Monday, February 22, 2010

Sea Kayaking Safety

If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that safety while kayaking is one of my top concerns. I am always on the hunt for anything that can help further the cause of safety, from articles to checklists, and I just found a pretty good article from an interesting source. Some of you may remember a company called Mariner Kayaks. Mariner Kayaks used to build and sell sea kayaks, from 1980 until 2008. Even though the business has closed, the former owners have left the website up as a reference. As long as they decide to keep them available, there are several excellent articles on the site that are worth reading.

The article that caught my eye is obviously the one about safety, but if you go to the home page and open the drop down menu on the left called manuals, you will see the list of articles available. The article is targeted at sea kayaking, but there is information there good for all kayakers.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Friday, February 19, 2010

Kayak Surfing

Now this looks like fun! One of the things I enjoy the most about kayaking in the ocean is playing in the waves near the shore. One of my boats is a short sit-on-top that has removable thigh straps, so it can handle even moderately challenging whitewater and waves. I don't use that kayak as much as I used to, but after watching this video trailer for a kayak surfing movie, I may just have to give my fishing and touring kayaks a rest.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Angler

Florida's Best Secret Beaches

If you are like me, you love a quiet stretch of beach where you can paddle, fish, swim, and even camp. You may remember a post I did last year about some of the best beach campsites in the US. The original article neglected to include one of my favorite beach campsites, Cape Sable in Everglades National Park, so I added my two cents. Well I just happened on an article about Florida's Best Secret Beaches, and again they neglected to mention my favorite!

Oh, well...I guess I just have to put in another shameless plug for Cape Sable.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Photo Credit: Florida Villas Today

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Whitewater Adventures

Remember, the Kayak Sportsman is into all manner of kayaking, including the heart-pounding, whitewater variety. I will admit that I have never been over a waterfall much higher than about 8 feet, but I definitely admire those who have plunged over falls much higher. If you like crazy whitewater footage, then YouTube has you covered too.

Here is just one example of the many clips you can find there.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Kayak Fishing on TV

Have you ever seen an episode of Florida Sportsman's "Shallow Water Angler" television show? Well, as you can imagine, it highlights the best fishing that takes place in...you guessed it...shallow water! Well, here is a nice 8 minute segment from a recent episode that is all about kayak fishing, with Captain Mike Kogan, in Jacksonville, Florida.

YouTube is quite a gold mine for great kayaking videos, as a quick search will reveal. Do you have a favorite kayaking, fishing or camping video you would like to share? Email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post the best ones right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Self Support Kayak Camping

Self Support Kayak Camping is a web site for those of you that are interested in hard-core camping by kayak. The site has a small but useful collection of articles and videos that cover everything from boat and gear selection, to trip planning. The site looks to have been live for less than a month, but the posts already available offer some great tips for those of you who like to rough it by kayak.

I have at least two self-support kayak camping trips planned, so I will be sure to post any similar resources that I find, as I plan for my own adventures.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Free Online Issue of Kayak Angler Magazine

Kayak Angler magazine is making their Spring 2010 magazine available as a free digital edition online. All they ask is that you provide an email address, and then the magazine is yours to read online or download to read offline. This issue includes their annual buyer's guide and some great articles. Of course, there are also plenty of advertisements, so you can drool over the next boat or gadget that you absolutely must have.

Good Reading and Paddling!
The Kayak Angler

Sunday, February 14, 2010

New England Kayak Fishing

For those kayak anglers who live in New England, there is a great online resource called (appropriately enough) New England Kayak Fishing. The web site has community features, like a forum and photo/video gallery, as well as articles and an event calendar. They also have some nice planning tools for checking tides and weather, viewing charts, and even a printable float plan.

Even if you don't live or kayak in New England, the site is definitely worth a look.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Saturday, February 13, 2010

REI Instructional Videos on YouTube

National outdoor equipment retailer REI has a nice series of instructional videos available on their YouTube channel. The videos cover many topics, including quite a few specific to kayaking. There are also a few other videos that may be of interest to you kayak sportsmen and women (camping, outdoors essentials, equipment testing, etc.).

Enjoy your weekend, and...

