12.27.2025

Potentially my last paddle of 2025, and it was looking like I was ending 2025 with still shattered confidence from my experience earlier in the month. Launched from Wada Beach in the Stellar S18 with a mirror image paddle around Jogashima Island and back. This time the forecast showed some wind coming from the NE... which meant it would be behind and from the left during the first part of the paddle. Conditions built as I got closer to Jogashima Island and I was definately shakey at points...even almost turned around at the mouth of Aburatsubo Bay. I stubbornly (and maybe not wisely) pressed on. Conditions around Jogashima definately tested my abilities, but maybe helped rebuild my confidence. At one point my hands went completely numb from the nerves. In the end, it was a very challenging paddle. Once I made it around Jogashima Island, it was headwinds all the way back, and much stronger then when I launched.

This trip put me over 400 miles this year, not bad.

Total Distance: 11.22 miles
Duration: 03:03.43
Average Speed: 3.7 mph
Max Speed: 8.3 mph





12.11.2025

Welcomed home the CVN73 my favorite way. Good conditions considering a gale force advisory for this afternoon!

Total Distance: 5.77 miles
Duration: 01:55.31
Average Speed: 3.0 mph
Max Speed: 6.4 mph









12.03.2025

It was supposed to be routine paddle, with calm winds and cloudy / light rain in the forecast (the light rain part was just added in the morning). The first 3/4 of the paddle went as planned, launched from Wada beach and did my normal lap around Jogashima Island. I was paddling around a small rocky island and for a reason I still can't explain...I lost my balance and flipped over. Probably didn't help I was paddling surf-ski style (knees together). Here are the events next:

Paddling back the rest of the way, the wind really kicked up from off-shore creating some gnarly conditions. Tons of whitecaps with building waves...at least I was mostly going downwind, but still had to be careful of a wave grabbing the back of my kayak funny and flipping me again.

At least I wasn't the only one who was caught off guard, there was about a half dozen fishing kayaks all scrambling to come back to shore also...

After landing, it was so windy that I couldn't even set down the kayak without it blowing away, and had a really challenging time loading it on the car. No matter how much you plan, mother nature can change plans in an instant.

This situation is one only a sea kayaker will understand. All others just picture sea kayaking as floating around in a tiny lake in the middle of summer. I guess I need to stop being lazy and practice rolling in the summer. The quote from an eye opening video "Paddling the Salish" keeps sounding in my head:

"You can love nature, but nature doesn't love you back"

Total Distance: 10.95 miles
Duration: 02:39.54
Average Speed: 4.1 mph
Max Speed: 5.5 mph





12.02.2025

Have the week off so took advantage for a paddle. Launched near Enoshima Island to round the island and paddle west around Uba Island and back. Relentless wind from the North, but not too strong and still and enjoyable paddle.

Total Distance: 10.79 miles
Duration: 02:59.14
Average Speed: 3.6 mph
Max Speed: 4.8 mph





11.18.2025

This has been on my Washington bucket list, and finally got to execute. Explored Coldwater lake at the base of Mt. St. Helens, a lake that was formed during the eruption in 1980 that blasted the water from Spirit Lake.

Amazing paddle as I think I was the only soul for who knows how far. Saw a herd of elk in the hills along with several river otters in the lake. Mountain lakes are definately a favorite.

Total Distance: 6.55 miles
Duration: 01:42.16
Average Speed: 3.8 mph
Max Speed: 4.5 mph













11.17.2025

Back in Washington for a quick trip. Decided to head back to Lake Crescent to do a proper paddle. It was a little breezy, but nice paddle overall. Cloudy conditions don't reveal the clear water colors as well, but amazing lake as always.

Total Distance: 10.28 miles
Duration: 02:39.27
Average Speed: 3.8 mph
Max Speed: 7.7 mph











11.10.2025

Checked the wind, but neglected to check the wave forecast. Was a great day for wind, but must have been a storm off-shore or something. Definately a sign when I pulled up to Wada beach to find surfers ready to hit the water... it was super calm when I paddled here just a couple days ago.

Good swells made it for a fun paddle and the Pakayak did great. I finally (after several years) have the Pakayak setup where I'm fully comfortable paddling in it.

Total Distance: 9.31 miles
Duration: 02:37.58
Average Speed: 3.5 mph
Max Speed: 4.4 mph





11.02.2025

Another benefit of having a Pakayak handy. My car is in the shop getting repairs, but I'm still able to get out on the water using my loaner car. Car is even a yellow plate K-car, but the Pakayak still fits in the back seat.

