Hello there, today I finished updating our Book Section, presented as material related to your paddling skills level.
It’s the list of recommended reading materials by Paddle Canada from Introduction to Kayaking to Level 4 Skills…. lots of good books and a DVD Co-produced by local Paddler Alex Matthews (writer for Wavelength Magazine as well), for those of you that like shopping local. You’ll notice quite a few of the authors are Vancouver Island residents as well…
Here is the trailer for DVD: The Ultimate Guide to Sea Kayaking, a four-part video by World Champion Kayaker, Ken Whiting, and expert sea kayaker Alex Matthews, which provides both new and experienced paddlers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and comfortably enjoy sea kayaking. DVD by Ken Whiting and Alex Matthews, trailer here.
This post is about a hand held radio by ICOM, the IC-M72 (Follow this link for the PDF Manual). Hand held radio are certainly plentiful on the market, but most company have not yet put their full attention to detail and quality. After all, for most mariners, a hand held is barely good enough to communicate with the inside of the boat when you are on the deck, but those devises are not regarded as real safety or communication devices.
From a sea kayaker point of view, things are of course a little different…. the hand held becomes our link to our precious Weather Forecast on trips, the most reliable way of keeping in touch when the group separates, and ultimately our last resource to call for help (unless you carry an EPIRB or PLB).
Some radios offer an incredible power source necessary to receive signals and transmit. Some float, some are waterproof, and some last for years even thought they are used daily.
Many professional in the sea kayak industry (guides and instructors) rely on ICOM VHF radio. The waterproofing is amazing (which does not mean it will never fail but I know of a few people that have own the same radio for 5 to 7 years and have the device in the salt-water at least once every time they go out, about 150 time a year!). I wear mine on my PFD and simply rinse it out when I get back home, the sound is perfect, and it comes with a number of options that are quite handy (Dual channel monitoring, microphone drainage system to communicate after the radio has been submerged…).
Quite often we like to talk about the down fall of our gear, and don’t get me wrong, things happen. But I have had many days of good relation with my radio, I rely on it and it hasn’t let me down. And the guys at Way Point Marine in Sidney always have the best prices and the best service.
There are 2 Elephant Seals working hard to shed their skins in Victoria right now. Here are some pics of the young one currently residing in Gonzales Bay…
A little info about elephant seals…..Elephant seals use many islands off the coast of California and Mexico, including the Farallons, Año Nuevo, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, San Nicholas, San Clemente, Islas Coronado, Guadalupe, and San Benito. Male elephant seals are very large up to 4.2 meter long and 2300 kilograms in weight (Wilson and Ruff 1999). Females are smaller than males at about 2.5 meters long and weighing about 650 kilograms. The elephant seal is polygynous and breeds from December to the end of February. Males compete for matings by creating dominance hierarchies backed by threats, displays and fights. Among the most audacious display involves inflation of the nose…. For more follow this link
Paddle Canada has now updated their new website, and it looks good.
Take a sec and go have a look at it, become a member or register to receive Kanawa at home.
Paddle Canada promote paddlesports across the country and is our only national voice…
Paddle Canada is proud to present the 2009 WATERWALKER Film Festival – a tribute to the late Bill Mason, the great canoeist, conservationist and filmmaker who inspired so many of us to enjoy paddling and Canada’s waterways. Our goal for the Festival is to raise public awareness and support for paddling and the environment by celebrating films on canoeing and kayaking and the preservation and protection of our environment.
HOSTING A WATERWALKER EVENT IN YOUR AREA
Whether you are interested in raising money for your club or organization, recruiting new members for your paddling club or just want to get everyone to get out and paddle, why not host a WATERWALKER event in your area? You can also tie-in other events to the Festival such as other local festivals, slide shows, guest speakers and displays. We can tailor an event to fit your needs. The festival is available to tour throughout Canada and the US.
FEATURED FILMS
The 2009 festival showcases exciting action, adventure and environmental films from around the world and features films that can be enjoyed by all paddlers. Follow the David Thompson Brigade as they retrace the epic journey of David Thompson and paddle over 3,600 km from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Thunder Bay, Ontario.
PULSE is the latest action whitewater kayaking film starring Tao Berman, from the creator of the renowned TWITCH series of films. It follows Tao and friends and includes stunning footage and interviews as well as three unique action segments.
