Please add news@xexplore.com to your address book to ensure delivery to your inbox.
If you're having trouble viewing this e-mail click, here..

BCU Courses Available in South Sound

Les Uhrich is offering both 2 and 3 Star training and assessments this fall, as well as a Canoe Safety Test. Detailed descriptions, cost, and dates can be read here. The British Canoe Union courses are regarded as the ultimate in training for the sea environment. For those not familiar with the process, it works like this:

Take the training, where at completion you'll be presented with a personal 'action plan' to strengthen any areas that might need improvement. Go back and practice using the exercises learned during the training. Then when you're confident, come back and take the assessment, where if you've done well, you'll be awarded that levels star. At this point you're ready to progress to the next level.

This type of training where you're 'tested' before being allowed to progress to the next level is not for everyone, but if you're serious in improving your paddling skills or want to quickly progress to coastal paddling then you should consider this training.

Les can be reached at les@kayakers.net.

Back to top

West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium

The West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium is taking place once again September 15th-17th at Fort Worden located near Port Townsend. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, demo boats, see the latest in paddling gear, and watch some entertaining paddling presentations. Registration is available online as well as a schedule of events.

Jason Goldstein and Steve Weileman will both be teaching classes during the three day event, be sure to stop by and say hello.

Back to top

Backpackers Demo Boat Sale

On September 9th, Backpackers Supply with have their demo boat fleet on review and for sale at Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park. The event runs from 11 AM to 2 PM. Whether you're in the market for your first or fifth boat, this is a great chance to pick up on a super deal on both fiberglass and roto-molded boats.

For further information call (253) 472-4402.

Back to top

Cape Flattery Movie Trailer

Steve and Theresa Weileman went back to Cape Flattery to film for an upcoming production featuring Washington's coast. Check the galleries page for a snippet of what they were able to record while at the Cape.

You can view their write up on the trip, including Steve's encounter with a UFO here. He might be watching too many movies! Hope you enjoy.

Back to top

Kadavu Island - Fiji Islands

Jason Goldstein of Global Adventure Guides is putting together a kayak trip to Fiji in late November.

Over seven days & six nights you'll combine world class sea-kayaking & snorkeling with treks through rain forests, visits to isolated villages & waterfalls. No camping - safte paddling inside the reef between resorts. Kayak, guides, resort accommmodation, food & airfare to/from Kadavu Island from Nadi International airport all inclusive: $1588.00

Escape the winter to paddle amongst flying fish & sea turtles for a tropical post thanksgiving you will never forget.

You can reached Jason at jason.adventureguides@comcast.net or call (360) 888-2389. Check our latest page for updates.

Back to top

Screensaver Available

Need a bit of salt spray and fresh air during the work week? Download the Essex Explorers screensaver for Windows operating system. Sorry we don't have a Mac version yet, but are working on it. Test your geographical knowledge and use the lat/long coordinates to identify where the photos were taken.

Coming soon: We're working on desktop images to load your computer of some of our members favorite photos. Check back to for other updates and fun stuff regularly as we enter the winter season.

Back to top

Kids Say the Darnest Things...

Jason Goldstein passed on these hilarious quotes from kids:

• This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)

• Oysters' balls are called pearls. (James age 6)

• If you are surrounded by sea you are an Island. If you don't have sea all round you, you are in continent. (Wayne age 7)

• Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)

• A dolphin breaths through an asshole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)

• My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 6)

• When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would be better off eating beans. (William age 7)

• I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. How do mermaids get pregnant? (Helen age 6)

• I'm not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mom, and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write. (Amy age 6)

• Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Christopher age 7)

• When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small. (Kevin age 6)

• Divers have to be safe when they go under the water. Two divers can't go down alone, so they have to go down on each other. (Becky age 8)

• On holiday my Mum went water skiing. She fell off when she was going very fast. She says she won't do it again because water shot up her fanny. (Julie age 7)