Ultra Marathon Paddling

Bellingham SUP November Demo

2009-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Up to 25MPH winds and the temps dipping into the low 40's didn't stop a crowd of eager Stand-Up Paddle Boarders and Boarders-to-be from coming out to Lake Padden for a chance to demo boards and play in the water with at least 3 dozen other hearty, like-minded folk!

To keep up with the Bellingham SUP demo's, events, races, and chit chat... check out
http://www.bellinghamsup.com/ and http://groups.yahoo.com/group/whatcomsup/

Happy Paddling!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Deception Pass Dash

2009-11-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

The Deception Pass Dash in the gnarliest paddling race of the year. It happens in early December with typically freezing air temps, freezing water temps, rain and/or snow, wind, waves (6 feet in ’08!), boiling eddy fences, bull kelp, barely submerged rocks, and all of it spread over one of the most technically challenging pieces of water in the Northwest. So it was only a matter of time until the SUP scene descended on the event and called for a new class. Yes sir, ’09 is the year!
Today, in T-shirt warm weather under blue-bird skies with glassy water and no wind, a group of 9 SUP paddlers teamed up with 10 safety sea kayakers to explore the possibilities of SUP’ing the Dash. And by golly, everyone survived!!!

Heather and I brought down the C4 Vortice and the Starboard K15 and our Kialoa Methane paddles and took part in the fun. The picture of the map shows the route, out of Bowman Bay, around Deception Island, up through the Pass and around Strawberry Island, then through Canoe Pass, back out around Deception Island and back to the beach at Bowman Bay.

Beau Whitehead was the fastest paddler on two feet, finishing the course in 1hr 14min, barely nosing out Don Kiesling and his friend Daryl on their traditional (prone) paddle boards. Other than those three, though, it wasn’t a race. It was a test run... a group paddle. Heather and I stopped a half a dozen times to take pictures and exchange the camera back and forth. It was just SUCH a beautiful day out there, it was hard to be in a hurry! (And with full Kokatat drysuits on, it was a bit warm for full race mode).

The safety sea kayakers were AWESOME!!! It’s that time of year, with colder temps and storms rolling in, that paddlers are starting to talk more and more about safety and group strategy for staying alive during mishaps on the water. Well these kayakers set a glowing example of how to be safety conscious. They all carried radios and ACTUALLY USED THEM to check in with each other. We overheard radio broadcasts announcing that the last SUP’ers had rounded Strawberry Island – the ½ way point of the run. We overhead time checks after we’d been on the water for an hour. Heather and I had our own personal escort kayaker who just paddled along with us, keeping an eye on things, and there if we needed any help. It was AWESOME.

So, in the end, did the group decide that the Deception Pass Dash is indeed ready for SUPs in December? Well, the good news is you CAN enter to race your SUP. But considering last year’s conditions, I for one am going to bring a butt boat (read: surfski or outrigger) JUST IN CASE. 20-30 knot winds and head-high wave trains in a snowstorm... on a SUP?
See you at the Dash!

Happy Paddling!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Starboard K15 SUP Review

2009-10-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to take the new Starboard K15 out for a test run Friday morning. (Thanks BellinghamSUP!) As I hit Lake Whatcom long before sunrise, my first impressions were that the board tracks incredibly well and glides nicely without losing much momentum when I switch sides with my paddle. The K15, with its rounded displacement hull – as compared to the planing hulls I’m used to -- rocks easily side-to-side on the surface of the water, which may give the feel that it isn’t stable… but, in reality it is quite stable, and when I rocked the board with my feet, I found the secondary stability to be bomber.

I had about a 10MPH south wind on the lake. My route took me around Reveille Island, where wind and waves refract off the back side of the island. The board easily absorbed the washing machine action. Starboard has also lowered the deck with a ‘cockpit’ where you stand, which gives the paddler a lower standing position, adding further to the stability.

This is my first experience with a displacement hull, and found I needed to be more aggressive with my maneuvering strokes to get the response I was after. But, at the same time, occasional checks of my GPS showed my cruising speed was as much as ½ mph faster than my C4 Waterman Vortice.

Starboard also thought to add attachment points to allow you to tie down gear, and water ventilation plugs so any water that gets in the cockpit can drain. These plugs can also be closed if you are paddling flat-water.

All-in-all, a fun board, perfect for its intended purpose as an “efficient, friendly and fast” touring board.

Brandon has also had a chance to demo the K15. I am 5’6” and 130 pounds, Brandon is 6’6” and 240 pounds. Keep reading to see what kind of difference 110 pounds makes, and read what Brandon has to say about the board…..

