Kayak Camping Tip

Don't Camp with Cows (or Bulls)

When kayaking down rivers in North America, it is not uncommon to encounter cattle grazing in the hills and along the river banks.  They may look cute and peaceful but they are not good campsite companions.  Most wildlife will avoid humans and campsites. Cows are not wildlife. They will wander into campsites and can be quite disruptive.

One year Jeff and I were doing a self-support whitewater kayak trip on the Eel River.  We had a longer than usual day on the river with lots of headwind.  When we rolled into camp, there were a few cows grazing in the hills above the beach.  There were no signs of cows on the beach (no tracks and no cow pies).  In our wind-blown, tired, and hungry state, we decided to set up camp on the north end of the beach where there were some boulders to block the wind.  We dug a pit in the sand and got a fire going and enjoyed a tasty dinner and some choice beverages.  

Kayak camping on the Eel River

After dinner it was still too windy to set up our tent so we set up our sleeping pads, bags, and bivy sacks behind the boulders.  The fire was at our feet.

That night, I awoke to a large creature sniffing around the dry bags by my head.  I nudged Jeff awake and he shot straight out of his sleeping bag with a ROAR!

The bull jumped back, ran over the remnants of our campfire and bellowing up into the hills. (we suspect he scorched his balls on our campfire).

Lesson Learned - don't camp with cows or bulls.

An angus bull resting along the Eel River.

Paddle Care Tip

Don't be left up the creek without a paddle!

Broken paddles are no fun, can be a safety hazard, and impact your bank account.  Being mindful of your paddle can go a long way to preventing it from breaking.  One way to protect your paddle is don't put your paddle on the ground.

Don't put your paddle on the ground.

Paddles on the ground can get stepped on or run over.  I regularly see paddlers javelin throw their paddle onto shore when landing.  Then the paddle gets left on the ground as people step on it and even drag kayaks across it.  The impact from hitting the ground and/or getting stepped on or drug over will stress the paddle.  This can create tiny cracks that you don't see but may crack further when you aren't expecting it.

Paddle Care Tip - 

Get in the habit of never setting your paddle on the ground.  

Here are 3 ways to protectively stow your paddle when you are on shore.

1. Put the Paddle in the Cockpit

2. Stow the Paddle Under the Decklines or bungees.

3.  Secure the paddle with a paddle park.

Paddle Park

Happy Paddles make Happy Paddlers :)

Birding By Kayak

Both Jeff and I are nature nerds.  Yes, our passion for wildlife and nature extends into birds and we are both avid birders.  When we are apart, it is not uncommon for us to text each other our bird sightings - who is flying by and who is singing.  Birding is something that anyone can do almost anywhere. Of course one of our favorite places to bird is on the water from the seat of our kayaks.

Tips for Birding from a Kayak by Jeff Laxier

Kayak Birding Tour on Fort Bragg's Noyo River

From the moment my father and I witnessed a fly being caught and eaten by a bird, I could no longer hide my blindness to the beauty of nature.

Three tips to birding by kayak

1. Slow it down. The slower you go, the better. Birds and other wildlife will be less alarmed by your curious and courteous behavior.

2. Use a spotting scope, binoculars, or a monocular: These are just tools to assist with getting more detail and possibly identifying species. Try not to get to much into the “glassing” and enjoy your surroundings. Top tip on glassing wildlife: Start with the subject just above the top of the device. Next slowly move your device up until the subject is in view from the glasses. Last focus on subject.

3. Avoidance: If you hear an alarming sound or action (the action and acting of a bird with a broken wing) stop or re-route. During nesting season be very mindful of coastal cliffs with a high accumulation of white bird guano. On the Mendocino coast we have a number of Pelagic Cormorants nesting in colonies upon cliff faces. Often these nesting locations are just above awesome sea caves, cool sea stacks, and rock garden features. Avoid these areas during nesting season (March - August).

Pelagic Cormorants nesting on coastal rocks on the Mendocino Coast.  

The Perfect Knife

There are a ton of different uses for knives when kayaking.  I consider a knife to be an essential piece of safety gear for sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, and kayak fishing.   I always have one easily (one handed) accessible in my life jacket.  My partner Jeff Laxier is a knife connoisseur.  Here are his thoughts and tips about using and choosing a knife for kayaking.[

The Perfect Knife

Guest post from Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff Laxier

That perfect knife is your perfect knife. That’s right the best knife for you to carry while kayaking is the one that works best for you and the environment you work and play in.  I like a knife that can be accessed by either hand, opened one handed with easy access while under pressure (this must be tested by user!!!) I’m happy to set this up for you and your paddling mates.

