With my Channel Islands Expedition approaching I went down to the coast for a couple days of training paddles. Day one was a solo trip From Bodega Bay up to Jenner to get some distance in (around 30 miles). Conditions were very mellow so a good representation of what we expect in Southern California. The paddle went well and in addition to the nice scenery of coastline I passed a couple whales playing just outside the breakers on Bodega Head on my way out. They were still there when I returned and had attracted a large crowd on the cliffs above. There seemed to be three or four of them playing just outside the waves - closer in than I wanted to go. But they ended up working their way out and actually came close enough to get a few good pictures.
The next day I went out for a shorter paddle with Sean Morley who will be joining me on the expedition. Sean claimed that he hasn't been getting enough paddling in so was a little worried about his fitness. We set off from Horseshoe Cove and crossed over to San Fran under the golden Gate Bridge - ferrying across the ~2 knot flood. Then we headed out along the coast with Sean hugging the shore and playing in the rocks while I chased behind trying to keep up while taking a more direct route. It was still a big effort just to stay close enough to get a few shots of his rock gardening. Of course, as soon as I pulled the camera out I would be losing precious ground so I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked. I don't think Sean has to worry about his fitness as much and Pedro and I need to worry about keeping up. But then Sean is planning to circumnavigate the islands we are simply visiting so he has further to paddle.
I was also testing out my new video camera mount in different position. I ended up getting some interesting footage with the camera facing back at me. It's a pretty standard shot you see a lot in kayak videos that is suppose to show what the paddler is doing and what the conditions are like. It's fairly easy to do since you don't have to try to hold a camera and aim. I've always thought it was a bit of an ego shot - a close up focus on the paddler instead of the paddling. But I have to say after looking at the footage that it actually works pretty well - let me know if you think otherwise. Though I would much rather the camera were pointed at someone else instead of myself.
BryantMan - My $0.02...There were some nice sequences of you in the video footage, especially the shots of you coming through the cave. In his WW photo tutorial, Darin McQ makes a point that a shot of what the paddler is heading into to creates more drama. What the camera facing you would be really good for, would be for narration, with you explaining or describing where you're headed, or a particular maneuver or technique. Now, if you had cameras mounted and pointing both fore and aft, you could put together some way cool stuff.
Thanks Dave. I think you're right about the narration bit - I thought about doing it for the Golden Gate video but it just takes time and it's hard enough to do the editing and get things up there as often as I do. And if I could afford more cameras and cover myself and my boat with them I would give it a try. Though probably not every paddle.
My kayak memoir, A Paddler's Journey, is now available in paperback and eBook formats. Through tales of adventure and misadventure, share my experienced on my journey from eager novice to seasoned expert and professional instructor. More details on the website: www.APaddlersJourney.com
Most of my adult life has been spent teaching and managing one thing or another. Two decades ago I discovered kayaking and after spending a few years enjoying the sport I decided to try to make it my career. I have taught kayaking, guided trips, managed kayak schools and paddled all over the world. I have since settle down with my wife to raise my daughter on the Mendocino Coast - one of the most beautiful kayaking locations I've found.
PaddleBC documents my seven week road trip to British Columbia, including a solo circumnavigation of Moresby Island (Queen Charlottes).
With my Channel Islands Expedition approaching I went down to the coast for a couple days of training paddles. Day one was a solo trip From Bodega Bay up to Jenner to get some distance in (around 30 miles). Conditions were very mellow so a good representation of what we expect in Southern California. 
The paddle went well and in addition to the nice scenery of coastline I passed a couple whales playing just outside the breakers on Bodega Head on my way out. They were still there when I returned and had attracted a large crowd on the cliffs above. There seemed to be three or four of them playing just outside the waves - closer in than I wanted to go. But they ended up working their way out and actually came close enough to get a few good pictures.
BryantMan - My $0.02...There were some nice sequences of you in the video footage, especially the shots of you coming through the cave. In his WW photo tutorial, Darin McQ makes a point that a shot of what the paddler is heading into to creates more drama. What the camera facing you would be really good for, would be for narration, with you explaining or describing where you're headed, or a particular maneuver or technique. Now, if you had cameras mounted and pointing both fore and aft, you could put together some way cool stuff.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave. I think you're right about the narration bit - I thought about doing it for the Golden Gate video but it just takes time and it's hard enough to do the editing and get things up there as often as I do. And if I could afford more cameras and cover myself and my boat with them I would give it a try. Though probably not every paddle.
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