Nantahala Trip

My kayak spun side-ways, reeling out of control, speedily approaching the next set of rapids. I paddled as furiously as my aching arms would allow me, but despite my best efforts I knew what my inevitable fate was. I then spotted the largest rock of all of them rising half way out of the water. My kayak took a final blow and then I was breathing water for air. The next thing I saw was the shimmering sky eclipsed by the side of my boat. I began to panic, looking all over for my skirt pull. I couldn't find it! I soon learned that it is hard to focus while flying upside down, backwards, in a kayak underwater, while being pummeled by large stones. Then I realized that my skirt wasn't even attached any more... I was stuck. I began to push the sides of the kayak as hard as I could, my arms still aching. I was underwater for what felt to be ten minutes at least, but in reality was mearly 20 seconds. I felt an enormous bump then the next thing I knew the sky was right-side up and I was gasping for air. I began to float down-stream, catching my breath, and thanking God I was fine. I saw the first face that I had seen in what felt to be a life-time; it was the instructor's. This at first was calming - seeing another person I mean. At least it was until I felt the annoying buzz of his lecturing. "Ok Pierce so this is what you did wrong.". This was some what muffled by the sound of my own heavy breathing. My only rebuttal was, "Sir, shut your mouth.". I didn't happen to notice the expression on his face after my comment, but I'm sure his jaw was on the river bed. I then grabbed the back of his boat and kicked onto shore. It was a quiet end to a terrifying moment.