Enjoyable Winter Paddling Tip #2

This is a short series on how to enjoy kayaking year round, including the cooler temperatures of Fall and Winter.  Winter can be an absolute joy out on the water and with a few tools, you can get out to your favorite locations without the crowds.

Tip #2 for Enjoyable Winter Kayaking

           Pack a Hypothermia Kit- grab an extra hat, a large garbage bag, chemical hand warmers and a cook stove with some fuel.  In the winter I always carry both a set of gloves and pogies and whichever I am not using at the time goes in the hypothermia kit; you can always double up for extra warmth if needed.  In fact, the only glove warm enough for me during the really cold temperatures is a fleece lined version made by Glacier Glove. Another tip is to resist the temptation to buy a metal shafted paddle, not only do these break, they can cause hypothermia through your hands.  If you are paddling with gloves and your hands get cold, you now have two options to get them warmed up- chemical warmers and pogies.  You might be asking, “what do I do with a garbage bag?”  Make three holes, one for your head and two for your arms, pull the bag right over the top of you keeping your drysuit and pfd beneath it.  It will help keep the wind off and the heat in when things get really chilly.  Also in the cooler months pack a small backpack style cook stove with fuel; this can be a lifesaver if someone spends a lot of time in the water.  Remember, capsizes are usually not planned, they happen inadvertently, when you least suspect.  I often times hear people say, “I’m not planning on going over.”  The truth of the matter is that no one plans on going over, but it does happen.  The key is to be prepared.  Carrying a well- equipped hypothermia kit is just one step to being a safety conscious paddler. Alas, don't forget to read Tip #1 and be sure to Dress Appropriately.

Tip #1 for Enjoyable Winter Kayaking

   Dress Appropriately-  this means dress for the water temperature not the air

and bring extra layers as back up.  When kayaking in the waters near the Olympic Peninsula, the water temperature rarely gets above 50 degrees. Drysuits are the best option for our climate. The layers you wear under the suit is what keeps you warm, while the shell of

the drysuit is what keeps you “dry.”  Keep in mind, “dry” can be a relative term- expect a

little water to get in whether it be around the gaskets or through pinholes in your suit.

The best layers for under your drysuit are wicking types of materials, similar to technical

hiking wear such as capilene, polar/micro fleece, polyethelene, and my favorite soft spun

wool.  Before you don your drysuit for the first time of the year, check the gaskets to be

sure they are intact, inspect for cracking or “melting” latex.  If anything looks bad, either replace them yourself or take them to your favorite kayak shop for repair. It is well worth the time and

effort to get the suit in top notch condition before you go, versus dealing with a blown gasket

when you are getting ready to launch. 

If you have not invested in a drysuit yet, a wetsuit will do the trick. For extra warmth, you can always layer tight fitting insulation layers under your wetsuit such as wool or hydroskin ( a technical layered garment designed to wear in conjunction with a wetsuit.)  When kayaking with a wetsuit, you not only want to layer below it, but also layer over the top with a paddle or dry top. Keep in mind with a wetsuit the water trapped between the suit and your body is what keeps you warm, i.e. you will be wet.  Whereas with a drysuit, you stay mostly “dry” and cozy because the suit is a waterproof shell and your layers underneath provide insulation.

You might have to spend a few bucks to get the right gear, but hey you wouldn't go snow skiing in shorts and a t-shirt and you definately would not hang up your skis because you only had shorts and a

t-shirt- right? Give us a call to find the best combination of winter paddling options for you, (360) 417-3015.

New SUP Instruction and Tours

Yes, every afternoon you can learn to walk on water, in other words, learn to SUP at beautiful Freshwater Bay!  You never know, the seals, otters and eagles are always watching and might pop up to say hi.  Stand up paddling is a fresh new way to explore waterways, whether for sightseeing, exercise or surfing; you are sure to find enjoyment in the fastest growing watersport in the country.  If that isn't enough, you can learn free on Sunday's, ask us about Sunday SUP and SIP.  For all SUPing, be sure to give us a call to reserve your board because space is limited, (360) 417-3015.

Latest Images of the Elwha Dam Removal

Check out this link to Olympic National Park's web cams documenting the Elwha River dam removal; the largest dam removal in the history of the U.S. It is intriguing to see the daily changes of both the lowering water levels and removal of the dams.
http://www.video-monitoring.com/construction/olympic/js.htm

Summer Paddle Dayz- July 9th and 10th

Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak Demo Event

Join us for a fun filled paddling weekend on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula! This is a beginner friendly event with stand up classes taught by guest instructor/author Rob Casey. In addition to learning stand up boarding, you will have a plethora of kayaks to demo, including Dagger, Perception, Valley, North Shore and pedal boats by Native Watercraft.

Saturday's on-water classes and demos will be followed by a cook out for everyone at Harbinger Winery. Rob will be available to discuss his new book, "Stand Up Paddling- flatwater to surf."

On Sunday, join Rob and learn how to take your SUP skills to the next level while learning how to Surf your SUP at Crescent Beach.

Space is limited, so be sure to contact us (360) 417-3015 to sign up for classes and the cook out. Classes $10, Cook Out $10 and kayak demos are Free.

Keep in mind we offer stand up boarding and kayaking classes, tours and rentals everyday, this is a special event with kayak manufacturing reps. , guest instructors, and an evening cook out.

Stand Up Paddle Boards are Here!

Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rafting, and now the fun keeps coming with Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Adventures Through Kayaking. Try the new paddling craze by renting one of our super stable boards; the crystal blue waters of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park is only a short drive and a super lake to get started. The views from a standing position are exceptional; you can get a great workout, and it's just a hoot to try something new that is fun for the entire family. Give us a call or stop by to learn more about Stand Up Paddling in the Olympic National Park area.

Discounts on May Tours-Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rafting

Sunshine, wildlife, wildflowers, spectacular views and solitude, Spring is one of the best times to visit and recreate on the Olympic Peninsula. Seeing seal pups basking and immature bald eagles gliding while kayaking through flowing kelp forests are signs that the paddling season is finally here.

On the bike trails, trilliums, wild currants and fairy slippers are just a few wildflowers bringing color to the greenery of ferns and firs. The trails are in excellent condition and just waiting for you to hop on a bike and go for a ride.

In celebrating Spring and the joy of adventuring before the crowds show up, we would like to give you a 10% discount on any half day tour with two or more people. This discount is available for kayak tours, mountain bike tours, and raft tours. Adventures Through Kayaking is your all inclusive source for adventuring near Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA.

Whale Sightings!

While out on one of our kayaking tours we were lucky enough to spot four gray whales. The kayak tour began at Freshwater Bay, went to Salt Creek Recreation Area and back, seems the greys have begun their migration back to northern waters. We are lucky in the Port Angeles area to have individuals and small groups, usually a female with calf in tow coming into the Strait of Juan de Fuca finding food. On the same kayak tour, we also spotted a number of bald eagles; they were high on their perches watching us from above.


While Olympic National Park's Hurricane Ridge is continuing to get loads of snow, recreating in the lowlands has made for some great paddling. It's time to get the kayaks dusted off, as the kayaking and touring season is upon us. We at Adventures Through Kayaking look forward to paddling the Washington Coast with you!