News

June-July 2006

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 Diana Mumford

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Veteran paddler Mercia Sixta was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Vancouver Island Paddlefest in May. Last year’s winner, Alan Wilson, made the presentation to Mercia on behalf of the Paddlefest for her outstanding volunteer efforts over many years to promote safe paddling within the recreational and commercial paddling communities. Mercia was one of the founders of the Sea Kayak Association of BC where she served as president for 14 years, before founding the Pacific International Kayak Association, involving BC and Washington paddlers, as well as working tirelessly to promote training for physically challenged paddlers (see Rainbow Paddling article ). For 20 years she was the key organizer of the Coast Kayak Symposium on Thetis Island, BC, and she is undoubtedly the person most responsible for BC’s excellent record of paddling safety.

OCEAN RIVER SPORTS OFFER

All those buying kayaks at Ocean River Sports in Victoria are now offered a choice of a free subscription to WaveLength, a free membership in the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, or a $25 service gift certificate to use at ORS for a course, tour, rental or workshop. See www.oceanriver.com.

AROUND AMERICA ADVENTURE

A young Swedish woman, Renata Chlumska, is paddling and biking around the continental US. See www.aroundamericaadventure.com. For the paddling portion, she’s using a Prijon kayak.

PADDLING PROJECT IN BRAZIL

Rodrigo Cavasini has written from Brazil to tell us about the Sail Project, a federal government initiative to develop citizenship and social involvement in physical and outdoor recreation, including kayaking, for underprivileged students aged 12 to 15. Since 2003 he’s been helping with the project through the Rio Grande do Sul University. Classes include flatwater kayaking skills, rescues, risk assessment and environmental education. He says the results show that social problems among the students have decreased and grades have increased (rcavasini@yahoo.com.br).

NEW TAPS BOARD

New Board Members for the Trade Association of Paddlesports: Representing Manufacturers—Joan Barrett of Bear Mountain Boat Shop Inc., Josh Hoopes of Confluence Watersports. Representing Retailers—Tom Kimmet of REI, Glenn Lush of Cowichan Bay Kayak & Paddle-sports. Representing Outfitters—Raymond Fusco of Hudson Valley Outfitters, Mike Savario of Amphibious Horizons. At Large—Mark Hall of Delta Kayaks,Tim Rosenhan of Innova Kayaks, Robin Thacker of Atlantis Kayaks, Bill Walker of Seattle Raft & Kayak.

WHALE WISE GUIDELINES

This year the Be Whale Wise Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines have been revised. In summary:

Be observant approaching areas of known or suspected marine wildlife activity
Keep your speed down (less than 7 knots for boaters) when in the presence of animals
Keep clear of the whales’ path
Do not approach whales from the front or behind, always travel parallel to their direction of travel
Do not approach or position your vessel closer than 100 meters to any whale
Stay on the offshore side of the whales when they are traveling close to shore

For the complete guidelines visit: www.straitwatch.org or www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species/marinemammals/view_e.htm Brochures can be downloaded at the Straitwatch website, or requested in print.

THE TRUTH ABOUT OIL SPILLS

The Oil Free Coast coalition in Vancouver, BC recently hosted Dr. Riki Ott author of Sound Truth and Corporate Myth$: The Legacy of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Ott said that oil cannot be cleaned from beaches and that it has lasting impacts. She reported that the ‘cleanup’ from the Exxon Valdez damaged the health of thousands of workers and may have made the ecosystem impacts worse. The only solution, she said, is prevention of spills. The killer ingredient in oil, the PAHs, are getting into all of us, from burning oil for electricity and from our car exhausts, yet another reason to end the Oil Age. Visit www.oilfreecoast.org.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Recognizing that global warming is fast approaching the point of no return and that the world cannot wait for the US government to act, hundreds of US city mayors have pledged to cut emissions of greenhouse gases. By signing the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, these mayors—representing some 44 million Americans—have committed their cities to meet or beat the US emissions reduction target in the Kyoto Protocol, despite the federal government’s refusal to ratify that treaty. States and businesses also are taking part. The challenge now is to multiply these initiatives and take them further. With the US making up 5 percent of the global population but responsible for 25% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, there is no substitute for leadership from the top. Thanks to Earth Policy Institute: www.earthpolicy.org.

