other vessel
Masses - a group of many individuals
Hazardous - When something is dangerous or not safe