It was a fine Saturday afternoon with a glorious sunshine. Had been raining in the afternoons the past week, so this was a pleasant change. It had been a fine sunny day since morning. I glanced at the clock, it was nearly 2 p.m. (King Tide is 1441hrs), and the sky and I couldn’t resist it anymore. I started to assemble the Cooper in the air-conditioned comfort of living room (it was hot outside – but when you want to kayak; it doesn’t really matters!), to the curious amusement of my daughter Kim watching me for the first time. “It’s cool, daddy!” Must be; as it’s hard to take her attention away from MTV. The fascination of assembling a folding kayak always amaze onlookers – be they strangers or otherwise.

I gingerly lowered the Cooper onto the waters from my house jetty, took a few snapshots of it and lowered myself into the seat. I had slipped into another world …

On this my third time, the Cooper's primary stability still feels tender but I soon relaxed in the warmth of the afternoon with the glare of the flickering sunlight off the shimmering water the frown mask the delight i feel inside as the sleek Cooper gently slice through the water barely breaking its surface. I marvel at the ingenuity of the design of folding kayak and how close and connected one feels with the boat and water. You don't get into a folding kayak - you wear one.

Unlike me an afternoon on the waters is a livelihood for the fishermen living on the banks of Sg Stutong. As I paddled nearer to have a closer look at a yellow sampan I had spotted; the fisherman proudly held up his catch of crabs for me to have a look and photograph. But for the two shy little girls floating on a plank of wood, blessed with the innocence of childhood and the simplicity of kampong life, the river is their playground.

As I was heading towards the bridge spanning Sg Kuap, sky turned dark in the distance and I decided to turn back as I did not have my spray skirt on. As the dark clouds loomed closer the wind also picked up – but I was on protected waters and close to shores; so I was not worried. I took the time to take photos of the dark but beautiful clouds. It’s fascinating how nature can in a short order render the bright colours into a surreal monochromatic gray. Threatening and yet beautiful at the same time.

I quickened my strokes and soon my jetty was in sight nestled amongst the mangrove trees. Reluctantly I got off the water.

Stumble It!