LFK Newsletter "Gone Surfing"

Greetings Friends of Liquid Fusion Kayaking,

While parts of the country are putting their kayaks away and getting out their snow toys, we are spiffing up our surf kayaks.  This is the time of the year when you can expect our phone to go to voicemail because we have GONE SURFING.  We are thankful that Mendocino has a variety of breaks, and we have a quiver of surf toys for maximum fun in the surf!

Come surf with us!!!  Check our calendar below for numerous surf opportunities - Surfaris, Performance Surfing Classes, and Private Surf Lessons.  

You will also notice that Whitewater River Kayaking is starting to appear on our calendar.  Our fall rains have been priming the rivers.  We are expecting our favorite whitewater runs to be flowing well all winter and into the spring.

The holiday season is approaching.  Give the gift of adventure this holiday season with an LFK gift certificate (or put one on your wish list).  For convenience, we have a fast and easy online system for gift options.  Check out LFK's Gift Certificates.

Below is our fall/winter schedule.  Remember our special fall/winter private lesson rates are available through March.

November 2015

11/21-22 BCU 3 Star Sea Training - Have fun and speed your learning in personal skills  and group sea skills. (2 spaces available)

11/23      BCU 3 Star Sea Assessment - The paddler will demonstrate their ability to skilfully control their craft in the prescribed conditions through blending their body, boat and blade positions. (2 spaces available)

11/27-11/29 Rock n Surf Safari - Burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories surfing and rock gardening with LFK (2 spaces available)

December 2015

Private Lessons and Gift Certificate Sales

January 2016

1/1-1/3 Whitewater n Surf Safari - Go for the Mendo Whitewater Kayaking Triffecta!!!  Whitewater River Kayaking + Ocean Rock Gardening + Surf Kayaking = FUN!!!

1/16-1/17 Performance Surf Kayaking Class - 2 day surf kayak class for those looking to have more fun and skill kayak surfing

1/18 Surf Kayak Safari - Full day kayak surf safari - exploring and surfing various Mendocino County surf breaks

February 2016

2/1-2/3  Sea Rock N Surf Safari - Special 3 day sea kayaking, rock gardening, and surfing adventure on the Mendocino Coast

2/5-2/7  Paddle Golden Gate Symposium - 3 day symposium with kayak, SUP, and Outrigger classes.

2/13-2/14 Precision River Running Class - 2 day whitewater river kayaking class for intermediate paddlers

2/15  Class III Whitewater Run - run the river with LFK

2/27-2/28 Performance Surf Kayaking Class - 2 day surf kayak class for those looking to shred

2/29 Surf Kayak Safari - Full day kayak surf safari exploring and surfing various Mendocino Coast surf breaks

2016 is coming!!! - Next month, we plan to unveil our 2016 programs and classes but here's a preview of what's on the agenda of fun -

New for 2016 is LFK's Sea Rock n Surf Safari.  This Mendocino Trilogy involves a day of sea kayak rock gardening and touring the magical Mendocino Coast, a day focused on rock garden play - specifically pour-overs, and a day of surfing.  We have our first one planned just before Paddle Golden Gate Symposium to give paddlers the opportunity to paddle two of California's premier coastal environments - the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.  

In 2016 we are bringing back our 2 day Performance Surf Kayaking Classes.  We are also added "Play Days with LFK."  These include Surf Kayak Safaris and Whitewater River Kayaking Runs.

Jeff's note: Every time I look over our newsletter I get all excited and have stated numerous times "I want to sign up for that class".

Best of days on the water,

Jeff Laxier and Cate Hawthorne

Saturday Comes to Mind

I woke up pre-dawn (about 5:00am) excited to be part of another great day.  It is Saturday morning and we are on day two of the 2013  Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium. (GGSKS).  The hustle and bustle and excitement was not mine alone but of other coaches and paddlers excited about the day ahead.

Today Paul Kuthe of Alder Creek , Graham Mackereth of P&H Sea Kayaks and I were to coach Advanced Rock Gardening by Sea Kayak.   I was excited to paddle the Valley Sea Kayak "Gemini SP".  A new high performance sea kayak designed for the oceans rock gardens and surf!

Jeff Laxier   Photo by. Bryant Burkhart

Our plan was to get a quick assessment of our participants, then move out under the Golden Gate Bridge.  We would work the Northern shoreline looking for fun features among the rocks to learn and play on.

 Out under the Golden Gate Bridge we went.

