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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>Isn't there a book about padddling California? try http://www.eskapekayak.com/ Dana *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Doug Lloyd" <dougl_at_islandnet.com> > 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." > Sounds like "Come steal with us!" to me. I agree, Doug, these guys need a kick in the butt. Mike PS - For those that don't know, most BC First Nations have never signed treaties with European or North American governments and are in (too) long and drawn out negotiations over land claims and settlements. If it goes to a referendum, as the right-wingers want, they'll get little or nothing. Canadians, I am ashamed to say, have a very poor history of dealing with First Nations and rich white folks looting their artifacts is a disgusting example of the continuing problem. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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