The only kayak shop near Bellingham is closing.  I live in one of the prime kayaking locations in the world and there isn’t going to be a real kayak shop anywhere near me.  This isn’t the first to fall.  Paddlemasters several years ago was way ahead of its time.  It was through them that I had my first kayaking experience.  Island Outfitters in Anacortes.  A great shop that had to close due to a lost lease.  Why can’t these places make it in our area.

I feel horrible that so many more jobs will be lost in these tough times!

From the Bellingham Herald:

DANNY GAWLOWSKI | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Reach Dave Gallagher at 715-2269 or dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8cwt8_qajaq-gl-by-nive-nielsen_creation

Sorry for the advertisement at the beginning.  Not within my control.

Much of this video is in the native language with subtitles.  Some of those interviewed are Greenland elders.  Very interesting with some good footage. I find it especially interesting the thanks one Greenlander gives to Harvey Golden for documenting so well the Greenland Qajaq.  If you aren’t familiar Harvey has a great book that is just a wealth of information.

This is long over due.  Two weeks ago I finally made it to Pelican Beach for an overnight camping trip.  I have a big trip planned for August and the original plan was to use this trip to feel out how strong the currents were going to be against us in August.  However work got in the way and I was at work till past midnight the night before so I was not up for the early morning departure that would have given us a trip that mimicked the currents.  So instead we got a much more pleasurable paddle.

We left from Washington Park in Anacortes and crossed over to Cypress Island.  The conditions weren’t rough, but were a bit confused.  The waves would come at us from the left, then from the right.  The water just was in a constant state of change.  Just enough to keep us on our toes.  I am not at all a fan of making crossings.  It didn’t really bother me until last summer when I went on a trip with my dad on his power boat.  We were near Anacortes when I saw several kayakers in the distance.  You could barely see them and I told my dad how foolish I thought the kayakers were for wearing such dark colors when making a crossing.  However when we got closer I was surprised to see that most of them were wearing bright colors.  Kayakers are like speed bumps on the water where the paint as been worn off.  You barely notice them until you are right on top of them with barely enough time to react.  Because of this experience I have even less desire to be out in the middle of shipping traffic.  The sun was out and I worked up a big sweat making this crossing.  Taking a quick break on the shore I went for a swim in my dry suit to cool off.  Dry suits rock!  So cool to be able to swim without the cold or the salty water to deal with.

The dog that just wouldn’t get tired of fetch

Once across the Cypress the water was great.  A little current in our favor to help push us along.  We made camp and nearly had the place to ourselves.  The only other people on shore was a really nice family with an overly friendly dog and a young couple that was just there for a hike.  There is a hike to the top of Eagle Cliff here that is supposed to be great.  However it is closed this time of year.  Although several people were making this hike despite the closure I didn’t want to be one of them.  The trail is closed to help protect nesting birds. The female half of this couple later stripped down naked to go for a swim without the slightest care that there were several people around.

Pelican Beach is beautiful with a great beach.  However I would hate to be there on a busy weekend.  The camps are right next to each other and I can see how it could become a bit crazy with some overcrowding.

El Chupacabra

After a nice campfire we settled down to some much needed sleep.  Around midnight I was awoken by the most nerve racking sound I think I had ever heard.  Kind of a cross between a growl and a scream.  In my half awake state I couldn’t  imagine what was making such a horrible sound.  Was it a cougar?  No way not on an island in the San Juans.  Maybe El Chupacabra!!  I had set my tent next to a boardwalk and I could hear something running past my tent as I heard the sounds.  I could see shadows of something running by.  As I woke up more I thought probably just racoons, but I had never heard racoons make such a racket.  Needless to say it was a bit hard to go back to sleep with this sound. Some of the other campers confirmed the next morning that it was two raccoons that were fighting.  They had gotten up to watch the fight that they said was right next to my tent.

