W

WaveLength
The magazine of self-propelled coastal exploration

MAGAZINE

Volume 20, Issue 1

Spring 2010
Family Paddling
FREE at select outlets
or by subscription

Attracting the next generation

of paddlesports enthusiasts

Destination Ucluelet
A look at the perfect
launch on the edge
of Pacific Rim
PM 41687515

The allure of wood

What you should know before you
build your own wooden kayak
2 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010
 Contents

This month's features: Regular columns:

8 It’s All About Family 4 First Word
Family Paddling
8
by Dan Millsip 5 News
16 The Allure of Wood 24 Clean up the Coast
First of a new series on boat building
26 Skillset
18 Chasing Castles The contact tow
Day Trips - San Simeon Bay 18 by Alex Matthews
By Chuck Graham
31 Kayak With Comfort
20 Complications
Planning and Safety 32 Fishing Angles
by Michael Pardy by Dan Armitage

28 Herons of the Night 38 New Gear

Wildlife 28
by James Dorsey 40 Paddle Meals
by Hilary Masson
34 Gateway to the Pacific Rim
Destinations: Ucluelet 42 Rainforest Chronicles
by Tracy Eeftinck by Dan Lewis

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 3

 The First Word by John Kimantas

WaveLength Recruiting the future of kayaking MAGAZINE

I remember years back paddling with a teenager. He was getting tired, not really
Spring 2010 Volume 20, Number 1 enjoying himself, and muttered, “if this thing had an engine, we’d be there by now.”
PM No. 41687515
We were gliding across across a great ocean wilderness at the time. I had to wonder,
Editor John Kimantas why would you want to speed through this experience? But my vision wasn’t being
shared. And no wonder. The world increasingly seems to be about being wired in
Copy Editing Darrell Bellaart
and powered up. Extreme kayaking, maybe; a video game of downhill kayak racing,
Writing not otherwise credited is by Wavelength. possibly; but a quiet meander along the ocean, probably not.
The sad truth is paddling is skewed towards being an older
person’s hobby. So how can we impart the values of a peaceful,
Cover Photo:
Teenager Maddie Millsip self-reliant but comparatively passive pastime to children and
paddles Useless Inlet in Barkley young adults constantly bombarded with information espousing
Sound, Vancouver Island. You speed, comfort and consumption? Sadly, I have no answers, but
can catch more breathtaking
photos from Dan Millsip’s trip on fortunately my friend Dan Millsip has a few. His relationship
the classic “20 reasons not to go with his children, one cultivated in large part through a shared
to the Deer Group” thread on the
forum at westcoastpaddler.com
love of paddling, is worth hearing. Hopefully the story will
inspire others to ensure paddlesports have a bright future, even
WAVELENGTH is an independent magazine available free at if your parenting days are long behind you. After all, paddling sounds like a perfect
hundreds of print distribution sites (paddling shops, outdoor way to foster a grandparent-grandchild relationship.
stores, fitness clubs, marinas, events, etc.), and globally on
the web. Also available by subscription. As a sidenote, some observant people may recognize the cover photo from Dan’s
Articles, photos, events, news are all welcome. now infamous entry on westcoastpaddler.com’s forum titled “20 reasons not to go to
the Deer Group.” This photo was reason #10: the solitude. No wonder Dan wants
Find back issues, articles, events, writers guidelines and
advertising information online at wavelengthmagazine.com to downplay Barkley Sound. Why promote this paradise? More on the wonders of
Barkley Sound are in our Destinations Ucluelet feature this issue.
SUBSCRIBE Cleaning up the Coast: Pat Kervin from Odyssey Kayaks in Port Hardy phoned
$20 for 1 year – 4 issues me with this great idea. Please see the promotion on page 24-25 and plan to take part.
$35 for 2 years – 8 issues I know washed-up and discarded beach garbage is not an easy thing to combat with
kayaks, which aren’t well suited to moving mass amounts of coastal refuse. But simply
To subscribe: see details page 41 or visit
www.wavelengthmagazine.com/Subscribe.html packing out what you can when you can will make a huge difference – especially if
everyone does it. Let’s look after the things we can, then support groups such as the
Advertising rates and submission guidelines Georgia Strait Alliance to lobby to change those things we can’t by ourselves, but
available at www.wavelengthmagazine.com should as a society.
ISSUE AD DEADLINE DISTRIBUTION
Welcome easterners: This issue marks our first with extended distribution across
Summer 2010 May 7 June 8 the Eastern United States. These represent additional copies we’re printing to extend
Fall 2010 July 9 Aug. 8 our reach to benefit our national advertisers who will appreciate our more widespread
Winter 2010 Oct. 1 Nov. 8 distribution. Not to worry – we’ll continue to be available at all the traditional West
Spring 2011 Feb. 3 March 8 Coast locations in the traditional numbers (though naturally we continue to tweak to
A product of:
ensure zero waste). So welcome new readers in Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Indiana,
Illinois, Idaho... We hope you enjoy this taste of the Pacific.
Wild Coast Publishing
- John Kimantas
#6 10 Commercial St.
Nanaimo, B.C., Canada, V9R 5G2
Ph: 1-866-984-6437 • Fax: 1-866-654-1937
Email: kayak@wavelengthmagazine.com
Website: www.wavelengthmagazine.com
© 2010. Copyright is retained on all material (text, photos and graphics) in this magazine.
No reproduction is allowed of any material in any form, print or electronic, for any purpose,
except with the permission of Wild Coast Publishing.

Some elements in maps in this magazine are reproduced with

the permission of Natural Resources Canada 2010, courtesy
of the Atlas of Canada. Also, our thanks to Geobase for some
elements that may appear on Wavelength maps.

The cleanup tally so far:

one mini basketball, a
plastic spoon and two
sand dollars (though
Wavelength Magazine is dedicated to making self-propelled
coastal exploration fun and accessible. Safety and travel
technically, cleaning the
information is provided to augment pre-existing safety beach of sand dollars
and knowledge. A safety course and proper equipment are
advised before any exploration on water. See a list of paddling
doesn’t count.)
instruction locations at www.wavelengthmagazine.com

4 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010

 News
Expeditions set sights on farthest reaches
Adventure kayakers are looking to the
extreme north and south ends of the world
in the latest series of quests to find new
horizons.
Veteran kayaker Hayley Shephard is
underway on her attempt to be the first to
solo sea kayak around the remote Sub-
Antarctic Island of South Georgia.
South Georgia is an isolated and storm-
torn island in the middle of the Southern
Ocean about 1,400 km/800 miles from the
nearest shore in South America. Because
of the danger Hayley is required to have a
support vessel, that role being played by the
Northanger, a yacht owned and operated by
Keri Pashuk and Greg Landreth.
That requirement led to a hiccup early
in the trip when an injury on the support
boat meant abandoning the attempt and
an uplanned stay on the Falkland Islands
while Greg had surgery and Hayley decided
whether to try South Georgia again or
paddle the Falklands as Plan B.
In 1999 Hayley was the first woman to
6 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Hayley
Shephard
solo sea kayak 1,200 km/700 miles around
Vancouver Island, followed by another epic
adventure in 2005 when she was the first
woman to sea kayak alone around Haida
Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands).
Hayley’s latest trip is in aid of the
albatross, the world’s largest flying bird,
at risk due to longline fishing nets. South
Georgia is home to a number of albatross
species. You can follow the rest of Hayley’s
journey at hayleyshephard.blogspot.com/
To the north, four men are attempting
to be the first to kayak the Northwest
SPRING 2010
Passage in one season – a 4,000 km/2,500
mile paddle over 85 days. The aim of this
expedition is to contribute to the state of
knowledge regarding the amount, timing,
and salinity of fresh water that fluxes from
the Arctic Ocean through the Canadian
Arctic Archipelago towards the North
Atlantic. Team members are Charlie Hunter,
Nigel Foster, David Thom and Glenn Lush.
The journey will be from Inuvik to Pond
Inlet. To follow the journey, visit
www.inukshukexpedition.com.
Closer to home, Jacob Stachovak is well
underway on his 5,000 mile/8,000 km loop
around the Eastern United States. Jacob
started in December in Wisconsin, and will
end at the same location after he travels
via river to the Gulf of Mexico then up
the eastern seaboard. You can follow his
journey at www.portagetoportage.com.
For more expedition listings and updates,
follow the Wavelength Blog and Forum at
www.wavelengthmagazine.com. Both are
under the “Community” tab.

Oregon to require paddling permit
A move to protect Oregon’s waters
from invasive species will mean all boaters,
including kayakers and canoeists, will be
required to hold a permit.
Manually powered boats 10 feet or
longer will require a $7 permit in 2010.
At issue are invasive species such as
Eurasian watermilfoil and New Zealand
mud snails that have infiltrated and
damaged Oregon’s waterways. The fees will
to go toward prevention, detection efforts
and inspection of watercraft.
‘Great Island Race’ record eyed
Paddler Joe O’Blenis is planning
to retake his title of the fastest solo
circumnavigation of Vancouver Island this
summer in the first officially announced
attempt at the ‘Great Island Race’ record
for 2010.
O’Blenis had his 2007 record wrenched
away by Sean Morley, who completed the
700 mile/1,200 km trip in 19 days in 2008.
O’Blenis will be making the attempt in a
News
Tahe Wind 585. To follow his preparations,
visit www.joeoblenis.com/
Wavelength Magazine also has a ‘Great
Island Race’ web page set up with Sean’s
2008 itinerary laid out and will record Joe’s
2010 progress. Visit
wavelengthmagazine.com/islandrace.html.
Joe hopes to achieve his goal in 17 days.
Wilderness center opens in NWT
A new timberframe log wilderness
center in remote Norman Wells, Northwest
Territories, will serve as the new base for
Canoe North Adventures for all its canoe
and hiking expeditions.
A heritage aspect includes restoring
four air services buildings into an outdoor
historical airways museum featuring 90
years of flight history into the area.
The remote Mackenzie Mountain Discover a world of kayaking
location can only be reached by plane,
Planet Kayak
and will serve as a primary staging
area for adventure tourism. Visit
canoenorthadventures.com/
 www.planetkayak.net
SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 7
 Family Paddling
Veteran paddler
Dan Millsip reflects
on watching his
children grow up
on the water, and
offers tips on how
to instill a love of
paddlesports in
youngsters
Rachel, at age 10, paddles off
into the sunset at Crescent
Beach . The three Millsip
children grew up in and
around kayaks, instilling a
love of the outdoors that
father Dan cherishes.
8 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
It’s early morning as I head
silently away from the beach, each paddle
stroke quietly moving me along Isaac Lake.
This is day three of our ten-day trip on
the Bowron Lakes and it’s a glorious day
of sunshine on absolutely flat calm water.
My 14 year old son, John, and my 11 year
old daughter, Maddie, set off about ten
minutes before me in the double kayak. I’m
about a kilometre away from the Wolverine
Creek campsite and I can hear my kids in
the distance ahead of me. They’re singing
a song from the Lion King. The melody
drifts back to me and I have a sense of
exhilaration as I realize that my children are
together enjoying the peaceful and tranquil
environment that paddling provides.
It’s a good day.
My three children have been paddling
with me for several years now and sitting
in a kayak has become almost a weekly
experience for them. Since the ages of
3 and 5, my two daughters accompanied
me in my double kayak, both in the front
cockpit together until they were too big
to share the single seat, then I would take
them one at a time. My son, by age 12, was
able to paddle up to 40 kilometres a day
with me in the double kayak and had logged
more paddling trips than most people four
times his age.
I learned a few things along the way with
the kids, the least of which is that kids are
a great deal of fun to take paddling. But it’s
important to do it on their terms and not
push them, or expect too much from them,
especially when they are young. By far, the
SPRING
SPRING2010
2010
by Dan Millsip
most important lesson that I learned from
paddling with kids is that it has to be fun –
all the time – and that takes a bit of thought
and effort to make happen.
I learned a few lessons and developed a
few “tricks” along the way – some for the
benefit of my kids, some for my benefit,
but all to make every experience one that
we would all look back upon with great
fondness.
The boat
The first kayak I owned was a wooden
double that I built from a kit in 2002. I
started out with a double so that I could
take my kids paddling with me. I considered
single kayaks but knew realistically that
the kids would not be able to paddle any
great distance by themselves until they
were quite a bit older. One of the primary
considerations of getting into kayaking
was to get away from the city, so it was
rather defeating if we could only go a few
kilometres at a time. The double kayak gave
us much more range and the ability to carry
a good amount of camping gear. While a
double may not be for everyone, it was a
good choice for us.
Choosing a destination
Where to go depends upon a lot of
things, but mostly upon your child’s age,
size, personality and physical capabilities.
When kids are youngsters, they can’t sit
still as long as older kids and will get a bit
anxious after the scenery no longer holds
their attention. Selecting a destination
where there are a few stops along the way
will give them a break and make the trip
seem shorter.
It’s also important to consider your own

