Canadian Sea Kayak Photo of the Moment: September 3

Friday, 03 September 2010 14:58 Written by David H. Johnston

Taken in the Haida Gwaii, BC; this bear gets to close for comfort for me.

From the Sea Kayak Canada Photo Pool. Credit: ah zut (Chris de Rham)

Photography

Quick Trip Report: Surfing and Teaching on Lake Superior

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 14:35 Written by David H. Johnston

Playing around after a rescue clinic. Photo Credit: David Johnston

Here are a couple photos from a trip last week up to Lake Superior last week. I had the pleasure of being invited to teach a Paddle Canada Level 2 sea kayaking course at Naturally Superior Adventures with my co-instructor; the very funny and hugely talented Rev. Bonnie Perry. Long-time readers will remember a piece I wrote a year ago when she was nominated to be the Bishop of Minnesota.

Teaching

Drunk Camping Fail

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 14:06 Written by David H. Johnston

This video is for those of you who want to feel more superior about your ability to put up a camping tent. It’s also for those of you who already feel more superior about your ability to hold your booze...

Funny

Cool Leave No Trace Promotional Video

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 13:41 Written by David H. Johnston

I just love this short promotional video for the non-profit organization, Leave No Trace.

Environment

Sea Kayak Photo of the Moment: September 1

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 12:50 Written by David H. Johnston

Sea kayaking at Iles de la Madeleine, QC - Flickr Photo Credit: Benoit Dery

Did you know I run a flickr photo group specifically for sea kayaking in Canada? Submit or view Canadian sea kayak photos here.

Photography

Fall Paddling Events in Ontario

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 15:55 Written by David H. Johnston

Summer is more than half over and it’s sadly time to start thinking about fall paddling events. Here in Ontario there are several events that are shaping up to be really rock solid and worth checking out.

Greenland Style Symposium – August 26-29
Skinny stick paddlers will want to make note that the Greenland Style Symposium that takes place in Wawa, Ontario is coming up very fast. It’s an awesome weekend of low key learning and general fooling around.

They have a great line-up presenters (if I do say so myself). The gang going to be there includes Bonnie Perry, Doug Van Doren, Keith Wikle and myself as the general paddle and water carrier.

If you don’t already own your own Greenland paddle, don’t worry. Registration includes use of their paddlers. This is a good way to try out various designs and sizes before you buy or make your own.

For those who want to get more bang for their long drive, come up early and participate in their joint Paddle Canada level 2 and BCU 3* course that starts August 22 and runs right up to the starts of the Symposium.

More info: naturallysuperior.com

Events

Kayaker Attacked by Great White During 7 Mile Crossing [Chomp]

Thursday, 05 August 2010 20:43 Written by David H. Johnston

Taking on Water - Photo Credit: Duane Strosaker

Duane Strosaker from the website rollordrown.com is counting himself lucky after he survived an attack by a great white shark back on Monday (August 2). The excitement occurred during a 7 nautical mile crossing back to Gaviota State Beach, CA. Around 12:40 a shark swam up beside him and gently took a big bite.

General News

New JetBoil Gas Can Crusher [Gear]

Thursday, 05 August 2010 20:11 Written by David H. Johnston

Backpacker Magazine has been covering the new gear on display at the Outdoor Retail Show in Salt Lake City this week. Here is one that really caught my eye:

Check out this $5 tool by JetBoil. Screw it on a spent butane canister, and it will release any residual gas. Pry down to puncture the canister, then give it a good boot-stomp to crush it and, finally, throw it in the recycling bin. Done.

Follow along with their blog to get the latest info for stuff next spring.

Photo Credit: Shannon Davis

Gear

Quick Report on My Visit to CBC Radio

Monday, 02 August 2010 18:40 Written by David H. Johnston

This past Friday I had the pleasure of being interviewed for CBC Radio. For those not following along I was asked to speak on the controversy of wifi being rolled out in National Parks across Canada. I’m for it and you can read my reasoning here.

For those not familiar with the "behind the veil" workings of CBC Radio, the syndication department researches and finds people to be interviewed. They then provide a window of time for any show in the CBC world who might be interested in interviewing that person. In my case, I had to be available between 3:00 and 6:00pm and could be interviewed by up to 12 different shows.

General News

Sea Kayak Reverse Endo [Video]

Thursday, 29 July 2010 21:50 Written by David H. Johnston

No comment needed on its awesomeness.

Thanks Gnarlydog!

Video

I'm on CBC Radio Tomorrow Debating Wifi in Parks

Thursday, 29 July 2010 21:38 Written by David H. Johnston

I just got asked to be on CBC Radio tomorrow (July 30). They contacted me earlier today about coming in and getting interviewed about the recent news article about Parks Ontario testing wifi in some parks. I guess they found my recent article on the issue and want me to come and chat about it.

Right now I don’t know any details I need to show up at the CBC studio prepared to talk from 3:00-6:00pm. From what I can tell I will be talking to the local stations across Canada.

Should be fun. Last time I did something big I was interviewed for the TechTV show, “Call for Help” with Leo Laporte. At the time I was only a big gaga of Leo; not like I would be now if I had to do the interview again. That super nerd is super awesome.