Important to be able to access and grab your knife with one hand.

Here are three (of many) active uses for a knife:

1. On the Sea - Cutting braided fishing line out of a rock garden feature. The line looked like a spider web tangled in kelp and was a hazard for both humans and marine creatures.

2. Whitewater River - Just before a rapid there was an abandoned line that stretched across the river.

3. Lunch - Cutting apples and cheese

Using a knife to for boat repair

When shopping for a knife, I look for these key components:

1. Folding with locking blade

2. Serrated blade with blunt tip

3. Belt clip and lanyard hole.

4.  Easy to handle

A variety of knives in my collection. 
I definitely prefer folding and serrated knives with a blunt tip.

Here are a few of my favorite knives:

1. West Marine Stainless Steel Serrated Rigging Knife. Small set up and single hand must be perfected. This is in my PFD.  

Cost $25

2. Byrd Rescue 2. Every day pocket knife and back-up to my WM Rigging Knife. Cost $46

3. Spyderco Atlantic Salt. Cost $142

My two favorite knives -
The Byrd Rescue Knife (orange handle)
West Marine Stainless Steel Riggers Knife (black handle).

If you have a knife that has worked well for you or a knife in use story, please post in the comments.  Definitely hit us up if you have questions about knives and their importance in your kayaking safety kit.  The best way to contact us is through Liquid Fusion Kayaking.

Cheers,

Cate and Jeff

Sun Protection

Summer is here!!!  The UV seems to be stronger each year.  Many days on the water, I feel fried.  Most chemical sunscreens are not good for your body or the environment.  Mineral sunscreens like zinc work for some but not for others. 

I have found the best sun protection is to be covered up.  Here is my favorite combo at the moment -

For whitewater - river or ocean, I like the Shred Ready Zeta Helmet.  The small is a great fit for my small head and the brim gives lots of sun protection.  For flat water days, I wear a floppy sun hat.  If it is windy, then a ball cap.  Lately I have been digging the fit and sun protection from my new Immersion Research Women's Trucker Hat.  Usually trucker hats are way too big for me but this one fits my pea sized head and gives great sun protection.

As you can see in the photo, I am pretty covered up.  Cold water paddling necessitates a drytop or wetsuit which suffices for sun protection too.  On flat water paddles days, I try to protect my skin from the sun with a lightweight hoodie.  I like the hoodie because it protects my neck and helps to shade more of my face than a regular sun shirt.  I practically live in my Immersion Research Highwater Hoody.

Hoodies are great on and off the water and give extra protection for the neck and face.

To further protect my face, I will wear a sun mask.  These can be a bit of a pain with sun glasses.  Sometimes they interfere with ventilation under the glasses and cause fogging up.  I deal with it or readjust as necessary.

Game face - fish-on!

Of course protecting the eyes from the sun and the glare off the water is super important.  I am hooked on polarized lenses especially those from Maui Jim.  Maui Jim's are a bit pricey but so worth it.  Everything looks crisper with them and their warranty repair service is top notch.

Do you have any suggestions for sun protection?  If so, please share.

Swimming with Your Kayak

Sooner later, it happens . . . your kayak capsizes and you are in the water.

Often kayakers rely on other people to assist them with getting back into their kayak, but sometimes it is necessary to be able to swim your kayak to shore or to swim to your paddling team for assistance. Usually in ocean rock gardens, you will want to swim away from the rocks and toward deep water.  On the river, you usually will be swimming to shore.

The number one thing to do when you capsize is to hold on to your kayak and paddle.  For more on this check out Hold on to Your Kayak.

The second thing to do is to gain your composure and figure out what to do.  Often this means swimming with your kayak away from the hazard that capsized you, swimming to a safe spot, swimming to shore, or swimming to where a friend can help you.

Here are some tips for when you need to swim with your kayak -

1. Right the kayak.  Kayaks move more efficiently right side up.

2.  Get to the end of the kayak (bow or stern).

3.  Grab the carry handle or swim toggle on the end of the kayak with the same hand that you are using to hold onto the paddle.

4.  Choke up on the paddle so that it is streamline and out of the way.

5.  Use your free arm and legs to swim to safety.  We usually use a side stroke similar to what life guards use.

As you are swimming, figure out if you can use wind, waves, or current to help you.

