Kayaking Journal Home : Kayaking News Home : March 2006
March 8, 2006 08:43 - Ocean Kayaks - A Leader In Sit-on-top Kayak Design
by Kent Johnson
Ocean Kayaks is a leading manufacturer of sit-on-top kayaks. These type of kayaks are great for beginners just learning to paddle (there's no fear of capsizing and not being able to wet exit), and they also make terrific platforms for fishing, scuba diving, photography, surfing, touring, and all around recreational use. They're also easy to get in and out of, even in fairly rough and choppy water. In simple terms, the learning curve on a sit-on-top kayak is much shorter than with conventional boats.
If you're not familiar with sit-on-top kayaks, they have a farily conventional hull shape, but the paddler sits on top of the boat rather than inside the hull. Most of these boats are rotomolded plastic, which makes them relatively inexpensive (and of course heavier than kevlar and other, more expensive hull materials).
Paddlers who own Ocean Kayaks are a very devoted bunch overall, and many we talk to have owned several O.K. boats over the years. The Ocean Kayaks sit-on-tops tend to be very stable, forgiving even in adverse conditions, and have plenty of storage space for all kinds of gear. They're also comfortable and very durable even under the harshest conditions.
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March 13, 2006 16:03 - Central Calif Coast visitors get an interactive CD-ROM
Have you ever wondered what to do on a trip to the Central California Coast? Well wonder no more. Chromis LLC, a recently formed Monterey-based company, just introduced the Central California Coast Interactive CD-ROM, a unique interactive digital tour guide highlighting the Central Coast.The CD-ROM was designed to be used by both visitors to and residents of the area. It creates a unique multimedia experience for the user. It's part travel guide, and part pure entertainment. With a few mouse clicks, it's possible to find accommodations, plan interesting activities (such as whale watching, hiking, bicycling, kayaking, etc), and learn about the history of this scenic part of the country.
"Our goal was to create a comprehensive product that revolutionizes the way we plan our excursions and activities, and offers a refreshing alternative to bulky travel and activity guides that until now were the only option," said Chromis LLC Founder and President Brad Damitz.
He went on to say that the CD-ROM is intended to allow visitors to "Maximize their Central Coast experience and truly take advantage of what the area has to offer. It is guaranteed to remind nearby residents of what a spectacular area they live in by informing them of the endless opportunities for outdoor activities, the region's rich history and its remarkable wildlife."
Source: http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/view_press_release.php?rID=11467
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March 27, 2006 09:01 - Even On A Warm Day, Cold Water Can Be A Hazard
As spring approaches, the lure of warm, sunny days and open water is enticing for landbound paddlers coming out of a long winter. But be careful. Just because the air temperature is warm doesn't mean you'll be safe in the water.Water temperatures will be low well into the spring, and most paddlers--especially inexperienced ones--would do well to stay on shore for a while longer (typically water temps warm up sometime in May). Inexperienced paddlers are more likely to roll their kayak -- and take a dip in frigid, possibly deadly water in the process.
One solution to the hypothermia risk, of course, is to wear a good dry suit. Dry suits are sealed at the wrists and neck, and will keep your body dry and buoyant. But even a dry suit may not be enough protection if the water is too cold.
Expert cold weather paddlers are usually aware of the risks involved in winter/spring paddling, and act accordingly. They know that windy days can be especially hazardous on the water, as the wind chill factor can drop the air temperature tens of degrees.
And if you paddle alone, you should always have a solid self-rescue plan in place. What will you do if your kayak rolls and you have to make a wet exit? What if you can't get back into your boat? Some paddlers even carry flippers on board in case they have to swim to shore.
The allure of spring kayaking can be alluring, but be careful. If you're a relatively inexperienced paddler, go out with a group of more experienced friends. Dress for the worst case scenario. Let somone back home know exactly where you'll be going. And make sure everyone in your group knows what to do in the event of an accident.
