The event is always a fun one, with lots of activities to choose from each day. These activities range from protected paddles to ocean paddles. The ocean paddles are further separated into groups of open ocean or rock hopping and surf zone play.

Due to a rigorous yoga teacher training schedule that weekend, I was unable to participate in most of the activities, although Mark was there for just about all of them and let me know that fun was had throughout the entire event.

The weekend began with a leisurely paddle at Stone Lagoon. This gentle paddle led participants to a sand spit that separates the glassy lagoon from the wild Pacific Ocean. Drinks and food were shared on the spit before participants casually made their way back across the lagoon to the parking lot.

Tom paddling on a foggy Stone Lagoon.

A great evening for a paddle.

Throughout the weekend there were two paddles at Trinidad and a field trip up north to Crescent City in Del Norte County. Here participants were given the option of a surf play day or a windy paddle around Castle Rock. Others opted to stay in Humboldt for a leisurely paddle down Mad River Slough. Friday evening brought about a fun and lively potluck, and Saturday evening tired participants met at the Seascape restaurant in Trinidad for some tasty seafood.

Karen, Michael, Shawna and Mary relax after an epic journey around Castle Rock.

Rock garden play in Crescent City.

Mark and Charlotte enjoying the sun.

All in all the weekend was a great success. Thanks to Mike Dedman for putting it together, and for the many paddlers who came to visit. We hope to see you all again here next year!

Paddlers gather in Trinidad.

A large group and a gorgeous day.

Playing in the rocks.

Local paddler Larry plays just north of Trinidad State Beach.

The view from above.

Pictures by Mark and Helen.

A kayaker in a sea cave can’t help but feel a deep sense of awe, amazement, mystery and solitude. Water drums in cracks in the walls, surf echos in dark corners and the hollow smell and cold still air in the cave all make it unique. Some caves have underground rooms, and mysterious colorful light shines up through the water.

Last week Mark, Michael Morris and I drove up the coast to Southern Oregon, one of our favorite sea kayaking destinations. Steep cliffs, waterfalls, caves, long tunnels, exciting rock gardens and an occasional wild goat on the cliffs above make the place unique. In all the times that we’ve been there we’ve never seen another person on the water. It’s a great place to step away and play for awhile.

Launching in a gentle breeze.

The thing about Southern Oregon is that if conditions aren’t favorable, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to get off the beach. The coastline is exposed, and large swell can make playing in caves and rock gardens treacherous. Wind is always an issue, and this particular day, the wind was blowing from the south, creating up to seven foot wind waves. The swell at three to five feet was small however, and launching from the beach was incredibly easy. We paddled north with the wind, knowing that it might be challenging paddling back if the south wind picked up as predicted.

Lingering in the rocks.

One of the first features we reached was a deep cave with a waterfall in front. We took turns going inside and marveling at our incredible surroundings. Throughout the day we tucked into cove after cove, exploring every crack, tunnel, archway and cave, some mild and others wild.

Mark exiting a cave and passing a waterfall.

Michael and Helen making their way though a row of archways.

One of many tunnels.

After several miles we turned back and were immediately hit by a strong headwind. After paddling hard for about a mile and watching (and feeling) the waves around us get larger and more powerful, we stopped for a break and to regain strength for the journey back. We opted to take the most direct route, straight into the wind, and for the next two and a half hours we remained focused as we slogged back.

The journey back.

Finally we arrived back at the launch, tired but completely satisfied with the day. Southern Oregon is a magical place, and I can’t wait to return.

Back at the beach.

Photos by Michael Morris, Helen and Mark.

Location: Trinidad, California

Description: This discipline specific test is designed to show that a successful candidate has the appropriate level of skill to paddle safely in moderate water conditions on coastal journeys, and they may consider themselves an intermediate sea kayaker. They can do this in a competent manner as part of a led group and have the knowledge and ability to help the smooth running of a trip in this environment. The assessment will be against criteria set out in the BCU 3 Star Sea syllabus and will cover the following areas:

Personal Paddling Skills

• Lifting, carrying and launching/landing
• Efficient forward paddling
• Reverse paddling, stopping
• Maintaining direction
• Changing direction
• Moving sideways
• Supporting
• Rolling
• Securing

Rescue Skills

• Deep-water rescue
• Contact tows and use of tow line
• Eskimo rescue (self rescue sit on top)

Safety, Leadership and Group Skills

• Personal risk management
• Awareness of others
• Paddle as part of a led group
• Theory
• Equipment
• Sea safety
• Weather
• Hypothermia/First Aid
• Access
• Environment
• Planning
• Group awareness
• General knowledge
• Navigation

Prerequisites: BCU 2 Star Award, or equivalent

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

Location: Trinidad, California

Description: This discipline specific test is designed to show that a successful candidate has the appropriate level of skill to paddle safely in moderate water conditions on coastal journeys, and they may consider themselves an intermediate sea kayaker. They can do this in a competent manner as part of a led group and have the knowledge and ability to help the smooth running of a trip in this environment. The assessment will be against criteria set out in the BCU 3 Star Sea syllabus and will cover the following areas:

