The Great Bear Rainforest extends from the Discovery Islands in the south to the British Columbia-Alaska boundary in the north. Photo: Dustin Silvey
Last summer, our small group of paddlers set off from the northern tip of Vancouver Island into British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. We were in search of the fish farms spreading out across the area, which had become a source of political debate between the provincial government and the Indigenous communities.
The farms were not hard to find. The eyesores dotted the area closest to Vancouver Island, right up to the border of the famous Broughton Archipelago Provincial Park. One moment we saw humpback whales breaching around us, surrounded by huge forested islands, and the next we turned a corner to see a massive chain-link fence in the middle of the ocean. These fenced-in perimeters host thousands of Atlantic salmon, swimming in circles, in what is considered by many to be unsustainable fish farms.
We paddled deep into the Great Bear Rainforest to see how far the farms penetrated. During our search, we circumnavigated Gilford Island and as we did, the farms ceased for a time. The break from the farms was a feeling of freedom; our eyes were free to wander the landscape with what we thought would be uninterrupted beauty. Unfortunately, we were wrong.
Human Impact On The Great Bear Rainforest
The area around Gilford Island, like many areas of the Great Bear Rainforest, has tracts of ongoing logging. Roads dotted the landscape, almost all of the forest was second or third growth with little old growth remaining. Most nights smoke from forest fires roaring across the province turned the sun into a blazing red ball in the sky.
Do not misunderstand me. The area is beautiful—dolphins jumped next to our boats, we saw orcas breeding, witnessed bears feeding on beaches and eagles diving for fish. But it was difficult not to feel regret when thinking about how much more beautiful this area must have been before the human impact.
Most mornings, I crawled out of my tent already dressed in my drysuit while the morning rain pelted my face. My companions reminded me, “If you are going to paddle in a rainforest, you should expect regular rains.” But on one morning, we woke up to the sun beaming down on us. A bear was digging for food down the beach, and it being warm and bright, and us excited to see our first bear, we were slow to act.
This backdrop is what I had imagined the whole of the Great Bear Rainforest to be—green, lush, and deceivingly inviting.
As some of our team was packing our stuff sacks into our Boreal Design kayaks, we realized it was already early afternoon. We had a short crossing that day and arrived at camp as the sun was setting after a 20-kilometer paddle. This was when I snapped this shot. The forest behind the kayak was the perfect backdrop, with the sun just over the cusp of Gilford Island, causing a small amount of flare on the lens.
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This backdrop is what I had imagined the whole of the Great Bear Rainforest to be—green, lush, and deceivingly inviting. Vast areas of the Great Bear Rainforest were out-of-this-world beautiful, but if I just turned my head slightly, too often I saw the devastation in the mountains and on the ocean. For me, this photo represents what the area could be in entirety, rather than just when your eyes are facing the correct direction.
Gearlab, pioneer of the first modern carbon fiber Greenland-style paddle with exchangeable tips, debuts their new accessories collections in bags and paddle float. The deck bag is designed to revolutionize a paddlers’ deck with order, convenience and critical safety features. With the deck bag, paddle bag, paddle float, and cabin bag, Gearlab offers the ultimate kayak accessory collection for summer 2019.
The Gearlab Deck Bag
Created by a team of award-winning industrial designers, the Gearlab Deck Bag is designed for integrated kayaking safety, and features custom made slots for pump, paddle float, and a hydration system. All operations can be completed with one hand..
Both sides of the bag have one solid holder; paddlers can simply put in their pump and paddle float without adjusting sloppy mesh. To remove gear, simply click the strap to release the buckle. Bag can fit 3 liter hydration system, with tube hole design that provides easy access. A hidden handle beneath the bag eliminates the possibility of confusing spray skirt with deck bag when capsized. Mesh compartment proves storage inside deck bag and allows water to easily drain out when taking the bag up. Bag fastens to the deck with four buckles. The buckles allow for installing and unleashing with ease, with no need to pair and route for the buckle like conventional deck bags. Dimensions: 44 x 25 x 10 cm.
Paddle Bag
Gearlab Outdoors’ third generation Paddle Bag is made to fit most Greenland style paddles. Featuring an EVA hard bottom shaped into the brand’s signature ProTek Tip silhouette that provides significant improved protection. Full padding with a perfect width is designed to provide a 360° protection. Side zipper, and webbing adjuster improved paddlers’ user experience. Paddlers can now take their paddles on a plane trip without worrying damage the paddles. Full protection, and better traveling experience with Gearlab sticks!
Dimensions: 130 x 9 cm
The Gearlab paddle bag, with one internal divider separates the two paddles, allowing blades to be placed on each side of the divider. Length 130 cm.