Right after Heather got back from her paddle this morning, I threw on my drysuit, grabbed the keys to her van and was at the beach 5 minutes later with the K15 and my new 86” Kialoa Methane paddle! I was like a kid on Halloween!
The Starboard K15 was my first experience on a displacement hull SUP. Keep in mind I’m 110 pounds heavier than Heather and a foot taller. That said, here are some notes from my experience paddling flat water on Lake Whatcom:
1) I didn’t have tracking/steering issues with the board. It definitely tracks better than the Vortice or any surfing-style board I’ve been on, but I was still switching sides every 8 or 10 strokes to keep it basically on line. I had fearful visions of it being like a surfski with no rudder, but it was nothing like that. More like a fast sea kayak with no rudder.
2) When I tried a pivot turn, it responded well for me. I just dropped into a surfer stance, weighted my back foot a bit and did a wide sweep stroke, and the nose came around a good 60 degrees. A couple more stroke and I was 180’d.
3) I swam a couple times, but probably didn’t have to. I was breaking Laird’s rule of “Don’t fall off before you fall off.” By the time I’d gotten wet (actually a nice cool down – it was wicked balmy this morning), I was more comfortable pushing the secondary stability curve of the board and figured out to just stay on top of it. With the dished out cockpit sides to stand on, the board can heel WAY over without a swim happening. It’s kind of fun. After I’d dialed that in, no more swims, just the occasional major heel-over.
4) Speed-wise, the board wanted to cruise for me at about 5 to 5.2 mph. I could push it up to about 5.7 or so by going hard but not a full blown, all out sprint (I was too hot for that). That was into a very light headwind, by now only 5 mph tops.
5) The rounded bottom is a different sensation from the flat or double-concave bottoms I’m used to. It’s not “tippier” if you define “tippy” as “likely to fall off.” Like Heather said, the secondary stability is insane. It’s just “rollier” in that there’s more of a loose, side to side rocking tendency. You’re going to spend less time just locked flat on the water’s surface like on a surf-style board.
My bottom line: I really enjoyed paddling this board, and I think it absolutely nails the mark as capable race board and a touring board. Being a displacement hull with super soft rails, you’re not going to shred wave faces, but it will catch swell that shorter boards wouldn’t stand a chance on. My ideal vision for this board would be to load it up with a couple drybags full of camping gear, turn up the iPod, and cruise a beautiful coastline with occasional small breaks to stop at.

Here’s a video showing the K15 in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hRKnD5v6p4&feature=player_embedded

Here’s a video with a narrated overview of the board and all its design features:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdBxWZm2WXk

Happy paddling...

Happy Paddling!!!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Extreme Watermen Todd Bradley & Archie Kalepa Speak at Seattle REI

2009-10-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

What is it like to surf a 70-foot wave, or to be the guy running safety from a jet ski? To Stand-Up Paddle the 187-miles of the Grand Canyon? Or, to race from Molokai to Oahu across a channel reputed to be one of the most treacherous spans of ocean in the world? C4 Waterman Co-Founder and elite-level athlete Todd Bradley and Veteran Hawaiian Lifeguard and big wave surfer Archie Kalepa are true waterman to their core. At their REI C4 Waterman Presentation last night, they shared with un- bridled passion and enthusiasm many of these hair raising stories. And, with the same enthusiasm they shared the stoke they feel when teaching a beginner to SUP or catch their first wave. Archie and Todd live and breathe the cutting edge of being a waterman while respecting the roots and tradition of the sports, and are more than happy to share their skills and knowledge to bring more folks out to play on the water.

All that, AND they put out an open invitation to anyone coming to Oahu or Maui to paddle and surf with them “on your level” (not theirs!)

Awesome ambassadors for the sport of SUP and all things water-related...

Me and Hayden kickin' it on our C4 Waterman Vortice

Happy Paddling!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Winter Stand-Up Paddle Board Training for Tots

2009-10-23T15:55:00.001-07:00

Hayden is not one to be left out of the fun! In the past few weeks he has watched Mama bring home a big, gold trophy from 'Round the Rock, a quiver of shiny new Kialoa paddles, and most mornings he watches Mama rush out to the lake long before the sun has even begun to rise to get an early morning paddle in.

To his frustration, I have awarded his pleas of 'pabble pabble' in an 'Ahhh, Hayden learned a new word' kind of way. It finally dawned on me that if he had the words to express what he was really thinking, it would be something like, "Mama, I want to come paddling with you! I can do it!" Instead he has been forced to prove his atheltic prowess and desire to SUP indoors, creatively, in our rec room.

