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.

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.

Adventuring 7 Days a Week!

So you've been wondering what 2010 trips are available and when?? Well, we are now in full swing with all kayaking and mountain biking trips going out everyday of the week. For those of you have joined us in the past you know that we keep the group sizes small and the trips do fill up, that way you get maximum fun! Don't worry if you have a large group, give us a call and we will set up a private trip to meet the goals of your party. Last year our 3 most popular trips were the new full day NW Adventure, the half day kayaking to Freshwater Bay, and half day mountain biking on the Adventure Route.

What's new this year, you ask? With the positive response of folks on the Adventure Route biking trip having a super time, we asked them how we could improve on this trip. The main response was- "I'd like to go biking for the entire day." So there you have it, we now offer a full 20 mile day of riding the rolling hills, sweeps, banks, and turns of the Adventure Route.

Keep in mind that paddlers and pedalers alike can rent kayaks, bikes and even stand up paddle boards for exploring the vastness of Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula. So what are you waiting for, let's go adventuring!

Olympic Peninsula Rivers are Up!

Yes, Olympic Peninsula river kayaking has been a bit dry this winter. But never fear, we know the rains come eventually, and so it has. Kayaking Washington State's Elwha is now an option, last week the river elevated to an intermediate level of 2000 cfs and now today it's still at a great level of 980 cfs. So it is time to get out those river kayaks and go enjoy some Northwest river kayaking. If anyone is looking for river kayaking buddies feel free to post or let us know. There are a few folks looking for paddling buddies particularly on the weekends.