This is an attempt to lump what should be six or seven monthly posts into one monstrous presentation. Over the last few months the world of kayaking has kept me incredibly busy and I have a ton of things to share.
7-2011
In July Chris Bensch and I delivered our first attempt at video production with this little promo piece for Jackson Kayak's Journey day touring kayak:
In August, Chris Bensch, Shay Bickley, and I, (otherwise known as OSOM) did a photo shoot with photographer Fred Marmsater, who is not only an incredibly talented photographer, but also a really cool guy. You're likely to see some of the shots used by Jackson Kayak & Ibex Outdoor Clothing among others. Some of the photos that didn't make the cut are shown below.
Photo Shoot With Fred 8-2011:
Jason paddling out:
Shay launching off the beach:
Jason and Shay paddling to the river mouth:
Chris paddling out:
Shay paddling out:
Chris Paddling out:
Chris and Shay paddling out:
Chris and Shay paddling out:
Chris surfing:
Chris paddling out:
As always, I like to wet a line at the coast. I managed to catch a few crab while taking a break from the surf and snap a few photos of the scenery.
9-2011
In September the OSOM crew hit the Oregon coast again for another shoot. This time we were shooting for Tiderace Sea Kayaks, and I was the photographer. Some of the B-roll shots are posted below.
While shooting from the edge of the sea stack, I noticed dozens of crab in a depression in the sand at the edge of the rocks. I couldn't resist the urge to trap them there as the tide ebbed. After surfing for a while, Shay came over and I sent her down to grab a few of the crab. Her technique was a tad curious, but the results we're a couple of keepers for dinner.
After foot-crabbing, I managed to get a few more good shots of Shay messing around in the surf. As I write this in November, I'm already nostalgic of summer at the beach.
I was also voted #3 Kayak Angler & #3 Kayak Fishing Guide of the Year at yakangler.com & kayakfishingradio.com by you, the public. Thank you!
10-2011
October brought Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe's Lumpy Water's Symposium. This event has quickly gained recognition as one of the go-to sea kayak events in the Pacific Northwest. This was my third year coaching at Lumpy, and I thought I'd offer a class on "sustenance fishing for sea kayakers". We focused on catching crab & bottom fish with minimal gear such as handline's and crab hawks on a multi-day trip. The currents & wind made bottom fishing a bit difficult, but we paddled ourselves right into an epic pile of keeper dungeness crab. Every one in the class finished the day with limits and big smiles. Photos from Lumpy Waters below:
Photographer Fred Marmsater joined us for Lumpy Waters and stayed a few days after for another photo shoot. Here are some of the great, but non-published pics:
11-2011
With the success of the crabbing at Lumpy Waters, I decided to run another "Crabbing from a Sea Kayak" class at the Oregon Coast in November. I could never have imagined the interest in crabbing from a kayak. It's impressive. At the moment I'm working on an article for Ocean Paddler Magazine on the subject, and I've got another full class set for December. I'm saving the photos from that trip for use in the article & will post what isn't published here later.
Expedition Update/OSOM Project:
We've had to postpone our kayak trip to the Gulf of Mexico until Novemember 2012, but the OSOM "Never Ending Global Cleanup Contest" is going strong. So far 620 people from all fifty US states and 20 countries have participated. The contest is responsible for over 5000 pounds of trash removed from the world's waterways to date, and we've awarded contest winners with gear from Keen Footwear, Ibex Outdoor Clothing, Klean Kanteen, Aquapac, Thule Roof Racks, Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe, Kokatat Watersports Wear, and Ocean Paddler Magazine.The contest has made the news in the kayak community, with pieces on OSOM gracing the pages of Kayak Angler Magazine, California Kayaker Magazine, and Ocean Paddler Magazine.
It's easy to participate in the cleanup contest. All you have to do is "like" our Facebook page and post photos of the removal and disposal of trash from any waterway, using any human powered craft to our FB wall. The person or group with the most trash removed at the end of each month wins prizes from our sponsors. It's simple, it's easy, and it's sustainable. Get out there and do some good and win cool gear.
Until next time,
Jason