Here is Hayden's winter SUP balance and core-strength training:

Our boy is definitely a future SUP STAR!!

Happy Paddling,

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Team Kialoa SUP

2009-10-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

Two weeks before the Round the Rock SUP race at Mercer Island, I had decided not to go. I’d had a long, successful-beyond-my-dreams race season and I was just going to take that weekend off.
Then Beau Whitehead e-mailed his story from racing SUP down in San Diego, where he got a 2nd place finish! The minute I heard that story, I knew I had to go race! There was a fire burning within this mostly-unknown sport of stand up paddling, and I’d felt it, and I couldn’t turn away from it. So on that Sunday in September, Brandon, Hayden and I loaded up the van and drove down to Mercer.

The scene that we experienced there changed us forever. SUP had become a blazing inferno of stoke and excitement. The park, beach and water were literally swarming with grinning men, women and children all taking turns paddling, talking about paddling, laughing and smiling.
Even though 71 racers left the park to go paddle 13 miles around Mercer, there were still twice as many people just hanging out at the park, demo’ing boards and paddles, eating good food, and just living and breathing SUP.

After the race, I met Dave Chun – co-owner and co-founder (with his wife, Meg) of Kialoa paddles. He congratulated me on a great race and started talking paddling. I liked him from the start. After a half-hour of back and forth stories, Dave told me that Kialoa was founded and still existed for way of life paddlers, both canoe and SUP. He said that, like most other sectors of the paddlesports world, they were always trying to find ways to support women involved in the sport. Then he asked if I’d be interested in being an ambassador for Kialoa canoe and SUP paddles. I could barely utter “Well, YEAH!” through my ear to ear smile.

Less than two weeks later, an entire quiver of Kialoa paddles showed up on our doorstep, with the simple instructions: “Keep getting on the water, and bring your friends!”

Over the years as racers, expedition paddlers, and all around way of life paddlers, Brandon and I – and now Hayden – have had the good fortune of representing a very small number of outdoor gear companies we believe in heart and soul, because we’ve experienced the quality and performance of their gear and their commitment to the way of life. We’re proud to have Kialoa on that small list.

Thanks, Dave and Meg, for making Kialoa available to us, and for trusting us to keep stoking the fire and sharing our love for paddling!

Happy Paddling
Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Food Bank Relay, Kayak Polo and SUP - Huge Success

2009-10-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

The Food Bank Relay, Kayak Polo and SUP Demo Day were proof that here in Washington, "We don't change our plans, we just change our clothes!"

It was dumping rain, yet paddlers came bearing good spirits and huge grins! Any day on the water is a good day. And today, we were an expo of all sorts of ways to have some watery fun!

In the end, the activies in total raised 500 pounds of food and nearly $2000 for the local food bank!

Happy Paddling!!!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Thank You Kialoa Paddles and Bellingham Kiteboarding!

40 New Women’s Bums in Boats!

2009-10-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

It was a sight to see – on a crisp, clear, fall day women from as far as Portland, Oregon, made the pilgrimage to Deep Cove in BC to participate in the Women’s Surfski Demo and Clinic.
Women came from a variety of backgrounds and had their own unique reason for being there. Many were outrigger canoe paddlers, eager to enter the double-blade world. Others had husbands who raced surfskis and wanted to either get into racing themselves or upgrade from the sea kayak they were currently paddling to something faster. Then, rounding it out were the handful of us experienced surfskiers who just wanted to be a part of the day, and the complete novice who was "just drawn to it."
Thanks to the local racers who loaned their boats for the day. We had a nice array of surfskis to choose from: The Epic V10 L and Sport, Fenn Mako XT, Think’s Evo, Legend and Aleutski, Huki S1R and S1X and a handful of older models like the Twogood and Blade all lined the Deep Cove beach.
While the Think Evo and Epic V10 Sport were the favorite skis of the day for their comfort and stability, the Epic V10 L and Think Legend were tried and put on a on a pedestal in the ‘when I am experienced enough’ category.
All in all, an awesome day! Thanks Adrienne Scott, Bob Putnam and Deep Cove Outdoors for hosting the event!

Happy Paddling!
Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Questions from the Field: Drysuit Gaskets

2009-10-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Q: I picked up a Kokatat drysuit... now help with the gaskets before I die!

A: Congrats, Graham!!! As for the gaskets, one word: Scissors. Don't be scared. They're meant to be cut down to fit, and that latex is stronger than you can imagine. Just take off 1/4" at at time or whatever you think you'll need. The gasket is ultimately covered by the cuffs and collar anyway... it doesn't need to be suicidally tight! Just a comfy, snug fit and you're good to go. With the cuts, be careful not to leave any nicks behind and you'll be good to go for years. And when it does come time to replace a gasket (mine is 6 years old now with probably 750 days on the water, and I'm still on my original gaskets) that's not rocket science either. We've done Heathers and helped with others... it's easy.