Lime Point and the Golden Gate Bridge Photo by Cate Hawthorne

Everyone worked hard to improve and learn new skills around the rocks.  Along our journey, we swooshed up and down the rock walls.  The flow of the class meandered up and down looking like a sea dragon handrailing the cliff for snacks.
We meandered among the rocks and drilled out to Point Diablo where we turned east to go back toward San Francisco Bay.   An unruly student started paddling west for the Farallon Islands (opposite of where the class was headed).  I made a quick dash out to him and gave him a few encouraging words as we turned back toward the rest of the class.  The wind and swell at our backs gave us surfable low angle waves.  My efforts were little and rides were long as the Gemini danced on the waves.

During lunch with a grand view from Kirby Cove, discussion of strategies on getting back inside the Golden Gate Bridge began.  After lunch we had some fun surf ops, and Paul determined the plan for our return under the bridge.

Keeping the L in CLAP along the eddy fence.  Photo by. Bryant Burkhart

At the Golden Gate Bridge, I sat on the eddy fence watching each student cross the fast eddyline and successfully drive into the strong current and the safe eddy beyond Lime Point.  The strong currents tried to rip a paddler off course, but Paul  gave a deflective tap setting the paddler back on target.
I was last to negotiate the eddies and currents and timed it just right.  A few paddle strokes and Whammo! - the Gemini and I caught a nice wave and surfed up to the awaiting class.
After the successful trip back through the gate, we notched the challenge level up again with rolling and swimming self-rescue drills where the waves, cliffs, and currents meet inside of Lime Point.  The students were exhilarated by their day, Paul and I enjoyed getting to coach together and I was really excited about paddling the Gemini SP.

But the day was not over yet.  Evening festivities were held at the Sausalito Yacht Club.  The program included ‘Ikkatsu – The Roadless Coast’ with Ken Campbell and Steve Weileman, The Search for the Perfect Day with Shay, Jason, and Chris, kayak songs by the talented Steve "Hull-Cracker" Wilson", and a goodie-laden raffle benefiting the Marin Mammal Center.

A big thank you to the event organizers Matt Palmariello and Sean Morley!  The coaches, students, and other participants were well taken care of and a good time was had by all.  Thanks also to Bob Burnett (RWA) and Rob Avery (Valley Sea Kayaks) for getting the Gemini SP to me!  And thanks Cate Hawthorne for the motivation and positive energy.

Cheers,
Jeff Laixer

And the Fun Continues

Greetings Friends of Liquid Fusion Kayaking,

Happy Holidays!!!  Thank you for sharing adventures with us this year. We feel blessed to be able to share our love of the outdoors and the water with you.  If we haven't seen you this year, drop us an email and let us know what you've been up to.

As 2013 approaches our excitement level rises.  We are sticking to our theme: 

Adventures in Sea~River~Surf 

 From mild to wild, Liquid Fusion Kayaking's expert guides provide epic paddling adventures in the Mendocino and Fort Bragg area for all ages and abilities.  For those that want to learn to kayak, Liquid Fusion Kayaking specializes in learn to kayak classes for beginning through advanced paddlers.

Enjoy a mystical journey of the Mendocino Coast in a kayak.  Explore dramatic geological features, be intrigued by marine wildlife, and inspired by rugged beauty.  Explore the placid Noyo River estuary or the Pacific ocean with its sea caves, arches, sea stacks, and secluded coves.

Our 2013 calendar is on the website.  As you peruse the calendar you will notice that we have added more "short boat classes and events" including

  surf kayaking,

 

 

 whitewater kayak rock gardening (Whitewater of the Sea), 

 and river running.

  As we wrap up 2012, we will be sharing highlights on our blog and facebook page.

We will both be teaching at the Golden Gate Sea Kayak Symposium - January 25-27.  Registration is open.

Sea Kayak Rock Gardening.  photo by.

Dominick Lemarie Photography & PhotoPets

New this year "Short boats"

 

 

  If you want to schedule a special class or event, please let us know so that we can make it happen.  We really have fun customizing an adventure for you!

A tip from Jeff:  Help prevent being cold while paddling and keep your body fueled.  While on the water I eat a bar about every hour and with plenty of water.  This month my choice has been:  Lara Bar's, Lemon Bar and Clif's, Shot Bloks Citrus.