From the award-winning filmmakers that created Pacific Horizons, comes Eastern Horizons, another inspirational and breathtaking sea kayaking adventure film documenting North America’s east coast.
Film entries are now being accepted for the 2010 WATERWALKER Film Festival. We are already gearing up for next year. Why not make a paddling film of your tripping adventures this summer?
The 2010 festival will feature exceptional films on canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking, nature, high adventure and conservation of water environments.
Deadline for entries is Friday, December 4th, 2009.
Entry forms are available on the website.
We look forward to receiving your 2010 entries. Good Luck!
The Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) was one of the oldest pieces of legislation in Canada. It ensured that, before anyone built something on, in, through, or around the water, they must first have considered the impacts on the environment and navigation, consulted with the people who would be affected, and obtained a permit under the Act from the Minister of Transportation.
The Act has now changed…
Paddle Canada presents to the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources
After being rescheduled, on Thursday, May 7, 2009, Paddle President Richard Alexander finally appeared before the Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources to address our members’ concerns regarding the changes to the NWPA as passed in the Budget Implementation Act.
Speaking on behalf of all members of Paddle Canada – individual, instructor and regional members – Mr. Alexander acknowledged that its members and paddlers do recognize the need for legislative change as required to help facilitate economic growth. As directed by our members, Paddle Canada continued our focus on the lack of transparency during the consultation process as well as the lack of clear, concise and definable definitions and standards that will impact the rights of paddlers in this country. As stated by Mr. Alexander, “…how consultation is carried out can either alleviate or generate fears. From my constituency I think it is safe to say that it generated a lot of fear.”
To further qualify, Mr Alexander noted the most specific concern address by our members. “…our membership has concern with the following: The amendments place broad authority in the minister or cabinet to exclude certain classes of works and certain classes of navigable waterways from the approval process without subjecting such exclusion decisions to any objective criteria or public notification and consultation. It is the lack of any criteria on this exemption power that has our members most concerned. We submit that, at a minimum, criteria should exist for classes of navigable waterways.”
Mr Alexander further reiterated Paddle Canada’s position by advising the Senate Committee that in an “open, transparent discussion about such definition, I have complete faith that we would be able to come to some common ground on the definition with my organization.” For our efforts, Paddle Canada was invited to keep in touch with the Standing Senate Committee as they continue their hearings and review of the evidence in this matter.
We apologize for the lateness of this message. Paddle Canada was finally given the approval to present our position to the Senate Committee (subject to change) regarding the changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act, as included in the Budget Implementation Act, on May 5th, 2009.Paddle Canada will be sending Mr Richard Alexander, President to present our position on how these changes will impact the rights of paddlers in this country. Some people have asked us “Why bother, the amendments have passed?”
Our answer is simple… We need to begin the process of restoring our government’s respect for the ancient public right of navigation and access to waterways in Canada. What has happened with the passing of the Budget Implementation Act needs to be reversed. This is the first step in that process, but we need your help and feedback. As members of Paddle Canada you direct our voice on this important issue.
We would therefore ask that you please forward your thoughts and comments, by no later than 5pm EST 30-April-2009, to:
This is the next e-mail I received concerning the Navigable Waters Protection Act. The thought cross my mind that having one national voice speaking for the interest of all paddlers across Canada would be powerful. Just to help along, I would like to remind everybody there is already such a voice in this country, it is Paddle Canada and you can become a member to make that voice louder.
Paddle Canada will be sending a representative to present our position on how these changes will impact the rights of paddlers in this country (follow this link and become a member). This winter we have been under heavy pressures to develop our tidal currents areas, our waterways, our harbor for Victoria residents… it’s unlikely to slow down…
QUOTE:
“I have received many emails from Canadians asking when the Senate Energy Environment and Natural Resources Committee will begin hearings on the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
I am happy to inform you that the first of the hearings will begin Thursday April 23rd at 8:00am, and continue with intensive study through to June.Information on the hearings, such as witnesses and times can be found here; to keep up to date on the committees progress,be sure to watch the webcastof the proceedings.
If you have not already done so, you can email the committee clerk (Lynn Gordon eenr-eern@sen.parl.gc.ca) with your perspective on this issue, or your request to appear as a witness before the committee.
When the shark is longer than the kayak, well, it makes for a good story!!!! You have to follow this link and see for yourself, there are more pics and the original story of how this picture came to be…. you can buy the poster and thrill yourself at home all winter!
