Kayak Biking

Hold my beer while I canoe cycle 😂 pic.twitter.com/ItrJhuh7HL

— Darwin Award 🔞 (@AwardsDarwin) May 31, 2020

Kayakers in the Gorge

Yesterday, Louise and I discovered some kayakers playing in The Gorge under the Tillicum Bridge. Although it's a fair distance inland, The Gorge is actually tidal water and pinches at the narrows under the Bridge, which can make for some fun white water to play in if that's your thing.




These three gentlemen were clearly enjoying the rough stuff, even when one of them lost his paddle....

...and went over.

But he was able to recover and roll up. And that's why you should have a spare paddle within reach, folks. (And not to worry, he found his wayward paddle.)






While that group was out in the rough stuff, the folks from Go Kayak were giving a currents lesson in some slightly calmer water.




Louise and I have taken courses from Yves and Patty from Go Kayak and totally enjoyed the experience. Check them out if you're looking to learn how to kayak, or just need a tune-up course.

This Is Just What Your Kayak Needs....More Wheels

Toboggan Surfing

If you've been missing winter and its associated sports, maybe this video will help you pass the time until the snow starts falling again.

Under The Bridge

A couple of days ago while out with my camera, I happened to spot some local paddlers playing in the rough stuff under the Tillicum Bridge. The currents under the bridge are often benign, but due to the narrowing of the channel under it, they are also often rough and fast. Many locals use it to practise their current and rough water skills. And this group was enjoying themselves doing it!

Ontario's Had a Lot of Rain This Week....

Wrong!

Do Not Try This At Home

Kayak Crosses Tasman Sea...Without The Kayaker

In December 2014, Stuart Cleary began his attempt to be the first solo kayaker to successfully cross the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand. 24 hours after launching and less than 100 km into his journey, he abandoned his quest, and his kayak, following multiple equipment failures and he had to be rescued. Now, 18 months later, it appears his abandoned kayak was intent on completing the crossing without him; this week it was discovered washed up on a New Zealand beach about 50 kms from his intended landing spot.
While it seems doubtful that his old kayak will be seaworthy, Cleary has recently been contemplating another crossing attempt as well as plans for a second kayak.

Barney Builds a Kayak

This video is, in reality, a field test of a new Canon DSLR from DPReview. But the subject matter is the building of a Seawolf skin-on-frame kayak. So yes, there's lots of camera blah blah blah...but it's also a nice, if quick, look at the construction of a traditional styled-kayak.

Justine is in Da House!

Well, not in our house, but in Paula and Bernie's house in Sooke. Yesterday, award-winning adventure filmaker/kayaker Justine Curgenven landed in Sooke on Day 26 of her solo circumnavigation of Vancouver Island, taking advantage of Paula's offer of some home cooking and a place other than the ground to sleep on. Louise and I were planning to visit them anyway this holiday Monday, so our visit coincided with Justine's landing at nearby Whiffen Spit. After transporting Justine's gear the 10 minute drive to the house, the conversation almost immediately turned to how one performs certain bodily functions in a kayak. That's always a sure sign that you're in for a fun afternoon. And the ice cream hadn't even come out yet. Justine is a pleasure to visit with, and quick to release her infectious trademark cackle. Check out these grins if you don't believe me.


You can follow Justine's paddle on Facebook, and check out her award-winning kayak films on her website.

Always Wear Your Helmet

Don Knotts - Reluctant Astronaut Kayaker

Stand Up Paddle Snow Boarding

Of course it's a thing! What isn't a thing these days? Check out the videos:

HAPPY KAYAKMAS!

Mario for Kayakers

Looking for a gift for the kayaker in your life who is also a gamer? Look no father than this new Mario Bros. kayaking adventure, as seen in the video below. However, you may want to waterproof your X-Box before playing....

Sarah Outen Around the World!

Kudos to Sarah Outen for completing her circumnavigation of the world! She rowed across oceans and kayaked many waters, and cycled across North America on her four-and-a-half-year journey. Check out her website (where we borrowed this excellent photo) and read about her inspiring trip, which began and ended in London, England.

Canoe paintings by Winslow Homer

I've been wanting to do some visual art that connects with what it feels like to go out in small boats and explore the waters around me. Recently I learned of a celebrated watercolour artist called Winslow Homer (1836-1910), whose work was strongly inspired by canoeing.

This painting, from a private collection, is called Canoes in the Rapids, Saguenay River.

Check out the website for Winslow Homer's art, where you'll find over 500 images of his paintings. There are small boats of many kinds to admire here, from sloops to adirondack flat-bottom boats and many canoes..