Hayley has returned home from her trip and is preparing for a North American tour for her presentation from her trip.. I look forward to seeing more photos and hearing more about here trip.
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Kayak Noise - Hayley Shephard
Thank you from Hayley.......
Hayley has returned home from her trip and is preparing for a North American tour for her presentation from her trip.. I look forward to seeing more photos and hearing more about here trip.
Hayley has returned home from her trip and is preparing for a North American tour for her presentation from her trip.. I look forward to seeing more photos and hearing more about here trip.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Kayak Noise - Chatham 16 at Skookumchuck
Bryan Smith surfs the Chatham 16 at Skookumchuck.....
All the photos were taken by Gary Luhm Check out his site and more great photos at http://www.garyluhm.net/
Thanks to Gary for letting me use these photos
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Kayak Noise - Birthright
Inspiring Video.......
This is a Film by Sean Mullens check it out. Here is his intro
This humble film is about a friend of mine named Michael and his daily ritual to find his natural self through surfing.
BIRTHRIGHT from Sean Mullens on Vimeo.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Kayak Noise - Gary Seaman
Stand Up Paddleboards.........
We have been been working on paddleboards for the last couple years and recently did the Nalu for Ocean Kayak one of the first rotomolded paddleboards on the market. It has been received really well and provides an inexpensive entry in to paddleboarding.
We have been been working on paddleboards for the last couple years and recently did the Nalu for Ocean Kayak one of the first rotomolded paddleboards on the market. It has been received really well and provides an inexpensive entry in to paddleboarding.
We have done a lot of research along the way. One of the main resources for this is Gary Seaman he is a designer and shaper in R&D. Gary's back ground is not just having shaped kayaks for many years. He grew up shaping surfboards professionally in California and then was one of the driving forces in the windsurfing revolution. Gary has such a wealth of knowledge and experince it is a real education to work with him. 
This is Gary with his latest board. I have not had chance to surf it yet but all who have rave about it. One very distinctive feature is the old school 50/50 rail which makes it forgiving but still very responsive.
We are learning more and more along the way with this development that I'm sure we will start to put some of what we have learnt into kayak design.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Kayak Noise - Quadra Island
Alex and crew head to Quadra.....
Alex Matthews here, reporting in on the ‘Kayak Noise’ blog.
Last weekend I headed up-island from Victoria to Quadra Island. The crew consisted of the usual suspects: my beautiful wife Rochelle, my good buddy Dave Aharonian (see the article about him in a previous post), and the inimitable Nick Castro of Active Sea Kayaking (http://www.activeseakayaking.ca/).
We loaded up with a couple of Chatham 16s, Dave’s Nordkapp, and one of the highly coveted and all too rare Looksha Elites. Our plan was to stay at the Discovery Islands Lodge (http://www.discovery-islands-lodge.com/) for 3 nights and paddle daily at Surge Narrows – a local playspot of rare scenic beauty just 20 minutes paddling from the lodge. The constricted channels and bottom geography at Surge create a couple of good play waves on a flood tide.
An awesome time was had by all – we played hard, ate like kings thanks to Rochelle, and relaxed in total rustic luxury at the lodge. If you’ve never stayed there, then you should! The owners/operators Ralph and Lannie Keller are wonderful. Check out a slide show here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/45728820@N04/sets/72157623028104976/show/
Still not convinced? Then consider this: every day after paddling, we would stoke up the sauna on the dock in front of the lodge and bake our sore muscles until we were relaxed pools of goo. A quick hot rinse in the outdoor showers, and then we could head upstairs for a mellow evening in front of the wood stove - my idea of a perfect getaway!
P.S. We ran into local paddlers Brent, Paul, and John, who shared beta on the best spots and generally welcomed us to the area. Thanks guys!
All photos By Alex Matthews or Rochelle Relyea
Alex Matthews here, reporting in on the ‘Kayak Noise’ blog.
Last weekend I headed up-island from Victoria to Quadra Island. The crew consisted of the usual suspects: my beautiful wife Rochelle, my good buddy Dave Aharonian (see the article about him in a previous post), and the inimitable Nick Castro of Active Sea Kayaking (http://www.activeseakayaking.ca/).
