Editor’s Note: Deb Volturno is a Coastal Kayaking Level 5 Instructor Trainer Educator, American Canoe Association, and a Surf Kayaking Level 4 Instructor Trainer Educator, American Canoe Association. Marty Mayock is a Coastal Kayaking Level 3 Instructor, American Canoe Association. On April 24 I took a class from Capt. (Deb) Tortuga. Not only Captain of the Tsunami […]
The Value of Rescue Practice – Cold Water Rescue Rodeo With NSSKA
By Moulton Avery and Nancy Soares Editor’s note: This March I was privileged to join the North Sound Sea Kayak Association (NSSKA) for a rescue rodeo in 42-degree water at Lake Stevens in Washington State. It was awesome! Robert Nissenbaum, Chief Instigator, led the hour-long introduction on land. There were lots of good questions and an […]
The Black Sea With Crimea and the KGB – A Kayak Adventure
Editor’s Note: We are including this story on our website for two reasons. One, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Two, because it’s a story worth telling and it’s about kayaking in the shadow of Moscow in October, 1995. It was written by Misha Dynnikov, one of the Rangers. A big thanks to Vice […]
In Memoriam Eric Soares August 1, 1953 – February 1, 2012
Editor’s Note: At this time each year we pause to remember Commander Eric Soares, co-founder of the Tsunami Rangers. As the poem says, “What is precious, is never to forget”. The Truly Great by Stephen Spender I think continually of those who were truly great. Who, from the womb, remembered the soul’s history Through corridors […]
Inside My Sea of Dreams by Susan Conrad – a Review
Editor’s note: This is the first children’s book about sea kayaking we’ve ever read or reviewed, and it’s a winner. Here it is, Susan Conrad’s Inside My Sea of Dreams. The target age for this book is ages 3 to 9. Check it out! Susan Conrad is an adventurer, a writer, a paddler, a public […]
Tsunami Ranger Retreat 2.0 – October 2021
Everything changes, and to both survive and thrive, adaptation is imperative. In 2020, Covid 19 brought changes to the Tsunami Rangers, not least in that for the first time in over 30 years, we didn’t hold our annual retreat. That was a bummer, but we adapted. In 2021 a fully vaccinated Ranger crew met in […]
Tracking Lions, Myth, and Wilderness in Samburu by Jon Turk – a Review
Editor’s note: This is the third book of our buddy Jon Turk’s that we’ve reviewed, and it’s a winner. Even though, to quote Jon, “ there isn’t a kayak, canoe, SUP, raft, or rowboat in sight” we’re still giving it a plug because (again quoting Jon) “my argument is that while kayaking is indeed about playing on […]
Meet the Rangers! – Jeff Laxier
Editor’s note: This is the next in our Meet the Rangers series. Enjoy! And thanks to all the Rangers who contributed photos to this post. Vice Admiral Jim Kakuk: Jeff is a blend of kayaker, explorer, teacher and great camping companion. A natural in his kayak and a good diver and fisherman, you can count on Jeff […]
Slay, Ladies, Slay! The 2021 Womxn’s Holistic Paddling Clinic
On June 24 to 27 California Watersport Collective held their annual Womxn’s Holistic Paddling Clinic on the Rogue River. Best year yet, and it’s my fourth. I arrived a day early and set up camp. Met a buddy from a previous year and we sat by the river catching up and watching wildlife. Of note […]
A Sea Gypsy Extreme Sea Kayak Race Retrospective
Editor’s note: For 30 years the Tsunami Rangers hosted an Extreme Sea Kayak race every spring. The first race was held at Rodeo Beach near San Francisco, California but the event eventually ended up with a permanent home at Miramar Beach in Half Moon Bay. A great big shout out to our friends who took […]
Prepping for the CAL 100
Editor’s Note: Thanks to instructors Jason Montelongo and Jeff Kay and to all the paddlers who went down the river with me. It was a new experience and a very enjoyable one! Thanks too to Tom (canoeist) and John (sea kayaker) who offered support for our first day of instruction. What is the Cal 100? Actually, […]
Heart of Toba by Nigel Foster
Editor’s note: This month we review Nigel Foster’s latest paddling adventure Heart of Toba. I could say a lot of good things about this book and I do, but one of the best things I could say is that now I feel like I’ve been there. I won’t forget this journey. Nigel Foster is a […]
Caves Are People Too
by TR Steve “El Rey” King Editor’s note: This post is a lyrical tribute to sea caves. Included are many photos of sea caves we have known over the years. Each cave has its own personality. We hope you enjoy this post as much as we’ve enjoyed meeting our friends, the caves. Many Tsunami journeys […]