Insets, left to right: Maddie, 12, at Indian Arm; the kids portaging through Bowron Lakes; Maddie, 11, and a sunstar.
limitations, especially if you’re the primary
paddler in a double. A good headwind can
be extremely demanding when paddling
solo in a boat designed for two. From
experience I can tell you that the kids have
a blast when they’re crashing over waves in
three-foot chop, but it’s a lot of work for
the person paddling solo in the back.
It wouldn’t be until my eldest daughter
was 10 that she had the strength to help
out with the paddling. But even at ten years
old, she couldn’t paddle for very long with
those skinny little arms. I quickly adopted
the attitude that I’d be going for a workout
paddle and do all the paddling when my
kids were with me in the double. Our
destinations remained within distances that
I felt I could comfortably paddle for the
two of us, even if the weather should turn
a bit rough.
Planning the trip
Whether planning for an afternoon trip
or for two weeks of camping, kids will feel
like they’re an integral part of the adventure
if they have an active part in what’s going
on. I would often choose two or three
It’s all about
Family
different locations and let the kids make the
final choice. They would look at maps or
charts and decide where they want to stop
along the way. For camping trips, everyone
on the trip can and should help with meal
planning and decide ahead of time who is
going to do what chores around camp.
Comfort and warmth
There are three things that everyone
must have for a comfortable trip: to be
warm, to be dry and to be well nourished.
Take away one of those things and you can
probably still have a pretty good time. Take
away two of those things and you’re likely
not to finish the trip with a smile on your
face. Take away all three and you’re going to
be miserable.
Kids especially seem to feel the effects
of being dehydrated or malnourished
quicker than adults. Always be sure to
have some snacks and fluids handy when
paddling. I encourage the kids to drink
water and have a bit to eat if they feel the
slightest bit thirsty or hungry – it keeps
them happier.
Clothing is of vital importance if you’re
SPRING
SPRING2010
2010
Family Paddling
traveling in colder, damp climates. A
paddling jacket and rain hat will keep kids
dry while in the boat. If paddling in colder
months, bring a pair of gloves or mitts to
keep hands warm, and if your child is more
sensitive to cold temperatures, get them a
pair of pogies to keep their hands warm.
This is advisable if even for wet hands. And
a warm hat is a must.
Don’t forget that if your kids are small
and aren’t paddling, they’re not generating
body heat like you are, so they need
additional layers of clothing to keep warm.
A piece of half-inch blue foam padding is
inexpensive and can be picked up at most
outdoor stores. It works great as additional
insulation under the feet and legs.
On the water
Ever since we started kayaking, we’ve
always stopped at a supermarket along the
way to pick up "deck snacks.” Deck snacks
are comprised of whatever the kids are in
the mood for – granola bars, fresh fruit (my
kids love fresh pineapple cut into bite sized
pieces), candy, jerky, chips, smoked salmon,
u
WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 9
 Family Paddling
whatever they want. Allowing them the
choice made it that much better for them.
We did find out the hard way that gummy
bears on a hot summer day are a very sticky
and gooey mistake. Even though the kids
are much older now (the eldest is 18), we
still never go paddling without deck snacks.
Practice safety techniques whenever you
can. We spend a lot of time in the water
playing games and practicing self-rescue
techniques. Playing games like seeing who
can stand up in the kayak, or throwing your
paddle out in front like a harpoon and then
paddling with hands to retrieve it are all fun
but also teach good water skills.
In the summer months when the water is
warmer, we quite often purposefully capsize
the boat. Oftentimes I would do this when
the kids were least expecting it. It taught
the kids to be comfortable in the water
and to stay calm and not panic in a capsize
situation, and it also taught them re-entry
techniques.
When your kids start helping out with
the paddling, don’t push them too hard.
Unlike adults who can recover from
tiredness with a short rest, kids tend to
reach their limit and that’s all there is. It’s
best to avoid this situation and make sure
that the distances and lengths of time that
you paddle are well within their limitations.
Around Camp
Regardless of their age, give your kids
tasks to do when reaching camp. Have them
help unload the kayak, set up the tent and
tarp, gather firewood, prepare meals and
10 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Kids, kayaks and smiles: the perfect
combination for the family photo album.
help with the after-dinner clean up. Bring
a couple of favourite small toys to keep
younger kids amused, but the best thing
to do with young kids is explore the area
around your campsite. Let them lead the
way. I’ve never met a kid who didn’t like
to explore and throw rocks in the water. It
keeps them busy and it helps them sleep
better at night.
As my kids got older, I had to come up
with even more creative ideas to keep them
occupied. A bunch of Sharpie pens and a
dry bag as a canvas created countless hours
of drawing fun (and they still use those
artsy dry bags today). I’m fortunate that my
kids like reading so when we go camping we
always take a few books with us.
We also do a lot of swimming in the
warmer months and almost always take
SPRING 2010
snorkelling gear with us. Another thing
that I’ve found works well to keep kids
occupied is to pick up a few field guides.
There’s nothing like a book or two about
tidal creatures to keep them busy for several
hours at a time when the tide is out. When
the tide is in, bring out the field guides for
identifying birds and plants.
It’s all good
If you’re wondering whatever happened
to that double kayak that my kids and I
spent so much time in, we found that after
everyone was paddling single kayaks, the
double wasn’t getting a lot of use anymore.
After six years of excellent adventures we
decided to sell it to a nice couple who went
on to paddle the north end of Vancouver
Island with it.
When the new owners took delivery, my
youngest daughter Rachel cried. I realized at
that moment as we watched the boat head
down the street on top of the new owners’
vehicle, that the old double kayak was much
more than just a boat. It was a big part
of the kids’ lives and a symbol of much
happiness and fantastic experiences.
I gave Rachel a big hug and turned my
head away so she wouldn’t see the tear that
had formed in my eye. A page had turned,
but more paddling adventures are on the
horizon.
<
Dan Millsip has been paddling the shores
of BC for most of his life. He is one of the
founders of www.westcoastpaddler.com, a
website focused primarily on kayaking in BC.
SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 11
 Family Paddling: Youthful views
Teen MADDIE
MILLSIP puts her
heart, and a bit
of muscle, into
www.photof8.com
building what
has become
much more than
just a kayak.
Building on the fun
Ever since my dad started building kayaks, I always found a
way to tag along. There was something about putting together
a bunch of pieces of wood to make a boat that intrigued me.
I figured if my dad could do it, why can’t I? So whenever I
went to the shop with my dad I kept putting the idea out that
I wanted to build my own kayak. If I persisted enough, I knew
that one day he’d let me build a kayak of my own.
After about a year, my dad agreed to let me build a kayak
and ordered me a kit when I was thirteen years old. When the
kit finally arrived, I was so excited about the contents in those
cardboard boxes! I diligently began to work and was at the
shop at least twice a week for the next ten months.
I cannot fully describe the feeling you get when you first
paddle a kayak that you built yourself; it is like nothing else. As
I paddled away from the shore for the first time, I had a grin
on my face from ear to ear. I felt so empowered. This kayak is
going to take me on adventures for many years to come.
When I look back, it’s easy to see that I received more
than just a kayak. I gained focus, determination, patience and
dedication. Most of all however, I got to spend valuable time
with my dad. It brought us closer than anything else ever
had. My kayak may not last forever, but the memories shared
building and paddling my kayak with my dad will be memories
that I will treasure for my entire lifetime. – Maddie < a surfer. Every day since it has just grown, and it still does.
12 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010
Champion surfer
ADAM HARVEY
shares his thoughts
on how family
helped motivate
his love for kayak
surfing that
tranformed him into
a world champion.
The sea is my backyard
My name is Adam Harvey, I am 16 and in 2009 became crowned
Junior HP surf kayak world champion.
It all started when I was around seven years old. Sunday
afternoons consisted of the whole family getting dragged down to
the beach to mess around in the old traditional dancers (beginner
kayaks). Although it was almost always like a mill pond, it gave me a
good starting point as the kayak gradually became my second home.
Growing up on a island where you cannot drive much more than
20 minutes without hitting the sea, it is very hard for it not to be a
major part of your life. The sea is my back garden. I spend most of
my time out in it – snorkelling, kayaking (of all kinds), swimming,
fishing. The list goes on, I don’t suppose it will ever change.
There are many things that have kept me motivated in the
kayaking world, but the main person that has guided me and pushed
me is my big brother Chris (also known as ‘Air’ Harvey). From
an early age he was trying to get me into the sport and has always
encouraged me since, although till this day I cannot work out how
beating me up has helped me, but he is certain that it did. One of
my earliest memories of surf kayaking is of a cold, windy winter
day at the local surf spot. Chris had managed to drag me down the
beach to try and get me surfing, even if I had to use a dancer (which
is rounded and long). Meanwhile he just stood on the beach and
watched as I turned into an icicle. It was my first steps to becoming
u
 Family Paddling