We loaded up with a couple of Chatham 16s, Dave’s Nordkapp, and one of the highly coveted and all too rare Looksha Elites. Our plan was to stay at the Discovery Islands Lodge (http://www.discovery-islands-lodge.com/) for 3 nights and paddle daily at Surge Narrows – a local playspot of rare scenic beauty just 20 minutes paddling from the lodge. The constricted channels and bottom geography at Surge create a couple of good play waves on a flood tide.
An awesome time was had by all – we played hard, ate like kings thanks to Rochelle, and relaxed in total rustic luxury at the lodge. If you’ve never stayed there, then you should! The owners/operators Ralph and Lannie Keller are wonderful. Check out a slide show here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/45728820@N04/sets/72157623028104976/show/
Still not convinced? Then consider this: every day after paddling, we would stoke up the sauna on the dock in front of the lodge and bake our sore muscles until we were relaxed pools of goo. A quick hot rinse in the outdoor showers, and then we could head upstairs for a mellow evening in front of the wood stove - my idea of a perfect getaway!
P.S. We ran into local paddlers Brent, Paul, and John, who shared beta on the best spots and generally welcomed us to the area. Thanks guys!
All photos By Alex Matthews or Rochelle Relyea
Friday, February 5, 2010
Kayak Noise - Cool People
Dave Aharonian......
Dave is a local paddler and photographer with a inspiring and interesting story. Click on the Article below to enlarge.
http://www.adventurekayakmag.com/adventurekayakmag_fall09/
Dave is a local paddler and photographer with a inspiring and interesting story. Click on the Article below to enlarge.
http://www.adventurekayakmag.com/adventurekayakmag_fall09/
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Kayak Noise - Hayley Shepard
Hayley Heads to South Georgia.........
Caught up with Hayley the day before she left.
Caught up with Hayley the day before she left.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Kayak Noise - Jon Bowermaster
Paddling in Antarctica....
Here is some footage from Jon Bowermasters trip in Antarctica. We did some heavy lay up Nootkas and they were shipped off to Argentina and then over to King George Island. Check Jon's blog Notes from Sea Level at
www.jonbowermaster.com
Here is some footage from Jon Bowermasters trip in Antarctica. We did some heavy lay up Nootkas and they were shipped off to Argentina and then over to King George Island. Check Jon's blog Notes from Sea Level at
www.jonbowermaster.com
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Kayak Noise - Jon Turk
Paddling the Vanuatu chain....
Jon Turk paddles along the Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific in a sit on top kayak, making long crossings on the open sea. Jon finds friendship and adventure as he passes from island to island. ...
We will be paddling Ocean Kayak Prowlers, generously provided by my major sponsor, Johnson Outdoors. I believe that sit-on-tops are not only fun for warm-water recreation but also they are the best kayaks on the market for serious open ocean adventures in tropical waters. We plan to spend many days at sea and I know that I would get cramped in a cockpit boat. We will relish the stability, speed, agility and the ability to wiggle around, all offered by the Ocean Kayak Prowler.
It's amazing, we think of sit on tops as rec boats but Jon has done many serious crossing in exposed conditions. You can check out more at his site http://www.jonturk.net/
Jon Turk paddles along the Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific in a sit on top kayak, making long crossings on the open sea. Jon finds friendship and adventure as he passes from island to island. ...
We will be paddling Ocean Kayak Prowlers, generously provided by my major sponsor, Johnson Outdoors. I believe that sit-on-tops are not only fun for warm-water recreation but also they are the best kayaks on the market for serious open ocean adventures in tropical waters. We plan to spend many days at sea and I know that I would get cramped in a cockpit boat. We will relish the stability, speed, agility and the ability to wiggle around, all offered by the Ocean Kayak Prowler.
It's amazing, we think of sit on tops as rec boats but Jon has done many serious crossing in exposed conditions. You can check out more at his site http://www.jonturk.net/
Friday, December 11, 2009
Kayak Noise - Hayley Shephard
Hayley leaves for South Georgia Jan 22....
