Author Archives: ChrisGriffith

Help Jake Stachovak

Those of us who have been kayaking San Diego for some time will remember Jake Stachovak. He worked at Aqua Adventures for a number of years before returning back to Wausau, Wi. You also might remember him from his epic 5,000-mile kayaking trip, that he chronicled back in 2010. Unfortunately, Jake has been fighting cancer for the past few years. Jake’s cancer has become very aggressive and he is dying. His liver is overrun and it is spreading all over. Some folks have asked how they can help Jake. There is a GoFundMe that was set up for him by his students and staff at the high school he teaches at.

This amazing photo was taken by Bill Thompson at the 2014 The Gales – Storm Gathering is of the inimitable Jake Stachovak.

New Year’s Day Paddle

Let’s start the New Year off on the water as we’ve done for about 15 years.

You’re welcome to join us if you’ve attended some of the skills practices and can keep up with the group’s 3-4 knot pace.

As a reminder, you’re responsible for your own safety so all attendees need to be capable of self-rescuing.

DATE: Saturday, January 1

RALLY TIME: 8:30 am

LAUNCH TIME: 9:00 am

DURATION: 1 – 2 hours

LAUNCH SITE: La Jolla Shores Boat Ramp

VENUE: Paddle north towards Black’s Beach, or perhaps paddle west to check out the caves

RECOMMENDED: Depending on the weather, Mid-weight paddling clothes with a splash jacket

PLEASE NOTE: These paddles are not sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures events. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator.”

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land in small surf.

Upcoming Paddles

After spending a lot of Saturday mornings in Mariner’s Basin practicing our rescue and rolling skills, some of us are going to venture out the next two Saturdays.

Saturday, Oct. 2 – La Jolla coastal paddle -north or south and return

Drop boats off at the launch ramp by 8:30 before parking; launch at 9. Will probably paddle a couple of hours and then find a spot for lunch. We may encounter some surf so please assess your skills before RSVPing. This is an intermediate paddle.

Saturday, Oct. 9 – Newport Beach Coast Guard Station paddle.

1911 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar

It’s a good hour and a half drive–5N to 405N to Jamboree, then head W; need to leave here about 7 in hopes of launching by 9. There’s a small parking lot but plenty of street parking–it’s in a neighborhood. Sandy beach launch; bring wheels; bathrooms and boat wash facilities. Very pretty coastal paddle, appropriate for those intermediate paddlers comfortable in open water; similar to here, depending on the day.

As a reminder, you’re responsible for your own safety.

RSVP to Jane Hardy (janehardy@cox.net) for each session

Kayak Cleanup

Once a year, the San Diego River Park Foundation gets special permission to enter the San Diego River Estuary on kayaks and pull trash out of the water in this sensitive habitat. Join us on Saturday, January 11th for this unique opportunity to see the San Diego River from a new angle while helping out!

The San Diego River Estuary is a critically important 330-acre wildlife area with habitat for many sensitive species, including endangered birds that nest in the estuary, like the Ridgway’s Rail and the California Least Tern. Over 100 different species of birds use this area as a rest area along the Pacific Flyway during their yearly migrations between Alaska and Mexico.

We will have kayaks available for volunteers to borrow, but you are welcome to bring your own.

While boats are in the water, shore volunteers will remove trash along the banks of the estuary and the adjacent San Diego River Trail.

Kayaks will be sent out in two shifts: 7:00 am-8:45 am and 9:00 am-10:45 am.

Please indicate which shift you would prefer when you RSVP.

Details:

This event is open to volunteers ages 13+, but volunteers under the age of 16 must come with an adult.
No experience necessary.
Closed-toed shoes are required.
Sun protection, water, and a snack are highly recommended.
Community service hours can be verified.

RSVP REQUIRED. Limited volunteer spots are available. To sign-up for the interest list and receive full details, please email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org or call (619) 297-7380.

THE “TURTLE PADDLE” AND PICNIC

We are going to paddle the south bay and check out the giant Green Turtles and many birds there. We will meet at the small park at the east end of Grand Caribe, in the Coronado Cays. If you have a bird identification chart, bring it. Please note the disclaimer below.

This paddle is ideal for bringing kids. They must wear life jackets, and paddle/stay close to a parent or other designated adult at all times.

DATE: March 30

LOCATION:Coronado Cays (see map below)

LAUNCH TIME: Be there by 8:30 to get your boat to the beach. We will launch at 9 am. The sandy beach has a gentle slope for easy launching.

ALL BOAT TYPES AND PADDLE BOARDS WELCOME

This is a calm water, easy paddle for beginners on those, or any boat type, so come join in the fun. We will be moving at a slow 2 to 2.5 knots.