The next day we continued north so that we could circle around Cypress.  We had given some thought to crossing over to James Island to check it out, but decided against it with a fog bank closing in.  As we got down to Reef Point the fog had thickened so much that had we crossed over to James we would have had to paddle to one of the ferry docks and taken the ferry back.  I was a bit worried about making the crossing back to Washington Park.  We could see the other side, but barely.  We paddled hard to make it across before the fog rolled in and also to beat a ferry that was about to depart.  Another great trip in the San Juans.

Beautiful conditions in Rosario Straight (notice the fog rolling in)

On another note this was my first camping trip with my new Sterling’s Kayaks Illusion.  Packing it was a little bit of a challenge, but not too bad.  I purposely packed way more than I needed just to see how it handled and how hard it was to pack.  I didn’t have any extra space, but it was manageable.  I could in a pinch pack a couple of small drybags in front of my footpegs too.  A two week long trip along the east coast of Vancouver Island would be challenging to pack for, but I think it could be done.  A smaller sleeping bag would help.  The boat handled a little different, but not in a bad way, just different.  Really not that much slower.  We cruised along comfortably at 3.5 knots and could  pick up the pace to 4 knots without much effort.  Sprinting at over 5 knots was more work, but it was quick to get up to speed.  One cool thing is that the boat doesn’t lose much speed when I stop paddling.  It just coasts along real nice.  This was also the first time I used my Big Agnes camp pad.  WOW!  This was worth every penny.  2 1/2 inches thick it is way better than the Thermarest I was using.  I also used my Greenland paddle exclusively on this trip.  I’m really torn on what paddle is for me.  I’m trying to stay proficient with the Euro because I have another Body Boat Blade class in the fall.  Although they allow any kind of paddle in their classes I want to use what they are using to get as much out of the class as I can.  But I am also taking another Greenland paddling class from Kayak Academy this year with Dubside and Maligiaq Padilla so I want to be proficient with my Greenland paddle too.  I felt far less tired after paddling all day with my Greenland paddle and I feel way more confident in my ability to roll with the Greenland too.  I have a week long trip coming up so what will I use?  Maybe both to mix things up?

Great trip.  But some sad news as well.  While we were enjoying ourselves on the water the Coast Guard was actively searching for two people lost when their sailboat capsized overnight near Bellingham.  They were never found!  Be careful and be thankful for every moment you have.

I just learned that Strawberry Island near Cypress Island has been closed to the public.  If you are not familiar this is a great island and a great camping spot for kayakers.  The report was that it was closed to save money.  Yet DNR used a helicopter to remove the picnic tables.  How much did that cost?

Update from Washington Water Trails

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) decided to permanently close the campground facilities at Strawberry Island, a Cascadia Marine Trail Site, effective Thursday June 18, 2009. All facilities have been removed, including picnic tables, signs and fire rings and the toilet. Day use is still permitted, but the site is strictly pack in/pack out – including human waste. If you have plans in the area, consider visiting either Pelican Beach or Cypress Head on Cypress Island. Please note that Cypress Island campsites are heavily used in the summer months and campsites fill quickly on weekends.

The DNR states budget cuts required the agency to reduce staff and services to recreation facilities. At this point in time, there are no other proposed closures for DNR Cascadia Marine Trail Sites.

Guemes Island just north of Anacortes

The weather was great and I am finally feeling better (I’ve been sick for what seems like forever) so I went for a great paddle around Guemes Island.  It was nice to go out exploring for a change.  Seems like most of my paddling lately has been repeat adventures.  Don’t get me wrong I love my usual places like Deception Pass, but there is something really refreshing about going someplace I’ve never been.

A closer look at the path we took

We left from Seafarers Park in Anacortes.  Great launch location.  Nice protected beach with a very short walk to the parking lot.  And it’s free!  The weather was forecasting wind waves up to two feet.  However for most of the trip it was closer to two inches.  It was like glass out there.  Temperature was perfect.  The point where the necessary drysuit is still comfortable.  We decided on a counterclockwise trip around the island to best take advantage of the ebb current later in Bellingham Channel.  There was pretty much no current as we headed north past Cap Sante Bluff ( a really cool park to hike around at ) and toward Youngs Park.  This park is a real gem.  We had it all to ourselves as we ate our lunch and enjoyed the view.  We could see Vendovi and Lummi Islands in the distance.

