TAUNTON — What started out as a hobby to enjoy with his uncle has grown into one of Robert Montgomery’s favorite activities, and has even gained him some renown.
Montgomery recently finished second in his category of the Run of the Charles, the largest canoe and kayak race in New England. This year, the event saw more than 1,000 paddlers race down Boston’s Charles River on April 27. Paddlers came from all over New England, Washington, D.C., Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and as far away as Canada and France.
“Everyone had a great time at the Run of the Charles this year,” said CRWA Executive Director, Bob Zimmerman. “The energy was high, and all the entered paddlers participated despite the weather.”
Montgomery took second in the Masters Category of the Rec OC-2 9-Mile Race, with a time of 2:05:23.
“It’s a great workout, it’s very relaxing,” he said of kayaking. He’s also had some wilder rides, having done some kayaking and white water rafting all across the country. In previous years, he has competed in the canoe category of the Run of the Charles — in the canoe race, he’s in the same boat as his uncle, Kent Brady of Randolph.
Montgomery took second in the Masters Category of the Rec OC-2 9-Mile Race, with a time of 2:05:23.
“It’s a great workout, it’s very relaxing,” he said of kayaking. He’s also had some wilder rides, having done some kayaking and white water rafting all across the country. In previous years, he has competed in the canoe category of the Run of the Charles — in the canoe race, he’s in the same boat as his uncle, Kent Brady of Randolph.
Montgomery, who joined the Army two weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks, was introduced to kayaking and canoeing when he returned from the service seven years ago. “My uncle got me into it — he’s into all that outdoor stuff,” Montgomery said.
“Year over year I’ve improved. I’ve learned different techniques,” he added.
Now Montgomery and Brady like to make the rounds of local lakes and rivers — he’s even been out on the Taunton River.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “Sometimes I get out and I hike.”
Montgomery, who works as a software director of sales, is no stranger to physical fitness. He’s currently training for the Tough Mudder, a 10- to 12-mile obstacle course designed to test strength, stamina, teamwork and mental grit. And kayaking is just one of the activities he uses to stay in shape — in fact, he said he runs at least three miles a day and has participated in several triathlons.
Of course, he’s also staying fit in order to apply for a position with the Taunton Fire Department.
“I really like helping people, making a difference in the community,” he explained. “[Being a firefighter] is something you can really hang your hat on. I just want to try to help people and fight the good fight.”
“I really like helping people, making a difference in the community,” he explained. “[Being a firefighter] is something you can really hang your hat on. I just want to try to help people and fight the good fight.”
Kayaking — especially in an area with so many nearby waterways — is a great activity for anyone, even beginners, to enjoy, he said.“You can see a lot of nature,” he said, adding that kayaks can be expensive but that there are plenty of places that rent equipment. “You could do a couple miles and not kill yourself.”So far, however, he hasn’t been successful at persuading his wife, Ashley, to join him. For now, she’s content to cheer him on from the riverbanks with their son, Jameson.
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