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Server Crashes

We apologize for being off line for so long but we suffered a server crash which, along with our on-going projects, had us scrambling for recovery. However, we're back aboard, and are excited about some of the new technologies and projects coming down the pike. We added new streaming movies, podcasts and slide shows.

Thanks for your patience and stay tuned...

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Choosing a Paddle Clinic

It's short notice we know, but Les Uhrich will be presenting a clinic on paddle selection Thursday, April 26st - 7 PM at Backpackers Supply.

Les has been kayaking and teaching in sea, surf, and rivers for 20 years. He is a British Canoe Union (BCU) Level-4 Coach and an American Canoe Association (ACA) Coastal Kayaking Instructor. In May 2000, in Wales, UK, he became the first US resident on the west coast to obtain the coveted BCU 5-Star sea certificate, the highest sea-kayaking skill award offered by this world-wide organization. Les has paddled in New Zealand, England, Scotland, Wales and extensively up and down the Northwest Coast including SE Alaska, British Columbia, Kodiak Island and the Kenai Fjords.

Call Backpackers Supply for the latest information (253) 472-4402.

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Vancouver Island Record Attempt

Keirron Tastagh (Adventurous Experiences, Isle of Man, UK) with partner Jeff Norville (geologist at Hart Crowser, US), aim to complete the 700 nautical mile journey in two weeks (present record of 28 days in a single kayak), and prove that the sleek and maneuverable Sea Kayaking UK Triton double kayak can be used for longer expeditions.

They'll be paddling a special built pink boat. Why pink? Their blog explains how our mutual friend Ginni Callahan, owner of Columbia River Kayaking, has handled her 2007 surprise round with breast cancer. Please help if you can.

Reprinted with permission from Jeff Norville

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Sea-Kayak Comprehensive Workshops

Steve Weileman and Jason Goldstein of Global Adventure Guides, both ACA Open Coastal Instructors, have joined forces with aNew Outdoors to offer these comprehensive 3 day workshops. Both workshops are geared toward the intermediate paddlers who is anxious to increase their paddling skills and comfort level in a more challenging environment or for those who might be interested in becoming a guide/instructor themselves. Here's a small list of what will be covered:

• Advanced Paddling Strokes
• Rescue/Recoveries/Tows
• Navigation/Trip Planning
• Weather/Tides/Currents
• Log/Waivers/Liability
• Kit (gear)
• Communications
• Group Leadership

For the CCuW we'll take advantage of Deception Pass to practice our swift current environment learning and practicing eddies entries, and all the concerns of swift current sea-kayaking.

For the CCoW, we'll take advantage of Cape Disappointment and the variety of coastal environments available there, and much of our workshop will deal with the surf zone.

For more detailed information, cost & dates visit our latest page.

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Specialty Charts Available

Global Adventure Guides is quickly adding charts to its line of charts geared specifically for sea-kayaks. They have produced one-of-a-kind kayak charts for the Pacific Northwest. They have combined corrected imagery, topographic info, nautical info, aerial photo enlargements, and a bit of history, in a 11x17 laminated double sided map. Their maps are kayak specific with marked good surf beaches, aids to navigation, lat long coordinates, photos of prominent landmarks, and easy to read text at night under a red light.

Currently their selection includes:

• Cape Disappointment Columbia River Entrance
• Cape Flattery - Neah Bay to Makah Bay (Hobuck Beach)
• Deception Pass & Skagit Bay 1:24 000
• North San Juan's 1:100 000

Keep checking back often as the selection is growing quickly.

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Podcasts and RSS Readers

We've added some podcasts to our Journal page for those who like to listen to their updates. We're a bit new to this but bare with us as we iron the kinks out. Still, we hope to bring you informative and interesting reports from the field.

We also added the necessary code to allow you to use any popular RSS Feed to monitor when new material is added. For those of you that would rather have an email sent when new material is published you have that option as well. Just provide your email address at the bottom of the sidebar and you'll get an email in your inbox whenever we publish a new Journal Entry, Gear Review, or News Article.

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3rd Annual Puget Sound Sea Kayaking Symposium

The 3rd Annual Puget Sound Sea Kayaking Symposium is scheduled to be held May 19th - 20th at Owen Beach in Pt Defiance Park, Tacoma. For a complete list of events check their list of Presenters & Instructors for the latest news.

Jason Goldstein, Les Uhrich, and Steve Weileman will all be there instructing once again this year. Be sure to stop and introduce yourself.

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