My Hawaiian coworker Brent came over to finally go out for a paddle. It was a beautiful day as we paddled down south toward Isshiki Beach and back.
Total Distance: 5.25 miles
Duration: 01:53:12
Average Speed: 2.78 mph
Max Speed: 9.23 mph
11.11.2018
Launched from Wadanahama Beach and paddled south to explore Koajiro and Aburatsubo Bays. The end of Koajiro Bay had a pretty cool marshland to paddle around, and Aburatsubo Bay was calm as always with expensive sailboats moored about. It was also cool checking out all the rich homes along the bays, the houses kind of remind me of the Washington waterfront homes.
Also paddled up a creek near Wadanahama Beach that went all the way up to route 134.
Total Distance: 10.24 miles
Duration: 02:54:47
Average Speed: 3.52 mph
Max Speed: 8.28 mph
11.02-03.2018
Since Dogashima was so amazing the first time, decided to come back with the whole family. Packed up Arlyn's kayak as she was able to explore Dogashima on the first day.
I paddled the second morning as I headed south into Matsuzaki this time. There were an abundance of caves to explore heading this way also. Such an amazing place to paddle.
My trip:
Total Distance: 7.24 miles
Duration: 02:03:56
Average Speed: 3.50 mph
Max Speed: 5.92 mph
10.31.2018
Drove down to Izu again and launced from Nagahama Beach Resort in Atami. I did my first "crossing" style trip as I paddled out to Hatsushima Island that was roughly 5miles out to sea. My typical trips are exploring coastlines and only crossing bays, so this was a good change or pace.
It was a nice calm day and a beautiful resort island to go around. You could also see Mt. Fuji over the Izu Peninsula from the water. The coastline of Izu Peninsula was also pretty awesome in this area with steep cliffs, and a waterfall. I didn't explore much of the coastline however, but did see plenty of caves in the distance.
Total Distance: 13.53 miles
Duration: 03:12:20
Average Speed: 4.22 mph
Max Speed: 7.18 mph
10.26.2018
Completed all the Fuji Five Lakes as I paddled the last remaining 3ea in one day: Lake Yamanakako, Motosuko, and Shojiko.
I wasn't too impressed with Lake Yamanakako (the largest of the lakes) at first... But that was probably because it was cloudy and breezy. The far side of the lake from where I started was surrounded by beautiful fall colors from the trees. The lake also had a giant swan tour boat, wake boarders, floating busses, and actual swans.
I loved Lake Motosuko, and it's probably my favorite of the five lakes. It's surrounded by steep hills/mountains and Mt. Fuji actually came out while I was on the lake. It ended up being a very windy trip, but it was nice that the skies cleared up.
Lake Shojiko is definately small, but also had an amazing view of Fuji when out. The lake also appears to be home of kayak/canoe racing as there was a permanent course set up.
Lake Yamanakako:
Total Distance: 7.45 miles
Duration: 02:00:31
Average Speed: 3.71 mph
Max Speed: 6.01 mph
Lake Motosuko:
Total Distance: 5.27 miles
Duration: 01:30:13
Average Speed: 3.50 mph
Max Speed: 8.55 mph
Lake Shojiko:
Total Distance: 3.01 miles
Duration: 00:47:55
Average Speed: 3.77 mph
Max Speed: 5.83 mph
10.24.2018
Amazing paddle trip as I drove down to Dogashima on the Izu Peninsula on my day off. This place is like a sea kayaker's paradise. There were endless caves and arches to paddle through; too many to choose from.
Waters were also crystal clear...this is definately my favorite place I've paddled so far.
Total Distance: 9.62 miles
Duration: 02:53:03
Average Speed: 3.34 mph
Max Speed: 10.18 mph
10.21.2018
Participated in the 37th Annual Trans Yokohama Canoe Festival. It was awesome racing through the canals of Yokohama with 205 different kayaks/canoes/surf skis/SUPs.
I did the long section, 14km, which was very tiring. I finished 7th in my group (A-6) with a time of 1hr, 37min, 42seconds. I think I actually was in the wrong division based on kayak lenghth and really should have finished 11th (A-5)
I was introduced at the closing ceremony and had to give a short speach, since I was the only foreigner!
Total Distance: 8.47 miles (including waiting time in the water)
Duration: 02:12:09
Average Speed: 3.85 mph
Max Speed: 7.03 mph
10.08.2018
Routine paddle around the Tori gate, but decided to head up the creek at the end of Morito Beach. Due to lots of rainfall recently and a high tide, I was able to paddle up further than I've ever gone before. Also learned that the creek is actually called the Moritogawa River (I saw the sign along the river).
