Some paddles in the United States

Some further images of kayaking in the 1990's which, I have scanned in from some of the numerous slides I accumulated over about 30 years.  These are a selection taken in the United States in the mid 1990's.  Sea kayaking on the west coast and canoeing in the north east.  Some great memories.

 One of the real highlights was a couple of visits to the Port Townsend Symposium in Washington.  At the time I had organized a couple of Symposiums in Jersey and was just stunned by the scale of the event.  This was the view of the waterfront in 1996

 In contrast to the events in Europe where there were numerous small classes with paddlers being coached on the water things were different at Port Townsend.  Here Nigel Foster is running a skills session, what is shown is the crowd of approximately 100 spectators, Nigel was the only person on the water.

 Sea kayaking legend Derek Hutchinson just completing one of his sessions.  A couple of days later we spent a memorable few hours sailing to Vancouver Island, where we were both heading.

 The classic image of Easyrider kayaks.  A similar photograph was used as the advert for a number of years in Sea Kayaker Magazine.

 There was some "interesting" developments.  The white canister on the front deck was called the "Rolling Aid".  Capsize, pull the lever and it explodes in a rather large air bag which it is possible tp push up on.  Great demo but not sure how useful, might be easier and cheaper to learn to roll with a paddle.

 As we had young children but wanted to continue with multi-day paddling trips we went canoeing.  Not really something that we could do in Jersey, so for a number of years we went to Maine and paddled some of the rivers in the northern part of the State.

 There were plenty of new techniques to learn, such as portaging.  This is the path around Allagash Falls in the north of Maine.  I have run this river several times but the last time was too long ago.

One of the camp sites on the West Branch of the Penobscot.  They were clearings cut out of the dense forest allowing easy egress from the river.  A couple of tables, fire pit, somewhere to tie the tarp etc.

 

Little did we realize what we were experiencing here.  This was our first ever paddle on a sit on top.  Nicky is on Megunticook Lake in Maine in 1995.  For many involved in kayaking this was to be the future.

Sea Kayaker Magazine

It was with some sadness that I received the news today that Sea Kayaker magazine is ceasing publication after the next edition.  It was launched in the Spring of 1984 and I managed to get a copy at the Crystal Palace Canoe Show that year.  If my memory serves me correct John Dowd was there in person.  Initially it was published quarterly before moving to its current schedule of once every two months.  Since then I have looked forward to receiving every copy, and over the years they have contained some superb articles.

In the first edition there were articles by paddlers who were stalwarts of the sea kayaking world.

George Dyson and David Zimmerly both had articles on the Baidarka.  Derek Hutchinson recalled some incidents in the BCU Coaching Scheme.  Rosalind Rickard and Greg Blanchette were interviewed about their journey along the Northwest Passage whilst David Burch wrote about basic navigation.

In that first edition there were far less adverts than are found in today's magazines.  Ocean River Sports in Victoria took out a half page advert, Feathercraft Kayaks made an apperance, whilst Werner Paddles were presented by Pacific Water Sports.  Patagonia took out a full page advert with what looks like Yvon Chouinard surfing a very substantial wave in what looks like a Perception Mirage.
Over the last 30 years sea kayaking has changed beyond all recognition but throughout that time Sea Kayaker has been a constant source of information and inspiration.  It will be missed but thanks for the memories.

Sea Kayak Symposiums of the Past

Whilst continue to look through my old slide collection I came across a number of photographs, which help to illustrate what informative and entertaining events the Jersey Sea Kayak Symposiums have been over the years.  In addition they have attracted a number of paddlers who are well known throughout the sea kayaking world. 

If you are thinking about attending the Jersey Symposium in 2014 perhaps these photographs will help you come to a positive decision.

1992 was the year of the first Symposium, attracting about 60 participants.  Unusual sessions include this one being run by Dave Collins, who became better know through his work with UK Athletics.  Also in the picture are Kevin Danforth, at the time editor of Canoe Focus and Martin Melling who was Secretary of the BCU Sea Touring Committe at the time (I think).

The social side has always been important, the 1992 BBQ.  The person in the blue sweatshirt is my dad (Ray Mansell) who was Chairman of the Jersey Canoe Club at the time.

In 1994 we were fortunate enough to have French paddler Didier Plouhinec talking about Greenland paddling.  At the time it hadn't really arrived in the UK.

Based at the Canoe Club premises launching was sometimes a problem when the wind was in the east.  Monday in 1994 was borderline if you had a composite kayak.

The weather had been kinder earlier in the weekend.  Derek Hairon is running a towing session.  Peter Midwood is one of the paddlers observing.

Rolling sessions are always popular, this is rolling 1994 style with Graham Wardle.

