Kayaking the Pacific Ocean Coast of California and Oregon
(Special blog post from Don Kiesling, Tsunami Rangers officer)Racing is a fun and effective way to improve your paddling skills. In order to go fast, you must hone both your technique and your fitness. Your improved stroke and athleticism will … [Continue reading] about Surf Ski Racing Part 1
A common New Year’s resolution goes something like, “I’ll stay fit this year.” As couch potatoes know, it’s easier said than done. But we kayakers really do keep physically active. Some paddlers kayak daily to stay in shape, which is a good idea … [Continue reading] about Cross Training for Sea Kayakers
Four years ago Marcus Choy paddled up to me when I was surfing at Pillar Point in northern California and said, “You guys have GOT to go to New Zealand. I told them all about you.” Sure enough, Coastbusters Sea Kayak Symposium organizer Paul … [Continue reading] about Sea Kayaking in New Zealand, part two
Our winter is New Zealand’s summer. After being invited to present a show at Coastbusters Kayaking Symposium in Auckland last year, Jim Kakuk and I could not resist. So, on February 15th, 2010, we hopped an Air New Zealand flight to Aotearoa, the … [Continue reading] about Sea Kayaking in New Zealand, part one
I learned how to sea kayak from a book. Written by Derek Hutchinson, it was called SEA CANOEING. From that book I learned how to roll, how to outfit a sea kayak, how to surf and seal land, and how to stay safe on the water. But that was not the … [Continue reading] about Four Ways to Learn Sea Kayaking
It’s solstice; so here’s a true winter sea kayaking tale that will make you glad to be in your toasty abode. Padre Jack Izzo, S.J., Tsunami Ranger Chaplain, shares his tale of swimming under the ice. Going with the Floe by Jack Izzo, S.J.The … [Continue reading] about Going with the Floe: a kayaking adventure under the ice
Exactly 25 years ago I wrote my first kayaking article called “Survival Swimming”, which was published in SEA KAYAKER Magazine. I thank editors Bea and John Dowd for having faith in me to write an article worthy of their magazine.I’ve … [Continue reading] about Swimmer First, Kayaker Second?
A few months ago Tsunami Ranger Michael Powers wrote an article in Sea Kayaker magazine about getting lost while paddling solo in big waves and fog. In the next issue, an irate reader railed at Michael for the very boo boos that he had already owned … [Continue reading] about Sea Kayaking Should be FUN not Serious
Below is an excerpt from CONFESSIONS OF A WAVE WARRIOR. As a youngster, I dreamed of becoming a frog man when I grew up, but though I had the chance while in the Navy, I let the opportunity pass me by. I later learned to SCUBA dive and to kayak in … [Continue reading] about The Tsunami X-1 Rocket Boat Breaks the Wave Barrier
“To find the Baja of myth and legend, one must do what adventurers have always done—travel light and fast and beyond the creature comforts of so called eco-tourism.” Kenny Howell, veteran Sea of Cortez kayak explorer and guideOver two … [Continue reading] about What about Baja?
(This week’s blog is written by Steve King, Tsunami Ranger lieutenant)As all sea kayakers know, a good roll and/or self rescue technique is core skill #1 for safe and fun adventure kayaking.Last weekend I had the good fortune to be taught the … [Continue reading] about Greenland-style Rolling with Helen Wilson
We sea kayak because we are drawn to ancient seafaring arts practiced by Aleuts, Inuits, Polynesians, and other coastal peoples. A key part of the appeal is the simple equipment needed—primarily a small boat and a paddle. The whole idea is to … [Continue reading] about Gizmos and Gadgets for Sea Kayakers
Over a decade ago the venerable John Heath and a young Maligiaq Padilla visited Half Moon Bay where I used to live. John told tales of traditional Greenland kayaking, and Maligiaq gave a Greenland-style rolling demonstration with his American-made … [Continue reading] about Greenland Paddles: Fad or Future?