While I was growing up Chris had

started to fly up through the rankings,
getting ranked third in the world. This
is when my dream to follow after him
in the sport and gain the high rankings
erupted into my life, changing it beyond
repair. When I was 13 I attended my
first competition, just a small one in
Widemouth. But it was enough. The ecstasy
of achieving third place gave me motivation
to train harder and do better next time, so
that’s what I did.
When I was discussing with my parents
about what has motivated and inspired
me in surf kayaking they seemed very
determined that I should mention them in
my article, so I have. I cannot hide it, they
have helped me in a big way, and not just
by helping with the money. They spent
countless hours dragging my kit around and
sitting at the beach waiting for me to finish
So what motivated me most is my
brother Chris, my family, but mainly just
the love I have for the sport and enjoyment
I get doing it. After all, what would be the
point in it at all if it wasn’t just great fun!
– Adam <

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 13

 Family Paddling
Whetting young appetites
Vancouver Island Paddlefest president
Bud Bell made it clear to his daughters they
were going to have to work during their
teenage-year summers.
They could work with him by the water
helping with the kayak shop or work
somewhere else. But work they would.
There may have been grumbling, but
they all chose the waterfront. And Bud’s
gamut paid off.
“Once they started working at the beach
I couldn’t pull them away,” he says.
Ashley, now the oldest at 23, is in a
recreation program at university. And his
youngest, Dawn, 16, rouses him to get out
on the water every Saturday morning.
Kayaking is the type of involvement that
can have so many benefits for youngsters –
health and fitness, appreciation for nature
and the environment, and even fostering
relationships.
It’s that interaction that is prompting
the Vancouver Island Paddlefest to adopt
‘Family Paddling’ as this year’s theme. The
14 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Participants race for the finish
line in the 2009 Vancouver
Island Paddlefest cardboard
kayak race.
paddlefest is held at Ladysmith Harbour
May 15-16.
It’s a chance to involve the whole family
– from family kayak outings from Transfer
Beach to the cardboard kayak building
contest.
One of the changes in recent years
that Bud has noticed is the increase in
grandparents and grandchildren. And no
wonder – he sees it as a perfect way to
bond.
“What better venue to bond than in
a kayak?” he asks. “Everybody’s equal.
The grandchildren and grandparents can
become buddies.That’s pretty important.
They can talk about the eagles and the sea
stars and the moon snails and all of that.”
But for parents and grandparents who
aren’t keen on seeing a young child enclosed
in a kayak, there is a remedy – sit-on-tops.
“Parents who have never kayaked before
gravitate towards that,” Bud says. “It’s
safe, it’s a lot of fun and parents can feel
comfortable with it.”
SPRING 2010
Programs
In Wavelength Magazine’s January
Paddling Industry Newsletter, we asked for
feedback on businesses offering programs
catering to families. Here are some of the
responses:
Tours:
• Offering unique day and multi-day
kayaking adventures for women, Elements
Women’s Travel is hosting a new “Mother
and Daughter” West Coast Getaway in May.
www.elementstravel.com/
• Barkley Sound Kayak Centre offers
youth-sized kayaks, kayak rodeos, water
taxis for tired youngsters, beach time,
interpretive programs and more for
youngsters. www.barkleykayakcentre.com/
• Terracentric has created a program that
uses interactive games and child-centered
play to explore nearby islands and beaches,
allowing parents to have a stress-free day on
the water. Visit terracentricadventures.com/
• Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking offers
family oriented tours of Resurrection Bay
at the gateway to Kenai Fjords National
Park, from three-hour tours to overnight
adventures. www.sunnycove.com/
• Baja Kayak Adventures has added
‘family adventures’ and offers an Outdoor
Youth Leadership program. Visit
www.bajakayakadventures.com/
Accommodation:
• The Paddlers’ Inn offers a base for
traveling to reduce worries and hassles.
< Visit www.bufferzoneresort.com/
SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 15
 Wooden boat building

W The allure of
OOD HAS an undefinable attraction.
We emulate it in laminates in our
furniture, we pay dearly to make it part

WOOD
of our living environment, and in a few cases
master craftsmen make working with it the
passion of their lives.
The fact that wood can be as much art
as a useful material is just as true in building
kayaks, where form and function can combine
to create something that looks as good as it
performs – or, perhaps surprisingly, perform
as good as it looks.
“There’s satisfaction that comes from paddling a boat you built
yourself that’s very intense,” says John Lockwood of Pygmy Boats.
If you think a wood kayak
“People who have done this totally fall in love with their boats.”
In a world of mass production and artificial materials, wood can is limited to the realm of
seem a breath of fresh air. It’s attractiveness as a building material
has led to a plethora of kayak kits and plans on the market, so the
prospect of picking which boat to build might be as bewildering as
master carpenters, you may
the prospect of actually building one.
The good news is you don’t have to be a master craftsman to
be surprised to find out
build any of the options available. But what might be surprising
is the skills that are actually involved. In fact, you’re likely to learn what’s really involved in
more about expoxy and fiberglass than woodworking skills.
Wavelength Magazine talked to some of the experts about
what’s involved in building the options available, and while some
building one
opinions differ, the basic tenet seems to hold true: if you can follow produce. But the process to build one can be involved: cutting the
instructions, you can build any boat option available. parts, lashing the frame together, triangulating it, cutting and sewing
Three basic designs are at the root of all handmade kayaks, all the skin and treating the skin with a resin as the final step.
offering widely different end results. There’s also the type of kayak you end up with to consider. Skin
Skin on frame on frame boats are definitely the lightest of the options, but with
Based on the traditional eskimo designs that are the precursors to considerable potential drawbacks. For instance, without hatches and
today’s modern kayaks, the skin on frame design has an appeal that is bulkheads, it limits the practicality to day trips only – a result that
firmly rooted in culture, history and craftsmanship. Actual construction shouldn’t be surprising, given the origins.
can be as traditional or as advanced as you like. Experts on the subject “They didn’t go camping in these things. They went out for three
vary as wildly in construction techniques, from carefully bending willow or four hours, went hunting then came home. If they were out
sticks for the hull to highly machined components utilizing the latest in overnight in their boat it was trouble,” says Rod Tait of Orca Boats.
materials such as aircraft tubing and fabric. The end performance depends on the design – which can be
If modern aircraft materials seem out of place in the most good or bad, depending on the plans you use. But comfort likely
traditional of kayak designs, Ted Moore of Bear Mountain Boats won’t be up to par.
sees it as an extension of a long-standing tradition among boat “They’re not exactly the most comfortable. Generally you’re just
builders: being pragmatic. sitting right on the bottom of the boat, on the wooden frame and
“I think boat builders always used best materials and technology right on the material. Some people do put in wooden slats, but you
available to them,” he says. “For instance, I don’t apologize for using can’t put a comfy seat in there because they are a low volume boat so
epoxy. I really like what it does.” you can’t raise the centre of gravity high. They’re extremely tippy.”
A skin on frame may appear to be the quickest of the options to Ted sees the artistic side of a skin on frame as the most

Wooden kayak building resources:

Here’s a list of some helpful websites related
to building kayaks. Rather than lengthy links
to retype, simply visit the online version of
this issue at wavelengthmagazine.com and
click your choice for a hotlink:
• Qayaq USA’s website offers a traditional
boat building forum and information.
• westcoastpaddler.com hosts an active
wooden boat building forum.
• Waters Dancing’s website contains a useful
“Tools and Manual” page.
• Pygmy Boats offers a useful kit construction
process and FAQ page.
• Chesapeake Light Craft has a library of
articles in its “Tips for Boat Builders” section.
• Wavelength Magazine has its inventory of
wooden boat building articles archived on its
“Paddling Skills” page.

16 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010

 Wooden boat building

appealing aspect. also lighter than manufactured options such as fiberglass. Plus there
“I think it’s one of the most incredible structures I’ve ever seen. is also the potential for a woodworker’s artistry to shine through.
If you look at aboriginal kayaks, the engineering John says some of the past Pygmy catalogues have featured models
is just incredible. It’s probably more of a created with exotic woods inlaid on the decks in intricate patterns.
builder’s boat than a paddler’s boat,” he Ted, meanwhile, is a fan of aniline dyes.
says. “It changes the color of the wood but it doesn’t add a pigment
“I like to build a frame and hang it up so you get the grain of the wood coming through, but it’s a
and look at it.” different color,” he says.
Cedar strip His favorite was the effect of black on one kayak.
This may appear to be the epitome “I thought it was a sexy looking boat. It looked really
of a master craftsmen’s building aggressive.” <
project: taking a pile of wood strips and
converting it into a finished boat.
And certainly it is the artistic option. By
using different colors of wood in the decking, a
cedar strip boat can indeed become a work of art (to make
the point, one is actually on display in the New York Museum of
Modern Art).
Photo courtesy Pygmy Boats

But there is some contention as to how much of building a

cedar strip kayak could actually be considered woodworking. It’s not
the mitering, joining and cutting of fancy woodworking. It is laying
strips over a frame and using epoxy to bind the strips – and in that
respect, it may be more complex but not fundamentally more pure
woodworking than a stitch and glue kayak.
The other aspect shared with the stitch and glue option is that
the end result is unlikely to be just a wooden boat. It will be a
composite of wood and fiberglass, with the fiberglass construction
being a whole other skillset very far removed from woodworking.
For Rod, the end result is still more of a craft than other
options.
“If you spend 150 hours on a stitch and glue, you’re going to be
doing 125 hours of fiberglassing. If you put 400 hours into a wood
strip boat, you’re still going to be doing 125 hours fiberglassing, but
the rest is going to be woodworking.”
Stitch and glue
The stitch and glue kayak using plywood is either the most
difficult or the simplest, depending on your approach. And the
simplest approach by far is a kit that provides pre-cut parts.
A pre-cut kit is almost a requirement. Picture the difficulty of
the alternative: taking large pieces of plywood and cutting long,
graceful curves accurately either with hand tools or a bandsaw – an
unlikely prospect with either option.
With kits, on the other hand, the pieces can be pre-cut to
microscopic precision using a computer-controlled router. Some kit
options include plywood with the designs stamped or paper stencils
to be traced onto the plywood for cutting, but most experts will
warn you away.
“With several sheets of plywood that have to be joined together
to 17 and a half feet long, you have to figure out to cut these out by
hand by hand tools – certainly you can’t mount it up on a bandsaw.
Even if you could, how can you use a handsaw or bandsaw in a way
to cut a continuously curving line 17 and a half feet long with
.004-inch accuracy?” John of Pygmy Boats asks.
By using a pre-cut kit, stitch and glue kayaks can be the simplest,
quickest and even cheapest options for building your own boat. It is

