Water is always moving. Whether you are paddling on a tidal river, crossing an estuary, or working your way along the coast, currents are a constant presence, sometimes helpful, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally dangerous. Understanding what drives currents and how to recognize them is one of the most useful skills a sea kayaker can develop. Types of Currents River currents …
Editorial: CPA: Graying or Decaying?
The contrast in the pictures above, separated by 31 years of CPA history, should be apparent to all. In Dave Mood’s 1995 photo, most of the folks are YOUNG, probably in their 20s or 30s, while the folks in RARA’s photo from SK102 earlier this year are OLDER (not picking on those pictured, the whole club is older). This mirrors …
Coordinators Column: SK101 and SK102 are Back
The days are getting shorter, the leaves are mostly gone, and the water is getting colder. The Osprey have moved on and geese have arrived. As the temperature drops, many paddlers are hanging up their paddles until spring returns. However, for the dedicated members of our sea kayaking community, winter offers unique opportunities to be on the water. While winter …
Coordinator’s Column: Reading the Water
Sea Kayakers are frequently in a very dynamic environment. Frequently we deal with wind, waves, tides, and currents. To make it even more confusing, these forces interact with the land to produce micro environments that are constantly changing. To paddle efficiently, a kayaker must learn to “read” the water to see currents, rips, eddies, and hidden hazards. This skill allows …