canoe
A Touch of Style
09.04.2003
After a recent class on how to control a canoe, someone asked, “What do you do to show off, to have a little fun?” Since I enjoy attention, it wasn’t hard to think of a move I like to use. I learned it as the “jam-pry” from Steve Scarborough at a Northwest paddling clinic many [...]
A Toast to CMT
09.03.2003
I am paddling one of the most beautiful and challenging passages of Washington State’s Cascadia Marine Trail–the crossing from Fort Ebey, on Whidbey Island, to Fort Worden, on the Olympic Peninsula. Over my left shoulder rise the high sand-and-clay cliffs of Whidbey. Ahead to my right are Port Townsend and the 7,000- and 8,000-foot peaks [...]
All-Around River-Runners
07.28.2003
I want a whitewater kayak on my car that’ll prevent me from having to exchange boats every time I want to surf a wave or paddle a creek. Rob McKibbin wants a single boat that he can paddle down Washington State’s Class V+ Top Tye and use to throw flatwater cartwheels on the Main Skykomish [...]
Kayak Camp Discoveries
07.24.2003
Every summer, 20 lucky teenagers descend on the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes, Vermont, for an experience that inevitably changes their lives: the Champlain Discovery Program. They start out as average scrawny 13- to 16-year-olds from a variety of backgrounds who aren’t totally sure how they feel about being away from their families for [...]
holidays
07.22.2003
Does your canoe or kayak club, local paddling shop, or outfitter have any events that celebrate the holidays while paddling? For example, in Seattle the Northwest Outdoor Center leads caroling excursions by paddle around the houseboats on Lake Union, and Paddle Trails Canoe Club runs an annual “parade of lighted canoes” on the city’s smaller [...]
holidays
07.22.2003
Does your canoe or kayak club, local paddling shop, or outfitter have any events that celebrate the holidays while paddling? For example, in Seattle the Northwest Outdoor Center leads caroling excursions by paddle around the houseboats on Lake Union, and Paddle Trails Canoe Club runs an annual “parade of lighted canoes” on the city’s smaller [...]
John Heath
07.18.2003
“Johnny Appleseed” of Greenland-style kayaking has died The Greenland kayaking movement in North America lost its Johnny Appleseed with the passing away in July of John Heath at the age of 80. For the last several decades John drew an ever-widening circle of converts to this style of kayaking through his writing and talks that [...]
Back Support
07.17.2003
The Sonic Backband from Surf to Summit is made from soft conforming foam and is thermally molded for good support and a great fit. $35. (800) 930-8782; www.SurfToSummit.com.
We’re Cooking
07.17.2003
Keep organized with the Spice Wheel from Backpacker’s Pantry. It’s made of food-grade acrylic, with eight compartments for spices, oils, or even dish soap. $13.90. (800) 641-0500; www.BackpackersPantry.com.
Sea Worthy
07.17.2003
The Na Pali touring jacket from NRS is built to keep you comfortable no matter what the ocean throws at you. It’s made of breathable Entrant fabric, with latex wrist gaskets and full storm hood. $225. (800) 635-5202; www.NRSWeb.com.
Touring fun
07.17.2003
Perception’s new Sonoma 13.5 features the new Airalite Technology, which is light and stiff like composite, with a price closer to that of polyethylene. This boat is 13.5 feet long and 22.5 inches wide and weighs 39 pounds. $1,099. (800) 59-KAYAK; www.Kayaker.com.
Buyer's Guide