 By 1996 we had a swimming pool for the Greenland session but still didn't have enough kayaks and paddles to go around.  Gordon Brown is demonstrating the techniques whilst world authority, John Heath gave a running commentary.  We were really fortunate to have such an icon of the sea kayaking world.

 Gordon setting up for another roll.

1996 was the third Symposium and Derek Hutchinson had been to all three.  His on water sessions were always popular but it was his talks which were the most memorable.  Anybody who heard his North Sea Crossing talk will never forget it.

Graham Wardle and Donald Thompson clearly discussing the finer points of a particular stroke.

Cliff jumping has always been a popular Jersey sport.  Here is Barry Howell jumping off the Paternosters.  Derek Hutchinson is the paddler

1996 was the year that we finished the event with a sea kayak slalom.  Possibly the only slalom ever held when every entrant was in a Skerry.

Pete Scott ran a sea anchor session, the first time it appeared on the programme.

Howard Jeffs discussing paddling with Terry Harlow from the United States.

The 4th Symposium was 1998 and were fortunate to have Bill Oddie as our personal guide on the sea birds paddle.  I paddled him around in a double Spud which proved to be ideal for the task.

 Gordon Brown was back and here he is working on a small wooden kayak which had been designed by Duncan Winning.  It was completed over the period of the Symposium.  In following events Duncan stuck to making Greenland paddles as they take less time.

 The event has always attracted coaches who have been able to offer something different.  Mike McClure from Northern Ireland has been a popular and regular contributor.

 As well as visiting coaches local paddlers have also worked on many sessions.  Nick Querree is running a navigation session in 2002.

 Chris Jones is running a rolling session in 2006, as popular then as it was 12 years earlier.

 In 2008 the BBQ was still going strong on the Monday night, prior to the start of the extended paddling programme.

 One of the most popular paddles in the following week is always the day trip to the Ecrehous.  In 2010 on at least one day we had great weather.

The 2014 Jersey Sea Kayak Symposium will be the 11th time that the event has been held over a period of 24 years and it all came about after Bill Small and Pete Scott had attended the Anglesey Symposium in 1991 and decided that Jersey CAnoe Club could do something similar.

Derek Hutchinson

Sadly Derek Hutchinson passed away today, a truly remarkable character who must be able to lay claim to being the "Father of Modern Sea Kayaking".  I remember purchasing my copy of "Sea Canoeing" as soon as it came out in 1976 and meeting Derek for the first time in 1979 when he had just returned from the Aleutians.  He stayed with us on many occasions in Jersey and it was always entertaining.

At one Jersey Sea Kayaking Symposium, the speaker forgot to turn, up Derek stepped in with a spontaneous talk of his North Sea crossing and without any visual aids produced a spell binding talk.  You could have heard a pin drop in the crowded room.

In the photograph below Derek, in the kayak, is offering advice in his unique style about the virtues of cliff jumping, as Barry Howell flies through the air at the Paternosters.

A great character it is impossible to measure the impact he has had on modern sea kayaking. I remember fondly an afternoon, in the 1990's when Derek and myself sat in the warm autumn sunshine on the deck of the ferry between Port Angeles and Victoria just chatting about sea kayaking. Great memories.

Sea Kayaking Books

I have spent some time producing a comprehensive list of the sea kayaking, and other paddling books, which are in my collection and so it is interesting to consider which books I would recommend to people who are interested in the development of our sport.  This is my selection of 5 books which I consider to be essential reading.  Please feel free to disagree and suggest alternatives:

Sea Canoeing by Derek Hutchinson 1976: For me this was a book that inspired a generation of paddlers and it was one of the first titles which was specifically about the aspects of canoeing and kayaking that I was interested in.  Derek is recognized by many as the father of modern sea kayaking due to his ground breaking trips and kayak designs.  This book gave me information on navigation, surfing etc.  There have been many more books published since but this was the first of its type.

The Dreamtime Voyage by Paul Caffyn 1994:  This is the definitive expedition book.  I had read all of Paul Caffyn's previous books and although they described significant achievements none of them grabbed the readers like the circumnavigation of Australia.  It is testimony to one of the finest sea kayaking achievements of all time.

Argonauts of the Western Isles by Robin Lloyd-Jones 1989: This book could almost have been written by anyone of us, if we were accomplished authors.  It is adventures in local waters, sea kayaking off the west coast of Scotland with friends.  The book was updated several years ago and is still a worthy read.

 Water and Sky by Alan Kesselheim 1989: This follows the journey along the Athabsca by Kessleheim and his wife.  Sub-titled "Reflections of a Northern Year" the writing captures the hardships and delights of living in the far north.  In addition the conflicts between the modern world and traditional native communities are examined.  This is a delightful book which goes far beyond the paddling.