FIRST NATIONS PARKS AGREEMENT

Parks Canada reports that the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in the southern Strait of Georgia—BC’s newest federal Park—is going to be co-managed with the six First Nations of the Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group based in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island. The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve consists of areas of land on fifteen islands plus adjacent waters. This is part of an historic agreement to involve First Nations in park management in areas of their traditional territories, including the Namgis people of Alert Bay who will have a say in management of several federal parks on northern Vancouver Island.

Calendar of Events

June 2006

June 22, Hayley Shephard's Antarctica Adventure slideshow, Nanaimo, BC. Malaspina University/College, Building 200, Room 203, 7:30 pm. $10/door.

June 23-25, 3rd Annual DemoFest, Deerfield River, MA. A free event open to the public where manufacturers display the latest whitewater kayaks, canoes, paddles and life vests for paddlers to try out. This is an opportunity to test drive boats, use paddles, learn about the latest gear from the company reps, and get some instruction from some of the most accomplished paddlers in the country. Manufacturer representatives, national team paddlers and Zoar Outdoor instruction staff will give free mini technique clinics on the water. Phone: 800-532-7483. Web: www.zoaroutdoor.com

June 24, Second Annual Canoe & Kayak Sail-In, Porteau Provincial Park, Howe Sound, BC. No cost. Phone: 604-855-7734. Email: jhartk@shaw.ca

June 28, Hayley Shephard's Antarctica Adventure slideshow, Victoria, BC. UVIC Human Resource and Social Development Building, Room A240, 7:30 pm. $10/door.

July 2006

July 7-9, 8th Annual Howe Sound Outrigger Race, Gibsons, BC. This major event has become the largest paddling event of its kind in Canada and has gained international recognition as one of the top ten races of its kind in the world. The event includes sprint races for paddlers new to the sport and a 15 km and 30 km course for hard-core paddlers. For more information please go to www.clippercanoes.com

July 7-9, Door County Sea Kayak Symposium, Rowleys Bay, WI. Web: www.rutabaga.com

July 8-9, Sea Kayaking CRCA Level I Course, Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, ON. Phone: 613-594-5268 or 613-756-3620. Email: paddle@owl-mkc.ca Web: www.mkc.ca

July 9, BCMTA 16th Annual Marathon, Jericho Beach, Vancouver, BC. Paddling competition in beautiful English Bay. 9:30 am start. Contact: Chris Ladner. Phone: 604-689-7575. Web: www.ecomarine.com

July 9-15, Build Your Own Chesapeake LT™ Kayak, Web: www.clcboats.com/events/chesapeakeltclasswb.php

July 13 - 15, Assembly of Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, Keuka Park, NY. Web: www.wcha.org

July 13-16, 22nd Annual Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium, Grand Marais, MI.
Contact Larry Merx, Great Lakes Sea Kayak Club. Phone: 734-439-0049. Email: lmerx@nkfm.org Web: www.glsks.org

July 13-22, Great Hudson River Paddle, Albany, NY. A 10-day kayaking and camping expedition from Albany to Manhattan with four community festivals along the way. This event is used to promote kayaking and recreation on the Hudson River and in the Hudson River National Heritage Area. Thru Paddle $575. Free Festivals. Web: www.hrwa.org

July 15, Tour de Indian Arm, Deep Cove, BC. 17 km race for all abilities. Great Prizes, Fun, and Food. Phone: 604-929-2268. Web: www.deepcovekayak.com

July 16-22, Build Your Own Sassafras™ Canoe, Web: www.clcboats.com/events/sassafrasclasswb.php

July 22-23, Sea Kayaking CRCA Level I Course, Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, ON. Phone: 613-594-5268 or 613-756-3620. Email: paddle@owl-mkc.ca Web: www.mkc.ca