See you on the water, bro. Brandon

Happy and Warm Paddling!!!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Bring a C-A-N, Paddle a S-U-P

2009-10-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Bring a C-A-N, Paddle an S-U-P! What could be better than that? Try the fastest growing sport in the world, and support the local Food Bank at the same time!

Saturday Oct 17th, 12 - 2PM at Lake Padden in Bellingham, WA.

We will definitely be there, so, if you are even thinking about it, e-mail me so I can talk you into it!

Happy Paddling!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

heather@chargelife.com

Women's Surfski Clinic and Demo Day

2009-10-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

Women On Waves Surfski Demo and Clinic 2006 in Bellingham, Wa

In Novemebr of 2006 Traci Cole, Tracy Landboe and myself put on a surfski demo day in Bellingham. The attendance was amazing. On a blustery fall day, we had over 70 women show up!!

This weekend, Deep Cove Kayak Center in BC is hosting a similar Women's Surfski Clinic and Demo Day. There will be ski's to demo, experienced surfski paddlers on hand to give pointers, and racers Abbey Miedema and Sara Hopkins will be doing a forward stroke clinic.

The event will run from 10AM - 2PM. For more information contact Deep Cove Kayak Center.

Happy Paddling!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

GPS as a Training Tool

2009-10-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

After rigging my board and hydration system for the Round the Rock SUP race a few weeks ago, I had about an hour to wander around. I took advantage of the time to check out other racers’ boards and paddles, any neat systems they had rigged on their boards, what footwear they chose and how they dressed. This is part of the fun of entering a new sport: meeting the new community and coming to understand the culture.

One thing that jumped out me was that I saw almost no GPS’s. This registered as slightly bizarre, my coming from a community of racers who might consider going home rather than race without what has become their 6th sense.

As I mulled over this absence of GPS’s, I went and sat on the grass near my race-ready SUP. Within a few minutes three different groups walked by my board and, looking at my GPS, made comments like, “Whoa… they must be hardcore!”

Whether I am racing or training, paddling a SUP, outrigger, sea kayak or surfski, there is a waterproof GPS secured to the deck of my boat where I can read it.

As a training or racing tool, a GPS can offer you a ton of information.

Stroke Efficiency: Play around with your stroke, try a faster cadence or a slower, more powerful stroke, try what you think are good entries or exits and watch your GPS. Which is faster?

Strategy: Are you fighting the current or is it helping you along? Should you be hugging the shore, or paddling in the middle of the channel? Watching your speed can give you an edge by giving you the information you need to you choose the fastest lines.

Weeds: Did you pick up some weeds, or did you ‘hit the wall’? If you see you speed suddenly plummet, you probably picked up a seaweed salad.

Distance: When you are on a 13-mile race course you have never seen before, it will feel like you are out there forever! Especially on a SUP averaging less than 4 MPH! Knowing how long you have been out there, what speed you are averaging, how many miles you have gone and have left to go is all invaluable information. Take that 411 and decide how hard to push, when to eat, when to back off, when to fall into a comfortable pace you can hold for the next couple hours beating into a headwind, and when the finish line is close enough that you can ramp it up and bring it home!

Interval Training: I often do workouts that include intervals or going a certain distance where my goal is an end average speed of, say, 7.0 MPH. My GPS, once again, gives me all the info I need including current speed, average speed, time on the water and distance. Or, whatever I set it to display.

There is so much more you can do with your GPS: download your workout or race info to your computer, download maps, enter GPS coordinates, some have a heart rate monitors, etc, etc. My point is: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE HARDCORE TO USE A GPS! Think of it as an incredibly helpful, brutally honest training partner who is going to make you a better paddler.

Happy Paddling!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Here We Go Again!!!

2009-10-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I loaded Hayden up in the jogger and headed for a run in the trails near our home. My outfit of a tanktop and shorts would suggest it was, perhaps, still August or September. But no, it really is October!

I arrived back home, high on vitamin D and sunshine, and checked the upcoming week's weather. Hayden and I did a little dance when we saw SUN SUN SUN!!!

YAHOO!!!

Happy Paddling and Adventuring!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

MYTH BUSTER: Once you have kids....

2009-10-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

"Better do it now, because once you have kids, it is all over!"

