Jeff Laxier

Valley Sea Kayaks at Play

2011-11-23T14:12:00.000-08:00

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

Rocks in your pants

2009-07-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

Rock Gardening on the the Mendocino Coast. A must for kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels!

To Hunt

2009-06-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sitting on the Camp LFK deck, overlooking the Noyo River we watched the hunt.

In an easy field of vision we watched as an Osprey, Belted Kingfisher and a Great Blue Heron peered intensely into the river for their next catch. In 30 minutes no fish were caught. Then the Osprey dropped out of the tree like a bullet, plunged into the water and came up with a small Perch in it's right talon.

The river sounds were alive with the exploding ocean waves, bird songs, and many more river sounds.

Surf in Sea and HP Surf Kayaks

2009-05-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the day I met up with my buddy Skip. We launched into Big River and headed out to Smuggler's Gulch for a surf. Skip was in his Illusion by Sterling Kayaks,

and I was paddling my Valley Kayaks "Rush".
Predicted conditions:
N wind swell 6-8' winds: NW 10-15 Clear skies with a high of 58'(F)

The drive down from Fort Bragg showed about waves about 1 foot. The mouth of Big River was about 2 feet and closing out. When we got to our destination we found nice low angle 6 footers rolling in. Then a the set rolled in at 8-10'!!! I was very happy as these were a lot steeper and gave me the chance to surf!

After about two hours the conditions become to fat, winds picked up 15+, so we headed in.

Guiding Essentials

2009-04-08T23:29:00.000-07:00

As a kayak guide, one chooses to lead a group or has fallen into the position by default.
Taking control of your group:
1. establish an assistant
2. accountability
3. destination
4. fun to be had

Kayak Racks

2009-04-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Today I am laying out a new home for our whitewater kayaks. As the fleet grows it becomes more important to make each and every boat easy to reach and in safe (from the elements) storage.
Also the boats need to get out of the way of the vegetable gardens.

Most the lumber being used will be 2x6 redwood. The durability to the weather makes the wood ideal. All the lumber used is recycled from friends wood piles!

I shall post a few photos once they are up.

Anchor of a lumber ship

2009-03-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well thanks to natural world, we have been playing on and around the rocks off the Noyo Bay in Fort Bragg, CA.
Cate has a great write up and photos at Cate's Blog.

Look at the variety of paddles, kayaks and scenery!

Into the Sea

2009-02-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

A nice look at the North Coast in this video by Cate Hawthorne.

Sunshine and Whales . . . Rain and Otters . . . Mendocino Paddling

2009-02-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Sunshine and Whales . . . Rain and Otters . . . Mendocino Paddling

Getting Started

2009-01-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

Liquid Fusion Kayaking has come up with our first video.