Written by Zijun Wei, J-1 Exchange Student
You ever have one of those days where everything just falls perfectly into place? That’s exactly how I felt during the campus recreation event that took us kayaking and painting at Lake Merced. It was one of those magical experiences where the setting, the activities, and the people all come together to create a day that feels almost too good to be true. I came home that evening with a smile on my face, my arms slightly sore from paddling, and a little paint on my clothes—evidence of a day well spent.
Kayaking at Lake Merced
The day started with kayaking, and let me tell you, Lake Merced is the perfect spot for it. The lake is tucked right next to a golf course, which, oddly enough, added this serene backdrop as we got ready for the water. Imagine a lush green landscape with wide-open spaces, the calm waters of the lake reflecting the sky above, and that feeling of quiet you can only get when you’re surrounded by nature. It’s one of those places that makes you forget you’re in a bustling city like San Francisco.
I’m not an expert kayaker by any stretch of the imagination, but thankfully, the coaches were pros. They were part of the school’s kayaking club as I believe, and they knew exactly what to do to calm any nerves we had. From the moment we met them, you could tell they were passionate about what they do. They helped us get settled into the kayaks, making sure we understood the basics—how to hold the paddle, how to steer, and most importantly, how not to tip over! They were super encouraging and helpful.
When it was my turn to get into the kayak, they even gave me a hand lifting it into the water. Once I was settled in, the first few paddle strokes were awkward—I won’t lie—but after a few minutes, I got into a rhythm. The coaches were right there guiding us, offering tips on how to paddle more efficiently, and even suggesting some beautiful routes to follow on the lake.
Now, here’s the part that made the day even better: I had come alone. I wasn’t sure if I’d know anyone there, and to be honest, I was a little nervous about that. But the moment we hit the water, that worry disappeared. I got paired up with another solo kayaker, and we instantly clicked. It’s funny how being out on the water makes it so easy to talk to someone new. We started off chatting about random things, but by the time we were halfway around the lake, it felt like we’d known each other for ages. That’s one of the things I love about these campus rec events—you never know who you’ll meet, and by the end of the day, you’ve got a new friend.
Painting by the Lake
After an hour or two of kayaking, we were all ready for a break, and that’s when the second half of the day began. We headed back to dock, and the campus staff had set up this amazing little painting area for us. They laid out picnic mats on the grass, and we all found a spot to relax. The setup was so cute! They had canvas frames ready for us, plus a full array of paints, brushes, water cups, and even palettes for mixing colors. Honestly, it felt like we’d stepped into some kind of outdoor art class.
Painting outdoors is a whole different experience than being inside. You’ve got the sun on your back, the sounds of nature all around you, and this sense of freedom that comes from being out in the open air. I hadn’t painted in forever, but there was no pressure to create anything perfect. Some people painted the lake, others painted the trees, and a few people got really abstract with their designs. For me, it was just fun to let go and see where the brush took me.
What made it even better was the sense of community that had formed. By this point, everyone had warmed up to each other, so we were chatting and laughing while we painted. If someone needed a color they didn’t have, it was easy to ask the person next to them to borrow it. It was this unspoken understanding that we were all there to have a good time, and we were all in it together.
At one point, as we were deep in our artistic flow, a few raccoons wandered by! I kid you not—these little guys just strolled through the grass like they owned the place. They weren’t aggressive or anything, just curious, probably wondering what all these humans were doing with their bright paints and picnic blankets. It was like nature was giving us its stamp of approval on our afternoon of creativity.
What Lake Merced Has to Offer
Now, if you’re ever in the mood for a day outside, Lake Merced should definitely be on your radar. Besides kayaking, there’s so much you can do. Like I mentioned earlier, the golf course right next to the lake is a big draw for anyone who loves to hit the green. I’m not much of a golfer, but even I could appreciate how well-kept the course looked. Plus, it added to the peaceful, natural vibe of the whole area.
If you’re into hiking, Lake Merced has some great trails that take you around the water. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walk or a longer, more challenging route, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect way to clear your head or get a workout in while enjoying the scenery.
Of course, if you’re in the mood for something more low-key, you can always bring a picnic. There are tons of grassy spots where you can lay down a blanket and just relax with friends. I saw a few families with kids playing frisbee, and even some people fishing along the shore. It’s the kind of place where you can do a little bit of everything or absolutely nothing at all, and either way, you’ll have a great time.
Join Campus Recreation Events
If you’re still on the fence about joining a campus recreation event, let me give you one piece of advice: *Just go.* Seriously, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never kayaked before, or if you don’t consider yourself an artist. These events are about more than just the activities—they’re about trying new things, meeting new people, and taking a break from the usual routine of classes and homework.
Campus rec does an amazing job of organizing these trips, making sure everyone feels welcome and included. And trust me, you don’t need to come with a group of friends to have a good time. I went solo and ended up having one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. There’s something really special about stepping outside your comfort zone and connecting with others while doing something fun and different.
So next time you see a campus rec event like this on the calendar, don’t hesitate. Grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and head out to a new area, and maybe even making some new friends along the way. You won’t regret it!