MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- The usual 3-mile run was scratched off the physical training agenda for the Marines of the Communication Information Systems Division, when they decided to change up Friday's PT and venture out on a three-hour kayak trip to promote camaraderie.
Before taking off on this adventure, CISD checked out gear from the Marine Corps Community Services Gear Issue aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and attended a safety brief.
The Marines started at Pigeon Point, Beaufort, around 7:15 a.m. and they got spread out over about a half mile as they paddled their way to the Beaufort Marina for their first pit stop.
"The pit stops gave the Marines a chance to take a break and come together," said Cozart.
At the first pit stop, the Marines were given time to use the restroom, hydrate and sit and relax for a few minutes before taking off again. After kayaking for another 45 minutes they arrived at pit stop number two.
The Marines re-energized their tired bodies by grabbing a quick snack and a couple more drinks before taking off for their final stop at The Sands of Port Royal.
Taking off in a race to see who could finish first, the Marines soon tired as they discovered paddling against the incoming tide wasn't as easy as they thought.
"The hardest part of the day was fighting the current," said Sgt. Kevin Huckabaa, telephone installer, CISD.
The current hit the kayakers during the last leg of their journey, making it much harder for them to paddle.
We didn't look like we were going anywhere, said Cpl. Chad Waggenspack, telephone installer, CISD.
Rounding the bend, they could see the big yellow and red-stripped tent, marking their final destination.
By 11:15 a.m., the paddlers beached their kayaks and headed over to eat a well-deserved lunch of barbeque ribs, chicken, hotdogs and hamburgers cooked by Staff Sgt. Erin Metcalfe, Navy Marine Corps Intranet/civilian technical representative liaison, CISD.
"The best part of the day was the barbeque after fighting the current," said Staff Sgt. Richard Melton, cable chief, CISD.
The Marines spent the rest of the afternoon playing cards, throwing a football and conversing. This is the second or third time CISD has done this for an alternative physical training, said Cozart.
The unit needed a break and a day away from the Depot to relax, he added.