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 17

 Day Trips
K
AYAKERS are likely to fall into
a time warp if they paddle San
Simeon Bay.
Located just south of the Big Sur
coastline in central California, vistors will
be ushered into the heyday of the 1930s
when newspaper tycoon William Randolph
Hearst built his monumental castle here.
Below Hearst’s retreat, San Simeon Bay and
its pier were used to boat in supplies so
Hearst could entertain his many Hollywood
guests. He likely didn’t envision his property
one day becoming a popular kayaking
destination, now part of William Randolph
Hearst State Beach, a deep, well protected
cove with a high concentration of wildlife.
Routes: Located just north of the
pier, the main put-in is typically an easy
one. The two routes outlined here can
easily be paddled in a day. The first route
south of the pier is a short, half-mile
round-trip paddle to a cluster of rock
outcroppings that serve roosting habitat
18 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
for double-crested and pelagic cormorants,
western gulls and pigeon guillemots. San
Simeon Bay lies at the southern end of the
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Its protective waters and dense kelp beds
harbor a growing number of southern sea
otters. On clear days from here you can see
Hearst Castle whose rolling, grassy foothills
overlook this unique paddling destination.
The second route proceeds north of the
pier, hugging the cliff of San Simeon Bay for
a three-mile round-trip. Paddling west you’ll
kayak through several sea caves while eating
the spray of various spouting blowholes.
Along the cliffs, pigeon guillemots nest in
tiny alcoves, and you can hear their distinct
whistles throughout the bay. The route
continues west along the cliff towards a buoy
just outside the bay. A grove of eucalyptus
trees grows along the edge of the cliff,
extending out over the bay. Cormorants nest
and roost here, so wear a hat as you paddle
beneath them. Kelp beds are wide and thick,
SPRING 2010
by Chuck Graham
and more otters can be seen here cracking
open shellfish. California brown pelicans
enjoy roosting on rocky pinnacles. During
their migration, grey whales pass by inside
the bay as do humpbacks and small pods of
common dolphins.
Tips and hazards: Before entering the
water, watch for approaching waves. Timing
is everything here, so wait for the ocean
to lie calm before paddling out. Typically
the current runs down the coast, so put in
50 yards north of the pier to avoid being
pushed into the pilings.
Always enter sea caves with caution. A
helmet is recommended, especially when
there’s a south swell and an incoming tide.
The surge from both can lift you toward
the ceilings of the grottos and waves can
wash through to create potential hazards.
Make sure the bow of your kayak is facing
into any breaking waves inside the grottos
and that you’re paddling into the surf with
strong strokes.
 San Simeon Beach, CA

Even though the bay is relatively

protected from prevailing northwest winds,
stronger winds can make paddling difficult
from the south side of the pier. Gauge
the conditions against your paddling ability
before heading out.
There’s a lot of wildlife in San Simeon
Bay, so it’s best to keep the noise level
down to a minimum. When in the company
of wildlife, make no sudden movements
with your paddle and observe sea otters,
seabirds and marine mammals from a safe
distance. The beach at San Simeon Bay is
long, so if you need to stretch your legs and
rest you can safely land anywhere on this
scenic beach.
<
A guide at the Channel Islands National Park,
Chuck Graham is also a freelance writer and
Hearst Castle.
photographer in Carpinteria, CA.

Hearst
Castle
Historical
Monument
1
San Simeon Bay
WR Hearst
Memorial
State Beach Kayakers head out from the pier.

CALIFORNIA

Santa Cruz San Simeon Bay

Santa Barbara
A sea otter doing what he does
best: looking relaxed and well fed.

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 19

 Planning and Safety
Complications
I
T STARTED simply enough. Andrew
and I were out with a group of eight
inexperienced paddlers heading around
a small headland, about 300 yards wide, into
the shelter of a large bay. Our plan was to
leave the beach, group up and go around
the headland. The wind was near 20 knots,
and it was with us. The waves were one to
two feet high, and there was a one knot
current around the headland with the wind.
Everyone wore a wet suit and had a change
of clothes in a hatch.
Things quickly got complicated.
Mark was the last paddler off the beach
and capsized. I waded out and brought
him to shore and back into his kayak.
Unfortunately by then the wind had pushed
the others away from the beach toward
the headland. As Mark and I tried to catch
up with the rest of the group, he capsized
again, this time farther away from shore.
By the time I got him back into his kayak,
the group was at least 300 yards away and
moving fast with the wind and current. I
clipped in a tow line and tried to catch up
with the group.
Andrew was having problems of his
own. As the group rounded the headland,
Jennifer capsized. The group was unable to
stay near Jennifer and Andrew because of
the wind and current, and quickly drifted
out beyond the headland into the mouth of
the bay. Jennifer lost her paddle, so Andrew
gave her a spare and towed her back
towards the main group of paddlers who
were trying to paddle into the lee of the
headland and the shelter of the bay.
20 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
One bad
decision – to
leave in poor
conditions –
can be offset
by preparation
I dropped Mark off at a sheltered beach
in the lee of the headland and headed out
to support Andrew and the other paddlers.
Jason was having a hard time turning his
kayak into the wind, so I towed him to
the beach with Mark. Andrew clipped his
tow line onto a second paddler and towed
Jennifer and Simon back to the beach,
followed by the rest of the group. Everyone
was reunited at the beach less than 15
minutes after Mark’s initial capsize.
In this scenario we had a number of
issues to deal with: multiple and serial
capsizes, rough water, the group drifting
apart and the challenge of communicating
over a distance. Andrew and I relied on
regular practice, pre-established guidelines
and plans, and previous experiences to
resolve this scenario.
Andrew and I had previously agreed on
a series of communication signals which
SPRING
SPRING2010
2010
by Michael Pardy
helped us communicate quickly in a crisis.
We were able to divide responsibilities
and support each other even though time
constrains precluded having a conversation.
I used a predetermined paddle signal to let
Andrew know that I had Mark’s first capsize
under control. Andrew signaled back that
he would look after the rest of the group,
so I concentrated on Mark without having
to worry about the others. Once Jennifer
capsized and the group drifted apart, I
signaled to Andrew my intention to take
Mark into the beach. Andrew’s response,
a simple hand signal, confirmed we were
working toward the same outcome while he
towed Jennifer to rejoin the main group.
Andrew and I had identified the
small sheltered beach in the lee as an
alternative landing spot just in case we had
problems going around the headland. As
a consequence, we were both working on
a similar plan despite the fact we didn’t
actually speak as the scenario developed.
Once I dropped Mark off at the beach, I
paddled out to the others and confirmed
our plans. Andrew clipped Simon into his
tow line with Jennifer, I helped Jason and
we all paddled back to join Mark at the
beach.
Reflecting on our situation, Andrew
and I identified several lessons. The
most important was that we had ignored
previously established guidelines for staying
off the water with less experienced paddlers
when winds exceeded 15 knots.
We originally felt comfortable with
this decision because of the relatively
u
 Exotic Destinations

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 21

 Planning and Safety
short distance around the point of land,
frequent landing options, the fact that the
wind was pushing the group into a bay,
and the fact that everyone was wearing
immersion gear. Clearly our decision had
unintended consequences; nevertheless,
the terrain, equipment, our skills and our
judgment provided a safety net that allowed
us to recover quickly when the situation
deteriorated.
Effective decision-making during a
scenario can be a challenge. There are clear
and potentially negative consequences if
you take time deciding what to do. The
group can get separated, other paddlers can
capsize, equipment can drift and injuries
can go untreated. The stress caused by
these consequences creates tunnel vision
and makes rescuers nervous, which can
precipitate additional problems and poor
decisions.
We don’t plan to have problems on the
water, but they can and do arise from time
to time. Responsible paddlers recognize
the risky immediacy of kayaking. There is
reward in being on the water – a sense of
accomplishment, relaxation. There is also
22 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Our skills and
judgment provided
a safety net that
allowed us to recover
quickly when the
situation deteriorated
the risk of anxiety, fatigue, even injury.
Rescue skills are a lot like first aid skills:
seldom used but important. In a real
emergency, we don’t want to be second
guessing our skills and actions. Regular
practice is an excellent way to ensure a
timely and effective response when a
problem does arise. A pre-season skills
tune-up can include practicing wet exits, a
SPRING 2010
few and assisted and self-rescues, towing
and non-verbal communication.
In addition to the simple work of
practicing rescue skills, responsible paddlers
should anticipate common and some not
so common challenges and develop action
plans. These action plans allow paddlers
to make certain decisions in advance, away
from the stress of a real emergency.
Reflection is equally important. Take a
few minutes to review successful decisions
after each trip. Take the time to review
the events and try to identify lessons for
future trips. Reflecting on our experiences
develops judgment, which prevents us from
making the same mistakes over and over
again.
There is no substitute for experience,
skills and judgment on the water. Problems
will arise and we work to solve them. By
practicing our rescue skills, developing
simple protocols to direct our rescue
efforts and reflecting on our successes and
challenges we continue to grow as paddlers.
n
Michael Pardy lives in Victoria where he runs
SKILS Ltd. He can be reached at info@skils.ca.
SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 23
What’s a pristine coast
Hopefully it’s as valuable to you as it is to us at Wavelength Magazine.
That’s why we’re encouraging kayakers, clubs and stores to raise the bar
this year by ‘Cleaning up the Coast.’ In return for doing your part, we’ll do
ours by recognizing your efforts with some great prizes.

The first event to register:

• Dry Side Up of Woodstock GA, is hosting a cleanup during a trip to Edisto Island, SC,
in late March. Thanks to Paul Simms for taking a trash bag on the tour.
• Register your event by emailing kayak@wavelengthmagazine.com

A selection of some of the prizes we’re offering so far:

Kokatat Extreme Self-rescue
Outercore L/S kayaking equipment
for both men sunglasses. gear.
and women

WAVELENGTH
WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
24 SPRING2010
2010
24 MAGAZINE SPRING
worth to you?
How to take part:
Clean up through a store event.
Retailers can host store cleanup events.
Staff and customers who take part will
qualify for in-store promotions plus
prizes through Wavelength Magazine.
See wavelengthmagazine.com to find
a store event near you. Stores: If you
haven’t already, register your event with
Wavelength Magazine and we’ll post the
information online and in our Summer
2010 issue.
Clean up through a paddling club. Many
kayak clubs have been hosting cleanup
events for years. Now is your chance for
some extra recognition. Clubs that register
their Clean up the Coast event with
Wavelength Magazine, or start one this
year, will qualify to win prizes to award to
cleanup participants.
Just go out and do it. If you decide to
Clean up the Coast on your own, send a
writeup, photos or video of your efforts
to Wavelength Magazine and qualify for
individual prizes. Plus let us know what you
found. A selection of cleanup anecdotes
and oddities found will be published in the
Winter 2010 Wavelength Magazine. Win
some great prizes as well.

