coL u m n: 9 ear _ TEXT: NANCY COULTER-PARKER
GREAT PADDLE ROAD TRIPS IN NORTH AMERICA, EAST AND WEST
NORTH AMERICA IS BIG, BUT IT'S VEHICLE ACCESSIBLE! HERE ARE SOME TRIPS GREAT FOR ANY TYPE OF KAYAK. THESE HARD- SHELL, NON FOLDING KAYAKS PERFORM WELL IN ALL WATERS.
- ( - -' - ' -, "'-:-\ .. ,
TRIP TYPE: 'A WEEK OF WHALE WATCHING
DESTINATION: THE BROKEN ISLANDS OFF THE COAST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
TRIP NOTES: The Broken Islands are a stunning wild archipelago in a particularly rugged section of the Pacific Northwest. Located in Barkley Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the more than 100 islands and islets that make up the Broken Islands group can be reached by boat from Port Albemi, Ucluelet, Torquart Boyar Bamfield, That is, a boat will take you and your kayak out to the islands, drop you off and come back to get you several days later. The Broken Islands are part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. You'll see eagles and sea lions and an abundance of other marine life, which, if you're lucky, may include whales. Be prepared for rain l For more information, call 1-888-HelioBC or go to www.islands.bc.ca. If you don't want to go solo: Adventure Fitness, 604-687-1528, wwwwavelengthmagazine.com/adfitness.html, July through September, six days, CAN$789 IUS$544) including food, tents and gear. Wildheart Adventure Tours, 250-722-36B3, www.kayakbc.com/tour6html. May through September, four days, CAN$549 IUS$395) including food and gear.
,,,'.. l2e!Jg~ - ---'------ ') ---------_.
Recommended Boat: Dagger Trinidad Boat Notes: Go tandem! Made of Super Linear polyethylene, the Trinidad is both cheaper and more durable than its fiberglass siblings. The boat features two watertight hatches for flotation and gear storage. The first is 3,500 cubic inches and located between the two seats; the other is 8,000 cubic inches and in the stem. The two bulkheads not only provide plenty of dry storage, but they also add rigidity to the hull. The Trinidad tracks well. The two seats are positioned toward the center of the boat, making it easy to carry on a conversation and discuss your paddling tactics. Dagger, 423-882-0404, www.dagger.com. $1,650 Iwith rudder) Length: 17 feet 6 inches Width: 29 inches
--,~
70