Sea Kayaking by John Dowd 1981:  This was quite a controversial book in the UK when it was published due to some of the more extreme comments.  I bought my copy at a Crystal Palace Canoe Exhibition in the early 1980's and quickly went through the book from cover to cover several times.  There was so much in here that wasn't in Derek's book, they complemented each other nicely.  It has been updated several times, I think that I have all the editions, but I still like dipping into the first one.

It is surprising how many sea kayaking books are now available, it is just a matter of deciding which are the more interesting, informative etc.

Sea Caves and Cliff Jumping

 Jumping into warm water allows modification in the paddlers equipment.  Each stretch of coast is viewed by the kayaker as a potential jumping site.

This has been a difficult post to write, not from a literary perspective but rather from a safety point of view.  A number of people may find some of the ideas somewhat controversial.  The idea of encouraging people to jump off cliffs into the sea must cause numerous Health and Safety inspectors to turn in their graves.  We need to be realistic though, generations of young people have flung themselves from bridges, cliffs etc, all in the pursuit of pleasure..  It seems to be more sensible to offer suggestions on how to jump in safety as opposed to discouraging people and perhaps forcing them to indulge in this pastime without any guidance.
As we are all aware the sea kayak is the ideal craft for the minute exploration of the indentations of the coast line.  The small nooks and crannies, often with steep sides offer excellent opportunities for climbing out of the kayaks, scrambling over the rocks and jumping back into the water before paddling on.  This can be one of the great pleasures of paddling but to enjoy it safely requires some knowledge and technique.  These are ideally acquired before heading out onto the open ocean.

 This is an ideal practice jump.  Not too high but clearly over hanging so if there is a mistake on take off the jumper will still hit the water.

Probably the key to safe jumping is confidence and this is best acquired in a controlled environment.  My ideal choice is a small harbour with a good set of steps.  The depth of water is normally clearly indicated and the sea bed will, for obvious reasons, usually be free of obstacles.  It is vital to check for any local laws and to keep clear of any boats which are operating in the area.  The flat harbour wall provides a solid base for the feet prior to jumping.  Select an area in which you want to land, at least a metre away from the wall.  Place one foot in front of the other and then push off confidently.  When flying through the air use your arms to steady yourself, making sure that you pull them into your sides just prior to hitting the water.
Ideally it should be a short swim back to the steps and you are ready for another go.  There are a number of harbour walls, nearby, which offer jumps of differing heights, so that as experience is gained and confidence increases it is possible to increase the height of the jump.  In areas with large tidal ranges it is possible to vary the height by using the same location but visiting at different phases in the tidal sequence.

Although this looks like a good jumping location, it is not a sensible place to explore.  It was a reasonably difficult climb to the top of the stack with a couple of moves we would not have wanted to repeat.

Harbour walls are just the beginning; the excitement comes from paddling along secluded sections of coasts and identifying areas to explore which are beyond the scope of most other people.  An ideal location would have somewhere easy to climb out of the kayak, although at times it is easier to climb out of the kayak in deep water then swim ashore.  The water should be clear so that any potential hazards are easy to identify from above.  The jumping spot should be flat and reasonably large in size.  In addition the walls should be steep, ideally overhanging so that there is no possibility of hitting the rocks if a slip should occur or if the jump isn’t as positive as it should be.

Another good jumping spot, this is off the north coast of Milos.  Jumping over the entrance to the arch ensures safety.

Start off with simple jumps in protected inlets in the company of other experienced coastal explorers before attempting more demanding jumps.  There are some important points to consider.  It is perfectly acceptable to say no to a jump and do not give grief to people who are unwilling to attempt certain jumps.  This is an activity which is meant to be enjoyable and  fun.
Always have the right equipment; shoes are essential and protective clothing for the arms and legs, such as a wet suit.  This is to help protect against barnacle rash, a painful affliction which occurs when skin comes into contact with barnacle covered rocks.  Many people prefer to keep their buoyancy aid on when jumping but it is important to hold it tight when entering the water to prevent it riding up.  It does offer extra protection if collisions with rocks are possible.  If a swell arrives when you are in the water then the safest option is to remain in deep water, where it is unlikely for the waves to break until the waves die down.

Once you have experienced the thrill of exploring the coastline and jumping into the sea it is unlikely that you will ever view the cliffs and gullies in the same way again.  Each rocky knoll becomes a potential site of adventure and challenge with weather and isolation doing very little to dampen enthusiasm.

The sea kayak gives access to new areas.  This is a well known jump off the main rock of the Paternosters, off the north coast of Jersey.  Depending upon the state of the tide the jump can be up to 55 feet high.

 

 A historic photograph to illustrate that cliff jumping isn't a new activity.  The paddler is Derek Hutchinson at one of the Jersey Canoe Club Sea Kayaking Symposiums in the early 1990's.  The intrepid jumper is Barry Howell.