Here are some things she gets asked frequently as she prepares to leave.
1. What special equipment will you need to take to do an expedition such as this?
I have recently posted a gear list on the GEAR ROOM blog connected to this site so check that out. I basically need to be equipped with gear that can withstand the bitter cold temperatures of the Antarctic as well as hold up in severely strong winds. Basically I need to be warm and all my gear needs to be waterproof and rugged!
2. How will we be able to follow your journey's progress daily?
On my website there will be a google earth map of South Georgia and via a satelite connection through my sat phone, my route will be plotted daily. As well I will be writing a daily progress journal on my notebook computer and posting it on my blog along with the occasional audio broadcast. I will attempt to post a few images as well.
3. Will your support vessel be able to shadow you as you paddle around South Georgia?
South Georgia has very few safe, protected bays and anchorges particularly on the SW side (the crux of the expedition). It is completely exposed to open ocean swell, wind and frequent storms. There will be times where the vessel may be a days sail away from me, therefore I have to be completely self sufficient. I will be in contact with them on a daily basis receiving weather information and passing on my daily plans and intentions of travel.
4. What does your family think about you doing this expedition. Are they nervous and concerned for your safety?
My parents have always been very supportive with the previous expeditions I have done, aswell as the guiding, traveling working life I lead. They admire me for living my dreams and doing exactly what I am passionate about. However they are also concerned for my safety and occasionally express this. They know it is something I need to do in order to live my life fully and truthfully.
5. Are you not taking a huge risk in safety, attempting one of the most challenging kayaking journeys alone? What about all the people who care about you, isn't it a rather selfish act trying to fulfill this goal, putting your life at risk, even though it is for the Albatross?
This is a very interesting topic of conversation one that dates back to the very first explorers who paved the way in this fascinating world of discovery and adventure. For many it does seem like a selfish act: The very act of leaving behind loved ones on a risk taking endeavor simply to discover new lands, attempt World first ambitions, adventure into the unforgiving wilderness. There is a type of peoples who are drawn to this kind of life, just like there are those that want to invent things, those that want to draw, paint and create things. We all have different interests and are passionate about certain things or activities. I strongly believe that it is important to follow those desires, dreams and ambitions because that in it self is living your life to its full potential and simply being your true self. To not do that is risking far more.
Quote: To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”
However I also strongly believe that if you are choosing to take on a risky endeavor then make sure you have all your ducks in a row, be certain that you are completely and utterly prepared for it. Be certain that you have the skills, experience, knowledge, equipment and the intelligence to take on such a feat where you are managing the risks.
6. How will your kayak expedition around South Georgia Island help safe the Albatross?
My attempt to solo sea kayak around South Georgia is to help raise awareness for the Albatross (and other seabirds) whom are being accidentally drowned then killed by out-dated techniques used in the longline fishing industry. South Georgia Islands fishing industry has eliminated seabird by-catch by implementing new techniques that discourage birds from going after the baited hooks. My kayak journey, which is attracting alot of interest world wide, is a catalyst to inform the general public about the devastating situation of the Albatross and to encourage them to help put pressure on the International Longline fishing industry to also implement new techniques.
Through presenting a series of slide shows, writing and publishing a book and magazine articles and finally broadcasting a documentary film, this story of a solo woman kayaking alone around a treacherous island to help save the albatross will reach an international audience. There is an urgency to tell this story, as the future of the Albatross lies literally waiting in our hands.
Here are some things she gets asked frequently as she prepares to leave.
1. What special equipment will you need to take to do an expedition such as this?
I have recently posted a gear list on the GEAR ROOM blog connected to this site so check that out. I basically need to be equipped with gear that can withstand the bitter cold temperatures of the Antarctic as well as hold up in severely strong winds. Basically I need to be warm and all my gear needs to be waterproof and rugged!
2. How will we be able to follow your journey's progress daily?
On my website there will be a google earth map of South Georgia and via a satelite connection through my sat phone, my route will be plotted daily. As well I will be writing a daily progress journal on my notebook computer and posting it on my blog along with the occasional audio broadcast. I will attempt to post a few images as well.