BOAT RENTALS AVAILABLE AT AQUA ADVENTURES:

Reserve your boat and pick it up the day before the paddle: (619) 523-9577

PICNIC AFTER THE PADDLE:

Bring your own food and drink. This is not a potluck.

WHAT TO BRING:

A life jacket (required, and must be worn), hat, boat and paddle, map and compass, GPS if you have one, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water and towel to clean your boat, drinking water, snack, VHF radio if you have one, sack lunch and chair for the picnic after the paddle.

DIRECTIONS

Turn in to the Cays off of Silver Strand Blvd. Look for the sign, and then the guard house, but you do not need to stop for the guard. Turn right just past that guardhouse, and go until you see Grand Caribe Causeway. There is a public restroom at the Coronado Cays Park to the west of the Causeway.

This is not a sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures event. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator”.

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-

WHALE WATCH PADDLE OUT OF MISSION BAY

The third weekend in January is historically when the highest number of grey whales are sighted off San Diego, so let’s go try our luck. This is an open ocean paddle for intermediate and beyond kayakers. Because of safety reasons (staying together as a group), decked kayaks and fast SOTS (able to paddle 2.5 knots/hr) only please. Here are the details:

DATE: January 27, 2015

LAUNCH TIME: 8:30 (be there at 8 am please)

PLACE: Aqua Adventures dock (best place to launch, without going through the surf)

ALL BOAT TYPES ARE WELCOME: SOT’s, Decked Kayaks, Inflatables (if rigid skin, fabric reinforced)

BOAT RENTALS AVAILABLE: If you have open ocean paddling experience, you can rent a boat at the launch site. Call Aqua Adventures in advance to reserve equipment. You must have prior experience in a decked kayak, or check with them if they have a fast SOT. Their number is 619 523-9577.

OUR PLAN: The round trip is approx 8 statute miles (unless we decide to also paddle further south along the kelp), and will take 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Our average moving speed will be about 2.5 knots/hr. The whales move down the coast along the kelp beds, so if you are anywhere near the 164 ft depth line (give or take 40 ft of depth), you may see them to the west or east, possibly within 500 ft of you. We have found that it is more likely to see whales near the kelp beds for some reason, and this is why the paddle out of AA has a good probability of a sighting. The Lat/Lon of the “Whale 1” waypoint on the map is: N32 44.445 W117 17.390

EQUIPMENT: All safety equipment is required. If you have them, carry a VHF and GPS, with batteries fully charged. And, always wear your life jacket (required). Remember to bring your water, food, hat, sunglasses, and camera. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of this email message.

IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Check your email Friday night after 6 pm if the weather looks bad. We will give an update if the paddle is still on.

Hope you can join us.

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures event. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator”.

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land along the rocky bay front.

The Club’s Future and What YOU Can Do…

CHANGES IN THE CLUB’S LEADERSHIP:

Some of the people who have given much of their time and effort over the past several years have recently turned over the “reins” to others. Many thanks to Jane Hardy, Teresa Boli, and Gilbert Siegel for serving the kayak community here, and we are grateful to them. They will still be involved in club activities where they can. Jane will continue to lead some advanced skills sessions, and we will see Gilbert and Teresa on the water also.

NEW PEOPLE ADDED TO LEADERSHIP ROLES:

Debbie Van Martin has become our new “Social Events Coordinator”, and will be announcing some events in the future to bring people together in fun ways. She is high energy, a great cook, very interesting to talk to, and a lot of fun to be around.

Dave Beckmann has been leading a “Meet Up” group on Wednesday nights for several years, and will now be doing that for the club also. Dave is skilled in kayaking (you can see him performing a snappy “roll” on our website in Skills), and has experienced some interesting paddles back east. Come paddle with him and others each Wednesday at 5:30pm (launch at 6pm). Boat rentals are available through Aqua Adventures at a special rate of $15 for these paddles.

You can check out Debbie’s and Dave’s “Bio” on our website: http://www.sdkc.org/club-contacts/

CLUB HATS ARE BACK AT AQUA ADVENTURES:

Starting December 14^th our cool club hats (in Kaki, Chrome, and Black) will be on sale again at Aqua Adventures (AA) for $20. The hat sales proceeds will be used to pay for lessons and activities to foster club growth and events, so help us in this effort by purchasing a few. They make great gifts and will help the club in many ways. We do not have any membership dues, so this is the way we will pay for things. Please help support our club in this promotional effort. It’s a win-win: you get a new hat, the club gets a new member, and someone gets a free introductory lesson.

