One Crazy Summer

As a semi seasoned traveller, I’ve often heard of the common cliché "the places less travelled offer the best and most diverse experiences". The Eastern shore of Virginia didn’t disappoint…

Arriving in Norfolk on the east coast of the USA for the first time I saw, as expected, a multitude of highways, advertisements and block buildings. Although coming from a life in Asia, I felt strangely at home.

After a 20-minute drive courtesy of my ‘local’ girlfriend, Ashley, we arrived at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay bridge tunnel. Here she told me this was the last turning point before leaving the mainland and if there was anything I wanted to buy or do that required anything larger than a small row of shops, now was the time to say so. I happily declined the offer, and we began making our way across the ocean on the pillar- supported road to the eastern shore.

Arriving on the shore, surrounded by greenery and wildlife, I wondered if in fact we had crossed time zones and not the 20-mile stretch or so of the Chesapeake Bay. We headed to the town of Cape Charles and although I didn’t know it at the time, this was to become my temporary home during the most visitor-populated summer months.

Whilst in Cape Charles I bumped into a well-known figure in the town, Dave Burden. After I pieced together some clues I had picked whilst in the town I discovered that Dave was, amongst other roles, the owner of South East Expeditions (SEE), a one stop shop for any water based adventure you might seek. Luck seemed to be on my side that afternoon as Dave spoke of a potential position at SEE for the summer months to include any job from moving wood to leading kayak tours. I’ve always embraced a varied schedule so this possibility, in this setting, initially seemed too good to be true – it wasn’t.

Working at SSE did, as I thought, involve a wide range of jobs from moving kayaks to looking after the store. The first highlight came in the form of an ACA (American Canoe Association) course, which at that time was the barrier between what I was currently doing and becoming a kayak guide. Although I had a large amount of experience in water based sports it was clear from the outset that even though we were in a relaxed rural setting, it was vital to apply ourselves every step of the way for both quality and safety purposes. Making it through the action and theory based course along with spending hours and hours developing my area specific knowledge led to my first opportunity to lead a kayak tour. Taking people out kayaking would involve preparation in boat moving, readying the guests for the adventure that awaits them and most importantly ensuring everyone has a good time, whilst keeping the day problem free. As each trip is so different and based on a massive number of variables including weather, tide and people, knowing the area inside out became vital.

Pretty soon, as the season took off I found myself taking folks out on a daily basis to assist them in exploring the wonders of an untouched, nature rich area. The only time it seemed not to be sunny was during a rare storm and that became a fascinating experience in itself. As time went on my enthusiasm for showing visitors the area only seemed to grow and it’s safe to say I even became accustomed to the hotter-than-England climate.

The days were varied, sometimes I would be leading a family of four on their first kayak adventure and my aim would be to give them a gentle introduction to what I hoped, for them, would become a lifelong indulgence. This would involve meandering through the salt marsh discussing the area, kayaking or just life in general. Other times I would be leading (or chasing) a group of teenagers keen on pushing as many boundaries as possible, this I found this surprisingly easy to manage as a decade ago, I was that teenager. Exploring the islands beyond the marsh became a fascination of mine and even up until the day before I left I was finding new ways to make each trip unique.

Eventually commitments elsewhere caught up with me and it became time to pack my bags. Although my time on the shore was in many ways short, it was long enough for me to be sure I’ll be back and I’m thankful to all who made it happen.

James and Ashley enjoying the sights and sounds of the Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim from the best seats in the house

Storm the Shore & Kiptopeke Kayak Symposium

This weekend the Cape Charles area will play host to two major kayaking related sporting events. The Kiptopeke Kayak Symposium runs from September 23^rd – 25^th, and is headquartered at Kiptopeke State Park. The Storm the Shore Adventure Race starts at 9:00am on Saturday the 24^th and runs for 30 hours through mid-day on Sunday.

The Kiptopeke Kayak Symposium will offer a wide range of courses for paddlers of all different skill levels. The focal area for this event will be the seaside of the Eastern Shore, one of the most remote and scenic areas on the mid-Atlantic. Participants will be attending from at least 5 states and the District of Columbia. They will have access to a wide range of courses, with small classes that will be delivered by some of the area’s top coaches.

