[Paddlewise] Trip Planning -- Northern California

Jeff n' Carol asked:

<snip> <<We live in Northern
California so we're looking at a progressively more aggressive set of
trips
something like:>>

Isn't there a book about padddling California?
I need to look it up myself too. Id love to paddle the "Lost Coast" of
Calif. some time.

<snip>
<<<
#3)  We're also taking classes on ocean paddling.  Once skill sets
develop
(including a credible roll), we're thinking about paddling up/down the
coastline somewhere between San Francisco and the the Russian River.
>>>

Sounds like you are approaching things the correct way. Here's a good
link to an article from Wavelength on headlands - an often forgotten
marine navigation challenge:

<http://www.wavelengthmagazine.com/1998/am98sar.html>

<<<
Finally, does anyone have any experience with the Wilderness Kayak
Institute's classes?  They seem to talk about a variety of issues that
would, eventually, get us setup for planning trips to more remote
locations
such as Baja, and all the other places one reads about in the Magazines.

>>>

I know Chris Duff is involved with them (strictly as a hired hand I
believe, as opposed to a partner in the business). I phoned him to query
his involvement in the somewhat politically incorrect and commercially
exploitive organization, when I saw Chris's name attached to the WKI. I
don't know much about the technical skills they impart, but Wavelength
Magazine's latest edition had an article by John Dowds (in the guise of
an education article) about this company. Perhaps you saw it.

I personally know folks who have run into his "classes" on the mid-coast
of BC. They were asked to move away from "his" beach (even though no
permits have been issued - yet) and the rich New York clientele types
were drinking heavily, etc., etc. That's real educational, eh?

Their advertising, in conjunction with Tofino Expedition Limited is very
insensitive (IMHO) towards First Nation folks, and they have been
working behind the scenes on a land grab for their use of prescribed
beach sites via a License of Occupation of land for use as a kayak tour
campsite. To me, licensing these sites for use by one and only one
enterprise cuts against the core of what recreational kayaking is all
about. As one person I know said, "Public land held in the name of the
Crown should be kept free of encumbrances so that the general public,
who actually own the land, are free to enjoy it and use it responsibly
along with any tour operators.

The wording on one of the web sites is a bit disturbing regarding old
First Nation village sites. To me it smacks of insensitivity to First
nations peoples. The Tofino Expeditions Ltd. Brochure statement is as
follows:

“We land at several seldom visited ancient Kwagul village sites
where, at low tide, the beaches still yield up eloquently flaked stone
tools and blue glass trade beads of a past era. This is a wilderness
journey to a rarely visited area; a true adventure of remarkable
encounters and unforgettable images.”

It can be found at:

<http://www.greatkayaking.com/tofino/Cape.html>

I realize I've strayed a bit here, but these guys are all connected, and
I'd really like to see paddlers hook up with only the most culturally,
environmentally sensitive companies, whether for trips or training,
rather than companies that market the outdoors for themselves where
there is little or no interest in adjacent communities.

Well you said:

<<<
Any input from you more seasoned types would be greatly appreciated.
>>>

That's mine.

Doug Lloyd




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