Paddled past our staple Hayama places: Double Sandwich, the place we always feed the carp, past Hayama Kitchen and Motomachi Union. I scared a lot of carp on the way also.
Total Distance: 2.86 miles
Duration: 00:56:26
Average Speed: 3.04 mph
Max Speed: 6.65 mph
10.06.2018
Launched from Oura Beach to explore more of the rocky coast of the south-east tip of the Miura Coastline. Absolutely beautiful area and fun paddle. There were good-sized roller coming in from the ocean which made the rocky area fun. There were also lots of birds skimming the water for fish; some buzzed me pretty darn close.
Also paddled into Ena bay, before heading back for the day.
Total Distance: 5.56 miles
Duration: 01:32:37
Average Speed: 3.6 mph
Max Speed: 8.36 mph
09.29-30.2018
Weekend trip back to Hakone and got some good Lake Ashinoko paddle trips in. Typhoon Trami was a couple days out from hitting, but the outer bands of the storm made it for some wet weather. It was only rain though without any wind.
Paddled around the lake and even got the drone in the air for a bit between downpours. Beautiful lake as always, and amazes me how undeveloped most of the lake is. It's just green mountains all around...
Trip 1:
Total Distance: 9.93 miles
Duration: 02:59:29
Average Speed: 3.32 mph
Max Speed: 6.41 mph
Trip 2:
Total Distance: 3.72 miles
Duration: 01:04:28
Average Speed: 3.47 mph
Max Speed: 6.7 mph
09.13.2018
Thanks to Canoe World Magazine (and Google Tranlsate App on the phone), finally found a lauching point to kayak Yokohama. Launched from a park at the mouth of the Tsurumi River and paddled south through the industrial canals into downtown Yokohama. Paddling around Landmark Tower, the Ferris Wheel, the Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Pier, and the Nissan Headquarters was awesome to see by kayak. I even ran into a SUP on the water...
I was suprised the water was much clearer / cleaner than Tokyo, and a plethera of jumping fish. This turned out to be my longest paddle yet.
Total Distance: 14.70 miles
Duration: 04:13:44
Average Speed: 3.47 mph
Max Speed: 7.12 mph
08.28.2018
Finally a break from a busy work schedule to do some paddling... Launched from BeachsideBBQ Campground on Jogashima Island and explored the southern end of Miura Peninsula. There are some amazing rocky shores to paddle around... Completed the trip with a lap around Jogashima Island, luckily it was an overcast day so it wasn't too hot out.
Total Distance: 6.61 miles
Duration: 01:47:50
Average Speed: 3.68 mph
Max Speed: 6.93 mph
07.22.2018
Routine Tori gate lap from Morito Beach, but had the drone in the air. Awesome quick paddle as always.
Total Distance: 1.87 miles
Duration: 00:41:29
Average Speed: 2.70 mph
Max Speed: 6.23 mph
07.14.2018
Enoshima Kayak lap on a hot glassy July morning. Thankfully it was hazy out, otherwise it would have been much hotter...
Good paddle as always, and got some pretty nice drone footage flying over the island.
Total Distance: 11.98 miles
Duration: 03:20:27
Average Speed: 3.59 mph
Max Speed: 6.35 mph
07.12.2018
Typical Zushi paddle on a calm day, but flew the drone around for some good views.
Total Distance: 4.30 miles
Duration: 01:14:30
Average Speed: 3.47 mph
Max Speed: 6.21 mph
07.10.2018
Was planning on launching from Wadanahama Beach and paddling around Jogashima Island, however the parking area was closed for beach bar season. Instead I launched directly from Jogashima Island at BeachsideBBQ Campground right under Jogashima Bridge.
There must have been a storm offshore because there was some pretty big swells coming in that I had to stay offshore of the island (especially with controlling the drone). Still a fun trip however, but I almost lost the drone as I lost sight of it flying.
Total Distance: 4.83 miles
Duration: 01:34:09
Average Speed: 3.08 mph
Max Speed: 6.70 mph
07.09.2018
Summer Tokyo Paddle with the drone. Took the week off of work, so what better than a weekday paddle in Tokyo.
Total Distance: 9.04 miles
Duration: 02:23:23
Average Speed: 3.78 mph
Max Speed: 6.95 mph
07.08.2018
Inagural flight with my new drone, a DJI Mavic Pro. First flight was hand launch / catch from a kayak... Probably not the smartest thing for a 1st flight, but it worked.