Wavelength Magazine’s
Clean Up the Coast Contest
Everyone wins with a better coast.
Catch the latest events, news
and prizes for Clean Up the Coast
on the web:
www.wavelengthmagazine.com/clean
Free custom fade with
the purchase of a new
Seaward fibreglass kayak.

Werner 230 Carbon Desolation Sound

Kalliste straight combination Zodiac and
shaft paddle kayak tour.
courtesy Quick Tow,
SKGABC Peaked Deck
Bag and
‘Four Play’

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 25

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 25
 Skillset
Approach by coming parallel to the
1 kayaker requiring rescue.
A
CONTACT TOW is a really
fantastic and quick way to move
another paddler and their kayak a
short distance. It’s quick not because it’s the
towing strategy that will allow you to paddle
at the fastest speed, but quick in that it can
be set in motion at an instant’s notice. This
is because a contact tow doesn’t rely on a
towline or any other specific hardware, or
require the time to set that gear up for use.
The concept is really simple (and
that’s one of its greatest strengths) –
the paddler to be towed latches on to the
rescuer’s boat (like a starfish to a rock),
and then catches a free ride as the towing
Photos by Rochelle Relyea
A variation is
both kayaks
facing forward.
26 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Establish contact. Lean across to
2 ensure a solid grip and stability.
Making contact
This quick and easy
tow is ideal when
speed of deployment
and stability are key
paddler powers both kayaks away.
To set a contact tow in motion, simply
pull up parallel to the boat to be towed.
Next, direct its occupant to establish a solid
grip on your kayak by leaning across your
deck and firmly grasping your deck lines.
You can now paddle this makeshift ‘raft’ of
two kayaks forward or backwards as needed.
As the rescuer, you will want to cheat
your paddle grip to one side so that you can
reach over the other boat more easily to get
your stroke in.
The contact tow is effective regardless of
boat orientation, so you can use it whether
the other paddler is facing toward you or
away. This means that more valuable time
is saved as there is no need for additional
maneuvering other than getting in contact
with the other boat.
The beauty of this tow is the sheer speed
SPRING 2010
By Alex Matthews
The rescuer back paddles the “raft”
3 away from the area of danger.
of deployment. You can start towing the
second that you get into position, without
fumbling with equipment. And you can also
break contact almost instantaneously too.
Obviously, you’re not going to want to
tow someone very far like this, but it’s a
great way to get a paddling partner out of
immediate danger. It’s ideal, for instance,
when extracting a kayaker who’s drifted
dangerously close to jagged rocks while
messing with a camera.
I’ve also used it to great effect when
helping less experienced paddlers negotiate
short sections of rough water caused by
tidal currents or high winds. Because the
contact tow introduces so much added
stability (due to the kayaks being rafted up
together), even a novice kayaker paired with
a more seasoned paddler can safely navigate
quite choppy conditions in this setup.
The contact tow introduces so much
stability that it’s a good starting point
whenever another paddler is looking shaky
and a capsize might be imminent. Sea
sickness or injury can rob any paddler of
the tools needed to stay upright. For longer
distances, a contact tow can be augmented
by adding another “engine” in the form of
a third paddler (when available) who can
 Contact Tow

A short “cow tail” option can help hold

the raft tight.

Short ‘cow tail’

ensures tight fit
A modification worth considering
when time permits is the use of a
short “cow tail” towline. Anchored
to the rescuer’s PFD and attached to
the bow or stern of the kayak under
tow, a cow tail makes it much easier to
hold the raft formation together while
underway. Wrapping the cow tail across
your stomach before anchoring it to the
other boat will take some of the slack
out of the system and keep the raft
tighter.

help pull the two rafted kayaks by means

of a long towline. This, logically enough, is
referred to as a “rafted tow.”
<
Adapted from “Sea Kayaking Rough Waters”
by Alex Matthews available at
www.helipress.com.

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 27

 Wildlife by James Dorsey

Herons of the
night
I
F YOU put in for an early allows them to be, along with He might even dress up the act by carrying
morning paddle, while the the owl, the perfect night a stick around to show off his muscles.
first ripples of light streak predator, allowing them to see This is followed by bobbing his head up
the morning sky, you may see much like the military does and down and simultaneously making a
them heading home. with night vision goggles. snap and hiss sound to attract females. The
The night herons, as their Juveniles are mostly a male night heron is so macho he will reject
name implies, have spent the mottled gray to brown color the first few ladies who show any interest,
dark hours hunting, and now and reach their mature plumage gradually and begrudgingly allowing one
they descend upon the marina, after about three years. to enter his space once he knows he is the
nesting in the date palms and The dramatic black and center of attention.
covering boats like so many white adult coloring combined The new blissful couple will bill, coo and
watchmen – silent sentinels with a big red eye and bright preen each other while their legs turn pink
who will sit immobile until the next sunset. yellow legs makes this seabird a worthy in color. Mating usually begins a day after
Nycticorax nycticorax, more commonly candidate for a photographer. this ceremony in or near the nest.
known as the night heron, takes its Mating begins with the male walking Night herons tend to nest colonially
scientific name from the Greek for ‘night around with head lowered, snapping his and the male will begin by claiming an
raven,’ a reference to its nocturnal hunting mandible to make loud clicking sounds. u
habits and also for the croaking call of the
black crowned night heron, the best known
of the three night heron species.
This bird ranges across North America
and south along coastal Mexico, and can
be found in specific locations in Central
America and the Caribbean. They are
numerous along the Southern California
coast but can be found in a variety of
wetlands including rivers and swamps. They
are often in close proximity to their larger
cousin, the great blue heron.
I usually pass long lines of them, sitting
with their full bellies, watching me with
large curious eyes as I glide past on my
way to paddle open waters. But I keep my
distance. Young herons tend to projectile
vomit or deliberately target an intruder for
defecation when startled. Young ’uns can
be very aggressive towards a paddler when
they think you have invaded their space, so
a hat is a must!
Adults are gorgeous with a stout neck
and build and short legs, standing about
two feet tall. Their torso is mostly white or
a light gray with a black or dark gray back,
but it is their eyes that set them apart. The
eye is large and round with a permanent
mascara encircling it. It ranges from dark
orange to deep red with a jet black iris in
the center. It is the massive tally of rods
and cones that give their eye this color and

28 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING

SPRING2010
2010
SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 29
 Wildlife

old unused nest or building
a platform of twigs that is
lined with grass and roots.
Sometimes this will be in a
tree, but if it is an area light
on predators they will just
as readily settle for a ground
nest. He will then collect
twigs to present to the female
who now takes over the
design of the dream home
by intertwining the branches
into a snug shelter, while
hubby continues to bring her
building materials.
When the newlyweds are settled in
and four to five days have passed since
bonding, a single egg will be laid, with
siblings following in two day intervals until
three to five eggs fill the nest. After a four
week incubation served by both parents,
the new hatchlings will tentatively begin to
leave the nest at about two weeks old, and
by week six will be falling out of tree tops,
while frantically flapping their young wings
in abortive crash landings. By eight weeks,
they are hunting on their own. Curiously,
night herons do not seem to recognize their
own prodigy and will care for
any hatchlings that enter their
nest or they may find in an
unoccupied one.
Their main diet is fish, but
being opportunistic feeders
they will also dine on worms,
insects, leeches, small eels and
any other creepy crawlies that
come their way. Even though
they have a sharpened bill, like
their much larger cousins, the
great blue, the night heron
catches prey in its beak rather
than spearing it and they
employ a technique in which they stick their
bill into the water and vibrate it rapidly. Some
biologists believe this attracts small fish, but
that is only a theory. Also, like their larger
cousins, they will shuffle their feet through
shallow waters to stir up the bottom and
reveal any possible meal hiding there.
I could find no accurate populations
studies to tell how the species is doing in their
fight against a polluted earth, but can only rely
on personal observation over the years in my
own area that tells me their numbers seem to
be increasing, if only slightly.
My most memorable encounter with
this creature happened about five years
ago no more than 100 yards off shore, just
past the breaker line. I was paddling out
into a big rolling sea when a young night
heron crash landed on my deck, got his feet
caught under my bungee and took a header
over the side while getting more and more
entangled with my deck gear.
I did not want to touch it so I watched
while it flopped about for a minute before
extricating his foot then righted himself
and just sat there, huffing and puffing, while
glaring at me, obviously displeased that the
log he had chosen to crash on happened to
be occupied. I could only guess that junior
had gotten disoriented and ventured out to
sea, which these birds never do on purpose,
and needed a breather before the final push
for shore, and I happened to be the only
landing pad around.
Once he caught his breath he took a
mighty poop all over my deck and flew off.
I will always remember that as a great
paddling day.
<
James Dorsey’s website
is www.jamesdorsey.com

Featured Accommodation: Copper Kettle B&B, Nanaimo, BC

Wavelength Magazine is dedicated to promoting accommodation services with “kayak friendly” capabilities. To find more kayak-friendly
services, see the feature on the following page, our Marketplace Accommodation listings and our online Accommodation directory.
A traditional English garden.
Enjoy the comfortable patio.
Copper Kettle is a traditional English
style cozy character home bed and breakfast
in a prime location just a three minute drive
from the Departure Bay Ferry, with kayak
rentals offering day trips. Seconds away you
can experience the ocean air and panoramic
view, or kayak around Newcastle Island,
Protection Island and Nanaimo Harbour, walk
15 minutes along the seawall to downtown
and enjoy the history, the culture, and arts,
boutiques, galleries, theatre, museum and In the heart of Nanaimo.
variety of cuisines. Enjoy and relax amongst
the perennial flowers and rose gardens, or
read while sitting on the garden benches or
comfortable patio furniture in an English style
garden. A delectable full English or European
breakfast is served in the dining room, or
dietary needs can be accommodated. The
bedrooms have ensuite shower bathrooms,
queen size beds, coffee, tea, hot chocolate,
robes, hairdryers and toiletry, individual heat
control and air conditioning. The Pixie Room.