We heard it again and again - before Hayden was even an idea in our minds. As if, once you have little ones all adventure, fitness, and racing MUST completely disappear from your life. Well, the truth is out. Not only is it possible, but, it is fun. Simple things that we have taken granted for years... running - paddling - walking in the woods - collecting pine cones - ENTERING YOUR FIRST RACE... get to be new and exciting once again!!! Our little ones are in absolute AWE of the world, and now, we are to, through their eyes!

At the Lake Samish Salmon Row, Greg Gilda raced the entire 5.5 mile course with his 4-year old daughter, Lucy. I don't know who looked prouder... Greg or Lucy!

Thanks for the inspiration!!!

Happy Paddling!!!

Heather, Brandon and Hayden Nelson

Dressing for Winter Adventure Pac NW Style

2009-09-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

Here in Bellingham, between Sunday and Monday the weather dropped from sunny and 75F to a cold, wet 55F. And, before you know it… it will be 45F, then 35F…. well, you get the point!

Living the adventure life in the Pac Northwest, we live by the motto;

“DON’T CHANGE YOUR PLANS,
JUST CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES”

Brandon on Lake Baikal, 2003

NOW is the time to get your cold weather paddling clothes out of the closet and ready for storm season!

For me, that means different warmth options from HEAD TO TOE – depending on what and where I am paddling, the weather and water conditions, and how long I am going out.
So, what is ‘AT THE READY in my closet?

From top to bottom:

HEAD WEAR:

Light weight fleece ear bands, warmer fleece hats, and a Fuzzy Rubber ‘Skinhead’ by Mountain Surf.
Snug fitting baseball type cap or visor to keep rain and wave splash out of my eyes. My most common head gear is a baseball cap with an ear warmer over it.

TOPS: It is all about layers!

I have short sleeve and long sleeve polypro shirts;
Short and long sleeve fleece of varying weights… if you haven’t discovered Mysterioso, it is worth checking out! It is the warmest, comfiest technical fleece I have ever worn.
Brightly colored, breathable splash jacket... I am a big fan Kokatat for indestructible, breathable outer layers.

HANDS:

While some people love neoprene gloves, I am a fan of Pogies --- you know, the hand covers that attach to your paddle shaft, and don't interfere with your grip. Neoprene pogies keep your hands warm, although they get quite heavy when they are wet, and on really cold days mine have turned to a block of ice on my hands! A wind stop fabric with a fleece liner is a preferable option for the Pac NW. Or, I have seen homemade Pogies made out of such things as blue foam sleeping pads or reflective bubble wrap.

BOTTOMS:

I have several pairs of fleece pants, and if I am not in a drysuit, I cover those with splash pants.

FOOTWARE:

I have many different synthetic material socks that I combine with a pair of neoprene booties.

FULL COVERAGE:

But, for ultimate warmth… I LOVE my GORE-TEX Kokatat drysuit, with built in GORE-TEX socks. With that, I am warm and dry top to bottom!
If you do go the drysuit route – remember, for it to protect you from hypothermia in the water, you must wear warm protective layers under the drysuit.

I didn’t mention wetsuit… that is just personal preference. I do own a farmer john wetsuit and a full wetsuit. But, typically, I either layer in fleece and splash pants & jacket, or I am in my drysuit. Some paddlers love their wetsuits.

CHECK IT OUT!
As you pull out your foul weather gear for the winter, make sure everything is in good repair. Do neck or wrist gaskets need to be replaced on your drysuit? Do the zippers need to be lubed? Do you have two Pogies and two booties? Is it time to replace your PFD? Is your boat leash ready for a big storm on the bay? Are you sure?

Don't let the onset of cooler temps, heavy winds and more rain keep you from adventure -- get your gear ready, and get out there!!!

Be warm, be safe… and happy paddling!

Bellingham ROCKS OUT @ Round the Rock SUP race!

2009-09-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

After a first place finish in the mixed tandem OC2 class at the Lake Samish Salmon Row, we spent Sunday down on Mercer Island for the 1st Annual Round the Rock SUP Race. There were two races, a 13-mile long course and a 2.5-mile short course. It was PACKED!!! 71 racers competed in the long course, and there had to be 50 or 60 paddlers in the short course. I honestly didn't know there were that many people into the sport in the PNW.

Sunny blue skies and warm air temps were ideal (for those of us on "support duty" especially), but on the water it was challenging: tail wind for the first 5 miles, stiff headwind for the next 5 miles, then 3 miles of refraction with "waist high" slop that had some of the top guns swimming -- and repeatedly!

