Editor’s note: Will Nordby, the author of Seekers of the Horizon, began sea kayaking in 1971. He has written for Oceans, Explore, Canoe, Sea Kayaker, River Runner, Small Boat Journal, and Ocean Sports International. He was also the originator of the Sea Trek Paddle Float, a sea kayaking self-rescue device. He worked for KRON-TV in […]
Rangers’ Retreat – 30 Years On
By: Captain Jim Kakuk and Dandy Don Kiesling FIRST RETREAT In 1985 Eric and I were on our way to the Port Townsend Sea Kayaking Symposium to do our first presentation, ‘Ocean Survival Swimming‘. On the way we stopped in Southern Oregon at Boardman State Park, and went on a mini expedition to explore a […]
Spring Waters 2015 – A Sea Kayak in the Desert
Editor’s note: Thanks to Rebekah Kakuk and Robert Kendall for being my travel buddies and helping with the photos. Sometimes we deviate from sea kayaking and wander into the desert. As Tsunami Ranger Capt. Jim Kakuk heads off to Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada and the smoke from thousands of acres […]
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 […]
Kayak Fitness – Core Strength and Stability
Editor’s note: Thanks to Robert Kendall for the photos and Medford Judo Academy for sharing the mat. Core stability is crucial to kayaking. We use our core muscles to stay upright in the boat, to flex forward when surfing, to keep our backs pain-free during extended time in the cockpit, and perhaps most importantly, to […]
Tsunami Rangers Go Inflatable
by Tsunami Ranger Commander Michael Powers Editor’s note: Thanks to photographers Rob Cala and Dave Norket, as well as our own Michael Powers, for the photos! TRs Steve “El Rey” King and Tim Sullivan breaking the wave barrier On a day with moderate winter surf conditions, three of the senior Rangers – Steven King, Tim […]
Reef Madness 2015 – The Madness Continues!
by Tsunami Ranger Commander Michael Powers Editor’s note: Thanks to TRs Michael Powers and Jim Kakuk for the great photos! Winter storms pretty much destroyed our beloved kayak ramp and access to Miramar Beach out front – so for a while a race this year seemed impossible… But by popular demand, the ramp was rebuilt […]
Ocean Survival Swimming – Part 4
Editor’s note: This is the final part of our four part series on Ocean Survival Swimming. Eric wrote this a long time ago but he never deviated from his opinions on the topic. I’ve practiced many of the drills recommended in this series, and they’re fun and profitable. Thanks to Robert Kendall for being our […]
Opportunities Open Whenever You’re Ready -Kayak Touring the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia
by Joanne and Doug Schwartz Editor’s note: Always understanding kayaking as a place to be and a way to go, not a transport from here to there, Joanne and her husband Doug have paddled since the mid-1980’s and are still exploring the world, sometimes by kayak. They paddled with Eric, Jim and the Rangers a […]
Eric Soares: August 1, 1953 – February 1, 2012
Kayak Brother by Tsunami Ranger Commander Michael Powers He was drawn to the sea Like a child to Great Mother’s knee For years he lingered by her shore Entranced by her power and learning her lore Then one fateful day he beheld A swift primal form by the waves propelled There a kayaker danced, fearless […]
Ocean Survival Swimming Part 3 – Ocean Swimming Training
Editor’s note: This is Part Three of Eric’s thesis on Ocean Survival Swimming, covering ocean swimming training. Part One introduces Tsunami Ranger Eric Soares’ philosophy on this topic, Part Two covers the four prerequisites for ocean survival swimming, and Part Four completes the series with a discussion of survival swimming tactics. We hope you find […]
Snake Bite Medicine – A Sea Kayaker’s Cure-all
by Tsunami Ranger Commander “Tortuga” Deb Volturno Editor’s note: ‘Tis the Season, and once again we address the engrossing subject of What to Drink When Kayaking! A celebratory toasting tradition is rooted in river kayaking for me, and has richly endured over the years. While toasting and celebrating the safe completion of a river run, […]
Paddle California 2014
by Barbara Kossy Editor’s note: Barbara Kossy is an artist and environmental activist. She lives in Moss Beach, California with her husband John Dixon, Tsunami Ranger and surfski paddler. She is a former president of Bay Area Sea Kayakers and has been organizing kayaking trips in Italy since 1996. See www.barbarakossy.com for current trips. Thanks to […]