30 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010

Explore the BC coast by day, enjoy luxury by night
at these resorts that specialize in catering to kayakers

Kayak-Friendly
Accommodation

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 31

 Fishing Angles
‘Fishing the birds’
can save an otherwise
fish-less day. Above: a healthy
kayak-caught mackerel.
Follow de birds, mon
I
WAS PAYING big bucks for a day
with a fishing guide, and had flown
better than a thousand miles to get to
this corner of the Bahamas, a place where
bonefish are said to be thick as doctor flies.
The flies had painfully punctured my skin as
we poled silently along edges of mangroves
in search of the elusive “grey ghost.”
I broke the gentle melody of the lapping
of the water on the hull of my kayak with a
curse and a slap as yet another deerfly-sized
bug chomped through Supplex to get at my
blood. I waded alongside the fishing guide,
trying to beat the Bahamian’s eagle eyes to
spot the first fish.
Half a morning later, when neither had
yet to see a bonefish, the guide tethered the
kayak to the skiff and announced that we
were moving.
Poling the boat some 200 yards up the
fringe of mangroves to a spot that looked
no different from the thousand or so yards
we had already covered, we staked the
skiff. Under the watchful eye of an osprey
perched in one of the low-growing trees,
we stepped out of the boat into knee-deep
water and began to slowly wade the sandy
flat. Less than a minute passed before the
32 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Bahamian bonefish
ordeal reinforces the
old notion that
the best fishing
guides are feathered
guide whispered that fish were approaching
from straight ahead at 40 yards. Casting
blindly to where he directed, my bead-eyed
fly sank to what I thought was bottom.
Then he said “strip fast!” and what I
thought was the bottom took off toward
Africa, throwing a rooster tail of water as it
charged across the ankle-deep grass flat.
We hooked several fish and landed two
before the action subsided.
When we stopped for lunch, I asked my
guide how he knew to move, and to where,
since everything above and below the water
appeared to be identical to the fishless areas
we had cruised all morning.
“’Was de bird, mon,” he replied. “Dat de
diff ’rence.”
SPRING 2010
By Dan Armitage
The guide explained that he had used the
osprey to show him where the fish were.
He told me that flats guides have learned
that ospreys hang out in the vicinity of fish
activity, including bonefish, and provide
valuable beacons for fishermen. I have to
admit, learning that the guide was using
birds to show us where to fish took some
of the mystery out of the classic hunt, but
it wasn’t the first time I had heard of birds
being used to locate prime angling areas.
The Bahamian bonefish experience
was just another example of ways I have
witnessed over the years of our feather
friends assisting fishermen. On a magazine
assignment in the Florida Keys last April, I
was paddle-trolling between the mainland
and reef in an area known as Hawk Channel
hoping to hook into a mackerel. I wasn’t
having any luck until I spotted a frigate bird
circling high overhead. By the time I got
to the frigate it had been joined by gulls
and terns that began diving into a patch of
water. Kicked to a froth by panicky baitfish
being attacked by birds from above and
gamefish from below, by trolling my lure
through the watery mass I hooked – and
lost – a nice kingfish, my first from a kayak.
 Fishing Angles

“Following the birds” is a popular practice among saltwater and cast to water under anywhere we see cormorants roosting –
anglers everywhere, and it’s a tactic I’ve used fishing in freshwater, and usually hook into cats!”
where gulls are often seen diving into the water. Casting or trolling So why do they call if fishing the plops?
lures the size of the local baitfish into the area under the birds, we “Cuz that’s the sound the (‘excrement’) makes when it hits the
usually catch white bass, but sometimes crappies, largemouth or water. You want to try to copy the sound with your bait size so it
smallmouth bass as well. goes ‘plop’ when it hits the water.’”
The most recent example I’ve run across of birds helping It was a noteworthy radio show, and not my last, thanks to my
fishermen came from a catfish guide I hosted on my weekly outdoor producer’s fast action with the “bleep” button keeping me one step
radio show “Buckeye Sportsman with Dan Armitage” ahead of the FCC.
(www.buckeyesportsman.net). When my guest mentioned fishing <
“the plops” I stopped him and asked him to elaborate. Dan Armitage is a boating, fishing and travel writer
“Y’all ever see cormorants roosting in trees by the water?” he based in the Midwest.
asked with a thick Texas drawl. “Well, they eat shad and other fish
and what their bodies don’t use they (‘excrete’) when they are sitting
up in the trees. Wherever it lands in the water it acts like chum,
attracting bait and fish, and the catfish can be thick under those
roosting trees feeding on all that stuff. We bait up with shad guts
Fishing trivia: know when to strip fast and strip slow
“Strip fast!” is veteran ‘guide-speak’ for “set the hook!” Flats fishing
guides have learned that if they yell “set the hook!” to their angler,
that novice fly fishermen – and some rattled veterans who should
know better – will often jerk their rod into the air to set the hook
freshwater-style rather than pointing at the fish and pulling sharply
on the line to properly set the barb in the maw of saltwater gamefish
such as bonefish and tarpon. “Strip fast” rather than the usual “strip
slow” is just another way to tell anxious anglers what to do and when.

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 33

 Destinations
Gateway
U
CLUELET is a small town on
the outer coast of Vancouver
Island strategically placed between
two key parts of the Pacific Rim National
Park: Long Beach and the Broken Group
Islands.
Most kayakers are probably familiar with
the Broken Group Islands, one of the most
popular kayaking destinations in the world.
But chances are not as many are as familiar
with Ucluelet, a little community that is only
just shedding its logging industry roots to
gain popularity as a tourism destination in
its own right.
It’s not surprising, then, that Ucluelet
should become as key West Coast paddling
destination as well. And why not? For those
seeking sheltered waters there is a protected
harbour with a host of attractions including
wildlife and waterfalls. Or for more serious
paddlers there is spectacular rugged outer
shoreline, nearby island clusters and all the
34 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
to the Pacific Rim
attractions that the Broken Group Islands
has to offer.
This area only has light boat traffic and is
abundant with sealife and wildlife. It is rich
in native history and home to several First
Nations communities: the Toquaht, Ittatsoo,
Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht.
Ucluelet has other things of interest for
those searching for an outdoor experience.
The Wild Pacific Trail cannot be duplicated
anywhere on the planet. It winds along the
outer coast of the peninsula that forms
Ucluelet, providing views of the wild open
Pacific Ocean and the waves crashing on the
rocky shoreline. The trail borders rainforest
shaped by many Pacific winter storms.
Ucluelet also has all the necessary
amenities for kayakers: rentals, charts,
a marine supply store, groceries,
accommodation and fuel.
Here are a few of the paddling trips
possible using Ucluelet as a base.
SPRING 2010
by Tracy Eeftink
Ucluelet Harbour and Merchantile Cr.
3 hours
This takes you into the traditional
territory of the Ucluelet First Nations,
Itatsoo.
The best launch is from the seaplane
base boat launch. Turn at the ‘Welcome to
Ucluelet’ sign just as you enter town.
If you paddle over to Mercantile Creek,
you can find a waterfall that can be reached
by paddle at high tide. Watch out for bears –
you don’t want to be in the creek if there is
a bear around.
Thornton Creek Fish Hatchery isn’t too
far from here, and depending on the time
of year, you can see the breaching salmon
and foraging black bears. This is peaceful
paddling with very little in the way of
currents or boat traffic. Strong winds will
funnel through the harbour and become
 Ucluelet, BC

Unassuming
Ucluelet offers
a unique
glimpse of life
on the edge

very strong with the afternoon: northwest

in good weather or the southerly in the
event of a storm.
Ucluelet Harbour has plenty of wildlife:
eagles, seals and bears, sea lions and
river otters, plus abundant intertidal life,
shorebirds and the occasional whale.

Toquart Bay and Barkley Sound

Full day trip

Toquart Bay Road turns off from

Highway 4, the main route to Uclulet. The
turnoff is alongside Kennedy Lake about
20 km before the Tofino/Ucluelet junction.
You’ll see the gravel hill going up across the
highway from the lake. It is well signed for
the Toquart Bay Campground.
From the highway it is a 25-minute drive
on a well-used gravel road.
Toquart Bay Campground has an
attendant on duty during the summer
season. Pay parking is in effect. Bring your

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 35

 Destinations

and the fishing docks, keeping an eye out

If you go: for boat traffic. You’ll surely see the sea
• On the hiking trails:
www.wildpacifictrail.com lions on the docks, eagles on the treetops
To Tofino To Port Alberni, Nanaimo
• Pacific Rim National Park: and seals, otters and shorebirds. As you
www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/bc/ get closer to the outside and away from
Kvarno I. pacificrim/index.aspx the docks you can start to feel the ocean
Ucluelet • District of Ucluelet swell, and get a view of the outside
Inlet C r. www.ucluelet.ca/district/ waters where you will enter into Class 3
antile
M erc • Tourism Ucluelet or Class 4 waters exposed to the ocean
Seaplane Base launch www.ucluelet.travel/ swell and wind.
• Accommodations and local On a good day experienced kayakers
UCLUELET
businesses:
may choose to paddle over to the George
www.uclueletinfo.com
Wild Pacific Trail Fraser Islands, named after a pioneer
• Map and guide information:
Amphitrite Pt. See the Wavelength line of botanist who established some beautiful
resources on the facing page. gardens in Ucluelet and who was famous
Campsite and launch locations: for his rhododendrons.
George Fraser I. Beg Is. A sea lion colony and a harbour seal
www.planetkayak.net
Don’t type! Visit this page in our colony haul out on the rocks here.
Chrow Is. online edition, and simply click the The George Fraser Islands are a
Map base courtesy Atlas of Canada link to visit the website. glimpse of rugged West Coast beauty
with stunted shorepines, towering cedars
own drinking water or gather it on the way experience without the roaring waves and and sitka spruce in what was once an
at the water wier on the side of the road at swell. ancient native hunting ground.
the turnoff to Macoah Reserve. If there is a stiff southeast wind you may
Launch your kayak from the long, not get off the beach. On a nice day with a Hiking
roomy beach. Your compass won’t work high pressure system, set your watch for the
here because of the iron ore content of 11 a.m. arrival of the prevailing northwest Before or after you launch from Ucluelet,
the beach sand. You can cross over to the wind. a hike on the spectacular Wild Pacific Trail
Stopper Islands and explore the many All in all this is an excellent day trip will be a highlight to your visit. Wander
islands in this cluster. If you need a beach with eagles, seals, bears, wolves, intertidal through storm-twisted trees on the jagged
to rest, you’ll find them on St. Ines and life, shorebirds and seasonal visits that can edge of cliffs and discover scenic beaches
David Island and the Stopper Islands. There include sea lions, humpback whales and tucked into coves. Each turn in this 8-km
isn’t too much boat traffic – fishermen are gray whales. Lucky Creek and Pipestem path frames a new vista where eagles soar
heading for the outer waters and will pass Inlet are some other destinations for a day and whales spout. Identifi ed by the New
by in the distance. trip from Toquart Bay. York Times as one of the top 23 places
You’ll probably see other kayakers en to see in the world, this gentle trail is a
route to or from the Broken Group Islands George Fraser Islands year-round destination for young and old to
because this is a popular launch area for experience “Life on the Edge.”
Pacific Rim National Park. If you are looking for a fun and <
These islands in Barkley Sound around challenging paddle you can head outside Tracy Eeftink is owner of Majestic Ocean
Toquart Bay will give you an excellent ocean of Ucluelet Harbour. Tour the downtown Kayaking. Visit www.oceankayaking.com/