If your friend is swimming, call out to them with encouragement and simple directions.

Practice these skills in easy water to perfect your technique.

Forward Lean

The number one mistake that I see kayakers make when paddling in dynamic water is leaning back.

It is a natural reaction to lean back when you are dropping in on a wave or hitting whitewater.  Leaning forward seems counter intuitive but training your body to do it will improve your paddling skills in dynamic water - rock gardens, surf, whitewater, and tide races.

Leaning is the simplest way to explain it but technically we are hinging at the hips to keep our core muscles and legs engaged - similar to the "ready position" in other sports.  Look at the body position of Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff Laxier on this rock garden feature on the Mendocino Coast.

Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff Laxier shows good posture riding this rock garden feature on the Mendocino Coast.  He is in a position of power to boof over the hydraulic on the backside of this pour-over. Leaning back here would land him in the hydraulic and potentially expose him to injury.

Leaning forward is an effective way to 

• maintain stability

• be ready for the next hit, drop, or stroke

• prevent injuries

There are times when the force of the water or the verticality of the drop tries to push you back.  Watch top paddlers - they anticipate those forces and lean forward.

Dave Fusilli takes his whitewater skills to the sea.  Here he uses good posture and timing to get a sea boof on this pour-over.

Check out this Posture and Trim Video from Christopher Lockyer of Committed to the Core

Lessons Learend - Trim and posture from Christopher Lockyer on Vimeo.

Here are Christopher's Keys to Posture -

• Try and sit up tall when performing forward paddling 
• When in bumpy water - try and change your posture to a slight forward lean
• Work on bracing and recovery stokes in your forward posture
• When working on rolling - practice your forward finishing roll
• Posture is key to overall body health. Back fatigue can be a result of weakness in your core

Homework - 

• Be mindful of your posture in your everyday paddling.  Have a coach or friend video your paddling.  In particular when reverse paddling, stopping, or riding a drop.  

• When paddling in dynamic water - whitewater, surf, rock gardens, tide races - be especially mindful that you are leaning forward and not allowing the water or your fear to put you in the back seat (leaning back).

• My simple trick is to focus on contracting abdominal muscles when dropping in on a wave, riding a pour-over, or boofing a hole on the river..  Check out these tips for reverse paddling.

• Perfect practice makes perfect.

Especially when running large drops, hinge at the hips to keep your weight forward or centered.
Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Cate Hawthorne keeps her weight centered to ride this rock garden drop on the Mendocino Coast
Photo by Jeff Laxier

Note:  I try to keep my tips and tricks as simple as possible.  I can support my instruction with more of the why (technical details about bio-mechanics and physics) but find it is more effective for students and instructors to keep it as simple as possible.

Reverse Paddling Tip

When paddling backward (in reverse), are you leaning back?  

Many paddlers lean back when reverse paddling and stopping quickly.  In doing so, they are decreasing their stability, power, and efficiency.

Instead of leaning back, try keeping your torso centered over your hips.  You will find  that your reverse strokes will be more powerful. Your core will be more engaged, and you will be more stable.

Keep your torso centered over your hips when reverse paddling to increase power, efficiency, and stability. Photo by Jeff Laxier

For even more power, focus on crunching with your abdominal muscles and pushing with your feet.  When I do this, I envision myself as compact and powerful.  Think about punching - you don't lean back to punch.

No smiling here.  I am focusing on crunching my abs and being compact and powerful to stop quickly. Photo by Jeff Laxier

Practice, practice, practice good posture when reverse paddling and stopping quickly for it to become muscle memory.  And especially focus on this good posture when in the surf, whitewater, or rock gardens.  You will find yourself more powerful and stable.

A Liquid Fusion Kayaking student crunching to get good power to back paddle over a wave in the surf.

Try it and let me know how it works out for you.

Vertical Forward Stroke

GET VERTICAL!

Improve your sea kayak rock garden and whitewater kayak skills by perfecting your vertical paddle stroke.

A well timed vertical paddle stroke will boof you over hydraulics/holes on both the river and the sea.  Boofing is super fun and helps prevent you from getting sucked back over pour-overs and getting trashed in a hydraulic.  It is kind of like bunny hopping over an obstacle on a bicycle.  One of the main components of an effective sea boof is a vertical paddle stroke.

Cate Hawthorne using a vertical forward stroke to sea boof a rock garden feature on the Mendocino Coast of California.
Photo by Deb Volturno

A vertical paddle stroke will also help propel you along through tight narrow spaces like slots and sea caves.