Personal Paddling Skills

• Lifting, carrying and launching/landing
• Efficient forward paddling
• Reverse paddling, stopping
• Maintaining direction
• Changing direction
• Moving sideways
• Supporting
• Rolling
• Securing

Rescue Skills

• Deep-water rescue
• Contact tows and use of tow line
• Eskimo rescue (self rescue sit on top)

Safety, Leadership and Group Skills

• Personal risk management
• Awareness of others
• Paddle as part of a led group
• Theory
• Equipment
• Sea safety
• Weather
• Hypothermia/First Aid
• Access
• Environment
• Planning
• Group awareness
• General knowledge
• Navigation

Prerequisites: BCU 2 Star Award, or equivalent

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

Location: Trinidad, California

Description: This two training day course will address all the necessary elements of boat handling, group safety and seamanship skills, as well as developing personal performance, as set out in the BCU 3 Star Sea syllabus. Completion of the training course will lead to a personalized action plan in preparation for assessment. The course will cover:

Personal Paddling Skills

• Lifting, carrying and launching/landing
• Efficient forward paddling
• Reverse paddling, stopping
• Maintaining direction
• Changing direction
• Moving sideways
• Supporting
• Rolling
• Securing

Rescue Skills

• Deep-water rescue
• Contact tows and use of tow line
• Eskimo rescue (self rescue sit on top)

Safety, Leadership and Group Skills

• Personal risk management
• Awareness of others
• Paddle as part of a led group
• Theory
• Equipment
• Sea safety
• Weather
• Hypothermia/First Aid
• Access
• Environment
• Planning
• Group awareness
• General knowledge
• Navigation

Prerequisites: BCU 2 Star Award, or equivalent

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

Location: Trinidad, California

Description: This two training day course will address all the necessary elements of boat handling, group safety and seamanship skills, as well as developing personal performance, as set out in the BCU 3 Star Sea syllabus. Completion of the training course will lead to a personalized action plan in preparation for assessment. The course will cover:

Personal Paddling Skills

• Lifting, carrying and launching/landing
• Efficient forward paddling
• Reverse paddling, stopping
• Maintaining direction
• Changing direction
• Moving sideways
• Supporting
• Rolling
• Securing

Rescue Skills

• Deep-water rescue
• Contact tows and use of tow line
• Eskimo rescue (self rescue sit on top)

Safety, Leadership and Group Skills

• Personal risk management
• Awareness of others
• Paddle as part of a led group
• Theory
• Equipment
• Sea safety
• Weather
• Hypothermia/First Aid
• Access
• Environment
• Planning
• Group awareness
• General knowledge
• Navigation

Prerequisites: BCU 2 Star Award, or equivalent

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

Location: Trinidad, California

Description: This two training day course will address all the necessary elements of boat handling, group safety and seamanship skills, as well as developing personal performance, as set out in the BCU 3 Star Sea syllabus. Completion of the training course will lead to a personalized action plan in preparation for assessment. The course will cover:

Personal Paddling Skills

• Lifting, carrying and launching/landing
• Efficient forward paddling
• Reverse paddling, stopping
• Maintaining direction
• Changing direction
• Moving sideways
• Supporting
• Rolling
• Securing

Rescue Skills

• Deep-water rescue
• Contact tows and use of tow line
• Eskimo rescue (self rescue sit on top)

Safety, Leadership and Group Skills

• Personal risk management
• Awareness of others
• Paddle as part of a led group
• Theory
• Equipment
• Sea safety
• Weather
• Hypothermia/First Aid
• Access
• Environment
• Planning
• Group awareness
• General knowledge
• Navigation

Prerequisites: BCU 2 Star Award, or equivalent

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

We look forward to any questions and hope you enjoy reading our answers.

Location: To be determined. Location will be in Arcata, California.

Description: The aim of this one-day classroom based program is to give participants the necessary tools to plan and navigate effectively on coastal journeys in moderate ocean conditions. Upon completion, each student should have planned at least two coastal journeys that they can take home as reference for further personal trip planning. This course is designed to compliment areas covered in the BCU 4 Star Sea Award training and is a prerequisite for assessment. The course will cover:

• Interpreting sources of information required to plan trips
• Understanding tides and currents
• Obtaining a weather forecast
• Identifying conditions and their effects on a journey
• Learning simple pilotage techniques
• Planning tasks and practical exercizes

Prerequisites: An understanding of charts and practical navigation.

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.

Location: To be determined. Location will be in Arcata, California.

Description: The aim of this one-day classroom based program is to give participants the necessary tools to plan and navigate effectively on coastal journeys in moderate ocean conditions. Upon completion, each student should have planned at least two coastal journeys that they can take home as reference for further personal trip planning. This course is designed to compliment areas covered in the BCU 4 Star Sea Award training and is a prerequisite for assessment. The course will cover:

• Interpreting sources of information required to plan trips
• Understanding tides and currents
• Obtaining a weather forecast
• Identifying conditions and their effects on a journey
• Learning simple pilotage techniques
• Planning tasks and practical exercizes

Prerequisites: An understanding of charts and practical navigation.

BCU Information: For syllabus details, visit the BCU North America website.

Contact: For more information, course fees or to register, e-mail info@greenlandorbust.org.