Editorial: Winter Paddling

October-November 2000

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

by Alan Wilson

Cover photo: Baja Beach, courtesy of Paddling South, www.tourbaja.com

Let's face it. We know what's coming. Along the Pacific Northwest coast we're looking at cold, wet, gloomy stretches in the months ahead, while inland it's a deepfreeze with drifts. Either way, not your prime paddling weather.

So we can all be forgiven, as the days shorten, for fantasizing of tropical escapes. Which is why, every year at this time, we run a winter getaways or southern waters feature like this one.

We invite you to relax and indulge your imagination in trips to places like Baja, Tonga, and the Philippines. Delight in tropical wildlife, exotic cultures, coral reefs, swimming, and ahhh yes, sun!

If the southward urge hasn't yet awoken in you, just wait. We suggest you keep the magazine handy so that if cabin fever develops, you can see what's available in the way of a tropical transfusion.

If you haven't the time or money to head south, there are other options. Paddling in cooler climes can be lovely if you pick your days. In the Gulf Islands, where we live, there are priceless days to be had in the winter when the sun shines and the winds are calm.

Admitedly, such days are less common and more unpredictable in winter, but when they arrive they're like magic-you can float around amid throngs of wildlife.

I think of winter as 'day paddling season'. The trick is having a break in the sky coincide with a break in your schedule. Or enough flexibility to just 'go for it' when the sun shines.

It’s hard to beat the South Pacific for a mid-winter paddling holiday Photo courtesy of Friendly Islands Kayak Company, Tonga

Another approach, which we've taken on a couple of occasions in winters past, is to book a weekend in a good paddling area, like Tofino.

There's nothing like a hot tub after a winter's paddle or curling up with a good book if the day dawns wet. (See Dan Lewis' column for more on the joys of paddling in the off-season.)

But just the same, let’s face it, the ultimate winter holiday surely remains the sandy beaches of southern latitudes, a chance to bask in the heat, to let warm waters wash our winter cares away.

Whatever you get up to this winter, whether you travel south, paddle locally, or just hang’em up for the winter, we wish you well.

And we invite you back for our next issue (Dec/Jan) featuring ‘Wooden Kayaks’, of special interest to the home kayak builder and all those who love the look and feel of wood. Please get in touch with us if you have anything to offer on that topic (deadline October 28).

For now, happy paddling.

Alan Wilson