3. Will your support vessel be able to shadow you as you paddle around South Georgia?
South Georgia has very few safe, protected bays and anchorges particularly on the SW side (the crux of the expedition). It is completely exposed to open ocean swell, wind and frequent storms. There will be times where the vessel may be a days sail away from me, therefore I have to be completely self sufficient. I will be in contact with them on a daily basis receiving weather information and passing on my daily plans and intentions of travel.
4. What does your family think about you doing this expedition. Are they nervous and concerned for your safety?
My parents have always been very supportive with the previous expeditions I have done, aswell as the guiding, traveling working life I lead. They admire me for living my dreams and doing exactly what I am passionate about. However they are also concerned for my safety and occasionally express this. They know it is something I need to do in order to live my life fully and truthfully.
5. Are you not taking a huge risk in safety, attempting one of the most challenging kayaking journeys alone? What about all the people who care about you, isn't it a rather selfish act trying to fulfill this goal, putting your life at risk, even though it is for the Albatross?
This is a very interesting topic of conversation one that dates back to the very first explorers who paved the way in this fascinating world of discovery and adventure. For many it does seem like a selfish act: The very act of leaving behind loved ones on a risk taking endeavor simply to discover new lands, attempt World first ambitions, adventure into the unforgiving wilderness. There is a type of peoples who are drawn to this kind of life, just like there are those that want to invent things, those that want to draw, paint and create things. We all have different interests and are passionate about certain things or activities. I strongly believe that it is important to follow those desires, dreams and ambitions because that in it self is living your life to its full potential and simply being your true self. To not do that is risking far more.
Quote: To love is to risk not being loved in return. To hope is to risk pain. To try is to risk failure, but risk must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.”
However I also strongly believe that if you are choosing to take on a risky endeavor then make sure you have all your ducks in a row, be certain that you are completely and utterly prepared for it. Be certain that you have the skills, experience, knowledge, equipment and the intelligence to take on such a feat where you are managing the risks.
6. How will your kayak expedition around South Georgia Island help safe the Albatross?
My attempt to solo sea kayak around South Georgia is to help raise awareness for the Albatross (and other seabirds) whom are being accidentally drowned then killed by out-dated techniques used in the longline fishing industry. South Georgia Islands fishing industry has eliminated seabird by-catch by implementing new techniques that discourage birds from going after the baited hooks. My kayak journey, which is attracting alot of interest world wide, is a catalyst to inform the general public about the devastating situation of the Albatross and to encourage them to help put pressure on the International Longline fishing industry to also implement new techniques.
Through presenting a series of slide shows, writing and publishing a book and magazine articles and finally broadcasting a documentary film, this story of a solo woman kayaking alone around a treacherous island to help save the albatross will reach an international audience. There is an urgency to tell this story, as the future of the Albatross lies literally waiting in our hands.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Nootka's in Antarctica
Here are a few photos from Jon Bowermasters trip in Antarctica. He used Nootka tandems from Necky. You can check out many of his kayak trips on the link below. We did this boat over ten years ago but it still seems to work well for serious trips. It has a great compromise of speed, capacity and stability. It also works great on family weekend trips with kids and way more gear than you really need. Which is how I seem to use it mostly these days.
http://www.jonbowermaster.com/oceans8/index.html
http://www.jonbowermaster.com/oceans8/index.html
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Hayley Shephard, South Georgia
http://www.kayakingtosavealbatross.com/
http://hayleyshephard.blogspot.com/
"South Georgia - an exceptionally isolated, storm torn island, stands ultimately alone in the middle of the Southern Ocean, its nearest neighbor 1400km away. Treacherous seas constantly batter the coastal rocks and ridges, and fearless animals generously congregate on the few accessible beaches, taking shelter from the savage winds. As hostile, as dangerous, and as foreboding as it feels, South Georgia's charm, it's dramatic and ruggedly stunning beauty, has a power that I will be forever drawn to. And I shall not rest until I have seen the intimacy of it all."
- Hayley Shephard
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