Vallejo kayak and bicycle club for all. Free events and information regarding the great activities Vallejo California has to offer everyone.
Since wind is more prevalent in the Bay Area in the Summer months, we have taken up kite flying also. When those of us can master kite flying as well as kayak paddling, we can combine the 2 for Kite/Kayaking. This will turn those "Summer Winds" into a positive. Although we do help people with paddling and safety instruction, plus helping getting their hands on equipment, we do expect personal responsibility from everyone, similar to the Petaluma Paddlers group. The Petaluma Paddlers is a meet-up group, or a Yahoo Group which is really the same. These are not guided trips and anyone paddling with this group is personally responsible for their own safety. There's no governing body, fees, dues or bylaws and few requirements to participate in a paddle. You do need your own equipment. So what that means is that each and every one of us is personally responsible for our paddling experience and safety. If you haven't taken a BSKI class, you should do so. If you haven't practiced a self AND assisted rescue in the last year, and at least once EVERY year, you should do so. If you are uncomfortable or unclear about your ability to go the distance for a paddle, find yourself a partner in the group who is willing to stay with you and turn back when you need to. Set that up in advance of the paddle. Take safety seriously. Kayaking is a fun sport but it is also a high risk sport. Bottom line, any one of us can die out there. There is a lot of gear one should consider carrying on every paddle -- VHF radio, compass/GPS, tow rope, signaling device, med kit, food, water, spare paddle, warm dry clothes -- the list goes on. Know the local weather and wind forecast. Dress for immersion! Wind is part of Bay area paddling. It will likely come up half way through your paddle from early spring through late summer. Know your limits and honor your comfort and stamina levels. If you'd like someone to do all these things for you, there are several excellent kayaking companies that will gladly do so for a fee. Otherwise, we are all personally responsible for our paddling experience. Regarding staying together, pod dynamics is a very important part of safety in group paddles. On guided trips, it's the guides job to maintain good pod dynamics. When paddling with the PPers, a casual meet up group, pod dynamics can be lax. If staying together is important to you, again, you should set that up with a few people that agree to stay together. |