Missed Opportunities

Sometimes things go just right.  Perfect wave, set-up, timing, and execution.

Sometimes you make a mistake and get tossed.

Other times, you are in the perfect position at the right time but just don't feel it (and chicken out).

Other times, you see that perfect opportunity but aren't in position and watch it go by.

Other times you try but it eludes you.

Other times, you have the perfect shot and your camera malfunctions.

This is the way things are and why it is so great when everything comes together for that perfect ride and photo/video to go with it.

And what keeps us heading out there for more.

Growing Pains?

It is with reluctance but necessity that I am selling my Kokatat Rogue Drytop - women's small plum.

It is a great drytop in excellent condition with custom neoprene gaskets and just back from a leak test by Kokatat.  I hate to sell it because it is a great top and I love the color (which is now discontinued); however, it doesn't fit any more.

No, the top didn't shrink.  I have gained a few pounds and now the top is too small.  I am not totally lamenting the weight gain though because I am now over 120 pounds which seems to be a magic weight in the whitewater kayak world.  Often boats are made for people 120 pounds or more.  I often feel like the short kid who goes to the fair and can't ride the rides because "YOU MUST BE THIS TALL to ride this ride."  YEAH!!!  Maybe more boats and other kayak gear will fit me now.

Those that knew me 5 years ago before I became a kayak bum knew me as a lean, mean competitive mountain biker and triathlete.  Now, I am a kayak bum.  Hence a little bit more body fat but also a much stronger upper body.  If only I could grow my legs a couple of inches longer.

Speaking of longer, shorter, taller, ect.  We are selling a bunch of our used kayaks and gear. This is gear that doesn't fit us or we have replaced including my gore-tex dry bibs that go with the drytop and Jeff's drysuit.  If you are looking for some good quality used gear, check out our online gear sale.

New Kayak Rock Garden Video

A few quiet days has me catching up on some bookkeeping and housekeeping.  I carved out a few moments to put together a new video for Liquid Fusion Kayaking.  This is a new kayak rock gardening video.  It is mostly our Labor Day Waves n Caves Weekend students kayaking in the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.

Be sure to watch the last 30 seconds of the video for one of the hazards of being a kayak instructor.

Groundhog Day!

Ever seen the movie Groundhog Day?

For those that haven't, Bill Murray is a meteorologist that gets stuck in a time warp.  He is on a dreaded special assignment covering Groundhog Day in Punxatawney, PA.  Every morning - 6:00am flashes on the alarm clock followed by the radio announcer "Good Morning - It's Groundhog Day!!!"

Working seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day, I kind of get that time warp feeling.  Getting up and doing bookkeeping and sending email confirmations followed by answering the phone, renting out kayaks, teaching kayaking, and guiding tours.


In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray was stuck in Groundhog Day until he got things right.  It is fun guiding some of the same trips a little differently each day.  Of course the wildlife is wildlife and varies.


We also get to mix things up a bit guiding quiet wildlife watching tours on the Noyo ,

 (wildlife watching people or people watching wildlife?)

teaching whitewater of the sea (rock gardening in whitewater kayaks),


and guiding sea kayak rock gardening and coastal exploration trips along different stretches of the Mendocino Coast.

And getting to play in the surf zone.  Perhaps my time warp is improving my surfing skills.

It's not a bad thing, but I am definitely looking forward to September when I might get a leisurely morning at home with a cup of tea, a good book, and Tom Cat in my lap or maybe even a multi-day kayak surf safari.

If you call Liquid Fusion Kayaking after Labor Day, don't be surprised if you get a voicemail message - "Gone Surfing."