July 22-23, Guide Essentials Workshop with Wayne Horodowich, Flathead Lake, Kalispell, MT. This intensive workshop is designed for those who lead groups or find themselves having to step up to the plate when challenges occur. Some of the topics covered may include preparing the group and setting expectations, equipment checks, supportive strokes that work, practical capsize recovery techniques, on water repairs, group management, towing & transfers, and more. Contact Susan Conrad, Silver Moon Kayak Company. Phone: 406-752-3794. Email: susan@silvermoonkayak.com Web: www.silvermoonkayak.com

July 30, NLPA Canoe & Kayak Instructor’s Clinic, St. John’s, NL. A provincial clinic for Paddle Canada instructors, to improve your teaching skills and make your courses more effective and enjoyable. Instructor trainers include Doug Alderson from BC. Open to past and current CRCA/Paddle Canada instructors only. For more information contact Ian Fong (ifong@nf.sympatico.ca) at 738-0156

July 30, Willamette Challenge, Portland, OR. The first-ever Willamette Challenge, a small-boat paddling relay and family festival at Oaks Park on July 30, 2006. All proceeds will benefit the Willamette Riverkeeper, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Willamette River. Contact: Sarah Shier, Portland REI (503) 221-1938. Email: sshier@rei.com. Web: www.willamette-riverkeeper.org

August 2006

Aug. 4-6, R2K6, West Coast Wooden Kayak Rendezvous, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, Washington, tentatively scheduled for August 4-6. Demos, skills classes, salmon bake, door prizes, kayak building demos and clinics. Contact Joe Greenley: joe@redfishkayak.com

Aug 5-6, Paddle the Mississippi River Challenge. Help Friends of the Mississippi River protect, conserve and restore the Mississippi River. On-line registration and pledging is now available at: www.mississippiriverchallenge.org. For the latest updates on FMR events and programs, visit www.fmr.org

Aug. 12-13, Sea Kayaking CRCA Level I Course, Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, ON. Phone: 613-594-5268 or 613-756-3620. Email: paddle@owl-mkc.ca Web: www.mkc.ca

Aug. 17-20, Canadian Whitewater Championships, Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, ON. Phone: 613-594-5268 or 613-756-3620. Email: paddle@owl-mkc.ca Web: www.mkc.ca

Aug. 17-20, Ladies Of The Lake Sea Kayak Symposium, St. Ignace, MI. The only all women's kayaking symposium in the states! Clinics, instruction, trips, slide shows, demos and more! Sponsored by Impex Kayaks and Down Wind Sports. Tel: 906-226-7112. Email: gear@downwindsports.com

Aug. 19-20, Small Craft Builders Rendezvous, Peterborough, ON. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Ted Moores and Joan Barrett at 877-392-8880. www.bearmountainboats.com

Aug. 20-26, Rideau Canal Folding Kayak Flotilla II, @ Chaffeys Lock. Canal info: www.rideau-info.com. Camp @ lock $4/night. E-mail: mlomas@magma.ca or Phone: 613-239-0014.

Aug. 25-27, Naturally Superior Adventures’ Greenland-style Symposium, Wawa, ON. Lake Superior goes Greenland! Learn to paddle with a traditional Greenland-style paddle, refine your skills or try your hand at some skinny-bladed surfing at the mouth of the Michipicoten River. Ontario’s only Greenland-style symposium brings renowned instructors Doug Van Doren and Bonnie Perry to the Rock Island Paddling Centre in Wawa. The event also includes fun-for-all Greenland-style paddling, rolling and hunting games. The use of hand-crafted Greenland-style paddles is included with registration. $275 all-inclusive. www.naturallysuperior.com. 800-203-9092.

