news

June-July 2001

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

Whitewater Classic Down Under

Canoeists, kayakers and power dinghy enthusiasts seeking the ultimate challenge will come from all round the world to the Avon Valley in Western Australia for the 29th annual Avon Descent, August 4-5. The Avon Descent is an exciting two-day time trial over 134 grueling kilometres, offering competitors conditions ranging from long stretches of flat water to rapids, rated as the world's longest and best whitewater classic.

Entry numbers are limited to 700 in 14 classes for paddlers and power dinghy competitors and early registration is advisable. In past years there have been competitors from Malaysia, South Africa, The US, UK and Ireland. Whitewater enthusiasts should visit the event website at www.avon descent.asn.au for further information and an entry form. Email: avondescent @wn.com.au

Kayaker Launches Kayak Camp

While 19-year-old professional kayaker Brad Ludden has run some of the most difficult and harrowing whitewater in the world, this summer in Vail, CO he will face his greatest test to date-helping children overcome the challenges of living with cancer. On August 5, Ludden will launch First Descents®, a free weeklong kayak camp for teenage cancer patients.

Kayakers use the term "first descent" to describe the first successful navigation of a stretch of river or creek. In a sport whose athletes are continually pushing the envelope of extreme, Ludden already has a handful of first descents under his belt on rivers from Norway to Zimbabwe.

"The sport of kayaking has taught me a great deal about myself and life," said Ludden. "I am excited to introduce these rewards to young children who have already faced greater challenges then most of us could ever imagine."

Using the experience of learning how to kayak as a metaphor, First Descents® camp participants will learn to define their fears, face their challenges and overcome obstacles. Emphasis will be placed on daily goal setting, confidence building, and teamwork. In addition to kayaking, participants will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Experienced instructors will customize all activities to the participant's ability level. In addition to qualified instructors, world-class athletes and motivational speakers will be brought in to talk to and interact with the participants.

In order to provide transportation, meals, and accommodations to the camp participants free of charge, First Descents® is in search of individuals, groups, or businesses to sponsor the camp as a whole or to sponsor an individual camper. So far, the VVTCB, Nike, Dagger Kayaks, Safeway and Alpine Kayak have committed to support the program. For more information see www.firstdescents.com or contact Ian Anderson at 970-476-1000 ext. 3015.

Outrigger Racing

A new outrigger race series has been born in BC-the Sunshine Coast Outrigger Series. This will include the 'Gibsons Challenge' (formerly known as the corporate race) which runs alongside the 'Howe Sound Outrigger Iron Race' (July 14/15 in Gibsons); the 'Sechelt Challenge', and the 'Pender Harbour Challenge'.
The Howe Sound Outrigger Iron Race is the largest race of its kind in Canada, a grueling 18 nautical miles around several small islands in the mouth of Howe Sound. Competition includes the Women's Open and Jr. mixed events, followed by the Men's Open. For further information contact Tammy Hansen, Gibsons Paddle Club: c_stear@sunshine.net or call 604-886-2699. Web: www.folkstone.ca/outrigger.

LiquidLogic

A new company called LiquidLogic was founded recently by several ex-Perception employees, Steve Jordan, Allen Stancil, Bryon Phillips and Colin Cook. The LiquidLogic lineup currently consists of two whitewater playboat designs and two recreational boats. High profile ex-Perception pro C-1 paddler Allan Braswell has also made the move to the LiquidLogic camp. The web site is www.liquidlogickayaks.com.

River Recovery Report Available

The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC's BC River Recovery report is available online at www.recovery.bcit.ca or from the Council's website at www.orcbc.ca. Information on the Endangered Rivers list for 2001 is also available at the Council's site. BC Rivers Day will be September 30 this year. The Council can be reached at 604-737-3058 or at orc@intergate.ca

New Gabriola Paddling Service

Expert paddler, lead sea kayak guide, and fellow Gabriola Islander, Jim Demler, is launching a new kayak business on Gabriola. He will be concentrating on day trips, sunset paddles, lessons and custom tours to serve the growing demand for kayaking in the area. Jim's service adds to Gabriola's exisiting kayak operators Peter Marcus (Gabriola Cycle & Kayak) and Bill Beaubien (Casa Blanca by the Sea). He can be reached by cell at 250-751-5887 or at 250-247-8335.