The Gearlab Paddle Float
Gearlab’s Paddle Float is an essential safety tool to carry on every kayak outing. The Paddle Float meets all safety requirements for both Greenland style and Euro-blade paddles. Constructed with quality materials, it provides excellent buoyancy and leverage to re-enter a kayak. Pump and Paddle float are essential life savers when paddlers encounter difficulties on the water. With its innovative new design, Gearlab has taken the deck bag to the next level of safety. A key safety tool, Gearlab’s Paddle Float is ideal for self-rescue, as well as for practice learning new rolls and mastering a balance brace. It is adaptable for use with both Greenland and Euro-style blades. A single blow-up valve inflates both chambers of the float, making it quick and easy to deploy. The float is constructed with quality materials, and the bright yellow color and reflective strip provide greater visibility in the water. USD $49
The Gearlab Kayak Dry Bag (KDB)
Gearlab Kayak Dry Bag (KDB) is both lightweight and durable, making it ideal for sea kayaking and long expeditions. The Kayak Dry Bag is shaped and tapered for efficient storage. It offers less weight at the top of the bag, allowing for an easy roll-top closure. The lower shell is fashioned from a more durable TPU fabric. The KDB is available in three sizes: 10 Liter, 14 Liter, and 18 Liter.
The Kayak Dry Bag includes tote-style handles with top webbing and a bottom handle designed for quick cabin grab and removal. The KDB’s unique design also allows dual zones for dry and wet storage. The bag’s bottom half enclosure is designed for dry goods, and the top half provides an open-air stuffing zone for wet goods. The two-tone heather fabric features dual sides coated with TPU and a PU top to allow for a quick spray-down cleaning. While its innovative high-tech design makes it perfectly suited for outdoor pursuits on the water, the Cabin Dry Bag also features a handsome two-tone design that will allow it to carry over for urban lifestyles.
About Gearlab
For the past eight years, Gearlab has designed and manufactured Greenland-style carbon-fiber paddles for ocean kayakers around the world. Created by a team of award-winning industrial designers and outdoor enthusiasts, the paddles are adapted from indigenous Inuit designs. Greenland paddles allow kayakers to travel farther with greater efficiency and precision, while reducing injury and fatigue. Made from 100 percent continuous carbon-fiber material,Gearlab paddles perfect thousand-year-old ergonomics with advanced material strength and durability. Gearlab paddles will open up a new realm of adventure for both recreational and advanced kayakers. Discover the benefits of Gearlabpaddles at GearlabOutdoors.com.
For 40 years, Yakima has built its reputation as the global leader in vehicle racks by providing innovative and reliable cargo solutions for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds.
For Fall 2019, the brand is excited to announce its long-anticipated entry into the recreational fishing market, with three all-new rooftop fishing rod holders. Also debuting in Fall 2019 is LockNLoad, a platform roof rack and accessories collection that will appeal to overlanders and weekend warriors, alike.
The new products will be introduced at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, June 18–20, in Denver, Colorado. To book an appointment at Outdoor Retailer to see the new products firsthand, please contact John Taranto at the information above.
The Fish Collection by Yakima
The new line of rod holders consists of three products. The DoubleHaul is a premium, precision-designed rod carrier made specifically for fly and spey rods. The TopWater is a purpose-built storage box for conventional rods and reels with room for tackle and other gear. The ReelDeal is a simple and economical solution for transporting up to eight fully rigged rods on any style of roof rack.
“With 49 million anglers in the United States, many of whom are already Yakima consumers, it only made sense to bring our expertise in cargo management to the world of fishing,” said Garrett Barnum, Category Director – Top of Car, Truck, Camp. “However, this was never going to be an ‘us too’ play.
Instead, we’ve gone all-in right out of the gate, with three smartly designed and well-built products for a wide range of anglers.”
Yakima Overland Adventure
Born and rigorously tested in the Australian Outback, the new LockNLoad Heavy Duty Platform Roof Rack combines smart looks and even smarter engineering for hauling overlanding equipment as far off road as your vehicle will take you. LockNLoad accessories include side rails, a bracket for mounting lights, a high-lift jack holder, a spare tire holder and more. The LockNLoad system offers tremendous utility beyond the overland market, though. With its side-to-side slats, it’s perfectly suited for hauling bikes, boats, boards, and skis, too.
“The LockNLoad platform racks represent a natural extension of Yakima’s existing rooftop offerings,” said Barnum. “With adventurers going farther and farther off the grid, we’re able to provide them the versatility they demand with this low-profile roof rack and line of rugged accessories. At the same time, LockNLoad will also appeal to those simply looking to haul their favorite gear to the trail, mountain, or coast.”
The new fishing rod carriers and LockNLoad platform rack and accessories will be available at retail and on Yakima.com in August.
