A Grade 10 Outdoor Eductaion class from Cairine Wilson Secondary School at the start of their canoe trip on the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa.
This photo is was taken by Sven Brouwer and submitted as part of the Canadian Hertiage Rivers Photo Contest. Want to see your photo here? Send to [email protected] with subject line Daily Photo.
Paddling into the late afteroon sun on Missinaibi Lake, on the way to explore the Fairy Point Pictographs.
This photo is was taken by Doug Hamilton and submitted as part of the Canadian Hertiage Rivers Photo Contest. Want to see your photo here? Send to [email protected] with subject line Daily Photo.
Where’s you’re favorite place to go canoeing to see the leaves change color?
Want to see your photo here? Send it to [email protected] with the subject “Daily Photo.”
The best campsites always feature a perfect star-gazing rock.
Want to see your photo here? Send it to [email protected] with the subject “Daily Photo.”
Where’s you’re favorite place to go canoeing to see the leaves change color?
This photo was taken in Massassauga Provincial Park in Ontario. Want to see your photo here? Send it to [email protected] with the subject “Daily Photo.”
Want to experience the thrill of an Ironman triathlon from the comfort of your kayak? Volunteer as a safety kayaker and support world-class athletes as they race in the swimming leg of the Ironman Florida. Enjoy the pristine beaches and balmy climate, an incomparable vantage of the race and a lively after-party. Plus, get inspired to try your own race—or perhaps be reminded why you prefer kayaking instead of triathlons! November 2, 2013; www.ironman.com
This article is an excerpt from the Early Summer 2013 issue of Adventure Kayak. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read about more ways to paddle with a cause here.
Join a shoreline cleanup—kayakers have unique access to hard-to-reach spots and can make a direct impact on the quality of our aquatic environments. And for those who like a challenge—ever tried towing an abandoned shopping cart? Pittsburgh’s Paddle Without Pollution engages hundreds of volunteers in cleanups and habitat restoration in watersheds across the Northeast. In Canada, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Volunteer at spring and fall cleanups from coast to coast, or take on a leadership role as site coordinator of your local waterway. www.paddlewithoutpollution.com, www.shorelinecleanup.ca
This article is an excerpt from the Early Summer 2013 issue of Adventure Kayak. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read about more ways to paddle with a cause here.
Handheld VHF marine radios work on a line of sight principle, with the transmission range being a function of the unit’s wattage. For example, a five-watt radio has a transmission range of about five nautical miles. Radio repeater stations placed in elevated areas along coastal regions greatly increase the range of transmission—this is why compact marine radios (and even basic weather radios) can pick up weather forecast broadcasts almost everywhere sea kayakers like to paddle.
But dead zones do exist. Sea kayak instructor and Paddlinghq.com founder David Johnston had problems receiving forecasts and making a call to the Coast Guard to file a float plan on Lake Superior’s remote Michipicoten Island. “It’s minerals in the rocks that kill reception,” says Johnston. “We had to get offshore about half a kilometer to pick up the Coast Guard.” Similarly, hazy or cloudy weather can also reduce reception.
Since radio waves are deflected and obstructed by landforms, going offshore is the best way to boost range. Climbing to an elevated point can also work—the idea is to open up your VHF’s sight lines. Johnston points out a basic principle that can also improve transmission: Hold the radio as vertical as possible to keep its antenna high. Length of antenna also dictates a radio’s range. If you’re headed far off the beaten path, consider purchasing a longer aftermarket antenna that’s compatible with your radio.
This Skills Q&A article originally appeared in Adventure Kayak, Summer/Fall 2013.
This photo was taken by Flickr user Andrew Warren and lisenced through Creative Commons. Want to see your photo here? Send your whitewater shots to [email protected].
This photo was taken by Flickr user rmkoske and lisenced through Creative Commons. Want to see your photo here? Send your whitewater shots to [email protected].
