Editorial: Getaways - North and South

October-November 2004

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

by Alan Wilson

Who wouldn’t love to paddle in tropical waters if given the chance?! And what better time of year to go than when the weather at home is dark, wet and cold? So as usual each fall, we invite you to feed your winter getaway fantasies—this year with stories of lesser known spots in the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and Mexico. And we hope some of you manage to translate your fantasies into reality. After all, there’s really nothing quite like tropical paddling.

But if, for whatever reason, you’re not going to be traveling overseas this year, and you still want some sort of a winter paddling holiday, there are options closer to home. Autumn tends to be viewed as the end of the paddling season and the beginning of winter sports, but in the sheltered waters of the Pacific Northwest (Puget Sound and Strait of Georgia), there are good paddling days all year long.

The weather tends to come in waves, with stretches of good and poor. So the secret is very simple: go when it’s good—and don’t when it isn’t.

You also don’t have to camp in the off-season, especially not in the winter. There are waterfront B&Bs and resorts on all the islands (some even offer kayaks and guiding services). If the weather isn’t cooperative, you can just hang out in a hot tub. Another secret: these waters are practically empty of boaters in the off-season, so when it’s calm, the water assumes its ancient, mirror face.

Day paddling on calm winter days can be truly sublime, especially in the warmest part of the day. But don’t forget that off-season paddling requires all-weather clothing, good safety gear, etc. And be sure to check the weather forecast. The key is not to try to go too far or take risks.

Whatever paddling you’re thinking about this winter—southern or northern—we encourage you to check out the various ads in this issue for a lot more information on the options. If you download the on-line PDF of the magazine, you can click on any of the ads and go directly to websites replete with gorgeous photos of what’s on offer, information, maps, etc. You can also click on our special on-line ‘Winter Getaways Directory’ at our home page. It’s a great resource for planning your holiday—whether north or south. Happy paddling—all year long.

Note: We urge all US citizens, whether you live in the US or abroad, to make sure you register to vote, then get out to vote for the Environment. Remember, the entire world will be affected by the outcome, so in one of the most important elections ever, you’ll be speaking for the rest of us who don’t have a say—and wish we could.