Welcome to WaveLength Magazine where we applaud everyone who chooses to share the age-old, worldwide culture of paddling. Whether you explore and enjoy the Pacific Coast with a kayak, canoe or river raft, we encourage safe and sustainable boating and the preservation of our unique environment for future generations.

Experience the Pacific Coast



CURRENT ISSUE - Apr–Jun 2008

Strings Attached
Strings Attached

Of all the kit sea kayakers lug around, tow systems are perhaps the most befuddling. Second only to the skeg-versus-rudder holy wars, tow systems generate the most ongoing debates among experienced paddlers.

Emergency Mapping and Messaging with SPOT
Emergency Mapping and Messaging with SPOT

Sea kayakers who venture beyond the pale—past the channel marker, the lighthouse, the harbor and the bay—have matters to deal with once their distance from home reaches the remote.

Finding Your Edge
Finding Your Edge

Every now and then I would feel a shadow, and look up to see a wave careening in towards shore. The only way out was to edge hard, and carve an outside-leaning turn up the face.

The Scoop Rescue
The Scoop Rescue

The concept behind the scoop rescue is to absolutely minimize the effort required from the swimmer.

Wilderness First Aid
Wilderness First Aid

When kayakers talk “safety,” we discuss rescue techniques, the importance of good seamanship, and the fine art of weather forecast interpretation.

The Ocean May Eat You
The Ocean May Eat You

Kayakers are like schooling fish. We venture into an immense ocean full of scary predators, but we find safety and comfort in numbers.


NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Seaward Chinook TX

Seaward is proud to announce production of their new Chinook TX thermoform kayak. Incorporating all the innovation and safety features that have made Seaward the bench mark in kayak design, the Chinook TX is built in true Seaward tradition. » more


New Ergonomically Correct Paddle

Gullwing Paddles has designed a revolutionary new paddle to help kayakers of all ages enjoy kayaking while reducing the major stress caused by straight paddles. The Gullwing Paddle provides a natural motion that reduces the typical stress on the joints and arms, with an added bonus of greater paddling ease and control. The ergonomically curved shape allows for a more comfortable holding position and an easier, smoother stroke.

The Gullwing Paddle blades are made of fiberglass reinforced nylon. The handle is made of a lightweight, durable aluminum alloy, T-832 ALUMINUM, coated with a tough abrasive-resistant surface, improving wearability and corrosion resistance. Total weight: 35 oz. For more information please visit www.Gullwingpaddles.com

More New Product Announcements


PADDLING NEWS

Deep Cove Tuesday Night Paddlesport Races - 10th season!!

Ten years of Tuesday Night kayak races in Deep Cove resume in April. This fun weekly race has become a Vancouver institution.  80 – 130 paddlers line-up and do battle in short, fun races.  Paddlers of all abilities welcome.  Sea kayaks, Surf Skis, Outriggers, Dugout Canoes or anything that floats. Some races may include short runs and swims during the warmer summer months. Weekly April 8 – September 16. Races start at 7 PM. $3 Race fee. Rentals available by reservation only » more


THINK Kayak International Challenge: Whatcom Lake, WA vs Deep Cove, BC

This two day event will see paddlers from both sides of the border putting it all on the line for bragging rights. Bellingham and Deep Cove are hot spots for kayak racing, supporting populations of enthusiastic sport paddlers. The THINK Kayak International Challenge Trophy will go to the nation who fronts the fastest 10 paddlers. For more information: www.thinkkayaks.com

Saturday, May 3 - Whatcom Classic (12 Miles)
Sunday, May 4 - Tour de Indian Arm (Short Course 10 Km, Long Course 19 Km)
Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak, 604-987-2202


Big Chop Summer Paddle Series

The Mountain Equipment Co-op Big Chop Summer Paddle Series is a 10 race series happening on Thursday evenings in Vanier Park, Vancouver, BC. The race is open to OC 1 & 2, Kayaks and Canoes. The Series starts on Thursday, May 17th, at 7pm. Collect series points and win great prizes! » more


Croatia and Vietnam by Kayak

A presentation by Maria Coffey and Dag Goering at Ecomarine's Granville Island Retail Store, Vancouver, BC on March 11, 7 pm. No charge.

Europe's most spectacular coastline lies in Croatia: here stark serrated mountains drop down to meet the sea and form the verdant Dalmatian Coast. Strewn along this seaboard lies an archipelago of 1000 spectacular islands where traditional hospitality and a relaxed lifestyle are still the norm.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is one of the world's ultimate paddling destinations. From our base aboard a beautiful, traditional sailing vessel, we spend eight days paddling the bay, winding through its labyrinth of limestone islets, and finding secret passages to hidden lagoons and magical sea caves. We visit the floating villages of fisherfolk who live their whole lives aboard tiny bamboo boats, and we witness their animistic ceremonies. » more


Western Canadian Paddlesports Leadership Conference

The 2nd Annual Western Canadian Paddlesports Leadership Conference will take place May 2 – 4 at Camp Columbia on Thetis Island, BC. Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions led by industry leaders and peers provide up-to-date techniques, knowledge, and information for paddlesports professionals. Contact Conference Coordinator, Michael Pardy, at info@wcpaddlesportsconference.org

Web: www.wcpaddlesportsconference.org


Innovation Award for Walker Bay Boats' Airis Kayak

Walker Bay® Boats Inc. has won the Innovation Award organized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by Boating Writers International at the 67th Annual Miami International Boat Show, for the Airis Inflatable Kayak. The Airis was the winner of the Inflatables, Small Boats Up to 15’ and Tenders category. Airis Inflatable Kayaks are made using AirWeb™ High Pressure Construction (patent pending), formed from a heavy duty seven layer polymer coated fabric that is joined inside by thousands of drop-stitch fibers, much like an elaborate web. AirWeb Construction allows the kayak to be inflated to more than 6.5 PSI or 0.45 bar, resulting in a rigid and stable hull that is lightweight yet compact enough to be carried in a backpack (included). Judge Trulio commented that, “This construction method has produced the most portable kayak I’ve ever seen.”

The Innovation Awards recognize products that best meet the following criteria: innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured; benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer; practicality; cost-effectiveness; and availability to the consumer within 60 days of receiving the award.

Stefano Rista, the Product Development Manager receiving the award at the Miami Boat Show.


BORÉALDESIGN Changes Hands

Quebec-based BORÉALDESIGN, specializing in the production of sea kayaks, is transferring shares of the company to employees as part of an ownership change. » more


Kayaker’s Quest: First Winter Solo Paddle Around Vancouver Island, BC

Ken Campbell, who once paddled around Newfoundland and wrote a book about the adventure, is now on his way around Vancouver Island on a solo circumnavigation. You can follow his adventure by reading his blog: http://vicircle2008.blogspot.com/.


Free Sailing Starter Kit for Kayakers

Good Old Boat Magazine is offering a starter kit (a short primer on the basics of sailing) for kayakers who might be interested in moving into mothershipping with a sailboat. » more


The Great River Amazon Raft Race

Mike Collis from Iquitos, Peru has issued an invitation to paddlers to participate in the Great River Amazon Raft Race in September 2008: the Amazon Rafting Club, based here in Iquitos, Peru cordially invites you to send a team to compete in the "Great River Amazon Raft Race 2008." This is not a "fun thing" but the longest raft race in the world covering 132 miles of the mighty River Amazon. Our club motto is "The faint of heart need not apply." For details please click here: www.iquitostimes.com/raft-race-2008.htm.

More Paddling News

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