Paddle was from Morito Beach around Kasa Island (where I flew the drone), and through Sajima Marina.
Total Distance: 11.06 miles
Duration: 03:05:50
Average Speed: 3.57 mph
Max Speed: 7.95 mph
07.04.2018
Launched from Seaside Marine Park on a very windy and humid 4th of July. Stayed inland due to the wind and paddled the canals and into Kirakata Bay.
Total Distance: 3.53 miles
Duration: 01:00:56
Average Speed: 3.48 mph
Max Speed: 6.87 mph
06.21.2018
Last kayaking trip on my Washington tour, this time rented from Olympic Outdoor Center's Poulsbo location. The weather cooled off and clouded over, but good kayaking weather still as I explored Liberty Bay, Keyport and poked out enough to see Brownsville Marina in the distance. Saw a couple harbor seals hanging out in the Marina.
The kayak I rented was a Winderness Systems Tsunami 145.
Total Distance: 9.87 miles
Duration: 02:57:04
Average Speed: 3.34 mph
Max Speed: 6.39 mph
06.20.2018
Had a day off so headed to Seattle for a paddle. Rented from Agua Verde Café, who has awesome kayaks / gear for rent. They are located right on Portage bay in between Lake Washington and Lake Union.
I first headed towards Lake Washington and thru the historic Montlake Cut. It was pretty cool paddling where the UW rowing team races. In Lake Washington, I explored the lilypads of the Washington Park Arboretum, and around Husky Stadium. I then headed back tru the Montlake Cut and into Lake Union and around Gasworks Park. Got to watch seaplanes take off and land with the Seattle Skyline in the background. Pretty cool seeing all my former college hangouts from the water.
The kayak I used was a Current Designs Storm, which reminded me a lot of my kayak back in Japan.
Total Distance: 9.87 miles
Duration: 02:57:04
Average Speed: 3.34 mph
Max Speed: 6.39 mph
06.19.2018
2nd kayaking trip on my Washington trip; I again rented from Olympic Outdoor Center, but from their Port Gamble location. Paddled across the hood canal seeing seals and harbor porpoises. I also managed to scoop up a crab with my paddle in the shallow waters. I ended up throwing it back since it was a female and I didn't have a crabbing license.
The wind picked up at the end of the paddle and I dropped down and used a rudder for the first time, sure makes it nice to not to have to paddle on one side more than another. The kayak I rented was another Necky Eskia, but an older model.
Total Distance: 10.00 miles
Duration: 03:05:12
Average Speed: 3.24 mph
Max Speed: 6.02 mph
06.18.2018
Work trip to Washington turned into more of a kayak trip. I rented a kayak from Olympic Outdoor Center in Silverdale right after hopping off the plane with the goal of fending off the jet lag. It was beautiful Washington summer weather and I explored Dyes inlet and all the really nice waterfront houses. Even saw a couple of seals.
The kayak I rented was a Necky Eskia... probably designed for people larger than me, but it worked!
Total Distance: 8.08 miles
Duration: 02:43:05
Average Speed: 3.19 mph
Max Speed: 6.15 mph
06.02.2018
Launched from Wadanahama Beach and paddled down south around Jogashima Island on a beautiful Saturday morning. Jogashima is always a great kayaking trip, even though I hit a rock pretty bad and took a couple chunks out of my keel guard. Water is a little murkier in the summer...
Total Distance: 10.99 miles
Duration: 03:00:45
Average Speed: 3.65 mph
Max Speed: 6.66 mph
05.27.2018
6th Annual Hayama Seakayak Ekiden! It was touch and go this year whether we could participate with the crazy work schedule, but the stars aligned in the end.
Lots of churn in our team this year... Our mainstay, Nick, couldn't make the trip from Singapore this year due to work, so Tommy stepped up in his place (only his 2nd time kayaking). Dave recently got into a bike accident and wasn't 100%. Clayton hasn't been in a kayak since last year, and I've gotten out of kayaking shape due to work!
In the end, couldn't have asked for a better day. We ended up coming in 6th out of 14th, not bad due to the circumstances...
Total Distance: 1.31 miles
Duration: 00:17:00
Average Speed: 4.61 mph
Max Speed: 7.31 mph
03.25.2018
It was an awesome Tokyo Paddle trip as it was during the cherry blossom festival. Ooyokohawa River was amazing as both banks were lined with cherry blossoms. They weren't all fully bloomed yet, but still really cool.
They had traditional Japanese wooden ships giving tours up and down the canal and people lined the rails and bridges. It felt like cheating since there were long lines for the tours while I just cruised by in my kayak.
