Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board

User Profile

Val Wann

I started seriously paddling about a year ago (in 2000). Prior to that I’d used sit-on-tops occasionally for scuba diving, but wanted something faster/more efficient for touring. Being a big (and somewhat clumsy) guy at 6’4" & 250+ lb, a skinny SOT felt too unstable, so I took classes & started paddling a regular sea kayak.

Living in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have the chance to experience a variety of conditions (often in the same day!). Winds to 25 kt, and 2-foot-plus chop are common in my "backyard", but sheltered areas of flat water are nearby. The open Pacific awaits just outside the Golden Gate and lots of surfing spots are within a fairly easy drive, so as my skills improve I’ll have more places to play.

At age 40+, I tend to be somewhat conservative in estimating what I can handle. I’ll gladly stay on shore if conditions are too rough. As my comfort zone expands, so will the times and places I will paddle.

There aren’t too many cockpits I can comfortably fit my "ample frame" into, so my experience with different boats is limited. Right now I’m paddling a used plastic Storm, which is a make-do boat until I finish building a Chesapeake Lt18. I have whims of building a skin-on-frame in the future.

I'm still on a steep part of the learning curve. As my skills improve and my comfort zone expands, I'll venture into rougher conditions. Mostly I do day touring and occasional overnights.

I’m a member of the Bay Area Sea Kayakers club – "An eating club with a kayaking disorder".

"True adventure never really starts until you mess up really badly" - Frank Wolf

Bay Area Sea Kayakers

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