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The 2010 Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic

If you didn't think that kayak fishing was becoming a big-time sport, here's more evidence. The 7th annual Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic tournament, scheduled for May 8th, 2010, boasts more than $80,000.00 in prizes and gifts! This tournament has quickly become one of the premiere events on the kayak fishing calendar, and is well worth the trip to Jacksonville, FL.

Let me know if any of you are planning to attend (contact me via email at kayaksportsman@gmail.com). I am thinking about attending and maybe doing some live coverage, live blogging, video updates, etc.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

BBC Host Breaking Kayaking Records

Helen Skelton, the host of the popular BBC children's show Blue Peter, is three weeks into her solo kayak journey down the Amazon river. According to the BBC, as of yesterday, she has broken two Guinness world records: the longest solo kayak journey, and the longest distance in 24 hours in a kayak for a woman (75 miles in one day). She is paddling about 60 miles each day, with one day of rest per week, in an attempt to complete the 2,010 mile journey in six weeks.

She is paddling to benefit Sport Relief, an organization that raises money primarily through athletic events, to benefit the poor in the UK and around the world.

Good Paddling Helen!

Photo Credit: The BBC

Now This is What I Call a Triathalon

If any of you are near Springfield, SC, or will be on February 20th, you may want to check out the Winter Challenge Off-Road Triathlon. As you know, a triathlon typically includes a running segment, a swimming segment, and a bicycling segment. Well, one of the folks at the "Winter Challenge" had the brilliant idea to replace the swimming portion of their triathlon with a kayak race! And that's not all...the registration fee includes a post-race BBQ meal! Sounds like the perfect event - well maybe except for the running and bicycling part.

If any of you are planning or know of an event you would like me to publicize, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post about it right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Kayaking in Viet Nam

Check out the video and slideshow of folks kayaking and camping in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam. What a beautiful spot! I especially like the cave-like rock formations over the water that are best appreciated in the "VIDEO" link below.



Do you have pictures or a video of a favorite kayaking spot or trip? Send them along via email (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll post the best ones, and of course you'll get all the credit.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Monday, February 8, 2010

Bull Shark Sleigh Ride

One of the unique thrills of kayak fishing is the "sleigh ride" that happens when you hook a fish that is strong enough to pull you and your boat through the water. It adds another dimension to the fight, since the fish is not only battling your strength, as transmitted through the rod and line, but also the resistance and inertia of the kayak moving through the water. It's also usually fun, and sometimes scary and dangerous.

In this YouTube video, kayak angler Kyle Dechert hooks a Bull Shark in the mangrove-lined coastal waters of the Everglades, and is taken for a ride. What's the best / longest / scariest sleigh ride you have experienced? Share your story, a picture, or video via email (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ones.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail

Many of you have probably heard of the Everglades Wilderness Waterway; the 99 mile water trail through the "River of Grass" that is a popular trek for kayakers. Well, did you know that there is a paddling trail that circles the entire state? The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail covers more than 1,500 miles, in 26 segments, that encompass every coastal region of the state.

Over the next few days, I will be highlighting some of the individual segments, especially those that I have had the pleasure of paddling myself. Do you have any favorite paddling trails or camping spots that are worth a mention on the blog? Feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ones.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Kayaker Inside

As you can probably guess, I love kayaking and I am a techno-geek. So when I stumbled on this decal that plays on the ubiquitous "Intel Inside" logo, I knew I would have to give it a mention on the blog. A quick Google search will bring up several places where you can order one, but it looks like Amazon.com has the cheapest price. Amazon also sells T-shirts with the same logo on them.

I am thinking about ordering some of the decals to give away as small prizes for good blog ideas and pictures. If you know of any other cool, kayak-related merchandise that you would like me to post on the blog, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below.

Good Luck and Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Friday, February 5, 2010

Win a Seaward Kayak

How would you like to win a brand new Seaward kayak? Well, if you can think up a good name for their new 14.5' boat, you might just win one for yourself! There is a short entry form available online, and that is really all there is to it.

The contest is open to residents of the US and Canada (the complete rules are here) and you can enter until March 31st, 2010.

If you know of any other kayak-related contests you would like me to publicize, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post it right here on the blog.

