If you’ve come into the world of sea kayaking in the last couple years I’m sure by now you’ve picked up all the names of all the “stars” of the sport. You’ll see them in advertisements, articles, and photo spreads. They’re in all the video’s and books you’ll find in the local shop. It’s pretty much just like any other sport you can think of. Well, pretty much. When we look at the guy on the cover of Sports Illustrated we know right off we’re looking at a very rich guy. However in sea kayaking that would be, well. . a shock! Kayaker’s don’t do it for the money. You can’t. Sea kayaker’s don’t sign million dollar contracts. Most have day jobs. Kayaking does not pay the mortgage. I wanted to mention that because in our world we can easily just assume the stars of media or sport are making money in whatever it is they do. Sometimes it’s true. Sometimes it’s WAYYY not the case.

Most of the time a sea kayaker will take on a challenge or expedition with their own money for their own reasons. Often by saving and penny pinching for the next big trip. They’re not thinking about the “deals”. What deals? You’d be hard pressed to find a kayaker getting rich in kayaking. (well, maybe Tao) As much as it can look like the big league some days, Sea kayaking is NOT a big league sport. Rarely will a paddler get cash support from sponsors, even when they can prove themselves a good “marketing” bet or for that matter even an established name among enthusiasts.

The one thing many companies are willing to do is provide gear. I’ve heard many times some rough comments about getting free stuff to paddle round in. And to be fair, there are days when you start thinking everyone willing to paddle over 50 miles should give a ring to Kokatat. (just teasing guys!). But on the other hand this is a really good deal. For the sponsor. The cost of free gear can’t really come close to the value of having that gear on the bodies that you are seeing and reading about. Just ask Nike! They know. But then, they also have to shell out to the athlete for “ad-space” as it were. In most sports you can’t just go up to a athlete and offer them a pair of shoes! Cash is just part of the deal, but again that’s in the big league. You know, I sell just one banner advertisement on my business websites for around the retail price of a drysuit. When I think about that, “free kit” seems like an advertising bargain. I would think that has to change in time. But right now a “famous” sea kayaker is kind of like being an late 50′s rock star. You get the stage and the record company get’s the profits. Not that you would’nt appreciate the gear. That’s great too. I wish I got some free gear!! But purely mathematically “schwag” is an amazing advertising deal.

That’s what really inspires me personally about the sea kayakers we’ve all come to know around the world. They’re all doing their thing for their own reasons. Not for cash or kit. Then after a great day, week, month on the water it’s back to the day job. Suddenly they are shop owners, plumbers, police, instructors, teachers, carpenters, and many other things. Their “star power” is checked in along with the PFD and next thing they know they’re washing a big pile of dirty dishes.

It’s great to see the amazing growth in sea kayaking over the last few years. These days we have all sorts of fun things to read, books to buy, boats to paddle and a plethora of gear to pick from. It’s a very good thing we have folks we can learn from and who inspire us to grow in the sport. I’m thankful that they take the time to travel and teach. I appreciate that quite a bit. Lord knows they’re not making any money!