Paddled from Glass Beach and along the Maborikaigan Boardwalk and back. There was a whole flock of birds flying around in unison which was cool to see too.

Total Distance: 10.05 miles
Duration: 02:51.32
Average Speed: 3.5 mph
Max Speed: 4.3 mph







10.18.2025

I've missed the last couple in/outs of the CVN73, but caught her coming in today for a quick port call fully loaded. First time I've seen a CVN go by fully loaded with the airwing!

Total Distance: 5.97 miles
Duration: 01:56.43
Average Speed: 3.1 mph
Max Speed: 4.7 mph











10.11-12.2025

Another Japan bucket list paddle finally complete. I've been wanting to visit Nikko since 2014, and Lake Chuzenzi has been on my kayaking list since 2018. Lake Chezenzi was really beautiful at the foot of Mount Nantai and apparently Japan's highest elevation lake. Managed to paddle two mornings in a row, and they were night and day from each other.

For day 1, it was so foggy you could barely see anything. Luckily the western side of the lake was less foggy. Managed to do a full lap around the lake, about halfway through the trip the rain and wind kicked up which made for a different kind of fun paddle.

Day 2 was completely sunny and warm and got an amazing view of Mt. Nantai. Man what a beautiful lake and definately want to return, maybe for when the leaves start changing colors later in the fall.

Trip 1:
Total Distance: 9.60 miles
Duration: 02:33.09
Average Speed: 3.8 mph
Max Speed: 4.5 mph

Trip 2:
Total Distance: 5.85 miles
Duration: 01:35.12
Average Speed: 3.7 mph
Max Speed: 4.5 mph













08.28.2025

I've paddled and watched several US Aircraft Carriers sail by, but this was the first one from another country. Guess it's one of the benefits being out here in Japan. Launched from Kanazawa-hakkei to watch the HMS Prince of Wales (R09) leave Yokosuka and head to Tokyo. Not quite as big as the US carriers, but still cool to see along with it being fully loaded. I got the honor to go on a tour of her a week or so ago, so cool to see her on her way out.

Total Distance: 10.77 miles
Duration: 04:38.13
Average Speed: 2.3 mph
Max Speed: 9.2 mph













08.23.2025

Launched from Miura Beach for the typical paddle to the southern Miura Peninsula coast, around Yokose Island and back. The route goes by some very remote beaches... there was one beach where there was a guy standing there sunning his backside, nowhere near any clothes. Good on him, he's definately got life figured out.

Once I rounded the Tsurugisaki Lighthouse, the conditions opened up making it for a fun paddle along the rocky coastline.

Total Distance: 9.20 miles
Duration: 02:30.43
Average Speed: 3.7 mph
Max Speed: 4.7 mph









08.04-05.2025

Really quick work trip back to Bremerton and snuck out a couple quick paddles. Snagged my trusty Waterfield U-Yak staged in my Grandma's garage and did two very local paddles.

My first trip was on the same day landing...figured it was a good way to battle the jetlag. Launched from Lions Park and paddled into Dyes inlet and back. My old paddling buddy Jeramy happened to be driving home and saw me out there... he pulled over and we had a nice quick chat!

Second trip was right after work, launched from Evergreen Park and paddled into Sinclair inlet battling all the communiting ferry traffic. It was nice paddling in the Puget Sound and glad I had an easy option to paddle on this quick work trip.

Trip 1:
Total Distance: 5.94 miles
Duration: 01:34.34
Average Speed: 3.8 mph
Max Speed: 4.9 mph

Trip 2:
Total Distance: 5.89 miles
Duration: 01:36.10
Average Speed: 3.7 mph
Max Speed: 5.5 mph





07.19.2025

Paddled the Atami area on the Izu Peninsula, launching from Nagahama Seaside Park and paddling south. Waters were super clear...saw quite a few bright blue tropical fish along with a sea turtle. Also got to test out my new bucket hat w/ mullet attachment and NRS boaters gloves.

Total Distance: 11.41 miles
Duration: 02:53.58
Average Speed: 3.9 mph
Max Speed: 5.10 mph







07.06.2025



Raced in the 25th Annual Lake Tanzawa Canoe Race. One thing I love about signing up for races, it forces you to explore new areas. It was a super scenic drive into a very remote local area of Japan, a place I probably would have never visited.

The race was awesome, like most races in Japan, 200+ participants. It was a super hot day with a heat stroke warning in place. I paced myself during the first part of the race and actually got to enjoy the scenery of the the man-made lake. A bit before the turn-around point, the slight breeze shifted to behind (where you couldn't feel it) and it got super hot...had to splash myself with water on several occasions. I finished strong and ended up 7th of 15th in the 10km touring sea kayak category (my bib# was 42).