Yakima’s Fall 2019 Products
Yakima DoubleHaul
Designed with avid flyfishers in mind, the DoubleHaul offers superior protection for up to four fly rods or two fly rods and two spey rods. The DoubleHaul accommodates rods up to 10 feet in length and most reels up to size 12. The best part? Rods can be stored fully strung up for fast and easy access. The four aluminum rod tubes that comprise the carrier each contain a plastic sleeve to securely hold a fly rod and prevent wear and abrasion on the blank and guides. Felt padding prevents marring on the reels, and the reel box features a Yakima SKS lock for worry-free security. The DoubleHaul easily mounts to any vehicle crossbars with its tool-free, low-profile universal mounting hardware, and the carrier can be configured to half its length for smaller vehicles. MSRP: $699
Yakima TopWater
The super-versatile TopWater is easily mounted to a roof rack or trailer for on-the-go access to as many as eight fully rigged baitcasting and spinning rods up to 8 feet in length (or 20 bare rods). The TopWater keeps rods and reels secure and organized during transit thanks to protective foam pads and rubber straps that ensure everything stays in place. Additional space under the rods accommodates low-profile tackle boxes and other gear.
The durable hard-plastic shell features Carbonite, the industry-proven, American-made material used in Yakima’s SkyBox products. With a Yakima SKS lock included, the TopWater is equipped to keep cargo secure. As with the DoubleHaul, the TopWater is compatible with any crossbar style and shape. MSRP: $549
Yakima ReelDeal
For a simple and cost-effective way of transporting fully rigged rods to any fishing hole, look no further than the ReelDeal. This two-piece rod carrier features tool-free mounting to any roof rack, including factory and aftermarket racks. The included Yakima SKS locks secure the rods and rack to the vehicle and the rack opens from the side for easy access to up to eight rods. Full-length rubber padding securely holds and protects rods during transit. MSRP: $169
Yakima LockNLoad
Bringing versatility and customization to far-flung adventures and weekend trips alike, the all-new LockNLoad platform rack was conceived by Yakima’s team in Australia and torture-tested for months in the extreme conditions of the Outback. Its low-profile design with side-to-side slats enables it to haul anything from a rooftop bike or ski rack to jerry cans or a rooftop tent; a series of accessories allow the user to truly maximize the rack’s utility.
The LockNLoad is built to last with corrosion-resistant aluminum construction and powder coating for durability and style. The LockNLoad is available in six different sizes with load ratings of 165 to 440 pounds depending on the vehicle. MSRP: $699–$949
Additionally, Yakima will preview its Spring 2020 collection at Outdoor Retailer, which includes innovative new bike products and a collection of premium rooftop cargo boxes.
About Yakima
A pioneer in vehicle racks and cargo management solutions since 1979, Yakima is known for its rugged and dependable products. Built for a wide variety of recreationists, Yakima products embody the company’s commitment to quality and safety and its passion for the outdoors. Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered outside of Portland, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com and follow Yakima on social media: facebook.com/yakimaracks, YakimaRacks on Instagram and Twitter, and youtube.com/yakimaproducts.
Helle of Norway is proud to announce the Kletten, the smallest knife ever made by the 87 year-old-brand. Debuting at the 2019 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Denver, Colorado this June, the Kletten will be available at retail stores this fall.
Helle Kletten Specifications:
Name: Kletten Weight: 84 g / 2.96 oz Blade material: triple laminated stainless steel Blade thickness: 2.7mm Blade length: 55mm / 2.16-inches Handle material: Curly birchwood Handle length: 80 mm / 3.14-inches Total length (open): 135 mm / 5.31-inches Style: Folding, lockback MSRP: $199
In development for several years, Helle’s smallest folding knife to date weighs less than 3 ounces. Measuring only 3.1-inches long folded, its compact size doesn’t compromise on capability. Tucked inside the 2.1-inch drop point blade, Helle’s renowned triple laminated stainless steel features a razor-sharp Scandinavian flat ground edge.
This heirloom-quality gentleman’s knife takes its name from a small but rugged hill near the Helle factory where locals go to enjoy nature. The knife’s striking curly birchwood scales are handcrafted to match the forests of Norway.
“The outdoors always provides our inspiration, from the natural materials we use to how we create our designs,” explains Jan Steffen Helle, production manager. “Our first everyday carry knife needed to be a small yet functional design, one that stays true to our Nordic heritage and craft.”
For over 80 years, Helle’s production focused on traditional fixed-blade knives. In 2010 Helle introduced the best selling Dokka, the brand’s first folding knife. In 2017, Helle released a second larger folding knife with the Bleja. To address the demand for a smaller Scandinavian style knife, the Kletten is designed as an everyday carry, pocket-sized knife for outdoor enthusiasts.
“Getting outside is often a spontaneous act, a short walk at lunch or a bike commute home, activities that don’t require a fixed blade knife,” says Svein-Erik Helle, Helle’s managing director. “We designed the Kletten as a small knife for small trips, a pocket-sized companion for simple, everyday tasks.”
Since 1932 Helle makes knives for international markets from the small village of Holmedal, situated on Norway’s rugged northern coast. Please contact Matt Huff (matthuff@sport-hansa.com) for retailer inquiries in the U.S., or James Graven for press inquiries (james@treehousepr.com). Visit helle.com for distributors outside the USA.