Total Distance: 10.11 miles
Duration: 02:39:03
Average Speed: 3.82 mph
Max Speed: 6.95 mph
03.17.2018
Decided to do another Enoshima Kayak lap since it was a nice calm sunny day. This was probably my most straight-shot trip yet as it was less than a 12 mile paddle. The shores of Enoshima are always cool to paddle around.
Total Distance: 11.79 miles
Duration: 03:10:35
Average Speed: 3.72 mph
Max Speed: 7.57 mph
02.24.2018
Another Tokyo Kayak Trip. This time paddled across the bay rather than going under Rainbow Bridge and explored new canals. It worked out as there was a decent southern wind which the canals blocked. In one of the canals I ended up paddling right past T.Y. Harbor Brewery. Once again, lots of people waving to me as a paddled by.
Total Distance: 11.67 miles
Duration: 02:57:50
Average Speed: 3.94 mph
Max Speed: 6.5 mph
02.18-19.2018
Spent President's Day weekend on the Chiba Peninsula in Tateyama (and of course brought the kayak).
It was super windy the day we arrived, and there was a high wave/wind advisory that was supposed to end by 0600 the next morning. When I woke up, the advisory got extended to noon... It didn't look terrible out there (mostly because of the wind direction), so I decided to go out. It was a terrible trip on the water, big waves, strong winds, numb hands and a salty face from sea spray... Paddling my hardest resulted in about 1-2 mph speed forward against the wind.
It calmed down in the afternoon and was glass the next morning as I got a couple really good trips in. Tateyama Bay had some pretty clear waters and really cool rocky coastlines on both sides of the bay. It was a good kayaking weekend.
Trip 1:
Total Distance: 2.22 miles
Duration: 00:52:37
Average Speed: 2.53 mph
Max Speed: 7.75 mph
Trip 2:
Total Distance: 8.3 miles
Duration: 02:08:51
Average Speed: 3.86 mph
Max Speed: 7.1 mph
Trip 3:
Total Distance: 8.31 miles
Duration: 02:04:23
Average Speed: 4.01 mph
Max Speed: 8.2 mph
02.11.2018
Launched from Wadanahama Beach and headed up North toward Kasa Island. This trip reminded me of the first time launching from this beach, huge rollers and rough waters. It was a calm day weatherwise, however there was rough waters left over from the windstorm overnight. It calmed down as soon as I was in Otawa Bay and through Sajima Marina.
Surfed some waves through a narrow canal in Otawa Bay, and then ended up flipping landing on Wadanahama Beach as I timed some big waves wrong. It was a wet drive back home...
Total Distance: 9.64 miles
Duration: 02:40:56
Average Speed: 3.59 mph
Max Speed: 7.49 mph
01.27.2018
I guess my kayaking obsession is pretty big when a nice calm day made me choose a paddle over the Yokohama Brewfest. No regrets... Launched from Glass Beach and headed up north to lap Monkey Island before heading back. Water was pretty clear for Tokyo Bay and with this trip I've now paddled the entire coastline of Miura Peninsula
Total Distance: 12.34 miles
Duration: 03:08:54
Average Speed: 3.92 mph
Max Speed: 7.35 mph
01.20.2018
Third kayaking trip to Tokyo, and second weekend in a row. Explored some different canals that would be perfect during cherry blossom season. First canal had some kind of crime investigation going on with what appeared to be a covered body on the shore with police boats going up and down the canal. I was escorted by a police boat going past the scene...
I paddled through the Keikyugawa, Sendaiborigawa, and Ooshimagawa Nishishisen Rivers. The canal intersections had "Guard Ships", and from what I could tell, they direct traffic through the canals. Still prenty more canals to explore in the future.
Total Distance: 12.77 miles
Duration: 03:15:28
Average Speed: 3.92 mph
Max Speed: 8.28 mph
01.14.2018
Second kayaking trip in Tokyo. Again I lauched from Odaiba Marine Park, but this time headed in a different direction. I took a different canal towards Megaweb Toyota and the Ferris Wheel, kayaked past Tokyo Big Sight and under the Dinosaur Bridge. It was a little rough under the bridge as it was still breezy... After the bridge, I could see Tokyo Disney and headed up the Arakawa River, and took a canal path that went past the Tokyo Yumenoshima Marina and back to Odaiba. It's easy to get lost in the canals as there are so many different paths. So much to see in Tokyo via kayak.
Total Distance: 12.89 miles
Duration: 03:20:26
Average Speed: 3.86 mph
Max Speed: 7.04 mph
