Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
ESTEEMED LEADERS
President...Marianne Banks Vice President/Programs...Lisa Biehl
Secretary...Vanessa Aguilar Treasurer...Sarah Roberts
Webmaster/NEWSFLASH...Ron Frederick Trips Scheduler...Dennis Stahl
WINTER & SPRING
2011
SERVING KAYAKERS
IN THE SKAGIT AREA
AND BEYOND
Learn more at our website www.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.orgwww.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.orgwww.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.orgwww.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.org Officers listed on the website are available to assist you.
The club's mission is to encourage safe kayaking, stress to
members the importance of training and education in
kayaking skills and safety, protect the environment, and
have fun.
2
FROM THE
OVAL COCKPIT
April is such a fun time of year.
With spring in the air, the summer
months ahead, and the earth waking
up from winter. As kayakers, we
turn our thoughts toward planning
trips, pouring over charts and
sorting through and inspecting our
gear. We become more focused on
our fitness level. We question our
strength and endurance for our
prospective plans. We become
serious about our work outs and
maybe even watch our diets.
Mostly we think about paddling.
Our club is a great resource for
so many areas of this sport. We can
find like minded fellow paddlers to
get out with. We sponsor
educational programs and classes.
We have an impressive calendar of
events and opportunities with
various interests and skill levels.
Kudos to all who make this
possible through their hard work. I
encourage everyone to be involved
and reap the benefits of making
new friends and the camaraderie of
old friends while pursuing a
common interest.
"Every day is a fresh beginning;
Listen, my soul, to the glad
refrain," goes the quote by 19th
century poet Sarah Chauncey
Woolsey. I like to think each time
we go out in our kayaks it is a
beginning. Maybe we will explore
a new area. Or we will find
something yet undiscovered in a
familiar route. I hope we all find
the beauty around and within us as
we paddle in our kayaks and
through life. M2B
2
and a good time was had
by all
AT OUR TRADIONAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
3
DON’T MISS…The Hole In The Wall Paddling Club Spring Fling Paddle and PotluckThe Hole In The Wall Paddling Club Spring Fling Paddle and PotluckThe Hole In The Wall Paddling Club Spring Fling Paddle and PotluckThe Hole In The Wall Paddling Club Spring Fling Paddle and Potluck Skyline Beach Club Cabana...Cabana Lane, Anacortes...Saturday, May 28, 2011
Paddle around Burrows & Allan Islands, Stops at Lighthouse and Alice Bight, 9:00-12:00
(An easy SK ll trip with island views, Burrows Bay and Rosario Strait)
Potluck Social, 12:30-1:30
(Club will provide beverage, paper goods and eating utensils)
Show & Tell Demos/Presentations, 1:30-2:30
Please respond to Ron Oberst, [email protected] to receive trip information details and answer any enquiries
Trips are one of the most important things the club does...and Trips
Coordinator Dennis Stahl has been a real spark plug in generating interest
and participation. Regardless of the sometimes adverse weather, our
members have been getting on the water, plus a variety of trips are in the
works for another great summer of club trip activity. Some trips fill up fast,
so it's a good idea to sign up early, plus, we are always looking to fellow
members to initiate trips, either well in advance or short notice.
May 20-22, Skagit Bay Paddle & Campout
June 3, Shelter Bay to Skagit Estuary & Cookout
June 15 Clear Lake
June 25 Hat Slough to Port Susan
July 29-31, Sucia Island Campout
August 12-13, San Juan Island Campout
August 15-21, Makah Bay Kayak Surfing and Campout
October 1, Kayak Point to Stillaguamish
For details go to www.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.orgwww.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.orgwww.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.orgwww.holeinthewallpaddlingclub.org. . . . Check out the trips schedule to
participate in a trip and talk to Dennis about initiating a paddle. And remember, our club and
WAKE club have agreed to welcome members from both clubs to participate in each other's trips. Our NEWFLASH mail will try
to keep you informed of trips and we will be glad to spread the word if you are looking for some company on an outing.
4
SKAGIT RIVER EAGLE FLOAT
Bill and Janine Prichard, Linda Sanford, Don Bottles, Sarah Roberts and guest Joanne
Ostlund paddled the Skagit River from Marblemount to Rockport to view the Bald Eagles.
The trip was scheduled for December 12, but had to be rescheduled due the river being at
flood level that day. Finding a date to fit every one’s schedule proved to be difficult so we
paddled it two days.......Don Bottles
Photos by Don
Bill and Janine
Sarah in new hat,
with eagle on log
Eagle tree
Linda and Don
5
The first 'official' club paddle of 2011
launched on Cranberry Lake Sunday, February 13th,
led by Kathleen Murphy. From left; Sarah Roberts, Amy Hammer,
Eric Munson, Kathleen, Bill McLaughlin and Don Bottles joined in a leisurely exploration of the
lakeshore and multiple mini-channels that are inaccessible later in the season. Under overcast skies,
we enjoyed an unusually calm day between the gale force storms of Saturday and Monday. Missing from the
picture is participant Marianne Banks, who took the photos.............Kathleen Murphy
Other trips (reported
by NEWSFLASH) were; Hope Island Shake out
Camping Trip April
2011
and
Bowman Bay to
La Conner Paddle 3/5/11
6
If you've missed our meetings, you've missed some great
programs. Nigel Foster and Kristin Nelson presented their
Mediterranean and Atlantic trips. Jennifer Hahn displayed
wild coastal foraging and cuisine. She's the expert at this and
eats her own cooking. Here are a couple more examples:
Rob Avery brought an amazing
wealth of knowledge up front in his
well received show and tell about
his unique ventures kayaking in the
Aleutians. It was in depth flora,
fauna, history, geography, and
most of all, adventure kayaking.
