Virtual Instruction
North American Odyssey Complete!!!
Congratulations to Dave and Amy Freeman of the Wilderness Classroom on their successful completion of the North American Odyssey on April 4th, 2013! I’ve had the pleasure of flowing this amazing couple as they made their nearly 12000 mile-long adventure “over the river and through the woods” from Bellingham, Washington to Key West, Florida during … Continue reading
Rainwear and Jackets for Sea Kayakers
April showers bring May flowers but what do Mayflowers bring?? Well, if you come from my neck of the woods then the answer is: Pilgrims…but I digress… Spring is in the air and in a lot of places that means a shift in the weather from frozen and snowy to a bit less cold and … Continue reading
Best way to dry your boots
Even the most waterproof boots available in stores today will become saturated with moisture after an extended time in the elements. Whether hiking 25 miles in the humid rain forest or trekking through winter time snow conditions, it is likely, either though excessive exposure or complete submersion, that your boots will end up wet. Without … Continue reading
Rip current safety
“This past Saturday evening, my husband and I went to the beach. We go once a year. We waded out in waist high water and had fun jumping into the waves which were larger than usual. The life guards were flying the yellow flags also. We made sure we stayed away from the nearby fishing … Continue reading
Kayak Storage Tips
So…Have you had a conversation with your kayak this winter? Sure, we all tend to lavish attention, praise and some even a dose of abuse on our plastic and composite friends during the warm and sunny days of the paddling season; but when was the last time you sat down with your kayak to talk … Continue reading
Inflatable life jackets, fad or future?
The first recorded use of personal floatation devices date back to 870 B.C. Historical records indicate that the Assyrian army used inflatable animal skins to cross a mote during the cold, frigid winters. Greenland Intuits, the original pioneers of kayaking, stitched waterproof coverings from sealskin to protect from cold-water immersion. Per records of the … Continue reading
Prevent Kayak Theft with These Tips
It seems as though kayak theft has been on the rise in recent years. I know of a handful of kayaks that have “walked away” from docks, disappeared from yards, and been lifted off of car tops. Not even the kayak shop is safe; we had two brand new kayaks (still in bubble wrap) stolen … Continue reading
Cold Water Training for Sea Kayakers
I’ve come to believe that safe paddling in cold-water conditions hinges on the paddler’s respect for the dangers of cold water. Reading about relevant topics such as recognizing and treating hypothermia, dressing for immersion, and what to do if you capsize in cold water is a great first step toward developing awareness. However, there’s no … Continue reading
Kayak Insurance: Can you insure a kayak?
Intro: Protecting your kayak against personal property loss This series is designed to give an informational insight on some of the most commonly asked questions involving insurance and kayaking. Can you insure a kayak? Do you need separate insurance policy to cover gear? What if your kayak is stolen, will you be covered? These are just … Continue reading
The World’s Longest Kayak!!!
L.L Bean and Point65 Kayaks recently teamed up to build the world’s longest kayak in celebration of L.L Bean’s 100th Anniversary! The 100-person kayak stretched over 400ft long. It was constructed by combining 100 mid-sections of the modular Point65 Tequila Tandem sit-on-top. The event attracted paddlers from first-timers to seasoned veterans who somehow were able … Continue reading