Epic Kayaks and Racing the Everglades Challenge

Everglades Challenge 2013 start line-up - photo by Greg Stammer, who paddled the race in 2013 in a newer version of the Epic kayak I used back in 2005.  We both placed first in our class, but that's where the similarity ends.

For many years, the Epic Active Touring paddle has been my choice for expeditions and for racing.  I'm not really that fast, so I only enter races with distances long enough for my turtle approach to stand a chance.  One race was the 300 mile WaterTribe Everglades Challenge back in 2005, and I'll tell you about a few of that race's many challenges.  But first, let me share some great news.

Joey at CLC is turning my wooden kayak bionic with carbon fiber innards

Lovely carbon trusses and bulkhead!

Here's the latest on the redesign work that Joey Schott is doing at Chesapeake  Light Craft.

Chesapeake 18 being redesigned in the CLC shop

Joey Schott is busy turning Deb's Chesapeake 18 into the ideal expedition kayak.  Here's where you can watch the death and rebirth.

Last look at the old version of the Chesapeake 18 built by Deb

Which Kayak Should I Use? Part 2

Deb's kayak ready to launch!

Here's my wish list for the perfect kayak for the expedition.

Which Kayak Should I Use? Part 1

I'm planning a long sea kayak trip - from Maine to Guatemala - The Kayak Safe Passage Expedition. One of the biggest decisions is which kayak to use use.

Deb paddling a traditional cayuca in Guatemala