Sea kayaking through a narrow slot into a Mendocino sea cave.

Flat water is the best place to practice and perfect your vertical paddle stroke.  One of my favorite tips for getting the paddle vertical is to focus on stacking my hands.  Pretend that you are using a single bladed paddle (canoe or SUP paddle).   Align your top hand over your bottom hand so that your hands are stacked and your paddle shaft is vertical.

For a vertical forward stroke, practice stacking your hands.

Another common tip that instructors will use is "helmet hand."  While doing your forward stroke, pretend that the back of your top hand is glued to your helmet (or forehead).

Practice vertical paddle strokes as much as possible so that they become automatic in your muscle memory.  Once you have a powerful vertical paddle stroke, you can work on the blade placement and timing for sea boofs.

Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Jeff Laxier is the sea boof master.

Tip - Re-take a Class

Jeff and I observe that paddlers who take a class learn a few skills on the subject.  Paddlers who re-take a class are better on their way to mastering the subject.  

Liquid Fusion Kayaking's Cate Hawthorne teaching the speed n spear paddle out technique.

Think about a class that you took where some of the skill or skill concepts were new or tricky - like CLAP, swooshing, eddy turns, bunny hopping, water reading, or timing.  Imagine taking the class now with a better concept of the skill.  The second time around, you have a basic understanding of the skill and are now ready to refine and master the skill.  

Miki driving across the eddyline before carving his turn.

Re-taking a class is also helpful if you are going to be teaching or leading others.

As you are making your paddling plans for the new year, consider re-taking a class -  especially if it is a fun one :)

Rock Garden Buffer Zones

Buffer - to lessen or moderate the impact of something.

When kayaking among ocean rock gardens, it is helpful to know where safe zones are.  Knowing and using these safe zones will allow one to paddle in close to the rocks and to access more areas and play spots.

Deep water (where waves aren't breaking) are obvious safe zones.  There are also areas in rock gardens where we can find safety from breaking waves.  We can hide behind a rock when the wave comes and let the rock take the impact of the wave and lessen or buffer it's energy.

Have you ever gone out into the driveway when your significant other is washing the car?  Perhaps, they are feeling a bit ornery and try to spray you with the hose.  By ducking behind the car, you can avoid the full blast of the hose.  This is the same with using rocks as buffers in the ocean.  We refer to these areas as buffer zones.

Jean sitting in a buffer zone behind a rock during a Liquid Fusion Kayaking Rock Garden Class.  Photo by Jeff Laxier.

To use a buffer zone -
1. Determine the direction of the waves.
2. Look for a sizable rock that will block the incoming wave (watching a couple of sets roll through the area will give you an idea if the rock is large enough)
3. Hold position as close behind the rock as possible when the wave hits.
4. Stay loose in the hips and potentially ready to brace as the water may surge under or around you.

When the set has passed, journey to the next buffer zone.  Whitewater river runners can compare this concept to eddying out and eddy hopping.

Not all buffer zones are created equal just as all waves are not the same size and direction.  It takes time to develop the water reading skills to recognize buffer zones and how to use them.  On your next rock garden journey, start looking for buffer zones and find small friendly ones to play with.

Paddle Out Techniques

For this post in my surf kayaking series, I have surf guru Jeff Laxier sharing his tips for Paddling Out.  Jeff has a lifetime of playing in the surf and is a sea, whitewater, and surf kayak instructor for Liquid Fusion Kayaking.

Jeff Laxier surfing on the Oregon Coast.

Paddle Out Techniques by Jeff Laxier

There are many ways to get out to the waves and here we will explore the three methods I use most to paddle out:  Bunny Hop, Turtle Dive, Route Finding.

All three methods have four of the same components.

1.       Speed - We need to be moving to get through a wave.

2.       Angle - Boat angle to the incoming wave.

3.       Timing - When to paddle hard, when to hold position, and when to run away.

4.       Awareness - Of route, waves, other users, wildlife, wonder

The Bunny Hop: This is a fun way to blast up and over a foam pile (this can also work on river hydraulics).

1.       Generate speed with 3-5 strokes as you approach the foam pile.

2.       Change the boat angle to angle away from the wave (No more than 45 degrees)

3.       Lift wave side edge (drop shore-side edge)

4.       Forward sweep on shore-side

5.       Once over the foam pile, lunge forward and paddle, repeat when necessary

Bunny Hop - Generate Speed.

