Sea kayaking is what we do. We paddle for the adventure, beauty, and solitude on the water, but it also carries inherent risks. Every trip on the water may expose the paddler to dynamic and sometimes unpredictable hazards. Successful sea kayakers are not just skilled paddlers; they are also thoughtful risk managers. By developing a mindset of risk assessment and …
Coordinator Column: Messing Around in Boats
There’s an old quote from The Wind in the Willows that says, “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” That’s especially true when you’re in a sea kayak with nowhere in particular to be. While most of us take our kayaks out with a destination in mind, sometimes the …
Coordinators Column: Cold Water Safety
By Paula Hubbard CPA Winter Events—CPA traditionally holds several indoor events where we can get together and talk about our favorite activity, kayaking, while learning some new things. Navigation class was held at the end of February, and the Cold Water Clinic was held on March 9th. The first part of the Cold Water Clinic was a presentation by Jim …
Coordinator’s Column: Skeg or Rudder, the Debate
by Paula Hubbard There is some debate in the kayak community regarding skegs or rudders. What are they, how are they used and which is better? Of course, the answer is, “It Depends”. Skegs and rudders are both used to help control and maneuver the kayak, especially in windy conditions. Most kayaks have a tendency to turn into the wind, …