Today I found this article already written by Adam Bolonsky, on his blog (www.paddlingtravelers.blogspot.com). He makes a good point about manufacturers not always satisfying their customers with the sitting option, and offer you an article about how to replace the factory seat and make yourself at home in your boat.
This is how it starts, for more, details, and links to get started visit his blog:
QUOTE “One of the unfortunate truths of modern fiberglass and rotomolded hull design is that so many boats are so amazingly uncomfortable. The symptoms are familiar: lower back pain, a stiff and sore butt, legs that fall asleep, feet that fall asleep, sciatica, etc.
The effects extend beyond pain. There are safety consequences. If you’re in discomfort, you’re not relaxed. If you’re not relaxed, you’re more focused on your discomfort than on your surroundings, which may include shipping lanes, boat channels, waves, swell, powerboats, jetskis.
Moreover, if you’re in discomfort you can’t focus on the day at hand. You want to get out of the boat. You’re not enjoying yourself! ”
Hello Vancouver Island Paddlers, Sean Morley gave a presentation this evening at Ocean River Sport in Victoria about his paddling Expeditions, The first one being the solo circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland (and all inhabited islands), 4,500miles in 183days and the last one the fastest to date circumnavigation of Vancouver Island in 17 days, 4 hours and 49 minutes.
I was a little disappointed that only about 40 paddlers showed up to hear about it, watch some pictures and hang out like paddlers do.
Sean will be offering some clinic on Saturday at Ocean River Sport, and if you are looking for some instruction this is the place to be.
Ocean River is also now carrying Valley kayaks, so get your paddle out and go try one as soon as possible….
To learn more about Sean, click here.
Here is an e-mail I received with links to follow if you want to learn more about the Navigable Waters Protection Act and get a chance to comment on it. Express yourself…
QUOTE “Thank you very much for your recent correspondence regarding the Navigable Waters Protection Act that was included in the Budget Implementation Bill.
As you know, the Budget Bill was recently considered in the Senate. In my opinion, the inclusion of the Navigable Waters Protection Act in the Budget made it very difficult to adequately assess the legislation. I have heard from many Canadians who have shared their concerns about the potential impacts of the Act. To ensure these issues are heard, the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources will be shortly holding several weeks of public hearings about the changes introduced with the budget. I am the Deputy Chair of this committee and I would like to invite you to visit the homepage of our committee to follow the progress of our hearings. The website is: http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/Committee_SenHome.asp?Language=E&parl=40&Ses=2&comm_id=5 . I would also like to direct you to our website, www.liberalsenateforum.ca, where I have written a reflection on my difficult decision to pass the Budget. The direct link to my blog is: http://www.liberalsenateforum.ca/Blog/3666_Why-I-Voted-to-Allow-Bill-C-10-to-Pass. I would invite you to spend a moment or two on our website as it is a place where you can send us your comments, follow our blogs and track what the Liberal Senate is doing for all Canadians.
Just a start, the subject will be discussed later in Kanawa so I’ll keep you updated:
I don’t think there is anything to prefer here. This is the same question as: which is better, a small sedan or a pick up truck? I don’t see how you could argue for one or the other; they are 2 different vehicles designed to be used for 2 different jobs!
Skegs and rudders are tools designed to help steer sea kayaks. They both have pros and cons; so why not name those and let everybody make a choice then!
Here we go:
Rudders
Pros: Rudders will allow a paddler on a long distance journey to paddle forward without wasting any energy in direction-control strokes. No skeg boat is likely to go as straight as a rudder boat in windy conditions. This could be an interesting test to organize; I am willing to try it out here in Victoria.
Pros: Worst case scenario, if the paddler is very tired at the end of a long day he will be in a position to use the rudder to turn (keeping the speed up and working with some good strokes in the mean time).
Pros: While towing, a rudder can help by keeping the boats in the desired direction (both for towee and tower).
Cons: When a rudder breaks, if the paddler has been relying on it, there is a steering problem. And with a sliding foot pedal system the paddler might loose his foot pedals completely, which is a very uncomfortable position and one where the bracing is strongly compromised.
Cons: In surf or dynamic waters, a rudder can be a liability to anybody close by as it swings around during rescues and such. Also most rudder systems are built with exposed steel cable that would cause injury if one decided to hold onto their boat by the cable in rough water (note that there is no way to hold onto a ruddered boat from the stern).