Bunny Hop - Angle/Edge Boat

Bunny Hop - Lunge forward and paddle away.

The Turtle Dive: This is a great way to avoid a dumping wave on your head, getting hit in the gut by a powerful wave or foam pile, and decreases the likelihood of the wave pushing you back to shore.

1.       Speed - Generate as much speed as possible (don’t get winded you will need that air)

2.       Flip - Capsize with precision so your bow will bury into the seam where white and green water meet then push up with your paddle (this brings the bow deeper).

3.       Pause (feel the wave go by)

4.       Roll up and GO! Do not be plankton - Dig in and paddle away!

Turtle Dive - Generate speed and capsize so bow buries in the seam.

Turtle Dive - Push with paddle to drive bow deeper and wait for wave to pass.

Turtle Dive - When wave has passed over you, roll up.

Turtle Dive - Dig in and paddle away!

Route Finding: Look for an easy path out to the line up with the possibility of a dry hair paddle out.

1.       Find a rip that will take you out to the outside.

2.       Establish reference points. These will help you make route changes as well and help you avoid the most severe sections. This can also help in reading your progress.

3.       Find the soft spots - Smaller or less consistent waves breaking (path of least resistance).

4.       Wait for your window of opportunity (wait for a lull).

5.       Be patient and aware.

Route finding - find a rip and ride it to the outside.

Route finding - find the soft spot of the wave or where it isn't breaking.

Conclusion:

Surfing waves is great fun, and getting out past the breakers is necessary in all types of craft. Whatever your craft (surf kayak, whitewater kayak, sea kayak, surfboard, stand up paddleboard), we have to paddle out.  A seasoned paddler will make this journey out to the lineup easy, effective and efficient and have more energy for surfing. We must plan and prepare both mentally and physically. The more challenging the paddle out the more physical and mental toughness is needed.

Rock Garden Etiquette- Part One

Northern California has an awesome coastline for sea kayaking - specifically rock gardening.  There are many variations of kayaking in ocean rock gardens.  I believe the simplest explanation of rock gardening is kayaking in and around rocks in the ocean.

Sea kayaking in the rock gardens and sea caves of the Mendocino Coast.

Variations range from tooling around rock gardens and sea caves in calm conditions to traversing technical passage ways, riding pour-overs, and surfing in rock gardens and sea caves.  For safety and enjoyment, it is important that we follow the written and unwritten rules of this marine playground.

Cate with a juicy rock garden pour-over ride.

First we need to consider that this is not just our playground but is home to many marine creatures and our actions can effect their survival.  Right now, things are drastically changing in the Eastern Pacific.  Many marine creatures are struggling to survive.  The rock garden habit in which we play is quite sensitive.

What we need to do:

Tread lightly - avoid landing on and crushing marine life.  Mussels, kelp, sea stars, anemones, and abalone are all important to the balance of the marine ecosystem.  Be cautious about where you land and try not to step on creatures or injure the kelp.

Police plastic - pick it up and pack it out.  We all find trash and plastic out in the marine environment.  Help out by picking it up and packing it out and of course packing out your own trash.

Minimize impact of plastic from kayaks on rocks.  Timing, boat control, and judgement are key skills to make sure that we don't impact rocks with our kayaks and leave behind plastic curly-q's.  If the tide is too low or the swell is not powerful enough to run a feature without scrapping over it, move on and find a spot that is working.  Avoid landing and dragging kayaks on abrasive rock surfaces including mussels and barnacles.

Be aware and avoid wildlife during the nesting and pupping season.  Most paddlers are aware of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are conscious of not disturbing harbor seals.  It is also our responsibility to avoid bird nesting areas during nesting season.  On the Mendocino Coast, this is typically March through the beginning of August.  The population and nesting success of birds that nest near shore is being monitored by local and state Audubon Societies as well as by Fish and Wildlife.  Human disturbance is a considerable issue and one that often results in chick mortality.  Human disturbance can also lead to areas being closed.  It is best for us to avoid these areas during the nesting season.  On the Mendocino Coast, species of concern is the pelagic cormorant.  Pelagic cormorants nest on the cliffs of headlands, near shore rocks and commonly around sea caves.

Large nesting colony of pelagic cormorants on the Mendocino Coast.

Smaller nesting colony of pelagic cormorants.

Stay tuned for Part II where we talk about rock garden etiquette related to humans.

Sea kayakers using a circuit for safety and fun.