Pretty tough to handle such rough conditions

I took this time to try out my new coffee mug that I bought at Body Boat Blade.  The Brew Mug. It has its own filter that stores in the base.  Works like a charm.  I love this little contraption.  Designed by Reg Lake a local paddler that is a really cool person with a wealth of knowledge and experience.   It was at Youngs Park that we got to go wading as I dropped my course plotter overboard.  It sank in about five feet of water.  Thank you drysuit!!!  Course plotter found and food in the belly and we ready to go.

Rounding the north end of the island I could see the Cone Islands and Pelican Beach in the background.  I have plans to camp at Pelican Beach soon and it made me excited for the upcoming trip.  Now we started to get that free ride from the current that I love so much.  GPS showed a speed of 6 knots as we casually paddled south.  Guemes has some amazing shoreline.  The east side and west side are drastically different from each other, but each are beautiful in their own way.

Youngs Park

After a quick stop at the Guemes Ferry dock for a break we crossed back over to Anacortes.  Now the current was against us, but not too bad.  Very little boat traffic.  Give it a month and I won’t want to be anywhere near this place as the power boats take over.  I paddled amongst the pilings and the ships in drydock.

Only shipping traffic we had to deal with

The day offered so much variety.  Surprisingly very little wildlife.  A couple of seals and a deer was all we saw.  In the past I’ve seen porpoises, otters, and orca whales in this same are.  No such luck today.

I worried a bit about keeping up with Ed’s brand new NDK Explorer.  A boat that I have heard is a fast tourer.  My Illusion did great.  We cruised along pretty consistently at about 4 knots.  The two boats seemed pretty evenly matched.  Nearly 15 nm.  Great paddle!

View of Lummi (left) and Vendovi (right)

My boat and my photo on the cover of the latest advertisement from Sterling’s Kayaks.  In the background is Canoe Pass (next to Deception Pass), one of my favorite places to play.

I took this yesterday at the WAKE kayak club demo day.   He flew over several times on his way to his nest nearby.

ROUGH WATER HANDLING

I love this photo.  I wish I was there when it was taken.  However like many of the photos I have of this boat it came from somebody else that was happy to spread the passion for the great handling of the Illusion.

I don’t surf.  I have never been on the open coast (yet!!!) but everybody gives great praise for the superb rough water handling of the Illusion.

Last years Deception Pass Dash which was crazy rough had several Illusions and Ice Kaps competing.  The paddlers some of whom where just borrowing the boats gave high praise.

Looking at Canoe Pass (Deception Pass)

To test out my new boat in some rougher conditions I ventured down to Deception Pass on a light ebb current day.  Starting near slack letting the conditions build I was greatly impressed with the superb responsiveness.  With my Impex I often would be forced to be hit by conditions in a way I didn’t want because it was slow to respond.  Not so with the Illusion.  It turns on a dime.  The bow rises up and over waves giving a really nice dry ride.  The edge control is extremely comfortable.  I’ve always thought my edge control was pretty weak.  Something I’m working on.

Then I decided to try a few new things.  I had heard that the boat handles well even when swamped with water.  I didn’t believe this when told, but it is true.  This is cool because I hate the paddle float self rescue.  I prefer to re-enter and roll as my preferred rescue (second of course to a successful roll).  However a re-enter and roll scoops a lot of water.  It is comforting to know that the boat still handles fine with the cockpit full of water.  My Impex was all over the place when swamped.  This became useful a couple of weeks ago during a Body Boat Blade class.  Leon had us doing a balance drill where we were attempting to spin around on our boat then kiss the bow.  I did not do well on this drill and capsized quickly.  Rolling wasn’t an option since I was not in the cockpit.  I was back upright and out of the water quickly thanks to a re-entry and roll.  I would much rather be upright in a swamped boat then out of the boat in the cold water. Also during that same class I capsized twice on accident.  I can’t remember the last time I capsized on accident.  No problem the boat rolls so easy.

