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25 Sep 2012

The Kayak Written Word – Digital and Print Magazines

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At Dam Good Logistics we love everything about paddling.  And when we are not actually out paddling, we are talking about it, reading about it, watching movies about it, and generally getting stoked for the next adventure.  This post is dedicated to the written word that inspires us toward that next adventure.  Both old fashioned glossy printed magazines and digital format magazines and newsletters that focus on sea kayaking.  Hope you find something to get excited about.

1) ThePaddler.co.uk
A UK based digital magazine from the folks who brought you Canoe Focus.  Read online or join the mailing list and have a PDF sent to your inbox. Expedition ideas, jobs, gear, UK regional club finder, courses and much more.

2) White Sea Magazine
Vancouver based digital magazine focused on surf, mountain sports, white water kayaking and extreme paddling conditions.  It is put together by one of the crew of The Hurricane Riders, a Canadian west coast based group of long boat paddlers who are committed to pushing the limits of paddling in rough water, tidal currents, wind and surf.  THR are experienced paddlers with the common goal of supporting and challenging other team members to increase their ability to safely paddle in the diverse and demanding west coast waters.

3) Coast & Kayak Magazine
A Vancouver Island based magazine that publishes 4 times a year.  Its editor is John Kimantas who has written detailed guidebooks for touring the Canadian northwest coast.  The online site has e-versions of the printed magazine (past and present), lots of great BC trip ideas and industry news.  They also specialize in local news, issues, expeditions and photography.  It is great to have the local content for all of us paddling in BC.  All this and its free!

4) Sea Kayaker Magazine
A Seattle based magazine that has been publishing since 1984.  It comes out 6 times a year and tends to focus is on North America, and primarily American paddling destinations.  It always has a main feature on some epic expedition or really interesting adventure.  It also has monthly features on kayak fishing, safety, incident reports,environmental issues, technique and fitness.  A good all round magazine covering all aspects of sea kayaking.

5) Adventure Kayak Magazine
Part of the Eastern Ontario based Rapid Media Group (that also includes Rapid, the Whitewater Magazine, Kayak Angler, and Canoeroots Magazine and that also puts on the Reel Paddling Film Festival).  It publishes 4 times and year and tends to focus more on photography, kayak and gear testing and reviews.  The online site has an active community forum and since all the different magazine sites are linked, you have access to a huge portal of paddling information.

6) Canoe & Kayak Magazine
Part of the huge California based Grind Media adventure magazine empire, C&K has been publishing since 1973.  It has a much broader scope than most of the magazines listed above, it covers all aspects of paddling, recreational and expedition canoeing and kayaking.  It has great stories of adventures involving liquid and boats of all types from around the world.  Piles of information; something for everyone.  It just lacks the local content and information that you get with more regional publications.  It puts out a comprehensive Buyers Guide each year and the online site also has lots of good video content and a comprehensive (US focused) event listing for the year.

7) Ocean Paddle Magazine
Part of the UK based Paddle Press Media this is a glossy, thick papered magazine that comes out 6 times a year.  It is pretty new on the scene, having published just over 30 issues to date.  It is completely focused on all aspects of ocean kayaking, everything from trip and expedition reports, technical skills, reviews, guides, interviews all presented with really stunning photography on expensive paper.

8) Paddling Life
A paddling news site that reads more like a daily paper than a true online magazine.  It has updates on recent competitions and events, records first runs and other notable descents, gives updates on paddling personalities (be it successes, marriages and sometimes untimely deaths), reports on water conditions and changes and generally keeps you posted on the goings on of the paddling (again US focus) community.

 

 

18 Jun 2012

What to Wear – Clothing for Kayaking

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So June has been absolute crap so far, there is no denying it.  We are going to get a break soon, the long range forecast will bring summer soon. I promise.  But I think this is an excellent opportunity to talk about clothing.  Bottom line, you can control what you wear and getting it right will exponentially increase your happiness factor while paddling.  Staying dry is optimal, but being warm when wet is also important.

There are all kinds of options available to you, a lot of what you choose will depend on how much you want to spend.  The take home message is that LAYERS ARE YOUR FRIEND.  Layers allow you to regulate your temperature by adding and removing pieces as you need to.  Three main layers in the system: Base Layer, Insulating Layer(s), Outer Layer.  The base layer provides insulation and picks up moisture and either absorbs it (like cotton or wool) or wicks it outward (like synthetic fibers).  The insulating layer can be wool, fleece, or other synthetic materials like polypropylene.  The outer layer protects you, the base layer, and the insulating layer from the elements. It should be both wind and waterproof.  It is important to remember that there is a chance you could capsize your boat and get soaked.  Always bring a complete change of clothes with you.  Even on hot sunny days.

You often hear the phrase “cotton kills”.  What it really means to say is: “wet cotton kills”.  Cotton is totally fine as long as it does not get wet.  Wet cotton holds water and draws heat away from your skin cooling you rapidly.  And when kayaking, there is a good chance you are going to get wet.  It is a good rule to stay away from cotton.  When it is hot and sunny this is less of a problem, but you should always have some kind of natural (wool) or synthetic long sleeved shirt as a backup.

Some ideas of how to dress:

Hot & Sunny Days
- quick dry shorts, board shorts
- Merino wool or synthetic t-shirt
- hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- sturdy shoes like sandals (not flip flops), light running shoes or crocs
- bring long sleeved shirt (wool or synthetic) and a light wind breaker for changes in weather

Cool & Raining
- long sleeved wool or synthetic shirt
- long john tights or quick dry pants
- tuque
- fleece or thicker middle layer
- wind and waterproof jacket with hood
- neoprene booties, rubber boots, wool socks and light running shoes

The outdoor clothing industry had developed significantly and there is an overwhelming amount of sport specific options out there.  These are some key pieces that you might want to consider having in your arsenal if you are going to be out paddling a lot.

1) Merino wool or lightweight polyester T-shirt
Fabulous base layer.  It will keep you warm when wet and will also keep you cool when it is warm out.  It is a great basic that you will use for all outdoor activities.
Price range $35-65

2) Paddling Jacket (Splash top, Spray jacket)
Neoprene at neck and wrists to keep water out.  Wind and waterproof.  The more expensive ones are made of Gortex.  You can also get treated nylon ones for less money.  Can get models with and without hoods.
Price range: $60-350

3) Dry Top
Step up from a paddling jacket.  They are made of tough Gortex and have rubber gaskets to keep you dry.  They also have a band at the waist that attaches to your spray skirt and will keep you sealed in and dry. This is more immersion gear and is for paddling in places where you expect to be wet a lot or expect to capsize often.
Price range: $230-450

I’ll talk more about footwear in another post soon.

13 Jun 2012

Visions of Kayaks

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I thought this was pretty cool and wanted to repost.  Each month, National Geographic magazine features incredible photographs in Visions of Earth. In April the selected photo was of none other than a giant kayak and canoe raft.  It was taken on Fourth Lake in New York’s Adirondacks.  1,902 canoes and kayaks attempted to break a “largest raft” world record. Rules dictated that the raft had to float freely for at least 30 seconds, held together only by hands.  Enjoy!