About Helle of Norway
Founded in 1932 by brothers Steinar and Sigmund, Helle is a family-owned, world-renowned brand known for producing aesthetically stunning, highly functional knives. Each Helle knife is handcrafted in Holmedal, Norway using natural materials and strict adherence to the art and tradition of Scandinavian knife making. Skilled hands play a major role in Helle’s knife production, and each knife takes up to 45 manual processes to complete. By finishing each knife individually, craftsmen bring out the best qualities of Helle’s past, place, people, and production. The result is a one-of-a-kind knife, worthy of passing down through generations. Please visit www.helle.com to learn more and follow @helleknives on Instagram and Facebook.
Hat with built in LED lights. | Photo: Courtesy of Panther Vision
Campers planning their summer excursions should be aware of a new survey showing that 25 percent of self-described outdoor enthusiasts admit to regretting at least half of the outdoor gear purchases they’ve made within the last 12 months.
The Outdoor Industry Association estimates that every year, the outdoor recreation economy generates $887 billion in consumer spending; $184.5 billion of that spending is strictly on gear. Based on survey results, if a quarter of those product purchases ended in regret at least half the time, the result is an astonishing $23 billion spent annually on outdoor gear the consumer later regrets buying.
“Overall, the number one reason for regret is that the product did not work as advertised, followed by the product being cheaply constructed, or of limited use,” said Amit Bhatnagar, an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who performed an analysis of the survey results.
To combat this rampant buyer’s remorse, Panther Vision commissioned a nationwide survey to better understand the problem as the company designs and launches the revamped version of its “headlamp-in-a-hat,” the POWERCAP 2.0.
“In our shop, we refer to those regretful purchases as PUIs – Purchasing Under the Influence – which most people call impulse buying,” said Chas Waters, Panther Vision’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “We’re all guilty of it, and as outdoorsmen ourselves who’ve felt let down by products that fail to meet our expectations, our team wanted to know just how common this feeling is among others.”
From its creation, Panther Vision has sought to reimagine the use of LED products. After a lifetime of inventing with more than 25 patents to date, founder Mike Waters has focused his energy on lighting innovation. The POWERCAP is at the core of Waters’ creativity, providing reliable hands-free lighting by embedding LED lights in the front of caps and beanies. Building on the original model, the 2.0 puts out four times as much light, offers three different light settings, and runs on AAA batteries that slide neatly into the hat’s lining, offering a design that seamlessly combines comfort, style, and function.
“From these survey results, we’re able to launch a better product that not only draws on the practical innovations that have made our products successful, but are also at the core of Panther Vision’s design strategy,” said Mike Waters. “At the end of the day, we want to ensure our products never let anyone down, no matter what they’re doing or where they’re doing it.” Because Panther Vision believes it will benefit from an outdoor consumer base that is more
knowledgeable and thoughtful in its purchasing, the company also consulted with Dr. Lars Perner, an Assistant Professor of Clinical Marketing at the University of Southern California, to better understand ways consumers can save themselves from these regrettable purchases.
Perner shared these five tips for outdoor enthusiasts to consider before purchasing a piece of new gear:
Perception Is Not Reality – Product makers lure you in with catchy marketing or “sweet deals”, so you have to focus on buying items you know you have a use for as opposed to just taking advantage of a perceived “deal.”
Deliberate Decision Making – Don’t get sucked into the hype or your impulse to buy!
Sometimes “sleeping” on a decision, especially if it’s an expensive one; will help you avoid
purchases that you will regret later.
In It For The Long Run – If you determine you “have to have it,” buyers should take a second to consider not just the initial cost of the item, but also the cost of maintenance and operations over time. In the case of lighting, some types need much more maintenance and additional costs to keep them running such as batteries.
Spouse Approved Spending – Listen, if you can’t easily explain to your spouse why you need the item and the costs associated with it, then maybe you should reconsider. A good rule of thumb before you throw it on your credit card and get hit with high interest rates is if you cannot pay cash, it may be better to wait until you can do so.
Healing The Camping Blues – As the seasons begin to change it’s hard not to start daydreaming about getting outdoors. Going online to browse around and get your “outdoor gear fix” is exactly when outdoor enthusiasts are most vulnerable. Take a breath, take inventory of what you already own, and make sure you are buying items you actually need, when you need them. “If outdoor enthusiasts keep these simple tips in mind, we’re confident it will save them from unwanted purchase regrets as well as lead them to understanding Panther Vision’s commitment to quality, functional design, and our obsession with creating innovative lighting solutions,” said Chas Waters. “We
want to ensure that anyone who buys the POWERCAP 2.0, or any of our other products, never feels even a hint of PUI symptoms.”
About Panther Vision
Panther Vision is an Illinois-based company that designs, manufactures and distributes advanced engineered LED lighting solutions. Our more than 25 patented designs offer consumers unparalleled performance and provide them with uncommon solutions to common everyday problems. Panther Vision products are sold all over the world, but can be found in the U.S. at Lowes, Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Gander Outdoors, Fred Meyer, AutoZone, LL Bean, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Amazon and Big 5 Sporting Goods stores.