Bellingham Paddle Surfers

Nonetheless, Bellingham represented in a HUGE way!!! Our man Beau Whitehead just KILLED IT! He finished the 13-mile course in 2hr 35min and change -- more than 20 MINUTES AHEAD of 2nd place. And amongst the women, Heather KILLED IT! She finished 6th overall and first woman by an unknown amount, in a time of 3hr 12min and change. Then... bored with the beach scene after KILLING IT once, Beau entered the 2.5-mile race and just KILLED IT, taking first in that one too!!! On the beach, there were more people hanging out than there were racers on the water, and a ton of exhibitors. Board and paddle demos were going on all day, Surfrider Foundation (who sponsored the event) were there en force doing their typical world class job of making friends and proponents for cleaner waters and beaches, BBQ pulled pork sammies were keeping everybody fueled up. It was all epic, and we'll definitely put in on the calendar for next year with hopefully a bigger B'ham contingent!

Hayden setting mama's GPS for the race

Stoked for the race to begin!

Beau sliding his SUP into the water
Heather with a final 'see ya' as Hayden loves to say

71 SUP racers

Beau after his first place finish

Heather coming into the finish line, first women and 6th overall

Beau and Heather bringing home the hardware

Check Out Beau's blog at: http://paddlesurfnorthwest.blogspot.com/

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden Nelson

Racers Ready!?!?

2009-09-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

"Any race, in retrospect, can be critiqued, sworn at and sworn off. This happens in particular when the chafe is still raw, the muscles still whimper for relief, and the duffel bag that you brought to carry home all the shwag, trophies and ribbons is as empty as Ventura Avenue on Yom Kippur.

But occasionally a race comes along that, as a whole, transcends the mere components that make it up, and at its worst still somehow becomes one of the most quality weekends any racer will experience. The Length of the Lake is this type of race." ~ Brandon Nelson after the 100 KM Length of the Lake 2007

The famous finish line peach!

The 100-KM Length of the Lake on Lake Okanagan, hosted by Penticton Racing, is one of our favorites. While we stay in local waters racing the Lake Samish Salmon Roe on Saturday, a small posse of local paddlers will be heading north to represent BHam.

Read Brandon's full Length of the Lake 2007 story HERE.

Or, read who beat who, Heather or Brandon, in our 2006 story 'One Minute DOES Matter'

There is more fun to be had Sunday; while we head to Seattle for the Round the Rock Stand-Up Paddle Board Race, 1400 or so runners will be hoofin' it 26.2 gorgeous miles in the Bellingham Bay Marathon .

And, if none of those float your boat, check out the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium!

Good Luck to all.... it is a big race weekend!!!

Kiss the peach...

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Brandon Launches a Blog.....

2009-09-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.NWWayofLife.com/

Since he first heard the phrase, a little over a year ago, "My work is my play is my work is my play", Brandon has been focused on erasing the line between ... well.... WORK and PLAY! The good news is, he’s been pulling it off! It turns out that the “street smarts” gained through years of adventure and the competitiveness of racing and training translate well into the business environment of real estate.
Add to that our passion for sharing our stories through blogging, and it was inevitable that the “NW Way of Life” blog would come to life.
It’s part real estate buying, selling... and just owning... part “Backyard of Bellingham” through photos and text, part profiles of athletes and other ambassadors for charging life, and pretty much ALL AROUND good reading. Check it out and subscribe to follow Brandon’s blog at http://www.NWWayofLife.com/!

Check out a few recent posts:

How a 20-Year-Old Became a Landlord

These Hellions Must Be Stopped

My Wife in her Swimsuit on Bellingham Billboards

The Most Important Document Your Agent Won't Show You

How To Find Skilled Trades on Craigslist

Storm Season is HERE (So Storm Ready Your House)!

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Summer is FAR from over!!!

2009-09-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

It may be the first day of fall…. But summer is definitely NOT over!!!

The week before Labor Day, as we biked, SUP’d, paddled and camped on Lopez Island, I mourned the coming end of summer. It went so fast… how could it possibly be coming to an end?
BUT… it is with a brilliant 80F sunny day that we celebrate the first day of fall.

And, as I look at our calendar for the upcoming month… it is filled with adventure! With the Lake Samish Salmon Roe this Saturday and the 13-mile Round the Rock SUP race Sunday, followed by a trip to Saltspring Island next weekend and then Kulshan Cycle’s Breast Cancer Awareness Ride Oct 10th, the Women’s Surfski Demo Day at Deep Cove Kayak Centre Oct 11th, the Paddle For Food Relay to benefit the local Food Bank Oct 17th……

Did I mention Brandon is getting into cyclocross?

No, summer is far from over!!!

For MORE races, events and adventures, Adventures Northwest Magazine has a fun filled calendar of events posted on their website.

