Kayaking the Pacific Ocean Coast of California and Oregon
“Let me not hear facts, figures and logic; fain would I hear lore, legends and magic.” (From “Roots of Oak” by Donovan) What is magical thinking? I first encountered this phrase in an article about grief. A man had died of cancer and his 11-year … [Continue reading] about Lore, Legends, and Magic – Magical Thinking and the Tsunami Ranger Approach to Sea Kayaking
by Tsunami Ranger John Lull Introduction Tidal currents form in inland marine waterways in response to the rise and fall of the tide; the water from the rising/falling ocean flows in and out of bays and estuaries. Stronger currents will form … [Continue reading] about Kayak Navigation Part 3: Crossing Current; How to Calculate a Ferry Angle
One of the most exciting things to happen this year was receiving an order from The Ocean Dragons, an extreme sea kayaking team from Galicia, Spain. Oscar Alvarez, aka "Fugy", sent me an email. In it he described finding a copy of the Tsunami … [Continue reading] about Meet The Ocean Dragons!
Editor’s note: This article was one Eric had sketched out for 2012 and was completed with assistance from Tsunami Ranger Captain Jim Kakuk. Disclaimer: We’re just joking. HELL = Hedonistic Epicurean Libertine Lifestyle. From time to time on this … [Continue reading] about Sea Kayaking is HELL
by Moulton AveryEditor'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, … [Continue reading] about The Golden Rules of Cold Water Safety
Editor's note: Thanks to Charlie Teall for the photos of Neil and John at the slot. Eric loved autumn because it's the start of football season. In fact, his video “The Tsunami Rangers’ Greatest Hits” was modeled after the NFL’s Greatest Hits films. … [Continue reading] about Worst. Crash. Ever.
by Will Nordby Editor's note: Will Nordby recently completed his career as a broadcast and print photo-journalist based in the Bay Area. He started kayaking in 1973 and has traveled along the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia in addition to the … [Continue reading] about Steve Sinclair – Storm Sea Skier and Legendary Sea Kayaker
launch 1. To hurl, discharge, or send off (a weapon, blow, etc.). launch 1. To put to sea. 2. To start on some new course, career, or enterprise. 3. To throw oneself (into) with vigor; to rush; plunge. From Webster’s New 20th Century Dictionary … [Continue reading] about Launching – Burning Man 2012
The retreat began for me by running down Eric’s recommended kayak camping list at Jim’s request. After some digging, I found it and emailed it to the Rangers and guests. Packing commenced. I went through all Eric’s camping gear, some of the bags … [Continue reading] about The Tsunami Ranger Retreat – August 2012
by Tsunami Ranger John LullIn Part 1, I covered navigation by line-of-sight, using visual references, ranges, and no tools beyond a chart. This works fine until visibility is reduced by thick fog or when paddling in open water well offshore or … [Continue reading] about Kayak Navigation Part 2 – Compass Use and Dead Reckoning
Nature has always inspired writers, but no aspect of nature has been more inspirational than the sea. Consider Homer’s Odyssey, Stevenson’s Treasure Island, Dana’s Two Years Before the Mast, Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. From sailors’ shanties … [Continue reading] about Romancing the Sea – A Sea Kayaker’s Guide to Poetry
by Tsunami Ranger John LullKayak navigation is the art of knowing (and keeping track of) where you are and following the best route to get where you want to go. The best route may or may not involve paddling on a straight course from point … [Continue reading] about Kayak Navigation, Part 1 – Piloting (without tools)
Life should be one adventure after another. If not, you’ve lived too long. Whenever I become too mellow, my heart yearns and yearns for adventure. You take the high road and I’ll take the high road. Okay you take the low road and I’ll take the … [Continue reading] about Kayak Pilgrim – A Sea Kayak Adventure