MRS and WMSRT team members training on the rope systems used to establish a Tyrolian Traverse during joint team training in October 2018. - Courtesy Photo
The North Conway based White Mountain Swift Water Rescue Team (WMSRT) and Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) received a 2019 Higgins and Langley Swiftwater Rescue Incident Award at the International Association of Water Rescue Professionals conference in South Bend Indiana.
On December 28th, 2018 the two volunteer teams responded to a request from NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers to assist a hypothermic backpacker on the Kinsman trail, who was cut-off by rapidly rising waters on Cascade Brook. Operating at night by headlamp, members of the WMSRT established river safety coverage and ferried ropes across the Class V river with whitewater kayaks.
Members of MRS set up a Tyrolean traverse rope system and transported the hiker and his gear over the raging stream. The WMSRT and MRS had trained together for this specific type of rescue in October of 2018.
The Higgins and Langley Memorial Awards in Swiftwater Rescue honor outstanding achievement in the technical discipline of swiftwater and flood rescue. These awards are not heroism awards, they recognize preparedness, teamwork, and a job performed under extreme conditions, where training is vital to the success of rescue missions, and the safety of rescue personnel. The Swiftwater Rescue Incident Award recognizes actions that clearly demonstrate outstanding skill and preparedness in swiftwater rescue.
The White Mountain Swiftwater Rescue Team offers the specialized technical skills, training, knowledge, and experience of the White Mountain whitewater paddling community to support the search, rescue, and recovery operations of federal, state, and local rescue agencies and organizations primarily on, but not limited to, the rivers of the White Mountain region; and to minimize the number of swiftwater and flood-related incidents in the White Mountain region through education, outreach, and advocacy.
The Mountain Rescue Service provides specialized technical teams comprised of world-class guides and climbers who volunteer their time and expertise in the service of hikers and climbers who need assistance, in and around the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The team is ‘on call’ 24 hours per day, all seasons, with volunteers being mobilized for a full range of incidents: complicated multi-day and nighttime searches in the depth of winter throughout the White Mountain National Forest; technical rope rescues on the region’s many rock climbing cliffs; swift water rescue assistance; and lift evacuations at area ski resorts.
More than 300 volunteers provided nearly 5,000 hours of search and rescue services in New Hampshire in 2018. When added up, the actual SAR hours, training, personal gear, travel, and certification-compliance completed by these volunteer rescuers, these volunteers contribute over $250,000 annually in sweat equity to the NH outdoor community.
Dungeness Spit is a sliver of hard sand barely 100 yards wide and more than five miles long, sheltering a shallow bay on the northern edge of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. The wildlife sanctuary teems with birds and sea life, and the spit is home to the historic New Dungeness Lighthouse, built in 1857 and still operating today. The annual hike to the lighthouse had become a cherished tradition for the Mountain View Church of the Nazarene outing club, and in recent years some members of the group began kayaking to the lighthouse.
“We loved kayaking so much that we begged to add kayaking to the hikes,” says group member Bill Kelley. So on April 11, 2015, the club split into two groups. Some members would hike out along the spit while others would kayak to the lighthouse, a straightforward paddle of less than three miles.
[ View all sea kayaks in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]
The low-lying spit provides shelter from ocean swells, but little protection from the afternoon winds that often come whipping off the North Pacific. Forecasters had warned of bad weather for more than a week, but when the group arrived the sky was clear and the wind was light.
The group gathered for a prayer and devotional, after which Dennis Caines asked if any of the hikers would like to kayak. Jacob Austin, 52, and Mandi Walkley, 39, raised their hands. Both were frequent participants in club kayak outings. Austin was keen to paddle, and Walkley wanted to hike to the lighthouse and paddle back. She arranged to share one of Caines’s kayaks with her boyfriend Rob Johnson, who would paddle to the lighthouse and walk back.
The kayakers piled into Caines’ van for the short drive to Clines Spit, where they launched by twos and threes. The conditions could hardly have been better, with Fairchild International Airport in nearby Port Angeles reporting winds of 6-8 mph from the west-southwest—a quartering tailwind.
“It was warm and sunny and nice and we were just flying across the water,” recalls Kelley, then 50, who raced ahead with Austin and Johnson. “We were loving it. We were having the best time.”
The lead trio was in 17-plus foot sea kayaks equipped with rudders and sprayskirts. Ken and Esther Corcoran followed in their Wilderness Tsunami rec-touring boats, while Caines and his wife Linda brought up the rear in a 22-foot tandem. All of the kayakers wore lifejackets, but most weren’t dressed for immersion in cold water. Only the Caines had wetsuits; the others wore cotton layers under light jackets.
Dungeness Spit from above, with the New Dungeness Lighthouse in the distance. | Photo: Dennis Caines
The kayakers soon arrived at the lighthouse, where they lingered for about two hours, eating their lunches and mingling with the hikers. Austin napped in the grass, and some of the others chatted with the volunteer lighthouse keepers.
