Editorial: A Choice of Loves?

June-July 1996

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Alan Wilson

Cover Photo: Wallace Island Marine Park, British Columbia by Tom Garrison

My introduction to kayaking came only after decades as a sailboater -- but it came suddenly. It wasn't long before I shifted my water-based activities almost entirely to paddling.

Many kayakers have similar stories about paddling taking over in their lives. And former 'landlubbers' are often downright dramatic about it, as they discover the amazing marine environment for the first time.

My shift was accompanied by a very conscious assessment of pros and cons, despite the strong attraction of paddling, because I had always loved sailing.

I was surprised to find that kayaking compared so favourably to sailing. While sailboats have many wonderful attributes and capabilities, kayaks quickly demonstrated to me their portability, simplicity, and -- yes -- seaworthiness!

Because I had always equated boat safety with size, I was initially surprised that kayaks turn this equation on its head. It amazed me to see how stable and seaworthy a kayak can be in winds and waves (although much depends on skills and experience, as is true in boating generally).

I found car-topping a bit of an effort, compared to a boat already at the dock, but on trips it was a real treat to just beach myself at the end of the day, and not have to mess about with anchors, and worry all night during storms. I will admit, though, I did begin to question my new found love after slogging a loaded kayak across an expansive and gooey mudflat at low tide!

But I've never been a fan of motors and with kayaks there's obviously no fuel, no pollution, no noise, no mechanical reliance and cost -- which even sailing usually involves. Then again, powered boats do have... well, power... which can be useful. And of course, unless you happen to have waterfront property, you still have drive kayaks to the launch.

Larger boats have accommodation and storage capacity, whereas paddlers have to pack gear carefully, and camp -- unless one is near a Bed & Breakfast or a resort for the night. And tenting can be uncomfortable if the elements don't cooperate.

On the other hand, to get large water craft to distant cruising sites may require days of sea travel and exposure to weather-related delays, whereas you can usually drive there in hours with a car-top or folding kayak -- or you can fly to an exotic put-in.

But the biggest difference is cost. You can get into kayaking for as little as $1000 (for a used plastic boat) or up to $3000 (for a new fiberglas kayak and paddling gear), whereas buying a power or sailboat beyond a day tripper or runabout can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars, with moorage fees and annual maintenance costs adding considerably more. In that sense, paddling is a much more affordable, accessible activity, allowing more people to experience the marine environment and be captain of their own vessel (which is wonderfully empowering).

Another difference is in affinity to the shore. Big boaters display a healthy paranoia of running aground, while kayakers love floating among kelp beds and intertidal rockeries, estuaries, and even rivers -- and generally land more frequently than big boaters.

But the reality is, kayaking and sailing are not mutually exclusive. Almost any kayak can have a sail added to it for a couple of hundred dollars. And there are now exciting hybrids on the market, like the Triak.

There are also other ways to combine the two activities. Larger boats -- especially large power boats or multi-hull sailboats -- can carry kayaks aboard, giving you the best of both worlds. And many more "supported" kayaking trips are now being offered, where you can return to the vessel at day's end for a prepared dinner and a comfortable night's sleep (see ads for Sunshine Kayaking, Silver Seas Adventure Tours, the Kayak Institute, Seadog Kayaking, Carpe Diem Ocean Adventures, Sea Kayaking Galiano, Pacific Encounters, etc.).

When it comes right down to it, all boaters have a lot to learn from one another. We're allies. The marine world is our common medium. So, whatever your sea-going passion, we wish you a safe and relaxing summer of floating and boating.

As for me, I've learned to combine my pleasures -- I'll be paddling and sailing this summer. See you out there!