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, brandon and Hayden

On Top of the World at Artist Point

2009-09-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

Bellingham must be one of the most amazing places on earth. Last Friday, as I stood atop Artist Point with Hayden and our good friends Mikyn and Ashby under clear blue skies, surrounded by snow covered mountain peaks and hills glowing with fall reds and oranges… I felt light and giddy with the beauty of the world around me. If you live in the area, or are visiting from out of the area… a trip to Artist Point is mandatory. Mikyn and I spent over an hour following 18-month olds Hayden and Ashby exploring the ½ - mile Artist Point Trail. They stopped to climb every rock, feel the weight and texture of a pinecone in their hand, throw small rocks into a pond, greet every hiker going by, and gaze out at the views that even their young minds knew were spectacular!

Happy Adventuring!!!!

~ In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure ~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden Nelson

When Artist and Baidarka Meet

2009-09-19T20:40:00.001-07:00

If you’re reading this, and you follow our blog or just stumbled upon it, we’re humbled and honored. And occasionally we’re contacted by one of you with a story of your own, perhaps one that relates to something we’ve posted.

This very thing happened recently, and we’re compelled to share some photos and art of Lee Robinsong of Victoria, BC, and his 28’ Dyson Baidarka. Read his post below... and be sure to visit his site to see his INCREDIBLE “Circulist Landscape” paintings. Truly World Class!!!

Hi Brandon & Heather,

I've followed your blog on the Mt. Fairweather project, and can totally relate to the spirit of adventure, the very nature and dream by which this historical icon was designed and built!

I also have a baidarka storage problem of my own, only the baidarka I have is only twenty eight foot. I've had the craft since 1981, and it's spent most of it's time on Cortes Island, where I mostly sailed and paddled her on my own. recently I moved her to Victoria, where she now languishes in a friend's driveway, as waterfront / easy launch locations are hard to find, not to mention loading and unloading her of a vehicle.

She is a wonderful craft, and is #5 of the 6 built in the same Belcarra park workshop in 1977. I acquired her from Peter Johnson who was one of the builders and adventurers on the Alaska expedition. #5 is still sea worthy with the original skin and some of the original art work, downwind sail, and one of the original paddles...the other paddle was unfortunately lost at sea!

I wish you well with the Mt. Fairweather project and hope a suitable storage and display situation comes up. These are truly magnificent crafts with historical significance, and deserve to be preserved and displayed, not to mention the thrill of a good down wind surf and paddle.

Sincerely Lee Robinsong, Victoria BC ( http://leerobinsong.ca/ )

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden Nelson

Sunset Sail on the Gato Verde

2009-09-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

Last Night I was reminded, once again, what an amazing place we live in – and what a World Class group of friends we have.
While Brandon, and our other Papa friends took care of the little one’s for the evening, I headed out for a sunset sail on the Gato Verde with ten wonderful Mom friends. With Captain Todd Schuster at the helm; we drank wine, told stories, watched porpoises, listened to the outdoor concert drifting across the water from Boulevard Park, and watched the sun set below stormy clouds leftover from a wild weather morning.
The 42-foot long Gato Verde is the first plug in diesel electric hybrid charter boat on the West Coast. It sleeps up to 9 passengers for an overnight, and easily absorbs a dozen day trippers. I highly recommend you book an adventure of your own…. You can find out more at www.gatoverde.com

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden Storm

Camping and Adventuring on Lopez Island

2009-09-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

The San Juan’s have a reputation for being incredibly friendly and welcoming to visitors. Amongst those islands, Lopez Island is known as THE friendliest. It is also known as the biking island. The combination of gently rolling hills and drivers who love cyclists makes it the perfect place to tour by bike. Then there are the world class beaches, vistas and paddling opportunities. Combine that with the fact that Lopez is the first island on the ferry ride out of Anacortes, making it only a 45 minute ride – and we just had to pack up the camping gear, bikes, and boats for a visit.

Our good friends the Burnett’s joined us for the adventure.

We camped out at Odlin County Park, located just a mile from the ferry terminal – although we chose to drive so we could bring our kayaks and comforts from home for the kids, Odlin would make a great base camp for those arriving by bike or foot.

Our 4-day stay on Lopez was jam packed with adventure. Playing on the beach, hikes in the woods, paddling and stand-up paddle boarding, telling stories by the campfire, bike riding...
and, the driftwood beaches were perfect for fort building …

One of our main goals of the trip was to do some exploring by bike... and we quickly realized the riding was amazing… sprawling farmland backed to sweeping ocean vistas, gently rolling hills, juicy blackberries to snack on, beautiful well-maintained yards and gardens in front of houses of all shapes, sizes and personalities. And, the best part, we had 8-year old Maddy riding her bike, Abbey on the trail-a-bike with her Mom, Danielle, and me pulling Hayden in the trailer --- and the few cars on the road that we did see went out of their way to give us plenty of room.

