The Process of Purchasing a Drysuit for Paddling

Purchasing a drysuit for paddling is a systematic process if you want the best fit and the most appropriate suit for your paddling adventures.

Dressing for immersion is not a black and white topic and involves many variables. So if you have determined that a drysuit is the best choice of immersion wear for your paddling this article will to share some sound advice about purchasing that drysuit.

If you remember just one thing as you finish this article, remember this –

Purchasing a drysuit is a process and it involves paddling in the suit you plan to purchase.

Some sound advice:

· Take the suit home and try it with different layering systems – Try it with lightweight thermal bottoms and tops, try it with various layering systems and different weights/thickness fleece. Try the suit with layers you would wear in the summer, spring, winter and fall.
· Take the suit out for a paddle and see how it feels with your different layers and in a seated paddling position. Most shops will let you take the suit out for a paddle, there may be a small rental fee but a portion if not all is usually credited towards your purchase of a suit.
· Try to decide on your budget based on the number of actual paddling days and when you plan to paddle. The price range in drysuits and semi-drysuits ranges from $399 - $1000, the main factors that drive the cost of the suit are zipper quality, fabric and gaskets.
· Drysuits will not rescue you. They will increase the exposure time or duration that one can withstand the cold water if the appropriate thermal layers are worn underneath. Most shops that let you demo drysuits also give lessons – so you get safety skills to decrease your exposure time and you get to see how the drysuit functions, hard to beat.

In the end, the process of purchasing a drysuit will not only get you out in/on the water more but when you finally spend your hard earned money you can rest assured that the suit fits properly, is appropriate for goals, and you will probably have picked up a new set of life saving skills.
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100% GREEN ENERGY

The Sea Kayak Shop has joined the Green Power Program and now uses 100% renewable energy. Currently, we may be the only paddling shop in Washington that uses 100% Green Power, let's hope that changes quickly!

Green power is electricity generated from renewable, non-polluting resources such as, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen/fuel cells and wave or tidal action. Because green power comes from sources that never run out, like the wind and the sun, renewable energy is limitless. Green power is also clean. It does not add pollution to the atmosphere.

If you would like more info about green power visit the following link http://www.green-e.org/.

Powered by Green Energy, Inspired by nature & Linda Sanford.

2nd ANNUAL DECEPTION PASS DASH

We took 1st Place in Men's Double Sea Kayak paddling an Eddyline Whisper CL! Eric of Anacortes Kayak Tours and Matthew of Sea Kayak Shop had a great time paddling and flapping our gums at the 2nd Annual Deception Pass Dash on Sunday, December 2nd. Lots of racers and paddlers from eveywhere made for a fun time. Since we "compete" with each other all summer - It was really just a lot of fun teaming up enjoying the "competition" or really paddling with like-minded peers and friends. Eric's goal of finishing in front of me was accomplished, as well as, my goal of steering the competition -- in the end we all paddle together. Next year maybe a canoe?

ANOTHER DAY OF PRECISION BOATING!?

...that is Pete's favorite line and I have to admit that it is a ton of fun (whitewater). I used to say that I did it to hone my sea kayaking skills but I am not sure that is the case nowadays. We always laugh on the multi-hour drive home, after only a couple of hours on the river, that we never "feel" like driving a couple hours for sea kayaking but for the river - heck, hang a sign on the shop that says, "... out running an errand."

Sea kayaking skills are, most definitely, enhanced by white water paddling so do not hesitate to get out in a river kayak, but be aware that it can creep in under your skin...

Of course, we recommend professional instruction from the SeaKayakShop - where else!

BACK FROM BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR!

Back from Baja and adjusting to the Pacific Northwest winter, I think we are seriously considering pushing Baja kayaking courses again! Last winter we did not push it very hard so stay tuned...

I went down to teach an instructor sea kayak seminar with the National Outdoor Leadership School and had an awesome time, it felt good to be back in the NOLS community to share and give back to an organization that gave me so much.

I you are interested in Baja Sea Kayaking trips or instruction we are seriously re-opening that door and may run a course or two in the Spring so call the shop or email if you are interested email me: programdirector@seakayakshop.com in the mean time I will be digging out poagies and dawning the dry-suit.

Should kayaking be an optional P.E. credit?

Living in a place like the San Juans, absolutely!

We think every young adult should have the opportunity to sea kayak so talk to your administrators and decision makers.

Someday we are hopeful that every Anacortes High School Student has the option of sea kayaking as a physical education elective.

Coach DeVries demonstrates how to hold the paddle as we prepare to get these students out on the water.

The Sea Kayak Shop/Island Outfitters has taken high school students on these free outings for that last couple of years because it is an important part of showing these folks that they have a beautiful back yard and incredible access to a life-time of adventure.

Thrive AR: Sea Kayak Shop

Thrive AR: Sea Kayak Shop

Fall Sea Kayaking in Anacortes

Technically Autumn "began" last weekend but it really looks like it was a week late. Last weekend Denny and Matthew went to the Pennisula (Hobuck Beach and Cresent Bay) to do some surf kayaking and it was beautiful and sunny - We both laughed at the first official day of Autumn.

Well, this weekend fall has arrived - we are not laughing now. But don't put the kayaks away yet. Time to start making repairs and holding out for those occasional sunny and uncrowded Pacific Northwest Fall day.

There are still so many kayaking opportunities in the Fall/Winter in a kayak with the appropriate gear and an open-mind kayaking is a year around activity. Here are some thoughts:

• Start planning a trip for Spring or a Fall/Winter Vacation.
• Start unpacking & replacing gear from those first aid kits, repair kits, and your entire kit.
• Take your skills to a new level and participate in a rough water intro class.
• Try a different aspect of the sport like surf kayaking or an intro to river kayaking.

A huge Thank You for all the support and making the season a success, without your support small speciality sea kayak shops like ours will disappear!