Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

User Profile

Tim Mattson

My name is Tim Mattson. I am a research scientist at Intel (Ph.D. quantum
chemistry, UCSC 1985). Before I became a kayaker, I was quite happy to just
plug along with my science. Since taking up the paddle in early 1997, however,
I’ve changed and dream of open water and finding the perfect wave, not quantum
physics and supercomputing.

To understand how I relate to kayaking, you need to know that I am a
recovering alcoholic (with over 15 years of sobriety so far). If you’ve
known any recovering alcoholics, you would understand what this means: I have
an addictive, obsessive personality and over-do everything. I paddle 3 to 7
times a week -- all year round in all conditions. I paddle in white water,
ocean surf, flat water, and storms. I watch whales, surf, race long distances,
playfully roll, and take one or two weeklong expeditions each year. I am
seriously addicted to this sport.

I hope someday to join a Pacific Northwest tribe of hardcore extreme, coastal
kayakers (along the lines of the Tsunami Rangers). As far as I can tell, such
a group doesn’t exist, so let me know if you want to form one.

In terms of credentials, I am an ACA certified instructor: open water, coastal
kayak. I make my money at Intel, so I teach for free to create new paddling
buddies.

I guess that enough for now.

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