36 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 37
 New Gear

Delta Kayaks

A sit-on-top catamaran fishing kayak – what

Find more gear online.
wavelengthmagazine.com
would be the perfect name? The Catfish, of
course, and Delta Kayaks nailed it with the Catfish
12.5. Light and shallow, it features a see-through
window and enough standard rigging and features
to raise pulse rate of any gear-loving angler.
Expect good stability from the sleek catamaran
design. www.deltakayaks.com

All Seasons Auto-Racks

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Wild Coast
That’s us! We’re happy to unveil our
new Gulf Islands Recreation Map and Trip
Victoria 250 383-2100 Kelowna 250 762-2110 Toll Free 1-800-667-1032 Planner. For our new readers in Wisconsin,
the Gulf Islands are off southeast
Vancouver Island. Which is in British
Columbia. That’s, um, Canada. Think
Winter Olympics. Oh, the learning curve
you folks have ahead! Available at great
kayak stores or from us at online at
www.wavelengthmagazine.com/orderonline

38 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010

 New Gear

Nimbus Paddles
Dave and Sue Bain at Nimbus Paddles have been
busy this winter, and the result is a new look to
Nimbus Paddles’ regular fibreglass and carbon paddles.
All styles of blades, except the Feather, will now be
offered in basalt. In addition to being a little stronger
than regular fibreglass, the basalt gives a very striking
deep brown colour. The regular basalt paddles with
a fibreglass shaft retail at $250 Cdn. Nimbus is also
The new bastalt Wavewalker, adding a BC line with a basalt/carbon blade and a
pictured with what we can only carbon shaft. This will have the same look as the basalt,
assume is the risk of using paddles but at a lighter weight than fibreglass and a lower price
in place of tennis rackets.
than carbon ($300 Cdn). Nimbus Paddles has re-tooled
the Feather moulds for a better look and a lower weight, at 26 oz. The paddles are now
available factory direct only. The new lower prices include shipping in Canada and the
continental US. www.nimbuspaddles.com.

SeaSpecs
For every kayaker who has added a
set of sunglasses to our already cluttered
ocean floor, here’s a way to avoid adding
more. SeaSpecs’ Extreme Surf Sunglasses
are made for watersports and feature a
secure strap for a snug fit. You could also
win a pair in our Clean Up the Coast contest. See page 24. www.seaspecs.com

Perky Jerky
Here’s our lesson: read the ingredients
first. Our sample packet of Perky Jerky
arrived in the mail just in time for a mid-
afternoon snack. On the tail end of our
munching we read the supporting material:
each pack has 120mgs of caffeine – about
two Red Bulls’ worth. Thus the name
‘perky’ for this particular brand of beef
jerky. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
www.perkyjerky.com

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 39

 Paddle Meals
O
Keep it fresh
NE OF MY favorite
aspects of a kayak
expedition is the sharing
of meals, experimenting with
ingredients and creating new
combination of flavors. The
thing that adds the most variety
to meals is definitely the variety of
people involved. Every person comes
from a different background, has
different tastes and different cooking
experience.
The trick is to allow the group
to help shape the menu for the
adventure. Plus get the kids involved
during family paddling trips. Assign
them a few meals to plan, or get them
in there to help chop, stir and blend.
The next trick to planning good
meals is to consider what interesting
and fresh foods are available in the
area you are planning on exploring.
Usually you can get an idea of what’s
available ahead of time with a little
research. Things to ask: What are the
seasonal opportunities? What fruits
and veggies are likely available? Can
you collect shellfish or fish easily?
Sometimes you will not know what’s
in stock until you arrive and go to
the supermarket (or better yet, the
local market) to do the provisioning.
The best thing to keep in mind is to
remain flexible with your meal plan
for your kayak expedition.
The best tip I can give anyone is
to keep an open mind and don’t be afraid
to go big. Things last very well in a kayak,
so there is no excuse to skimp on the fresh
fruits and veggies. Even down here in Baja,
Mexico, if you pack carefully things will last
40 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
for over 10 days. Packing tips:
• Don’t use plastic bags or dry bags
to store your fruits and veggies. They
need to breathe, so don’t suffocate them.
Getting a little saltwater on a tomato or
SPRING 2010
by Hilary Masson
orange won’t do it any harm. I use
fabric or mesh shopping bags for
breathability.
• Soft fruits and veggies
don’t last as well, such as lettuce,
tomatoes, pears and mushrooms.
However, these will last much
better if you wrap them in paper
towel, as moisture will be absorbed
to protect freshness.
• Pack carefully. I use cardboard
boxes, like old cereal boxes, to
store breads and soft fruit that may
bruise. Fold or cut the boxes into
sizes that will fit into your hatch.
On longer trips I rely much
more on dehydrated meals. There
are many different flavors and
options out there. I reccommend
adding a few fresh veggies to the
pre-packaged meals. Most local
grocery stores carry dehydrated
coconut milk and hummus
powder. I have found these to be
most practical for preparing on
trips.
If you have a dehydrator at
home, you may be able to make
your favorite curry, stew, chili,
salsa and pasta sauce in your kitchen, then
dehydrate it yourself. Surprise everyone
with a halibut alfredo pasta sauce on day 10!
Just add fresh produce to make dehydrated
meals more interesting.
 Paddle Meals

What makes a simple lasagna recipe

interesting is the homemade aspect. Start
by preparing your sauce: roast the garlic,
onions and peppers in a frying pan on
medium heat until browned, then place
aside. In the same pan roast the tomatoes
and tomatillos. Add a pinch of salt. Set
this aside and chop the remaining veggies
and grate the cheese. Now layer the
noodles directly in the outback oven. The
homemade tomato sauce has enough liquid Always think fresh produce when
Baja Bean Salad: Quick, easy and good to steam the noodles and the remaining provisioning for a kayak expedition. It
for all seasons vegetables for 20 minutes in the oven. Salt tastes better and is healthier than pre-
• 450g/16oz. can of whole black beans to taste. Adapt the recipe with whatever packaged “camp food.”
• 450g/16oz. can of corn fresh veggies you have. Try experimenting <
• 1 red onion with different sauces. Boiling these same Hilary Masson is a guide and part owner of
• 1 ea. red and green pepper ingredients for 10 minutes then blending Baja Kayak Adventure Tours. Visit
• 2-4 tomatoes creates a whole different flavored sauce. www.bajakayakadventures.com
• 1 jicama grated and cilantro
Salad Dressing:
• 1/4 cup olive oil
Never miss another issue of Wavelength Magazine!
• 2-3 large limes Subscribe: NORTH AMERICA: $20/1 YEAR – 4 ISSUES $35/2 YEARS – 8 ISSUES

• 1 tbs. honey INTERNATIONAL: $30/1 YEAR – 4 ISSUES $54/2 YEARS – 8 ISSUES

• 1 tsp. cumin NAME _______________________________________________

Chop the onion, peppers and tomatoes ADDRESS ___________________________________________
into small bite-sized pieces and place into CITY ________________________________________________
a salad bowl (or medium pot). Peel the PROV / STATE ________________COUNTRY _______________
jicama’s thick skin and grate into the bowl. POSTAL / ZIP CODE ___________________________________
Rinse the canned beans and corn in water PHONE ______________________________________________
then add them to the veggies. If you have EMAIL ______________________________________________
a small pressure cooker soak the beans Please note personal information will not be shared, sold or marketed for any reason at any time. Email addresses are used only for subscription renewal notices or delivery difficulties.
overnight then cook on medium heat in the Call: 1-866-984-6437 • Subscribe or renew online at: www.wavelengthmagazine.com/Subscribe.html. It’s easy and safe!
pressure cooker for 20 minutes. Pressure Mail a check (or cheque) to: Wild Coast Publishing, #6 10 Commercial St., Nanaimo, BC, Canada, V9R 5G2
cookers are quite efficient on propane, and
beans taste much better homemade than
from a can, and are healthier too! In a small
bowl or cup mix together the olive oil and
honey, squeeze in the lime juice, add the
cumin in last and stir. Add salt and black
pepper to taste. Serve with crackers and
mild chunky salsa.
Roasted Veggie Lasagna
This recipe equires a Dutch or Outback
Oven.
• No boil lasagna noodles
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 zucchini
• 10 fresh or 3.5oz. dried mushrooms
• 1 white onion or green onions
• 5 Roma tomatoes
• 8 tomatillos (baby green tomatoes)
• 1 each red, yellow and green peppers
• 1 bunch spinach, or swiss chard
• 500g/16oz. mozzarella cheese
• 100g/3.5oz. ricotta cheese

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 41

 Rainforest Chronicles
O Riding
NE OF THE COOLEST things
about paddling sea kayaks is that
we can go places that few other
boats can go. A particular strength of our
craft is its ability to travel in very shallow
water. A kayak will float in less than six
inches of water – just barely. This allows
us to explore the shallow waters covering
mudflats.
Mudflats are an ancient marvel of
nature. Accumulations of very fine
sediment, they are deposited by rivers and
currents, and are often anchored by a rich
growth of eelgrass. The eelgrass prevents
the mud from being washed away during
winter storms and provides habitat for
many creatures such as herring, whose
eggs glom onto the bright green blades.
And wouldn’t you know it, the Brant geese
like to feed on the grass right after the
herring roe during their spring migration –
think spinach and egg salad. The nutrient-
rich mud also provides habitat for clams,
shrimp and crabs.
Clayoquot Sound is home to some of the
largest expanses of mudflats on the coast,
so I have a fair bit of experience dealing
with them. Here are some strategies you
might find useful.
First, make sure before leaving home that
you can identify mudflats on your nautical
chart (a good reason to carry sea charts
rather than land maps). They are coloured
green, which makes sense. Shallow water is
42 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
The Flats
coloured blue, and land is yellow. Mudflats
are sometimes underwater, and sometimes
exposed to the air, so if you can remember
back to kindergarten finger-painting days,
yellow mixed with blue produces green.
Look for the ‘M’ noted on the large swaths
of green on a chart to distinguish mudflats
from other intertidal areas such as beaches
or rocks.
Once you have determined where the
flats are, use your tide tables to figure
out if there will be a sufficient depth
of water at the time you will be passing
over. Sometimes the chart will provide an
underlined number, called a drying height.
This is the tidal height at which those flats
will begin to expose during a falling tide, or
cover during a rising tide.
Of course, there is the temptation to try
to cross flats that are just about dry to avoid
paddling a much longer distance by going
around. This is riskier during a falling tide,
as it might soon dry out, and it is sketchiest
when the tide is falling rapidly during the
SPRING
SPRING2010
2010
 by Dan Lewis
middle two hours of an exchange, as it will
definitely dry soon. Clues that you are not
going to make it include seagulls standing
in your way, otters scampering rather than
swimming, and of course heron standing in
water less than knee-deep.
If you find yourself running out of
water, it’s time to, as the bumperstickers
here in Tofino say, ‘think fast, hippy.’ Look
down and quickly note which way the
floating end of the eel grass blades are
pointing. Trust me, the water is draining off
the flats in the direction of least resistance.
Your only hope is to go with the flow –
follow the lead of the eelgrass.
Of course, that technique doesn’t work
so well in the dark. When crossing flats at
night, try a technique I call the ‘depth probe
stroke’. Basically, you dip your paddle a
bit deeper than usual, such that you gently
bounce your blade off the bottom, thus
measuring depth. Keep heading away from
the shallow side. Two paddlers can call out
‘right’ or ‘left’ as they probe the channels.
Wavelength Magazine photo
 Rainforest Chronicles