Our 10th Anniversary!

This issue of WaveLength starts our 11th year! We would like to thank all of you who have contributed to our work over the years-especially our advertisers and subscribers (you who pay the bills!) as well as our regular columnists and others contributors. (Here's a card which Seaward Kayaks recently sent to our editor on his birthday, but it serves both purposes.)

New Ex. Director at TAPS

Chris Mitchell has been appointed the new Executive Director of the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS). His assumption of this position marks the return of the head office to the Pacific Northwest, to Sedro Woolley, Washington. WaveLength is a member of this important body, and we look forward to great things in the future from Chris and the rest of the organization. He can be reached at 360-855-9434 or info@gopaddle.org

Win an Aurora Sea Kayak

Seaward Kayaks of Ladysmith, BC has donated a new Aurora sea kayak to the Georgia Strait Alliance as the first prize in GSA's summer raffle. The Aurora is 17'6" in length, 24.25" in width and comes with a rudder. This and other boats in Seaward's 'Discovery Kayaks' series are ideal for paddlers on a limited budget who want to get into a composite kayak. They sell for approximately 25% less then many comparable fibreglass touring kayaks. Tickets on the Aurora raffle are $5 each or 3 for $10 and available from 250-753-3459 or gsa@georgiastrait.org. Only 2000 tickets will be printed and proceeds will go to help the marine environment. Seaward Kayaks can be reached at 800-595-975. Web: www.seawardkayaks.com.

New Ocean Kayaking Centre Opens

Mayne Island Kayak and Canoe Rentals has joined forces with Sage Wilderness Experiences to open the Ocean Kayaking Centre on Mayne Island, BC. The Centre will conduct introductory courses, as well as advanced kayaking and group excursions throughout the Gulf Islands. The Centre will offer a variety of single and double kayak rentals and single or multi-day guided trips. Located on Seal Beach overlooking Active Pass, the Centre's base camp has a hot tub, hot shower, camping, campfire pit and an indoor classroom for educational sessions. Complementary ferry pickups and delivery are included. For more information contact Bruce Wilson at 604-892-3900 or Errol Fisher at 250-539-2667.

Central Coast Tourism

In June of 2000, the Community of Klemtu and the Kitasoo/Xaixais First Nation adopted an unprecedented Land Use Plan, which set aside 40% of their Traditional Territory as a Protected Area. The primary objective of this Plan is to protect fish, wildlife, cultural and bio-diversity values. The protected areas, known as 'Nakami Weld', will be protected from resource extraction and will be used by the Kitasoo people for food gathering, traditional uses, trapping and tourism.
The protected areas of the Plan provide great opportunity for world-class ecotourism development with the protection of recreational resources and key habitats of endangered species like the Spirit Bear. The Kitasoo/Xaixais people are developing an ecotourism business under the name of 'Klemtu Tourism'. For the 2001 season, Klemtu Tourism will be offering wildlife tours featuring Spirit Bears and grizzlies, cultural/heritage tours of the historic community of Klemtu, and guided and unguided sea kayaking opportunities including complete kayak rentals, outfitting and transportation.
All visitors to Klemtu and the Kitasoo/Xaixais Traditional Territory are asked to register with the Tourism office before conducting any activities in the area. For more information please contact the tourism office at 1-877-644-2346, tours@kitasoo.org or visit www.kitasoo.org. You can also contact Evan Loveless at (250) 721-9078 or ise@coastnet.com.