Good Luck and Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Whitewater Kayaking at the Winter Olympics?

The Canadian Tourism Commission is taking advantage of the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver to promote all of the great things to see and do in Canada, including whitewater kayaking! As reported in the Slave River Journal, the tourism commission filmed two videos to showcase the Slave River and its rapids as a world class destination for kayakers.

Here are the links for the two videos, both available on YouTube.



Photo Credit: Slave River Journal

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Online Tools for Kayakers - Part 2

Keeping with the theme of charts and navigation, there is one definitive online source for U.S. nautical charts: NOAA's Online Chart Viewer. More than 1,000 U.S. coastal and Great Lakes charts can be viewed for free. As with the first tool I reviewed, you can simply take a screen shot and print the area of the chart you are interested in, slide it into a waterproof map case, and take it with you.

As with any online version of a navigational chart, these should only be used for planning and analysis. For proper navigation, the full-scale, official, printed versions of the NOAA charts should be used. Do you have any favorite online tools that you use when planning your kayaking trips? Fee free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ideas right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Update on Hayley Shepard

Here is a quick update for those of you following Hayley Shepard's trek to circumnavigate South Georgia Island by kayak. She is about one-third of the way between the southern tip of South America and South Georgia Island, still on the support ship, and anticipating some worsening weather.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The 2010 Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium

For those of you who live near the San Francisco Bay area, or are willing to travel there later this month, you might want to check out the 2010 Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium. This three day skills symposium takes place February 26th - 28th, on the waters of San Francisco Bay, just under the Golden Gate Bridge.

There will be more than 20 coaches on-site with up to 10 classes offered each day. This year's theme is Seamanship and classes will cover a range of topics, as well as official ACA and BCU classes and assessments. Freya Hoffmeister, who recently completed an astonishing and record-breaking 11 month circumnavigation of Australia will be the guest of honor. She will be the keynote speaker and will join participants on the water in various classes.

If any of you are planning or know of an event you would like me to publicize, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to post about it right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

IFA Inaugural Kayak Fishing Tour 2010

I'm sure I don't have to convince any of you that the popularity of kayak fishing continues to grow. As the sport matures, the number and quality of kayak fishing tournaments that are available also grows. In November of 2009, the Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) announced the inaugural season of the IFA Kayak Fishing Tour. There will be 18 stops on the tour, beginning later this month, and continuing through October. The tour is presented by Hobie Fishing, along with many other sponsors, and will pay out more than $20,000.00 in cash and prizes.

If any of you are planning to participate in the IFA tour, would like me to mention any other tournaments, or would like to show off some of your tournament-winning catches, as always, feel free to email me (kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Kayaking with Kids

Like many of you, I have children that participate in all of my outdoor activities. Since they were big enough to hold a paddle, I have had them on the water with me. When they were still young and learning, we made each excursion into a lesson, with a specific topic and objectives linked to the day's activities. For example, one day would be PFD day, or water rescue day, or first aid day. We would start with short lessons at home and on the way to the put-in, then work through examples and real-life situations on the water. The goal was to instill a culture of safety, while still having fun in the process.

For those of you who kayak with children, or plan to introduce kids to the sport, I have a link to a nice article that will help you get started. If any of you have any good ideas or stories about kayaking with kids, feel free to email me kayaksportsman@gmail.com), contact me via Twitter, or leave a comment below. I'll be sure to share the best ideas right here on the blog.

Good Paddling!
The Kayak Sportsman

Monday, February 1, 2010

Monday Morning Quickie - Mini Site Review: TopKayaker.net

The explosion in the popularity of kayaking, especially kayak fishing, has closely followed the growth of the "sit-on-top" kayak market. At first, the sit-on-top kayak was viewed as only good for resort rentals and casual paddlers. Now, every major kayak manufacturer has a robust and thriving line of sit-on-top boats that handle everything from casual day trips, to fishing, to serious touring.

Since 1998 Tom Holtey has run TopKayaker.net (also at sit-on-topkayaking.com) a popular online resource for all things sit-on-top. The site includes a collection of articles, buyers guides, a discussion forum, and an online store. What started as a simple web page to promote his book about sit-on-top kayaking, is now a destination resource for both beginners and experts alike.