The book’s title says it all. This just-published book by Aussie kayaker Sean Smith tells the story of an ordinary bloke who took up sea kayaking in earnest because he had to. It’s not about a long sea kayaking expedition. It’s about a fun-loving rugby rower out riding his scooter who was run over by […]
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A Paddler’s Journey by Bryant Burkhardt – A Review
An adventure is an outing where the outcome is uncertain. – Bryant Burkhardt This book does not disappoint. Bryant has done it all, from dodging icebergs in Alaska and exploring the Channel Islands to creeking in L.A. and captaining the U.S. National Kayak Polo Team. His kayaking resume is truly amazing. It’s a testament to […]
Just in Time for Christmas – Sea Kayaking Books!
Who doesn’t enjoy curling up with a good book in a warm house on a cold winter day, with maybe a crackling fire or a hot drink besides? With Christmas coming this seems like a great opportunity to mention some of the wonderful sea kayaking books reviewed on this site. Below you’ll find a […]
Recovery from Injury and Illness–a Sea Kayaker’s Story
We know that if you get sick while paddling (sea sick, hypothermia, etc.) you go right in to shore and deal with it. Likewise, you paddle in if you get injured (wrist strain, shoulder trauma, etc.). These are acute situations that require that you get off the water ASAP and recover. But what if you […]
Captain Kuk in the Land of Oz
By Jim Kakuk (editor’s note: This week, Tsunami Rangers Captain Jim Kakuk relates some of his experiences during his recent trip to the Land Down Under) Australia! Even the name conjures up images of a country filled with big adventures and a wilderness larger than the Wild West. Geographically the size of the lower […]
History of the Tsunami Rangers Sea Kayak Race – Part 5
Editor’s Note: Last May, in honor of the long run of the Tsunami Sea Kayak Race, we published 4 consecutive articles chronicling the beginnings of the race at Rodeo Beach and Pacifica. The last article covered the “Devil’s Dare” race in 1991, which started at Pacifica State Beach and ended at Michael Powers’ house at […]
Sacramento River Summer Solo
Backstory: In spring of 2021, Jeff Kay and Jason Montelongo offered an introductory two day clinic in Redding, CA, to prepare prospective participants for California River Quest. The first day was a basic intro to river dynamics and skills for paddlers. The second day was a paddle from Sundial Bridge in Redding to Rooster’s Landing, […]
Mendo is a Feeling!
by Alan Marshall Editor’s Note: Though the Tsunami Rangers went their own wild way, the Bay Area Sea Kayakers and the Rangers have cross-pollenated. One of the founders of BASK, Penny Wells, is a friend, as is past BASK president Barbara Kossy, who is married to TR John Dixon. BASKers attended the Tsunami Sea Gypsy […]
Salish Sea Adventure – The Pleasant Isle
To be silent the whole day, see no newspaper, hear no radio, listen to no gossip, be thoroughly and completely lazy, thoroughly and completely indifferent to the fate of the world is the finest medicine a man can give himself. – Henry Miller Jones Island Marine State Park is located in the San Juan Island […]
No Retreat, No Surrender by Oscar Chalupsky – A Review
Oscar and co-author Graham Spence have done an outstanding job with this book. No Retreat, No Surrender starts out with a bang, and like Oscar it doesn’t quit. The story starts with his cancer diagnosis in 2019, then leaps back to Oscar’s childhood in Durban, South Africa. Born into a family of smart, tough boat […]
Meet the Rangers – Steven El Rey King!
Editor’s note: This post introduces Steven “El Rey” King, one of our most enthusiastic Rangers. Here is Steve telling the story of how he first met the Rangers. Thanks to Admiral of Vice Jim Kakuk, Capt. Deb Volturno, and Paula Renouf for their contributions! El Rey: I, like many of my fellow Rangers, found my […]
Alert! Help the Paddling Community Save Lives With the COLD WATER SAFETY FUNDRAISING DRIVE
By Moulton Avery Editor’s note: Moulton Avery is an expert on heat and cold stress. He gave his first public lecture on hypothermia in 1974. He was executive director of the Center for Environmental Physiology in Washington, DC for ten years, and is the founder and director of the National Center for Cold Water Safety. He […]
Whale Watching From a Kayak – Gray Whales in Trinidad Harbor
On May 8 I went kayaking with whales. Because it was a spur of the moment decision I didn’t go over to the coast and spend the night as I’ve done before so it was necessary to leave at about 3:30 am in order to get to Trinidad Harbor by 8. I love the drive […]