Repeat Message from Lisa Hello HITW members,
As program coordinator , I just wanted to emphasize that I am very open to hearing from you regarding ideas for upcoming presentations at our
monthly meetings. We are booked thru May , but I need presenters for next year starting in September.
Possible areas of interest might be :
Trip Reviews/Slideshows
Marine Weather
Charts and Navigation
Marine Mammals/Birds
Trip planning/Gear options
Search and Rescue
Ecology/ Stewardship.
(Continued on next page.)
7
I was thinking of having a “Tall Tales and True” night in September, inviting members to give a short 15 minute story about a Best or Worst Trips of the
Summer. Might also be fun to have a “Favorite Stuff” night , inviting members to bring in their most useful/unique kayak gear item - either bought or
home made. Dennis , our trip coordinator is looking into rolling lessons from the famous Dubside. Interest??? Other ideas for on water education?
Please let me know your top 2 choices or write in another. I would appreciate hearing from membership.
PLEASE let me know if you have ideas for presenters or would like to come and talk with us yourself!!!
Thanks ,
Lisa Biehl
If you haven't already done so, let Lisa know your suggestions for superior programming.
Now here's another example of a great program, well attended, but missed by many members.
Susan Conrad shared her technique, fear (of
bears), fantastic photography, moments of
discovery and solitude, kayaking extremes,
dauntless courage, and insightful observations
that were all part of her 1100 mile, mostly solo,
paddle from Anacortes' Washington Park to
Juneau. The accompanying photos are all
her work, and as super as they are, they
provide only a hint of what you missed if you
didn't make the February meeting.
8
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
OCEANS OF
UNCERTAINTY
9
PENSIVE...FATIGUE...and MORE FATIGUE
...and NOWHERE TO LAND
(except with those darned GRIZZLY BEARS)
MEETING CALENDAR at the Breazeale Interpretive Center May 11th Steffensen, Lead Scientist with North Sound Baykeepers - Environmental Activism for Kayakers
Social - 6:00 pm Business - 6:30 pm
Program - 7:00 - 8:00 pm Board Meeting - 5:00 pm (upstairs conference room)
10
It was a beautiful day for a class with world renowned
sea kayaker Nigel Foster and his wife and assistant Kristin Nelson.
Eight participants met at Bowman Bay with ever changing spring
like weather enhancing the mood. We learned strokes and how
to blend them and when to use them in wind.
Back at the beach we had lunch and Nigel whipped up
espresso that we drank out of Kristin's handmade ceramic cups.
On the water we were able to put our lessons to use right away.
We paddled around and amongst the rocks with a bit of wind
to practice our
newfound skills.
After class we
debriefed at the
Deception Pass Cafe.
A good time was had
by all while making
friends and
learning on-water
skills.
...........Marianne Banks
11
Top left, Ron Oberst defines the science, Ria Stroosma and
Mary Gronholt succeed at self rescue.
Center left, Marianne Banks says "Go Cowboy". Note the
sign at Marianne's feet says "ENTER BACKWARDS".
Bottom left, new members caught in the act of having fun.
Bottom right, Dennis Stahl and Marianne help
Vanessa Aguilar get the feel of rolling in a flash...of her
reflective PFD.
12
Clockwise from top right:
Marianne tells Vanessa "When
you capsize, grab my bow, pull
up, and your butt and boat will
follow".
Lisa Biehl practices with husband
George Biehl at her side, while
Ray Bailey observes.
Ray demonstrates a roll.
Ray refines Lisa's technique.
Note: Pool practice is over until next fall. We hope Ray can be our "Pool
Hero" again next season, and we can have some warm water lake
practice sessions this summer.
Don't forget your paddle!
13
OTHER NEWS AND RUMORS WATERFRONT FESTIVAL Hole In The Wall Paddling Club is planned to be
represented again this year at the Anacortes Waterfront Festival. was well
represented at the Anacortes Waterfront Festival for the second year with a
gear & boat display, plus an attended information booth. It will display and
explained boats, paddling equipment, club informational
brochures, and safety gear as a representation of the club and
interface with the community. Club members are needed to man in the booth
on May 21st & 22nd. Please contact George Biehl at [email protected] to
volunteer.
SHIPWRECK DAY Bill Prichard at [email protected] needs your help in
working the club table at the Anacortes Shipwreck Day (giant garage sale),
selling member-contributed items. And most importantly, proceeds from your
donated items will go to support the club. So check for any candidate garage
sale items and call Bill for arrangements to get them to him before the July 16th
sale day.