Paddlers will be able to choose from a wide selection of courses each day, including both skill development and touring options. Some courses will be offered in the calmer waters of the Chesapeake Bay, while others will take place in more challenging open ocean environments.

The Storm the Shore Adventure Race returns to the area after a two- year hiatus. This popular event is the highpoint of a challenging series of adventure races put on by Hampton Roads Advenutre (HRAdventure). Hampton Roads Adventure is a volunteer not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing affordable and accessible adventure racing to the Mid-Atlantic region.

Adventure Racing is a multi-discipline sport requiring teams to navigate their way through challenging terrain using nothing more than a map, a compass, and their wits. Adventure Race teams must travel together throughout the entire competition whether they are trekking, paddling, biking, and even while ascending the face of a mountain. Adventure Races are a true test of physical endurance, mental tenacity, heart, and teamwork regardless of whether it is a sprint race lasting 6 hours or an expedition race lasting several days. There is no other sport that delves as deeply into the human experience.

For more information on either of these events, or to find out how you can volunteer to assist with future events, please contact SouthEast Expeditions at (757)-331-2680, or visit their web page at www.SouthEastExpeditions.com.

While both events are primarily organized and put on by groups from off the Eastern Shore, the professional kayak guides and staff at SouthEast Expeditions are recognized as vital local partners with the unique knowledge base and experience to ensure that these events are safe, fun, and successful for everyone involved. As the Eastern Shore continues to gain recognition as a premier kayaking destination, more and more paddlers are discovering the allure of this land between the waters.

With over 100 paddlers and supporting staff coming to the Shore for these two events, as well as their friends and families, the estimated direct economic impact is expected to be close to $100,000.

A Chincoteague SUP Adventure

As we set up for today’s Stand Up Paddleboard lesson a couple of details led me to think we should do something a little differently. First, the woman who had signed up for the class had just taken a private kayak trip with one of our guides yesterday through the marshes where I normally teach. Second, the waters of Queen’s Sound looked pretty inviting as I drove across the Chincoteague causeway earlier in the morning.

As Kim filled out her paperwork I asked if she was interested in doing a little exploring today in a place where we rarely paddle. With a quiet, subtle confidence she confirmed that she was up for a bit of an adventure and we were off to Queen’s Sound Landing with a couple of SUPs and a rough idea of what the next two hours would bring.

Being a bit exposed half way between the mainland and the island, our launch site picks up wind a little earlier and more effectively than I had anticipated. Shortly after we hit the water it was clear that for a beginner paddler, heading in to the wind was not going to be all that much fun, and in fact if the wind picked up it may not even be possible.

I scrambled a plan B, talked it over with Kim, and darted back to the car to call the shop to arrange a pick up over on the mainland. Kim and I were going to do the first ever SUP run from the Chincoteague causeway to the mainland of the Eastern Shore.

For a petit quiet vet from Pennsylvania to sign on to this program so quickly told me that the confidence I sensed earlier was indeed real. It also should have told me that she didn’t really understand what we were getting ourselves in to.

25 minutes later as we ripped along down-wind, Kim was practicing getting on and off the board (off is pretty easy) when she looked over her shoulder and saw how far we had come from where we set out. She confirmed my suspicions when she said “Wow. I had no idea how much of an adventure we were in for.”

But she hung in there and was soon pitching herself down the faces of the 2-3 foot rolling chop that had been kicked up by the ever-increasing Southeast wind. We made some jokes about how we should have been doing a kiteboarding class instead, but Kim kept putting the paddle in the water and making progress toward that distant shore.

More than once I watched a wave rear up behind her as she crossed a shoal and had to stop myself from yelling advice that would just confuse her. Back on land later, she would confirm that ignorance is bliss by insisting that if she had any idea how big the waves were it would have totally freaked her out.

By the time we hopped off our boards at the Captain’s Cove Marina I was truly impressed by how well my quiet, confident new friend had handled both herself and her board as the first person to cross this sound by paddleboard. To do it in those kinds of conditions was even more impressive.