 

Best of days on the water,
Jeff Laxier and Cate Hawthorne

Liquid Fusion Kayaking "Fall 2012"

Greetings Friends of Liquid Fusion Kayaking,

Have you seen our new Whitewater of the Sea Video on YouTube?  If not, check it out here.  We love it because it features our students playing hard and having FUN!!!  The footage was from our Labor Day Waves n Caves Weekend.

If you are planning to do some kayaking on the Mendocino Coast, Fall is typically a great time.  Here’s a line up of fun events for you.

Used Kayak and Gear Sale - we have sold some items and added others.  Here’s a link to our current sale items.

9/15 California Coastal Cleanup Day - join us for an on-water pick up of the Noyo River from 9am to noon followed by a bbq/potluck.  Or click here to find another location.


9/20 Sterling Sea Kayak Demos Noon to 4pm - Come try out Sterling’s playful sea kayaks.  We are hosting Sterling Donaldson, Reg Lake, and some of The Hurricane Riders for an afternoon.  You can come try a Sterling boat and/or see what LFK and THR can do with them in the rock gardens of the Noyo Bay.


9/21  Kayak Surfing Class 9am- Noon - Learn the skills of surfing waves in a maneuverable whitewater or surf kayak.


9/21 Sea Kayaks in the Surf 1-4pm  - Hone the skills to launch and land your sea kayak with control and finesse in the surf zone.




9/22 Sea Kayak Rock Garden Clinic - Our morning clinic will have paddlers applying basic skills to paddle in dynamic waters of ocean rock gardens.   After lunch, join LFK for an afternoon of guided rock garden play.  We will share some of our favorite features with you and coach you as you run pour-overs, surge channels, and practice the art of “swooshing.”

9/23  Whitewater Rock Garden Clinic - Experience the maneuverability and fun of a short boat in the rock gardens.  Morning clinic will teach whitewater paddling techniques and safety skills.  After lunch, join LFK for an afternoon of guided play.


9/29  BCU 2* Assessment - This is your opportunity to earn your 2* Certificate that certifies that you have basic skills in boat control and safety.



9/30  BCU 3* Sea Training -  Tune your basic sea kayak skills for paddling in moderate conditions.  Comprehensive training that includes skill application, coaching, and theory.

10/6, 10/7, 10/8  Tour de Mendo - 3 days of sea kayaking (rock gardening) with guiding, camping and food provided by LFK


10/13 Rock Garden 101 Class - learn the skill to sea kayak and play on the Mendocino Coast


10/14  Second Sunday Sea Kayak Paddle - We have decided to continue our Second Sunday Sea Kayak Tours throughout the fall and winter.  Each month, we paddle and play on a different stretch of the Mendocino Coast.  We also will be offering a skills class on the Saturday of our Second Sunday Paddles for those that want to enjoy a weekend of paddling with LFK.


Later in October, catch up with us in Oregon for
October 13-18  Alder Creek’s BCU Week   Jeff will be coaching a BCU 3* Training October 16-19.
October 19-21 Lumpy Waters Kayak Symposium.  Fun classes in the sea, surf, and rock gardens.

Please let us know if you have any ideas for new classes/adventures.  We are working on our fall, winter, and 2013 schedule.  Whitewater kayak classes on the Eel River are in the plans as well as an intensive Full Immersion Sea Kayak Skills Weekend. 

Best of days on the water,
Jeff Laxier
Cate Hawthorne

Greetings Friends of Liquid Fusion Kayaking,


Thanks for your interest and support of Liquid Fusion Kayaking.  For being loyal friends and customers, here's a first look at our fall inventory sale.  Also if you plan to take a class/tour with us this summer/fall - book it in the next week (before 8/23).  Mention that you want our newsletter deal, and we will take 10% off of the price for you.

Kayak and Gear Sale - we are cleaning out the yard and having an online kayak yard sale.  Here's a link.  All kayaks and gear are available after 4pm on Friday August 31.  Please call or email us if you have any questions or want to make a purchase.

August Sea Kayak Weekends - we are dedicating the next 2 weekends to sea kayak rock gardening classes and tours on the Mendocino Coast.  Of course we are leading off these weekends with Friday kayak surfing classes (whitewater or surf specific kayaks).  Check out these classes on our August calendar.

Labor Day Weekend - Waves n Caves Weekend - join us in a full weekend of rock garden play and sea cave exploration in whitewater kayaks including camping and fresh local food.