There were countless riding destinations to choose from. We chose a trip to Lopez Village first where we discovered the Just Heavenly Fudge Factory! Our second ride took us to Spencer Spit State Park. To Maddy and Abbey’s delight, the beaches here were covered with what seems to be the signature of the island, driftwood forts and sculptures.

The final day we visited Shark Reef Wildlife Sanctuary where we could see dozens of seals sunning on the rocks.

From there we headed to Agate Bay State Park for a picnic lunch and a paddle in the bay. We ended our day back at the Lopez Village for more espresso flavored fudge!

Whether you are a paddler, cyclist, camper, wine taster, bird watcher or someone who just loves to relax in a beautiful and friendly place – I highly recommend a trip to Lopez Island!

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Kayaks for Kids....

2009-08-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Question:
Brandon, My name is Skip, I met your wife at the AM/PM beaches the other day. The kayak that you built for the kids is great. She said that you had made plans for the boat and I was curious about getting a set. What size child would you say the boat is built for? I have a niece that is two although I guess that she will be three by the time the weather is warm again. Thanks, Skip

Hayden giving Ashby some paddling tips at AM Beach in Sudden Valley

Answer:
Hi Skip,
Thanks for your e-mail! I’m flattered that you’d want to build a boat similar to Hayden’s. It’s cool that it resonated with you.
That said, Hayden’s boat is really sized as a person’s first boat, from 0 to 2 years old. I’ve seen some slightly bigger kids try to get in it, and it’s just a little small for them. If your niece is going to be 3 before she’s using it, she’ll have outgrown it by then.
I’ve had a number of requests from people to design and make available a kit for the next size up, and it won’t be long until Hayden’s ready for that himself. It MAY be something I could get to this winter when real estate slows down a bit. I’m certainly open to it.
For right now, I would point you towards Yostwerks kayaks. The owner of this site, Tom Yost, has designed a whole fleet of skin boats, and makes the plans available online for free. There are step by step slideshows taking you through the whole construction process. Here’s a link to some photos of his kids boat, the Sea Flea. http://www.yostwerks.com/RomainSeaFlea.html I’ll be building one of these for Hayden soon enough.
You may have to e-mail Tom Yost for the link to these plans. I couldn’t readily find it on the site, and he may’ve moved it or pulled it down, etc. There are a lot of these out on the water, though, so it’s fully legit. You can easily add the outrigger type float like Hayden’s boat has... of course you can add that to any boat. Best of luck with your project, Skip. And as you’re building this or any boat, in any medium of construction, I highly recommend Nick Schade’s boat builder’s discussion forum. You can ask any question and have a slew of intelligent answers within minutes, usually. Here’s the link: http://www.kayakforum.com/KayakBuilding/index.shtml

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~
Heather, Brandon and Hayden

Coastal T.E.A.M Challenge

2009-08-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Heather, Hayden and I traveled to the Jericho Sailing Center in Vancouver, BC, for the 10th annual Oceanman Swim-Paddle-Run Triathlon. Heather did the family name proud by winning the Iron Women’s division (you can read her blog HERE) while Hayden and I supported her as “shore crew.”
A couple hours after the race we were enjoying a salmon feast on the beach when a small flotilla of orange kayaks paddled up from the south. We ran out onto the pier to investigate, and learned that this was no ordinary kayak trip. It was the Coastal T.E.A.M. Challenge wrapping up their 9-day voyage from Anacortes. The paddlers were all injured military veterans from the U.S. and Canada, and they had paddled and camped the entire way, having set out on August 1st.

World T.E.A.M. Sports, based in Southborough, Massachusetts, posts this Mission Statement on their website: World T.E.A.M Sports (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) uses the universal power of sports to create soul-stirring experiences by teaming disabled athletes with able-bodied athletes, forming a true TEAM.

The organization’s website, www.worldteamsports.org, features other events they’ve pulled off with able-bodied and disabled veterans, including multi-sport adventure races, 100+ mile bike rides, white water rafting challenges and more. The photos galleries are exceptional and worth checking out.
We haven’t heard of or been aware of this organization up ‘til now, but seeing the kayakers pull up to the pier at Jericho looking just as fit and professional as any expedition I’ve come across... was truly inspiring. Check it out!

~In the Spirit of Compassion and Adventure~

Heather, Brandon and Hayden