You might not make it – part of the fun

of sea kayaking! I have on more than one
occasion had to get out and float my kayak
along behind me while walking towards
Tofino. This typically happens when I am
late heading to town and gamble on making
it over the flats, much like the frantic driver
who is pulled over for speeding when
already late for work.
On a big mudflat, there will be channels
that snake their way right into the middle
even during low tides. This is the time that the
herons come down to stand at water’s edge
and fish. Waterfowl congregate in the pockets
of water left behind by the falling tide, and are
easily spooked, so be careful to avoid them.
A word on etiquette. Walking on eelgrass
beds is quite damaging. Try to avoid doing
so. Be respectful of the people who earn
their living in this unique habitat – namely
the herons, mink, otters and such. They
aren’t expecting a huge, silent boat. Give
the wildlife some space and enjoy the view
through binoculars.
<
Dan Lewis operates Rainforest Kayak
Adventures in Clayoquot Sound.

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 43

 Marketplace
Sea Kayak Guides
Alliance of BC
The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of
BC is a non-profit society which
upholds high standards for
professional sea kayak guides and
operators in BC. Through on-going
professional development and
certification, the Alliance strives
to ensure safe practices on an
industry-wide basis.
Spring 2010
Exam Dates
Level Two Exams
April 17-18 – Quadra Island
May 19-20 – Tofino
Level Three Exams
May 28-30 – Tofino
June 3-5 – Tofino
Visit the website for more
information
Guides Exchange:
April 30 -May 2, 2010
Join Guides from across the coast
to start the spring season! Learn
from some of the best paddlers on
the coast, test great gear, and share
stories, all from beautiful Salt Spring
Island. Visit the website for more
information.
SEA KAYAK GUIDES
ALLIANCE OF BC
P.O Box 1005, Station A,
Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5Z2
info@skgabc.com
www.skgabc.com
44 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE
Instruction Transport
Kayak Academy (Seattle)
Experience IS Necessary! Since 1991, the Kayak
Academy has been providing the best sea kayak
experience you can get. Count on us for all your
paddling gear.
Phone: 206.527.1825 or toll-free 866.306.1825
Web: www.kayakacademy.com
Email: info@kayakacademy.com
Sea Kayak Transport
Campbell River, BC water taxi and eco-tours to
Hooksum Outdoor School Desolation Sound and Discovery Archipelago.
West Coast Outdoor Leadership Training. Quality Affordable kayak transport (4 max) to marine parks and
skills training and Hesquiaht traditional knowledge wilderness areas. World-class paddling for all levels.
for those pursuing a career or employment in the Phone: 250-218-3457
outdoors. Certification courses include: Paddle Canada Web: www.morningstarmarine.com
Sea Kayaking Levels I & II, Advanced Wilderness First Email: info@morningstarmarine.com
Aid, Lifesaving, BOAT & ROC(M). Visiting Kayak & Hiking
Groups: Base your Hesquiaht Harbour adventures from Accommodation
our Longhouse. Meals and overnight stays available
in 2010.
Phone: 250.670.1120
Web: www.hooksumschool.com
Email: info@hooksumschool.com
Paddle in and paddle out
Deluxe beachfront house by the wharf. Two-bedroom
luxury cottage, floor-to-ceiling windows, living
room with gas fireplace, full kitchen, two bathrooms
including jetted tub, wrap around deck, bbq.
Phone: 250-285-2042
Web: www.capemudgeresort.bc.ca
Email: info@capemudgeresort.bc.ca
Transport and Accommodation
Tours: Yukon
Paddle with sea otters Kanoe People Ltd.
Kayak transport between Zeballos and Nootka Island,
Explore Yukon's great rivers and lakes! Rentals, sales,
Nuchatlitz Park and Friendly Cove. Kayak rentals.
guided tours and logistic services. Cabin rentals
CEDARS INN rooms and restaurant in a historic
Zeballos lodge. Good food, friendly service.
summer and winter on the scenic Lake Laberge.
Outfitting on the Yukon for over 35 years.
Phone: 1-866-222-2235
Web: www.kanoepeople.com
Web: www. zeballosexpeditions.com
Email: info@kanoepeople.com
Email: info@zeballosexpeditions.com
Phone: 867-668-4899
SPRING 2010
 Marketplace

Tours and Services: BC

Wilderness Sea Kayaking

Family sea kayaking tours with wilderness retreat
camping comforts, spectacular kayaking options,
diverse wildlife, cultural activities, and professional
guides. Sharing the remote Kyuquot area, Northwest
Vancouver Island since 1972!
Phone: 1.800.665.3040 or 250.338.2511
Web: www.westcoastexpeditions.com
Email: info@westcoastexpeditions.com

Sealegs Kayaking Adventures

Tours and Services: East Canada
Elements Women's Travel
Adventure tours for women. Unique day and multi-day
tours in the coastal waters of BC. Custom itineraries for
women, all designed to 'get into your element'!
Phone: 250-245-9580
Web: www.elementstravel.com
Email: info@elementstravel.com
Sealegs’ Eco-Adventure Centre offers waterfront access
at Transfer Beach Ladysmith. Guided wilderness tours,
rentals, lessons and sales from our pro shop. Multi-day
adventures, FREE lessons with tours and rentals.
Phone: 250-245-4096 or 1-877-KAYAK BC (529-2522)
Web: www.sealegskayaking.com
Email: info@sealegskayaking.com

Tours and Services: Alaska

Gabriola Sea Kayaking

Tours and Services: Tropical
Kayaking adventures in the Broken Group, Clayoquot
Sound , Broughton Archipelago, Kyuquot Sound ,
Nootka Island and the Gulf Islands. Unforgettable
Kayak Transport Co. paddling and great people since 1995. See you on
A Mothership Serving SE Alaska. Kayaking from the water!
the comforts of a mothership for a week. Paddling Phone: 250-247-0189
our boats and exploring fantastic scenery and wildlife. Web: www.kayaktoursbc.com
Eating fresh caught Alaskan seafood. How good does
it get?!
Email: staff@kayaktransport.com
Web: www.kayaktransport.com
Phone: (206) 719-0976

Kayak Haida Gwaii

Among the world's top paddling destinations, Gwaii
Haanas is an awe-inspiring oasis of wilderness at the
southern tip of Haida Gwaii. Enjoy memorable, safe
and affordable multi-day kayak adventures.
Web: www.gckayaking.com
Email: paddle@gckayaking.com
Phone: 250-559-4682

SPRING 2010 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE 45

 Marketplace
Tours and Services: BC
Odyssey Kayaking
BC Ferries port; Gateway to Northern and Central
BC Coast destinations. Sales, Rentals, Lessons, Trip
planning, and Custom Tours. 8625 Shipley Street
(across from the Post Office) Port Hardy.
Phone: 250-902-0565 or toll-free 1-888-792-3366
Email: odyssey@island.net
Web: www.odysseykayaking.com
Lund Kayak Tours & Rentals
Kayak tours, lessons, rentals & marine delivery.
Desolation Sound, Mitlenatch Island, Copeland Islands
marine parks. Personalized service, stunning scenery,
fascinating history, delicious organic lunches. Family /
child friendly programs.
Phone: 1.888.552.5558 OR 604.483.7900
Web: www.terracentricadventures.com
Email: fun@terracentricadventures.com
Bamfield, British Columbia
Accommodations, self-guided kayak rentals and kayak
transport between the Broken Group Islands, Deer
Group Islands and Bamfield. 14 years experience in
planning kayak vacations in Barkley Sound.
Phone: 1-888-728-6200
Web: www.brokenislandadventures.com
Email: broken@island.net
Batstar Adventure Tours
Professionally guided sea kayaking trips to Vancouver
Island and Canada's Central Coast. All inclusive. We're
thrilled to be the only Vancouver Island-based guided
sea kayaking company on the National Geographic
Best Travel Adventure Companies on Earth list.
Phone: 1-877-449-1230
Web: www.batstar.com
46 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010
Kayak Desolation Sound
Rent kayaks from waterfront locations in Lund or
Okeover Inlet. Try the Famous Aquarium Kayak Tour or
snorkel at Urchin Alley. All-inclusive multi-day trips into
Desolation & Mountains.
Phone: Toll free 1-866-617-4444
Web: www.bcseakayak.com
Email: info@bcseakayak.com
Events
March 26-28, 2010
Southwest Kayak Symposium
Three wonderful days in San Diego
celebrating paddlesports. Campland On
The Bay is the setting for this “family
reunion” of a widespread tribe of paddlers.
Classes, gear demos, presentations, music
and more. Visit www.aqua-adventures.com.
April 9-11, 2010
Vancouver Island Outdoor Adventure
Expo
At Pearkes Recreation Centre, Tillicum
Mall, Victoria BC. For Vancouver Island
outdoor enthusiasts. Win a 3 day/2 night
fishing package for two at Painters’ Lodge
in Campbell River, BC. www.ifmevents.com
April 30-May 1, 2010
Black Creek Kayak/Canoe Festival
Darlington County Tourism along
with the City of Hartsville and Naturally
Outdoors of Florence, SC are proud to
sponsor the second annual Black Creek
Kayak/Canoe Festival in Hartsville, South
Carolina. Registration April 30 1-5 pm;
main event May 1 from 9 am to 5 pm.
Live music, food, and kayak instruction
at Lawton Park. Float and fun race down
Black Creek and a sprint across the lake.
Visit www.visitdarlingtoncounty.org.
May 15 – 16, 2010
2010 Vancouver Island Paddlefest
Canada’s premier West Coast
paddlesports event takes place in
Ladysmith, BC. A weekend-long festival
with activities and events for paddlers of
all ages and paddling abilities at Transfer
Beach.Visit www.paddlefest.bc.ca
Find more events at wavelengthmagazine.com
48 WAVELENGTH MAGAZINE SPRING 2010