At about 1:20 p.m., the kayakers started back. As before, they didn’t depart as a group. Austin, Walkley and the Corcorans all left before the Caines, who needed more time to launch their tandem kayak. By the time the double was on its way, Kelley was ready to go and Walkley had already doubled back to the beach to adjust her kayak’s footpegs, which had been set for Johnson’s longer legs.
Dennis Caines was focused on catching up to the others because he had the keys to the van and didn’t want to leave his friends waiting. At the time, he thought all the other paddlers were ahead of him. In fact, both Walkley and Kelley were behind.
Almost immediately, the conditions began to worsen. At 12:53 p.m., a few minutes before they launched, the weather station at Fairchild International recorded winds of 12 mph from the west-northwest, with no gusts. Half an hour after they left the beach the wind was 16 mph with gusts to 24 mph. By 2:41 the wind at Fairchild was 22 mph, gusting to 36 mph. The airport is four miles inland; actual conditions on the bay were likely even more severe.
As the wind and waves continued to build, Caines caught a glimpse of Austin ahead and to the right, paddling in the sheltered water closer to the spit. Caines decided to follow, but discovered he couldn’t turn the 22-foot double kayak into the wind.
“I gave all the right rudder I could and we started paddling and just on the left side of the boat, but I could not bring the bow around more than probably a 45-degree angle to the waves and the wind,” Caines recalls. He couldn’t turn toward the sheltered water or even hold a course to Cline Spit, where the van was waiting. The Caines crabbed sideways across the bay, their kayak pointing southwest but moving almost due south. Kelley and Walkley followed.
Mandi Walkley (left) and Rob Johnson shared a kayak at Dungeness Spit.| Photo: Dennis Caines
“I was right behind Dennis and Linda, trying to keep up with them. I could hear Linda telling Dennis she was afraid,” Kelley recalls. He struggled to catch up, his arms burning, and when he stopped for an instant to rest, the wind spun him sideways. That’s when he saw that Walkley had capsized. She was shouting and waving her paddle.
“She wanted to get rescued. She was screaming for me to come help her,” Kelly says. He pauses. “I did everything I could to try to get to Mandi.”
Kelley couldn’t turn his kayak into the wind to reach her. He took deep, hard left strokes, trying to push the bow through the wind, but dug too deep and capsized.
Austin also capsized, though no one knows precisely when or where. None of the other kayakers saw him go over.
In fact, none of the remaining four kayakers realized that three of their friends had capsized. The 911 call came at 2:18 p.m. from a lighthouse volunteer, who watched through binoculars as the disaster unfolded. The initial reports were sketchy, and it’s not clear whether dispatchers immediately recognized the severity of the situation.
The 911 operator transferred the call to the U.S. Coast Guard at 2:26 p.m. The agency dispatched a patrol boat and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Port Angeles, about 14 miles west. The race was on.
The typical survival time for a person immersed in 49-degree water without protective clothing is from one to three hours. It’s not clear precisely when Walkley, Kelley and Austin entered the water, but it’s likely that the group lost time—perhaps a few minutes, perhaps more—because the other kayakers were not aware their friends were in trouble.
Mandi Walkley, 39, brought energy and infectious warmth to the outing group. | Photo: Dennis Caines
Jacob Austin, 52, worked as a transit bus driver. He loved to draw and had a wonderful sense of humor, Caines said. | Photo: Dennis Caines
The Corcorans reached shore more than a mile east of Clines Point, followed a few minutes later by the Caines. Dennis Caines was still expecting the others would paddle straight to the van at Cline Point, and he was in a rush to get there with the keys. He hitched a ride to the van, where a Clallam County Sheriff’s deputy found him a few minutes later.
“I started walking toward him to get some information,” Caines says. “And he just said, ‘It’s not good.’ And that just sort of ripped the heart out of my chest.”
Moments later the Coast Guard chopper roared overhead.
In the moments after he capsized, Kelley resolved to hold on to his kayak, knowing that it gave him the best chance of being spotted and rescued. As a trained scuba diver, he knew that swimming to shore was impossible in such cold water, with the wind and waves pushing him away from shore. He thought it would take about an hour for rescuers to arrive, so he held fast to his kayak and began to count, breaking the wait into 15-minute segments. Eventually, a wave tore the kayak from his grasp, and it drifted quickly away. It would later be found on Protection Island, 9 miles southeast, along with Walkley’s paddle.
We don’t know whether Walkley or Austin attempted to hold on to their kayaks, or if they abandoned them to swim for shore. However, at some point both became separated from their boats.
The Coast Guard helicopter spotted Kelley first and lowered a rescue swimmer to hoist him aboard. The chopper flew him to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, Wash., where he was admitted in critical condition. At 4:11 p.m., county dispatch received word that Kelley had been recovered.
Austin was next, picked up minutes later by the Coast Guard patrol boat. He was unresponsive. Rescuers began CPR as they raced to a local marina, then transferred him to a waiting ambulance. He too was brought to Olympic Medical Center.
Meanwhile, with the Dolphin helicopter running low on fuel, the Coast Guard requested assistance from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, which scrambled an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter. According to the Navy incident report, “the Coast Guard had located two of three individuals and were having difficulty locating the third.”