FREE BEGINNER’S LESSONS TO CLUB MEMBERS:

In order to help the club grow, each hat sale will provide one free lesson to someone wanting to experience an introduction to kayaking. In a joint effort with AA, once we have at least 6 hats sold, and 6 people signed up (and signed up as new club members), we will have a Beginner’s Lesson at AA, lasting for an hour or so. AA will provide the equipment and dock help (that the club pays for), and the club will provide instructors. The lesson will go over just the basics, allowing a person to get in a kayak and learn a few paddle strokes and basic boat handling. More advanced skills lessons will then be available through AA for those who want to pursue this sport. We need club volunteers to help teach the Beginner’s Lessons, so please reply to me if you can assist in this. It would be great to have a ratio of one-on-one. This would also help new people make friends with those already in the club. Mentoring is the way to grow our club.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR FUTURE PADDLES, TRIPS, WEB ARTICLES, AND ACTIVITIES:

We need people to help lead paddles, teach the Beginner’s Lessons, and assist with social events. Let Debbie or me know what you can do to help foster our club’s events. If you are a young person, we especially want you to help lead the club’s future with the next generation, passing on this great sport to others. Anyone is welcome to contribute an article on kayaking on our club website.

AQUARIUS BAR AND GRILL TO OPEN THIS SPRING NEXT TO AA:

Debi Nolan is now preparing the space where the deli was for years, with plans to open sometime in April or May. There will be live entertainment on weekends and others times and will be open during extended hours. I have already discussed with Debi having a club party there, which should be very fun. Having this next to AA should bring more people to paddling, and is exciting news for everyone. She already has a cart out front to sell some food and beverage, so stop by and meet her. I don’t know if she paddles, but we will get her in a boat… J

SEVERAL KAYAKS TO RENT AT AQUA ADVENTURES:

AA has a good variety of decked and SOT boats to rent. You can find their website by the link on the club’s home web page for their shop info. They are committed to stocking more kayak items, so stop in to give any suggestions you want to see them carry. Congrats and many thanks to Craig and Ashleigh for their beautifully renovated shop, and all the hours they put in to grow the sport of paddling. We value the club’s partnership with them, and are grateful they are doing so much for us, TRR, and other worthy organizations in this area.

The Pacific Alone: The Untold Story of Kayaking’s Boldest Voyage

For you old timers who met and paddled with Ed Gillet or those who heard of the legend (the only kayaker to cross from the mainland to Maui, in 1987!), Dave Shively, the longtime managing editor of Canoe & Kayak and senior editor of SUP magazine, wrote up his story using interviews and Ed’s journal. It was such an amazing crossing and he barely survived.

In the summer of 1987, Ed Gillet achieved what no person has accomplished before or since, a solo crossing from California to Hawaii by kayak. Gillet, at the age of 36 an accomplished sailor and paddler, navigated by sextant and always knew his position within a few miles. Still, Gillet underestimated the abuse his body would take from the relentless, pounding, swells of the Pacific, and early into his voyage he was covered with salt water sores and found that he could find no comfortable position for sitting or sleeping. Along the way, he endured a broken rudder, among other calamities, but at last reached Maui on his 63^rd day at sea, four days after his food had run out. Dave Shively brings Gillet’s remarkable story to life in this gripping narrative, based on exclusive access to Gillet’s logs as well as interviews with the legendary paddler himself.

Available at amazon.com

For more about this book, the San Diego Union-Tribune has this article.

San Diego River Clean Up

Opportunity for Kayakers! The San Diego River Park Foundation has received special permission to enter the San Diego River Estuary in kayaks to remove trash out of the River on November 10!

If you can provide your own kayak, this is a great opportunity for a unique experience in your own backyard!

If you don’t have a kayak, but would still like to help out, they will be hosting a cleanup on shore from 9am-Noon.

RSVP is required and kayaker space is limited. To RSVP or ask a question, please email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org or call (619) 297-7380.

Kayaking around Coronado island

Call for support paddlers! The 3^rdSEAL Memorial Swim is looking for some support paddlers for this event. They start just north of the rocks in front of Hotel Del and go all the way around and exit at Boy Scout landing by Glorietta Bay park.

The event is Saturday, September 15^th The swim will start at 0700 and check in for the event starts at 0600. They are looking for 2 paddlers. One to be the safety paddler to trail the group and the other to be the support paddler.

Most swimmers will be on relays and swimming for 20 minutes at a time and supported by relay boats. There will be a few solo swimmers who will all need their own kayak for safety and support.

It’s a great event and if anyone would like to help we will be having a luncheon afterward on a nice yacht right in the bay and they would be invited to participate.

If you can help out, contact Jeff Utsch <jsutsch@wrsf.com>