The next thing was purely for the fun factor.  I had read on Dash Point Pirate about flying under the bridge while in a balance brace.  It was strangely peaceful watching the scenery go by while laying in a balance brace.  Have I mentioned that I can balance brace and roll this boat way easier than my Greenland SOF?

I love this boat.  It isn’t the fastest boat, but is by no means slow.  It fits my all around needs.  I can tour, camp, play in rough water, practice new Greenland rolls.  It has been worth every penny.  I can’t wait to get back out on the water with it some more. Although this is the last part of my review of my Illusion I’m sure I will keep spreading the praise for it. Thank you Sterling for a great boat.

Might be the perfect boat for some adventures like these in this video.  (Check out the surfing sea lions at 44 second in!!)

CUSTOM OPTIONS

No two boats are alike!

Custom deck height.  I went with the full size.  I’m tall and plan to do trips in my boat.  So I didn’t have it cut down at all.  The thigh braces are the best I’ve seen on a stock boat.  So even at full volume the boat fits me great.  Are you a Greenland rolling enthusiast.  You can have a super low volume boat similar to Dubside’s custom Ice Kap.

Sterling will add or remove features to fit your needs.  Some people for example choose not to have foot pegs.  So instead the bulkhead is placed to fit the paddler.  Maybe you don’t want a skeg so you can have more storage.  I wanted to have the bulkhead behind the seat as close to the coaming as possible to make dumping water easier.  However I was worried about losing the ability to grab the coaming for a reentry if I had to wet exit.  Sterling created a grab recess for me that solved the problem.

Notice the grab recess behind the back rest

The photo above also shows the Joe Greenley custom foam seat.  All I can say about this seat is WOW!  Absolute comfort.  The photo above is the basic set up.  I’ve seen several variations of the back rest customized by each paddler for their desire.

Paint options are pretty cool as well.  The normal white hull yellow deck with a black seam like you see on so many kayaks is obviously available.  But if you want something different there are lots of choices.

International Orange

Gray

High Vis Yellow with high white sides

Perhaps you want a custom image?

There are numerous possibilities.  Check out Sterlings color chart for more options.

How about a custom security pin to lock up your boat?

Another option I added was a keel strip.  Color matched white to match the hull. I also had the boat made using Sterling’s Infused process making for a stronger lighter kayak.  Mine finished at 43 pounds.  Not bad at all for a fiberglass boat.

Notice there are no bolts through the side for the foot pegs?

Sea Dog foot pegs are glassed in

Also notice the recessed  deck fitting mounts.  Nothing to grab dry bags etc.

Under deck pump holder

Left flush skeg control

An all around great boat that was designed right!

Up next:  Rough water handling…….

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A TASTE OF TRADITION

One could argue that all kayaks have some influence from the traditional lines of the original Inuit kayaks.  Look above and compare my Illusion with my SOF replica Greenland boat.  Obviously the SOF is a lower profile, but I chose to have a full volume Illusion that wasn’t cut  down.  If you seek a Greenland style boat do like Dubside and have it cut down as much as you can.  The Illusion has a lot of rocker.  The high white sides take away some of that effect, but it is there.  This boat dances because of it.  Yet some how it still tracks great.  I went out on the water with another Illusion owner a couple of days ago.  The wind was howling.  We purposely went out to see how we would be effected.  I never deployed my skeg and never felt the need to.  When I stopped paddling and just let the wind take control I expected with the high rocker I would quickly be turned sideways to the wind, but was not.  It baffles me how this boat can not be effected more by the wind.  With the skeg down it is rock solid.

Another comparison from a balance brace.  Again I see similar lines.  For some reason I can balance brace and roll my Illusion easier than I can roll my SOF.  The low back deck of the SOF makes it a little easier to come back up onto the back deck, but the bouyancy of the Illusion makes it so the boat wants to roll.  Plus it doesn’t get hung up on the chines when rolling over making for a smoother transition.

I love my SOF and hope to learn as many different rolls as I can with it, but honestly I think I will learn the rolls first in my Illusion than carry them over to the SOF.  I always thought it would be easier to go the other way.

Up next…. Custom Options….