Aug. 26, Kayak for Assistive Technology (KAT 06), Mahone Bay, NC. Please join us on the water August 26th and collect pledges in support of Assistive Technology Centre Society (registered Canadian charity) OR donate online at http://assist-tech.ednet.ns.ca. On August 26th KAT will be offering: Kayaking for first time paddlers through East Coast Outfitters, Mahone Bay; Barbecue and Beverages; Entertainment (live band); Kayaking for experienced paddlers to a beach side cottage in Mahone Bay; Mini Technology Flea Market (TBC); Silent Auction. Contact: Barbara Welsford, 902-624-8051. Email: bwelsford@eastlink.ca

Aug. 26-27, Sea Kayaking CRCA Level I Course, Madawaska Kanu Centre, Barry's Bay, ON. Phone: 613-594-5268 or 613-756-3620. Email: paddle@owl-mkc.ca Web: www.mkc.ca

September 2006

Sept. 8-9, Newfound Rendezvous, Cancelled for 2006 www.newfoundrendezvous.org

Sept. 15-17, West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium, Port Townsend, WA. The 23rd annual paddling event hosted by the Trade Association of Paddlesports (TAPS). Phone: 800-755-5228. Email: info@wcsks.org Web: www.wcsks.org

Sept. 15-17 Pender Harbour Jazz Festival
Featuring: Sibel Thrasher Quintet, Darren Sigesmund Quintet and much more.
Tickets/Info: 1-877-883-2456
Web: www.phjazz.ca Email: info@phjazz.ca

Sept. 17, GoZero Kayak Race, Beacon, NY. A low impact, zero emissions kayak race. Cash prizes, 9-mile long race, 2-mile short race. Men/Women categories. Racer Registration $25. Web: www.gozero.info

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Delmarva Paddlers Retreat, The original traditional paddling event in the US, held in Delaware. Paddle and building clinics, on-water classes, guest speakers. www.qajaqusa.org

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Naturally Superior Adventures’ Surf Confluence, Wawa, ON. Enjoy laid back soul surfin’ or intense ender sessions in the freshwater surf playground at the mouth of the Michipicoten River in Wawa, ON. This informal gathering of surf-seeking intermediate to advanced paddlers takes advantage of autumnal gales and late summer warm water to provide an informal, instructional and by all means entertaining way to cap off your paddling season. You’ll be wishing the weekend will never end. $100 includes camping and meals. www.naturallysuperior.com. 800-203-9092.

Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Bay Area Paddlefest, Coyote Point Park, San Mateo, CA. California's Largest Kayak and Canoe Educational Event. Demonstrations, Clinics, Information on Kayaks and Canoes, Where to Go Paddling, How to Go Paddling, Paddling for Fun, Fitness, Fishing, Bird Watching, Seniors, Kids and Families and more.
Web: www.bayareapaddlefest.com

October 2006

Oct 13-15, Traditional Kayak Rendezvous, Lakeshore Group Campsite, Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, WI. Phone: 920-794-2500. Email: info@superiorkayaks.com Web: www.superiorkayaks.com

Oct 16-21, Build Your Own Chesapeake LT™ Kayak, Web: www.clcboats.com/events/chesapeakeltclasswb.php

Oct 23-28, Building Your Own Shearwater™ Sea Kayak, Web: www.clcboats.com/events/shearwaterclasswb.php

2006 Editorial Calendar

Each issue has a specific focus (see below), but each also features our regular columnists, kayak & gear listings, news, calendar, books and effective advertising in both print and web versions.

December 2005/January 2006

WOODEN KAYAKS - The joys of building and paddling wooden kayaks.
October 20 Deadline

February/March 2006

MARINE ADVENTURES - Wildlife watching, motherships, kayak tours.
December 20 Deadline

April/May 2006

SCENARIOS - Stories / Skills / Schools / Symposia, with an East Coast flavor.
February 20 Deadline

June/July 2006

PADDLING PARTNERS - The social side of paddling. Group paddling, families, clubs, racing.
April 20 Deadline

August/September 2006

PADDLING PLUS - Sails, kites, folding boats, fishing, etc.
June 20 Deadline

October/November 2006

GETAWAYS - Southern paddling trips as well as off-season paddling at home.
August 20 Deadline

December 2006/January 2007
This final issue of 2006 is being postponed to January, as part of a transition to a quarterly.

2007 CALENDAR ISSUE! - A special treat with lots of great photos!
October 20 Deadline

If you are interested in submitting material related to these features, please consult our Writers Guidelines and send us a query letter. Thank you.