Some Magazine Treats

Through some on line auctions I have managed to purchase 12 issues of “Canoeing in Britain” which was the British Canoe Union magazine, from between April 1962 and March 1967 plus 6 issues of “Canoeing” from between January 1962 and January 1963 all for a reasonable price.  A few gems which help to illustrate the state of sea kayaking in Britain in the early 1960’s.

The September 1964 edition contained some interesting local information for Jersey, the small island where I live.  In 1964 there were 6 qualified canoe coaches living on the island, whilst at the same time there were only 5 coaches in Scotland.  How things have changed in the intervening years.

Surf kayaking was clearly developing, largely due to the efforts of Oliver Cock, with his annual surf weeks in Bude.  The December 1964 edition contained warnings of possible future problems with Wadebridge Council in Cornwall asking canoeists to avoid Polzeath during August because it is too crowded.  June 1965 saw the publication of a supplement to the surf beaches of England and Wales.  30 different breaks were described but Bude and Scarborough were obvious omissions.

One name which occurred on a regular basis was Chris Hare, which is hardly surprising as he was involved in the production of the magazine for a number of years.  In the December 1964 he reviews the “Clyde Special” sea kayak.  He describes it as “A first class attempt to make a sea boat that combines Eskimo qualities with adequate stowing space for sea touring.”  At 17 feet 6 inches long and a 20 inch beam it was good value at £28!

The double version of this kayak was used in a significant journey which was described in the September 1965 edition;

“In June this year, Scottish canoeists Hamish Gow and his wife Anne, made the first crossing from North Uist to St Kilda, some 54 miles out into the Atlantic.  Using a Clyde double fitted with a sail, they took 14 hours to reach Boreray, a cliff bound island where it was impossible to land.  Because of fog and approaching night, they decided to shelter off the 1,000 foot cliffs until morning.  Anne slept in her sleeping bag while Hamish kept the canoe upright, but at midnight Hirta became visible, and they set off to paddle the remaining 5 miles, arriving at 2 a.m.  Congratulations on a fine achievement.”

Those few lines describe one of the finest sea kayaking trips of recent years.

Chris Hare continued to maintain a position at the forefront of sea kayaking.  His description of a trip along the Northumberland coast in 1965 contains the first mention of a paddler who was to have a significant impact on sea kayaking throughout the world, a certain Derek Hutchinson.  

Chris Hare also paddled on the west coast of Greenland although this trip was not without its controversy.  In the June 1966 Canoeing in Britain he states one of his objectives on his return was to set up British seal hunting groups working around the coasts of Britain using the knowledge and techniques gathered at Igdlorssuit.  His article concludes “So if any reader fancies a crack at seal hunting or any other kind of kayak hunting off the west coast of Scotland …..”  This particular article not surprisingly, generated a heated response.

This issue of the magazine also contained information that a certain Frank Goodman had just passed his BCU Senior Instructor award.  This was the original Level 3 Coach.

What is interesting is how many names that are well known in sea kayaking circles first came to prominence in the 1960’s.  Derek Hutchinson and Frank Goodman have already been mentioned but Alistair Wilson, of Lendal paddles, was very active in the racing scene including the 1964 Olympics.  Duncan Winning, who is well know for his involvement in Scottish paddling was already involved in the administration of the sport as well as being involved in slaloms in the early 1960’s and contributing letters on kayak design.

As well as the back issues of Canoeing in Britain I have been able to acquire a number of “Canoeing” magazines from 1962 and 1963 and they contain some interesting pieces.  The August 1962 editorial concerned itself with the need to preserve a number of the kayak designs before they were lost for ever.  It would be interesting to discover how many other designs have been lost in the intervening 43 years.  The magazines contained some useful technical articles, as opposed to mere lists of results and would have been a source of knowledge for paddlers of the day.  Many of the techniques have stood the test of time although others would now be viewed with a degree of curiosity.

In relation to navigation it was recommended to carry a sounding line and there was a discussion as to whether it was more useful to carry a radio or a barometer!  Advice on touring paddles suggested that 8 feet was an appropriate length.

One interesting reference is to an article which appeared in the national press on 11^th July 1962.  Apparently a French yacht had to pick up 25 members of the National Association of Boys Clubs who were trying to cross the English Channel and were caught in bad weather.  It doesn’t say whether they used a barometer or a radio to get their forecast.

Certification is an issue which has generated enormous debate over the last few decades but the October 1962 editorial was calling for an appropriate test for those paddlers who seek their pleasure on the sea.  At that time sea kayaking was not mentioned until paddlers reached an Advanced level.

            

 It is always a pleasure delving into the pages of paddling magazines, some of which were written when President Kennedy was still alive, the Beatles were still to record their first LP and life seemed far less complicated.  Although it is true to say that sea kayaking has progressed since those innovative times it is interesting to note how many of the individuals concerned are still active in one form or another in paddling.