If you saw Kim riding her bike down Maddox to the beach, or sitting at the Sea Star Café having lunch you probably wouldn’t think “I’ll bet that woman is a bad ass on a stand up paddleboard.” But you should – because she is.

Thanks for a great day on the water Kim. I am looking forward to getting back out there to push my limits as much as you pushed yours, and I hope to be able to do so with the good humor and grace that you exhibited all day.

Today this is why I love my job. Tomorrow it could be because of a great adventure we have on the water with you. Make it happen!

Onancock Challenge Kayak Race Sept. 10 2011

SouthEast Expeditions’ 14th Annual Onancock Kayak/Canoe Challenge has some new divisions and pre-race clinics to give you a competitive edge. The race is Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at 9 a.m. during Onancock’s Harborfest, a festive weekend of food, music and water fun on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

The weekend starts on Friday with two pre-race clinics led by Chuck Conley, instructor and winner of last year’s race. The morning session, 8 a.m. to noon, features racing strategy and boat control. The Forward Stroke Clinic (with video critique) will be from 1-5 p.m. Cost for each session is $55 with your own kayak (add $20 to rent one), or both sessions for $95 (add $30 to rent a kayak)

Afterwards, relax during Onancock’s Second Friday Art Stroll, 5-8 p.m. and the kick-off of Harborfest with live music on the wharf at 7:30 p.m.

The 9 a.m. race on Saturday has 5 & 10 KM courses on beautiful Onancock Creek. There will be new divisions this year for Kids 8 years and up and Stand-Up Paddlboards. It is a great event for paddlers who are serious about enjoying their time on the water as well as those who want to test their skills against the best racers in the region, including the legendary Olympic Champion Frank Havens, fastest octogenarian on the water!

Pre-registration is $15; $20 the day of the race and includes a T-shirt. Some rental kayaks will be available by reservation. Download the registration form for both the race and the clinics, print and mail in to save time on race morning.

For more information, call SouthEast Expeditions at Onancock Wharf: 757-354-4FUN, email mary@southeastexpeditions.com., and sign up for updates on Facebook.

Why I Heart Kayaks

I'd like to reflect upon how much easier kayaks are to paddle than canoes.

For one thing, kayaks are studier and heaps easier to balance in. I noticed this while seeing my boyfriend nearly bucked out when he stepped from the dock into a seemingly innocuous canoe.

Also, canoes are more difficult to propel through the water. You have to switch hands when you paddle on different sides and canoe hulls are wide and cumbersome. You feel like you're dragging the boat though slippery mud.

Now, what I want is a slick, slim-lined fiberglass kayak that skims the water like a dragonfly. I want my strokes to be executed with a fluid roll of my wrists and shoulders. Man, I love kayaks.

By
Alex Rich
Southeast Expedition Enthusiast and Shop Assistant

Sunset Kayak

The plink of water as it drips from your paddle and the seawater is thick like the green glass of an old bottle. Beneath the surface, a jellyfish drifts in lace tatters and spins slowly like a pale and distant galaxy.

Overhead the indigo and teal of the sky seep into a smouldering orange that roils at the edge of the world.

The wind is still at the end of the day.
Only the sound of your breath and the surf. However, it is quiet enough, so you might even hear the noise the sun makes as it first slips into the brine:
a faint sizzle
or a distant sigh.

Your First Kayaking Adventure

Location

We guide our 1st time kayakers through shallow, sheltered creeks and marshes where they can relax and enjoy calm waters teeming with wildlife.

Historic Onancock Creek Tour

Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge Tour

Winery Kayak Tour

Kayak Clamming Tour

Duration

The duration of your kayaking trip can be tailored to fit your fitness level. We recommend a 2-hour tour for beginner kayakers.

However, we have lots of options and our trips are highly customizable depending on the group's needs and what they want to see and how far they want to go.

Technique

Proper kayak technique, which is demonstrated by our guides before each tour, utilizes the whole body in order to maximize body efficiency in regards to position, rotation, and usage of the body and provides the most safety, recovery, and ergonomics while paddling.

