If you combine scouting the open coast with an analysis of each person’s capabilities, what have you got? Risk assessment—a key safety element of every sea kayaking endeavor, especially on the exposed coast, which by its nature is fraught with danger. And while we want to be exposed to some risk, as that is where […]
Sea Kayaking Knowledge
Whitewater River vs Ocean Whitewater
by John Lull Editor’s Note: This week, Tsunami Ranger and earth scientist John Lull ‘splains the difference between river hydraulics and water dynamics present in ocean rock gardens. At first glance the whitewater in ocean rock gardens looks very similar to a whitewater river. You’ll see waves, aerated rough water, rocks, currents, and swirling chaotic […]
Derek C. Hutchinson: a living sea kayaking legend
(note to my readers: This post begins an occasional tribute to individuals who have made major contributions to sea kayaking) Derek Hutchinson could be called the father of modern sea kayaking for his paddling prowess, long distance journeys, kayak designs, his entertaining talks and advanced bracing classes worldwide. To me, he earns the title by […]
Surf Kayaking Etiquette
by Eric Soares and John Lull Ever been kayak surfing backwards and get speared in the kidney by the bow of another boater who didn’t even know you were there? Ever have a bloke broach down a big wave and land hull first on your head? These calamities have happened to us. We don’t want […]
Kayaking and Cold Water Immersion
Fact: Most kayakers who die at sea do so because they get cold then drown. From what I have read and experienced, there are two main types of cold water immersion problems. Here is my layman’s non-medical understanding of these phenomena. Cold shock occurs when you are suddenly dumped into frigid or very cold water. […]