Cons: When towing, one must have a good technique and avoid having their line tangle in their inaccessible rudder system.
Skegs:
Pros: Clean deck for rescue, Cow boy rescues, and rolling the boat upside up during a T-rescue after emptying the cockpit. Does not get in the way of your tow line either.
Pros: If the skeg is locked or broken the foot pedals are intact and the bracing and rolling not compromised.
Pros: Skeg boats have a rescue toggle at the stern that can be used in rough water.
Cons: The skeg box on the inside of the rear hatch gets in the way of loading your kayak and takes up space.
Cons: In strong winds most skeg boats will not travel straight and will cause the paddler to waist time and energy on the direction. Also skegs can’t help you turn a boat…
Cons: Beginners could get the idea that turning a kayak is difficult if they lack instruction or paddle in windy conditions, limiting their fun and positive view of the sport.
In conclusion, I think there are good and bad things about both systems. I know several paddlers that own both a rudder kayak (for long trips, guiding and expeditions) and a skeg boat (for play time, surfing, tide races…).
It is interesting to note that the kayaks can also be paddled without one or the other at all and probably should be most of the time since their purpose is only to allow us to go straight when the conditions worsen…
This is a little like people arguing about composite and plastic boats…
KANAWA is pleased to congratulate James Smedley on his recent awards from the Outdoor Writers of Canada (OWC) and the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA).
In the OWC’s 2007 National Communications Awards, James took first place in the Photography category for his cover photo on the Fall 2006 issue of KANAWA .
He also won third place in the Art/Photo category in the Boating/Paddlesports Contest, again for his cover photo on the Fall 2006 issue of KANAWA , and third place in the Art/Photo category of the Value of Wilderness to the Outdoor Experience Contest. James also placed first in the Magazine Category of the Family Participation/Youth Outdoor Education Contest.
This is just for fun, nothing new, Alcohol and water don’t mix, people without PFD’s drown, and on and on, but here at least somebody decided to be creative about the messaging…. Enjoy!
Photo was found on PaddlingInstructor.com
A few more dates to keep in mind.
Coming up shortly, next week, the Reel Paddling Film Festival will be in Victoria. More info on the contents here. The festival is taking place on the 11 and 12 of March, for details on prices and location follow this link. You can view the trailer as well but it’s 95% advertisement and 2%paddling footage…. oh well!
Another very exciting venue in Victoria, Sean Morley is visiting the Island again. Last time he did was to establish the new speed record for the Circumnavigation of Vancouver Island in 17 days and 4 hours…
He is coming to offer a presentation of his trip (last falls) and a slide show of his past achievement (which are quite inspiring if you ask me). He will be in Victoria on April 16 and you need to contact Ocean River Sports for the details. You can read a detailed report trip and see some photos to wet your appetite… here!
Sean Morley owns River & Ocean, and organized the First Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium this past January. You will definitely have a good time if you come to the presentation, and I am told he will also run a few courses and clinics… most likely a lot of fun… Sean Morley is also the World Champion of high Performance kayak surfing…
A little biography: Sean began kayaking at the age of ten, often paddling alone, exploring the relatively sheltered waters of St Austell Bay on the south coast of Cornwall, England. “I used to wonder what lay around the corner and dreamt of continuing around the next headland until eventually I had paddled all the way around Great Britain” explains Sean. In 2004, Sean completed the first solo circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland (including all inhabited islands), 4,500 miles in 183 days.
Other accomplishments include British Canoe Union 4 star award and 5 star trainee. Sean is also an avid surf kayaker winning the Masters High Performance category and placing 2nd in the Open High Performance category at the 2007 World Championships as a member of the USA West Coast Surf Kayak team. After more than 30 years of kayaking Sean’s passion for the sport is undiminished. Sean says, “I love nothing more than to share this enthusiasm with fellow paddlers, be they novices or experts.”Tramadol And Its Side Effects Low Valium Band Xanax Overnight Guaranteed
As directed by our members, Paddle Canada continued our focus on the lack of transparency during the consultation process as well as the lack of clear, concise and definable definitions and standards that will impact the rights of paddlers in this country. As stated by Mr. Alexander, “…how consultation is carried out can either alleviate or generate fears. From my constituency I think it is safe to say that it generated a lot of fear.”