NEW PRESIDENT Marianne Banks expressed our collective appreciation to Rem Smith as he dons his new, much deserved,
Hole In The Wall Paddling Club Past President jacket.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN John McKean, left, turned 80 last Fall
..... and check out what's still
growing in his garage below.
14
The following article is reprinted from the Spring 2001 PADDLER. It was
written by then editor and past president Bob Cox. It is as relevant today as
it was then. It emphasizes that our club objectives of safety and fun are not
mutually exclusive. “What you see is what you get; what you don’t see gets you.”
A Tragedy in Bellingham Bay On a recent Sunday afternoon, two young men from Bellingham borrowed kayaks from a friend and set out from Larrabee State Park for a short paddle in the area. That they were enjoying the warm Spring-like temperature was obvious when it was learned later that they were wearing very lightweight clothing. Neither of the men were experienced kayakers and it was reported that one of them was a very weak swimmer. They did not wear PFD's and when they got in some kind of trouble, of which we will never know precisely, they had no margin for safety in the 48 degree water. It was assumed by those involved in the search and rescue operation that hypothermia would have incapacitated them in an hour, or probably less. The trip was a disaster that might possibly have ended
differently if the two men had even a minimal knowledge of the safety guidelines for kayaking, and, as of this writing their bodies have still not been recovered. The two kayaks were found near the mouth of the Nooksack River where it enters Bellingham Bay. It is a "golden rule" of kayaking that one should never venture out in a kayak without wearing a PFD, and another such "rule" is that one should dress for the water temperature and not the air temperature. An experienced kayaker, given adequate fore-thought in planning the outing, may modify the clothing "rule" in warm weather, but she or he never paddles without a PFD! (Current editor's note: It is never warm weather in our area salt water.)
Less experienced paddlers also are well advised not to paddle alone and to go with, preferably, someone who has more experience. That's one of the primary reasons for the existence of a Club like ours. I think it bears repeating often that "The mission of the club is to: encourage safe kayaking, train and educate members of the club in kayaking skills and safety, protect the environment, and have fun." If we do learn the skills, the safety procedures, and protect the environment, we will have fun and we will maintain our 100% safety record which is really our Number One priority. Safe paddling has never detracted from the "fun factor" in our sport, or you wouldn't see any "old yakers" around.
THE PADDLER NEWSLETTER---is published when the editor feels like it and supplemented by NEWFLASHES whenever needed. This edition is published
by Ron Oberst based on submissions from the officers and membership. It is his last since his second term as editor is over. He is succeeded by
web meister and NEWSFLASH guru, Ron Frederick. Preferred submission format is e-mail to Ron Frederick [email protected] as an
attachment or in the body of the e-mail. Items can be phoned to Ron. Make submissions as soon as completed. Any copyrighted material on these
pages is used in "fair use", for the purpose of study, review or critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s).
15
WHALE WATCHING The following email and brochure extract were received by Ron Frederick after enquiries about whale watching. Please note
that since it was received the distance rule has expanded from 100 to 200 yards. Photo & graphics were not part of the email.
From: Kari Koski [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, March 25, 2011 11:50 AM Subject: Re: FW: Whale guidelines
I am attaching the current Kayakers Code of Conduct brochure-it is rather specific to San Juan Island ( a map of protected area along the
west side etc.) but the guidelines are good for the whole region. This current set of kayaker guidelines do not specifically recommend to ' tap
on your hull' but that was a common guideline in past years, especially in the 90's prior to Be Whale Wise.
A little background on the idea: I know Rich Osborne, the then research director at The Whale Museum, definitely promoted the idea (as
did the commercial kayak companies) as it was thought that the whales could identify where power boats were, but may not be able to keep
track of moving kayaks, especially when large numbers of spread kayakers were paddling near shore in areas where we knew the whales
were foraging, i.e. the west side of San Juan Island, and may not be paying enough attention to where kayaks were. There was also some
evidence from early theodolite studies (shore-based behavior studies) that the whales were doing longer dives near kayakers and it was
thought that they may have been doing some avoidance behavior near kayaks-one of the thoughts were that kayaks were unpredictable and
quiet, so it may have been easiest for the whales to steer clear of them; tapping on the hull was thought to help the whales keep track of
kayakers. I have certainly seen whales to do long dives, swim off shore and also swim right through groups of kayaks, so it is unclear what
is going on.
Anyway, hope that helps. I don't think tapping can hurt, whether it helps or not, I don't know.
What is tricky with kayaks is making needed adjustments early so that you can get out of their path and remain at least 100 yards away, as
this is the state law.
Cheers,
Kari
Kari Koski, Soundwatch Director
The Whale Museum
P.O. Box 945
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
360-378-4710 X 33
360-317-4339 Cell
360-378-5790 Fax
www.whalemuseum.org
Be Whale Wise!
16
Note: Confirm required/recommended distances before whale watching since the 100 yard rule has changed to 200 yards.