Mandi Walkley was still missing, somewhere in the bay.
The Navy helicopter arrived on station shortly after 5 p.m. The crew quickly spotted two empty kayaks, but no trace of Walkley. They conducted an expanding square search until the aircraft commander made the call to start over, essentially doubling down on the initial report of Walkley’s position. As the chopper flew to restart the search, a crewmember spotted a flash of orange. It was Walkley’s jacket.
The time was 5:20 p.m. Walkley had been in 49-degree water for more than three hours, perhaps almost four. The Navy rescuers hoisted her aboard the helicopter and flew to Olympic Medical Center, where a vigil was already underway.
As the church group waited for news of their friends— pastor Bill Bowers and some of the hikers had joined the kayakers at the hospital—hospital staff attended to Austin. They performed CPR for more than two hours, and for a brief time detected a heart rhythm. It didn’t last. Shortly before 7:00 p.m., doctors informed pastor Bill Bowers that Jacob Austin had died.
Mandi Walkley died early the next morning. Her death hit the church group particularly hard. She had been a lively presence in the club—warm, positive, and energetic. When the others speak of her their affection is almost palpable, as is their anguish at her loss.
Map showing location of events in the Tragedy at Dungeness Bay
More than three years later, Dennis Caines and Bill Kelley shared the painful memories of that day at Dungeness Spit in a short documentary film, in hopes that their experience will serve as a cautionary tale to others.
The accident could easily have been avoided.
In hindsight, the lessons are obvious. The two most salient are the importance of heeding weather warnings, and the need to dress for immersion when paddling in cold water.
Forecasts had predicted foul weather for a week, and according to Clallam County Sheriff’s Sgt. Lyman Moores, an advisory had been issued the previous day. “Nobody should have been on the water that day,” Moores told the Seattle Times.
All of the kayakers were wearing lifejackets, but none of those who capsized was wearing a dry suit or wetsuit designed to prevent hypothermia. In such cold water, Moores said, “the human body can shut down in a matter of minutes.”
If Austin and Walkley had been wearing drysuits, they almost certainly would have survived. One of the biggest barriers to drysuit use is cost. Good ones start at about $800, but they’re not the only option. A $150 neoprene Farmer John wetsuit would likely have allowed both paddlers to survive the ordeal.
Of course, the if the group had chosen not to paddle that day due to the forecasted bad weather, or if they had decided to leave the kayaks and hike back when the weather turned foul, there would have been no emergency at all.
Rapid Media is making planning and booking paddling trips easier than ever before with its all-new online Paddling Trip Guide. This innovative Paddling Trip Guide offers the world’s widest selection of paddling adventures and professional services. Shop hundreds of multi-day all-inclusive paddling trips, tailor-made experiences, self-guided canoe, kayak, paddleboard and raft packages or find just the help you need with accommodations, shuttles, air services or rentals. The Paddling Trip Guide makes it easier to plan and book epic adventures fitting your style, pace, schedule, budget and experience level – all with the click of a mouse.
[ See the largest selection of adventures and services in the Paddling Trip Guide ]
On the Paddling Trip Guide, you browse hundreds of trips and services from top adventure paddle tourism operators. Refine your search based on paddlesport, activity, duration, ability level, type of accommodation, destination and special interests like family trips, women’s only, certification programs, photography and wildlife viewing for paddlers. Learn about each trip including background on the operator, detailed itineraries, photo galleries and traveler reviews so you can book your next adventure with confidence.
The Paddling Trip Guide is an easy-to-use tool helping paddlers discover and book canoe, kayak, paddleboard and raft adventures.
“The Internet has expanded our options for travel booking but had yet to offer a tool making paddlesports adventure planning a breeze. Now the perfect paddling trip is easier to find and book,” says Cristin Plaice, Rapid Media’s director of marketing.
Rapid Media also publishes its annual Paddling Trip Guide. It’s the print and digital wish book, a 150-page special issue of Paddling Magazine complementing to the online tool.
The 2019 Paddling Trip Guide is now available on newsstands and on the Paddling Magazine+ App (iOS and Google Play).
“We’ve listened to our readers and fans. We know they want to go on amazing paddling adventures but these days don’t have the time or know-how to plan themselves,” says Scott MacGregor, Rapid Media’s founder and publisher. “For 20 years we’ve been inspiring our audiences to fill their bucket lists with awesome adventures. Now we are connecting paddlers with their dream trips and getting them on the water as seamlessly and easily as possible.”
With so much selection in the Paddling Trip Guide magazine and easy booking on the online trip finder, the only challenge is deciding when and where to go.
“Whether you’re planning a multi-day fly-in adventure up north, a friends get-away this summer, or just looking for somewhere new to paddle, Rapid Media has the online tools and resources to help you plan the trips you’ve always wanted,” says Plaice. “With so many destinations, where should you begin? How about Quetico and the Boundary Waters, Alabama, Great Lakes, Georgian Bay, Canadian North, Algonquin, Bahamas, Chile, Mexico, Iceland, Russia, Norway or Costa Rica?”