In other words, you don’t have to have the arm strength of a professional weightlifter to propel yourself through the water. You use your entire upper body, not just your arms.

Myth: Getting Stuck in an Overturned Kayak

First of all, it is unlikely that your boat will turn over: we place our beginners in wide, stable kayaks and take them to sheltered waters.

In the event your kayak is overturned, it would be extraordinarily difficult to remain inside it. You are not trapped or enclosed in the kayak; you're just sitting in it. Gravity will take hold, you'll slip out, and your life jacket will float you to the surface.

However, if you still feel uncomfortable with a sit-in kayak, we also offer sit-on-top kayaks.

Even Your Grandmother Can Do It

Kayaking may call to mind images of extreme sportsmen, bulked-up guys with daredevil grins, high performance waterproof sandals, and raccoon eyes from their sunglass tan lines.

In truth, kayaking can be a leisurely sport for people of all ages and exercise habits. Recently, Southeast Expeditions guide Mary Burnham took an 89 year-old grandmother, her two grandchildren, one of which was a 4 year-old, and the children’s parents on a two hour tour of historic Onancock Creek.

The group traveled in 3 tandems: two with a parent in the back and a child in front, and the grandma sat in the front seat of the third kayak with tour guide Doug MacGarvey. Mary paddled in a single-seater in case anyone needed a little help.

The grandma did great, Mary says. “So, as for age, many people ask us how old is too old? The answer is you're never too old! This lady was not our oldest customer.”

Above: Bernei and Amelie Burgunder 89 and 82 years young with tour guide Bill Burnham

Also, a few summers ago, Connie and Bud Bernton, 82 and 83, of Bethesda, Maryland celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary with Onancock Expeditions. “They'd never been kayaking before, and they loved it!” Mary said.

~Southeast Expeditions at Onancock Wharf~

Jupiter Kite Invasion 2011

For years I’ve been hearing stories and reading articles about the Jupiter Kite Invasion. For East Coast riders, it’s one of a handful of contests that have become part of the region’s kiting culture. Even though this was my first time at the event, I’ve always felt a small bit of regional pride when reading the coverage of epic conditions, innovative events, and great parties that Jeremy Green and his crew at Jupiter Kiteboarding put together every year.

Looking at the forecast a couple of days before I took off, I debated whether or not it would be worth the trip. To say that it looked like Jupiter’s 7 year stretch of perfect event conditions was coming to an end is a bit of an understatement. If it were possible for the forecasters to predict negative wind speeds, I’m pretty sure they would have done so. However, all it took was one look past the wind forecast to compare the weather in Jupiter with what the week ahead held in Virginia, and I was packed and headed to the airport.

What’s the worst that could happen in 75 degree weather with crystal clear water, right? Well, the wind didn’t really cooperate this year, but that doesn’t mean that the event wasn’t a success. Jeremy’s experience in hosting the Kite Invasion was the key factor in ensuring that everyone had a great time with or without the 20+ knots & head high waves that the event has become famous for.

Add to that experience the new gear that’s available to us all, and you end up with a pretty happy crowd of kiters. Neil Hutchinson and Dimitri Maramenides took turns showing off the incredible range of the newest light wind kites from Slingshot & Epic. For East Coast riders, this is an important part of the quiver, and the crowd was definitely talking about the fact that with these kites & some awesome new surf designs from Jimmy Lewis riders were doing a lot more than mowing the grass while the rest of us stood around next to our 14’s & 15’s waiting for a little more breeze.

Mid-day Saturday saw the wind pick up enough for Cabrinha rider Jon Modica to take a couple of short downwind runs on his 14 and show some sick style in the small surf. For the rest of the riders, Jeremy and his crew turned out a fleet of SUP’s to fuel our competitive fires. Team SUP races & an impromptu surf competition showed that this mix of kiters was determined to enjoy their time on the beach rather than gripe about the conditions.

Jupiter Kiteboarding delivered on the party promise as well with great cookouts, movies on the beach, and a chill vibe throughout the weekend. So, while my kite stayed in its bag this weekend, I’ll definitely be back for the 9th annual Jupiter Kite Invasion... whether the wind is or not.