In September, we have a few special events planned including

September 8 - BCU 3 Star Sea Assessment - Do you have the skills of a well-rounded sea kayaker who is a competent member of a paddling group?  Then its time to earn your BCU 3 Star Sea Award.  This award is internationally recognized and a prerequisite for many kayak companies intermediate level tours and classes.

September 15 - Noyo River Cleanup - as part of the California Coastal Cleanup Day, LFK is again hosting an on-water clean up of the Noyo River followed by a bbq and potluck at our shop on the Noyo.

September 20 - Sterling Kayak Demos - Test out Sterling's playful sea kayaks in the rock gardens of the Mendocino Coast.

September 22 & 23 - Special Rock Garden Clinics and Play Sessions - Morning clinics and afternoon play sessions.  One day rock gardening in sea kayaks and the next in whitewater kayaks.  Check out our September calendar for more details.

October 13-18 - Alder Creek's BCU Week - we will be joining our friends at Alder Creek for BCU trainings and assessments.

October 19-21 - Lumpy Waters - we will be joining other paddlers who like to play in the surf and rock gardens for the 4th annual Lumpy Waters Kayak Symposium in Pacific City, Oregon.

Best of days on the water,
Jeff Laxier and Cate Hawthorne

July/August Newsletter

Greetings Friends of Liquid Fusion Kayaking,

Eat, sleep, paddle sums up our summer pretty well.  Come spend a weekend with us and we will have you on the eat, sleep, paddle plan.

How do you want to paddle?  We encourage our students to paddle with finesse, good etiquette, and happy, smiley faces.

Join us in the sea, river, and surf -

Sea Kayaks in the Surf  7/22/2012 - Hone the skills to launch and land your sea kayak with control and finesse in the surf zone.


Kayak Surfing Classes - Want to experience the pure fun of riding waves in a kayak?  Then this is the class for you.  Our kayak surfing classes have been a hit this summer as boaters of all skill levels are discovering the fun of surfing maneuverable whitewater and performance surf kayaks.  We have 3 classes this August.  As with any of our classes, if the dates don't work for you, rally your friends and we will schedule a class for you or you can call us up and schedule a private lesson.

Essential Kayak Skills  8/4/2012 - Want to be sea-worthy?  This class will give you the foundation  strokes and safety skills to become a efficient and skilled paddler.

Rock Garden Classes for all skill levels and in both sea and whitewater kayaks.

Second Sunday Paddles - enjoy a sea kayak coastal exploration of the Mendocino Coast with us.  Each month, we paddle a different stretch sharing a local's perspective of the wildlife, wonder, and water.  Only $40/person.


Third Sundays - Sea Kayak Rock Garden Exploration and Play - join us for our play day in the rock gardens and surf zones of the Mendocino Coast for a rock’n and rolln’ day where we will play on features and challenge your skills to paddle technical waters.

Mendocino Waves n Caves Weekend - Eat, sleep, paddle this Labor Day Weekend with LFK - camping, great food, and lots of fun rock gardening and play in whitewater kayaks.

Bay Area Sea Kayaker’s Mendo Madness - step away from the madness and into the controlled chaos of rock gardening with LFK.  Check our September calendar for our sea kayak and whitewater clinics and play sessions during BASK's Mendo Weekend.

Fort Bragg's CV Starr Center is re-opening!!!  Come out to the re-opening party on July 28 for lots of fun including kayak rolling demonstrations and a chance to win a 1/2 day custom LFK Sea Kayak Tour for 2.  The re-opening of the pool means warm water rolling lessons.  YEAH!!!

Best of days on the water,
Jeff Laxier and Cate Hawthorne

Valley Sea Kayaks at Play

Upon the sea is pure energy. It either takes it or gives it back. Well yesterday I had a fun time sub-surfing while looking for abalone. At one point I was watching a wave go over head and Jim Kakuk sub-surfing it. On another dive a few photos of the Mendocino Coast popped up in my head.

COASTAL EXPLORATION

Paddler Jeff Laxier paddling a Valley Sea Kayak "Avocet" Photo by. Cate Hawthorne

SEA KAYAK ROCK GARDENING

Photo by: Jeff Laxier Paddler: Cate Hawthorne

Photo by: Bruce H. Paddler: Jeff Laxier off the Mendocino Coast

Photo by.Jeff Laxier Paddler. Jack Brisley somewhere on the Mendocino Coast


Late November Harvest

Jeff and Jim

As I have thousands of photos and memories of the paddling these few stuck out while under water. Fun day had by all.
For more adventures check out WOW