The Way-Back Machine
Published June 6, 2011 | 
We’ve talked quite a bit about how paddlers are getting older recently. I know. It seems almost everyone I meet has paddled a Perception Mirage or Dancer at one point in their lives.. Well, at one point a very, very, very long ago. (Well, the 80s through 1994 actually) Of course I wasn’t paddling way back then, so when these old school cigar-shaped kayaks were all the rage I missed my opportunity. That is, until this old beat black Mirage came up for sale. Hey, I couldn’t help myself! Continue reading
Teaching Weekend
Published June 3, 2011 | 
Well, it’s a teaching weekend for me again, this time much closer to home. I’m off to Rutabaga in Madison, Wisconsin to do a 2 day “Sea Kayaking Combo” course. Years ago I used to walk int these classes with and outline. I’d plow through the course list and at the end of the second day call it a success. These days I’m much better and taking a read of the class and figuring out where to spend more time and where to spend less. I also realize that classes such as this are the just the first step in a lifetime of paddling. More than anything at this point we need to focus on fun and safety. Just hitting these two points will do more than anything else to make sure we add to the number sea kayakers out there. One thing I know is that gaining real skills in this sport takes a lot of time and a lot of work. If you’re not having fun, you won’t put in the time & you’ll never get anywhere in the long run. When that happens another kayak spends its life in a garage catching dust.
Busted!
Published June 2, 2011 | 
I bought my MSR Ventana back in 2007. Since then it’s been everywhere. It’s lived in a boat hatch and spent time soaking in both fresh and salt water. Now nearly 4 years later, one of the tent poles is almost breaking down on the molecular level. It’s trashed. Of course like the bonehead that I am, I didn’t bother checking when I packed it up for my first symposium of the year. Good thing I had duct tape! Of course the downside of a snapping tent pole is the tear it causes when it punches through the tent itself. I won’t even bother talking to Cascade Designs about warranties.. I don’t want to risk their accidental deaths caused by uncontrollable fits of laughter.. However, I do need to find a new tent pole & patch… and fast!
Oh, and if MSR designers could use a bit of good advice… the black pole still looks like new… Send checks to:…
Hitting The Wall
Published June 1, 2011 | 
We’s be bouncin, flippin, jumpin, jazz funkin, just do something
Bounce, bounce, bounce, bounce – fatty koo
If you’re new to paddling, one of the things that can feel a bit scary is paddling near walls or in enclosed spaces when the water is getting a little rough. When you watch the waves race in toward the shore and a blast of spray rise off the shoreline be it rocks, break-walls, concrete barriers or whatever, it’s easy to imagine your boat (with you in it) riding right along with the waves and being smashed against wall. Funny thing though, that rarely happens. Normally as you get closer to the wall, a confusion of incoming and outgoing or reflected waves called “clapotis” will hold your kayak away from the walls. When paddling in clapotis you’ll find yourself going up and down more than sideways. In many cases, if you come in close and let the water push you around you will actually find yourself slowly moving away from the wall, not toward it. Continue reading
WMCKA Picture Day!
Published June 1, 2011 | 
I have two photo galleries for you today.. The first gallery is a variety of pictures from the 2011 WMCKA symposium as well as a few from the drive over and back. As you know, most of my galleries tend to wander all over the place just to catch the atmosphere. Camp Pendaloun certainly has atmosphere! Continue reading
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