Paddlefest Gear Exchange

Need some paddling gear or a boat at a good price? Want to pass on your equipment while you upgrade? Then come to the Vancouver Island PaddleFest in Ladysmith on June 23-24th and check out the gear exchange hosted by the Island Outdoor Centre. Give the Centre a call at 250-245-7887 for further details or you can post your used gear at www.paddlefest.bc.ca

Inland Sea Symposium Returns

After a two year hiatus, the Inland Sea Society is bringing back its kayaking conference June 21-24 on the shores of scenic Bayfield, Wisconsin. This year marks the 12th Inland Sea Symposium and will focus on conservation and kayaking on Lake Superior. Jonathan Waterman, author of Arctic Crossing: A Journey Through the Northwest Passage & Inuit Culture, is the keynote speaker and plans to lead workshops on kayak sailing. Registration includes water tours through the Apostle Islands, field trips, skills workshops, classroom instruction, and night time presentations and entertainment. For more info: www.inland sea.org or 715-373-0674.

For Wooden Kayak Afficionados

The 3rd Annual West Coast Wooden Kayak Rendezvous, at Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, Washington, August 18-19. Workshops, demonstrations, classes, and building tips/techniques. Sponsor: Redfish Kayak & Canoe Co. Contact Joe Greenley at 360-565-8329. Email joe@redfishkayak.com
Web: www.redfishkayak.com

New Vortex Sock

Brooks, the Canadian paddle gear manufacturer, has introduced a new neoprene sock to their line of paddling accessories. The Vortex Sock features a seamless sole, coated with polyurethane for grip and protection. The 8" tall upper is laminated with Duratex, the same abrasion resistant material on Brooks sprayskirts. The sock also has a velcro keeper at the top, to help prevent it from coming off in the event of a swim. Playboaters will appreciate the sock for its low profile and durability. All paddlers will find the Vortex sock a good alternative to bulky footwear.

Based in North Vancouver, BC, Brooks makes a full line of touring and whitewater sprayskirts and paddling accessories. With warehousing facilities in Washington State, Brooks is ideally set up to serve the whole North American market efficiently. For further information contact Angela Lee.
Email: angela@brookspaddlegear.com or check out www.brookspaddlegear.com

New Executive Director for the BCEN

The BC Environmental Network has hired John McInnis as Executive Director. John has spent more than 25 years in provincial government and politics, worked as chief of staff and campaign director in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and BC, and served as a member of Alberta's Legislative Assembly and Official Opposition Critic for the Environment. His work in the Alberta Legislature led to the first ever legislative process for environmental assessment that included scientific studies, public hearings and intervenor funding. In the mid-90s he headed the political staff of the government caucus in Victoria. In recent years he operated a consulting practice focused on stakeholder and government relations. He played a key role in several government decisions on land-use, forestry, environmental and other issues. For the past 7 years he has been very active on forest certification issues.
John can be reached at the BCEN office by email at jmcinnis@bcen.bc.ca or by telephone 604-879-2279.
Contact the BC Environmental Network at 604-879-2279 or info@ bcen.bc.ca. Web: www.bcen.bc.ca

Sunset Kayaking-Grand Opening

Sunset Kayaking will be holding its Grand Opening and BBQ at Stones Marina, 1690 Stewart Ave., Nanaimo, BC on Canada Day, July 1st. The paddling public is invited to attend. Check out www.sunsetkayaking.com, call 250 616-6747, or email: info@sunsetkayaking.com

News from the Okanagan

Paddler Wendell Phillips, who is involved with the Okanagan Paddlefest in Peachland, BC, June 16-17 (see ad page 12), tells us that again this year a Current Designs sea kayak will be one of the doorprizes, and that there will be hundreds of racers competing in outrigger races. He also proudly notes that his wife, Nancy Phillips, has been appointed a BC Provincial Court Judge. Congratulations Nancy!

Scheduled Runs to Princess Louisa

Dave Marchant of Rising Sun Kayaks on BC's Sunshine Coast is now providing daily scheduled runs to famed Princess Louisa Inlet. Overnight camping is available. Contact Dave at 1-800-632-0722 or visit www.egmont-marina.com