Have you ever wondered what happens when you pair up world-class kayakers with some of the most powerful whirlpools on the Ottawa River? Luckily, the Senders crew consisting of Bren Orton and Adrian Mattern have tested these waters.
Check out their video highlight reel that also includes pro kayakers Dane Jackson, Nouria Newman, Alec Voorhees and Rush Sturges.
“I feel you’re going to see some very interesting beat downs today and just know the river doesn’t care who you are. I’m sure everybody is going to get the beat down and I’m looking forward to that” Mattern mentions at the beginning of the video.
Dane Jackson actually gets held underwater for the longest amount of time and the commentary between Orton and Mattern is hilarious.
Bren Orton: “Alright here we go. Dane Jackson, the world’s best kayaker dropping into the whirlpools. Nice 360, oh he surprised himself. He’s going for the 720, look at the look of joy on his face, into the stern end, catching the whirlpool and getting some downtime. This is sick. Swirling around down there, popping back up, and looks like his ride is all over. Oh my God, it’s going to get him again. Oh my God, he’s back down again.”
Adrian Mattern: “Oh no Dane-o!”
Bren Orton: “He is not having the fun that was promised to him. He’s not. Oh my God. Get out of there Dano! Get out of there! DANE-O! Oh my God, dude, he’s going into China. Oh, it’s gonna get him again. Nope. No, he’s out.”
Adrian Mattern: “Nope he is back in”
Bren Orton: “Oh God, I can’t watch it. Oh my God. Yeah. No. Oh my God. Still fighting for it. Pops up. Finally gets a breath.”
Orton mentions, “some important things for viewers back home. We sort of know what we’re doing. Whirlpools are awesome fun. There’s just one golden rule and that is to never exit your Kayak in a whirlpool because things will go much, much worse.”
Paddling Magazine does not recommend trying anything in this video unless you have had proper instruction and have proper safety on the river.
If you are a paddler, there is a good chance you also enjoy taking the odd photo. Even if you aren’t an expert photographer, there are simple tricks you can learn to take better photos. Here is our collection of the best photography tips from paddlers. We figure if you learn to take better paddling photos, Paddling Magazine can start paying you for them.
1. The Best Camera Gear For Wildlife Photography
The kit that will get you the best wildlife photography. | Photo: Ben Eby
If you are lucky enough, you might just come accross some wildlife while you are on your paddle. Whether that includes moose, deer, birds, fish, beavers, snails or anything else you could think of capturing, you want to make sure you have the right gear. Here is the kit that photographer Ben Eby likes to use [ Ben Eby’s Wildlife Photography Kit ].
Now that drones are coming down in price and more consumers can get their hands on one, why not add one to your gear bag to get some new angles. While this is a great way to get creative, don’t get too carried away with too many drone shots. [ Tips To Elevate Your Drone Kit ].
3. Photographing Sunsets And Using Backlighting
Who doesn’t love a good photo of a sunset? | Photo: Rick Matthews
Sunset and sunrise provide two of the best times to take photos, but they are also two of the most difficult times to get the right settings on your camera. Cameras are getting better and better these days but knowing a few simple tricks will help you take the best photos possible during these beautiful times. Pro tip: if you get better at shooting sunsets, you spend less time taking photos and more time enjoying them and living in the moment. [ Tips For Photographing Sunsets and Using Backlighting ].
4. How The Best Paddling Photos Are Taken
Get creative and think outside the box. | Photo: Kevin Light
Learning from others is a great way to expedite the learning curve. Every photographer has their tips and tricks that they have either learned from lots of practice or from other photographers. Many photographers will share what settings they use and tricks for getting the best shots possible. [ Crazy Paddling Photography And How They Were Taken ].
5. How Action Cameras Have Changed The Game
If a paddler sends it but no one sees it, did it really happen? | Photo: Tegan Owens
The camera market is getting crazy good. There are so many options giving paddlers endless opportunities to get the shot they want. GoPros are waterproof, drones can chase you down a river better than a helicopter ever could and 360° video is opening up a whole new world of possibilities. Time for you to get the best shots yet. [ How Action Cameras Have Changed The Way We Paddle ].
6. Camera Gear You Want To Splurge On
Consumer camera gear is getting good. Real good. | Photo: Paddling Magazine Staff
Camera gear isn’t cheap, so it is important to know what you are looking for. With so many different options out there, how does one decide what is the most important gear to get? Let us get you started here. [ Camera Gear Paddlers Should Splurge On ].
7. Learn To Change The Memory Card Often
Cool shot until you no longer have it… | Photo: Colin Field
Memory cards can be more important than the camera itself. Well, kind of. The size of memory cards keeps climbing and while that can be helpful in some circumstances, it isn’t always ideal to have all your photos on one card. Learn this lesson now before it’s too late. [ A Paddling Photographers Nightmare ].