Total Distance: 5.64 miles
Duration: 01:09:48
Average Speed: 4.9 mph
Max Speed: 6.0 mph









06.18.2025

Man Izu Peninsula has some breathtaking kayaking. Returned to Shimoda for our family vacation and paddled one of the mornings. It was a little foggy, but cleared up nicely. The water is insanely clear with beautiful white sandy beaches... Saw two sea turtles on the paddle and plenty of fish. I attempted to go around Tsumeki Island, but the waves got really big and was errie as it they were coming from the fog...ended up going the other way past Cape Tsumekizaki Lighthouse and around Taura Island and back.

Total Distance: 8.61 miles
Duration: 02:22.42
Average Speed: 3.6 mph
Max Speed: 4.9 mph











06.10.2025

Paddled from Kanazawa-hakkei again to watch the CVN-73 deploy. Another gray rainy day, but at least it was calm out! I got the attention of the Japanese Coast Guard this time as one of their ships staged themselves close to me.

Total Distance: 13.34 miles
Duration: 04:35.29
Average Speed: 2.9 mph
Max Speed: 4.8 mph









05.25.2025

Always amazing watching a CVN sail by on a kayak, but feels so much better when you are directly involved with getting the ship back to sea. Headed out to Tokyo Bay to watch CVN-73 head out to Sea Trials and got really lucky with the weather. It was strange however that it was gray and misty, but right after the Carrier sailed by the sun came out!

Total Distance: 12.64 miles
Duration: 04:36.47
Average Speed: 2.8 mph
Max Speed: 5.1 mph











05.03.2025

Decide to paddle instead of work and it was a wise choice. Launched from Jogashima Island on a beautiful Saturday morning with the intention of lapping the island and exploring some of the bays. Sadly I was an idiot and forgot my skirt...and the seas were really big from the winds from overnight. I'm not sure I would have been comfortable by myself even with the skirt. I did manage to explore a new bay with beautiful rock formations just north of Jogashima.

Total Distance: 5.52 miles
Duration: 01:29.44
Average Speed: 3.7 mph
Max Speed: 5.2 mph





04.19.2025

Beautiful Saturday and finally a break from the wind. Launched from Chigasaki and paddled towards the Izu Peninsula, slowly trying to connect the two peninsulas together. Had leftover swells from the windy night before which made it a fun paddle also.

Total Distance: 11.40 miles
Duration: 03:00.15
Average Speed: 3.8 mph
Max Speed: 5.1 mph





04.05.2025

A paddle I have missed from Japan is my annual cherry blossom paddle through the canals of Tokyo... It was a perfect Saturday and the blossoms were mostly bloomed. Also explored a new section as I paddled a lap round the Hamarikyu Gardens. Lots of people taking pictures of me during this paddle also.

Total Distance: 11.55 miles
Duration: 02:52.56
Average Speed: 4.0 mph
Max Speed: NA mph











03.22.2025

Took out my co-worker Kenny kayaking. I haven't paddled from Odaiba since moving back to Japan so figured this would be a good trip. Super warm weekend and we made it out before the winds really kicked up. Kenny did well, but I definately pushed his limits a bit.

Total Distance: 7.24 miles
Duration: 02:05.41
Average Speed: 3.4 mph
Max Speed: NA mph





03.08.2025

Knocked out my goal as I've now connected my trips between Yokohama and Tokyo. Launched from Omori Furusato-no-Hamabe Riverside Park and paddled through the very industrial canals in the Kawasaki region. Suprisingly lots of fish jumping around.

Total Distance: 14.79 miles
Duration: 03:34.45
Average Speed: 4.1 mph
Max Speed: NA mph











02.23.2025

Weekend road-trip to Osaka for Arlyn to run the Osaka Marathon and brought the Pakayak along. We rented a van from on-base and the Pakayak fit perfectly in the van along with all our other luggage. Got out on Sunday morning and explored the canals of Osaka. Launched from Sakuranomiya Beach and paddled right in front out our Hotel (DoubleTree Hilton Osaka Castle). Similar the canals of Tokyo, super relaxing while paddling through a bustling urban city.

Total Distance: 6.63 miles
Duration: 01:43.45
Average Speed: 3.8 mph
Max Speed: NA mph











02.15.2025

Didn't make my goal, but still a good paddle. Intention was to connect my Yokohama to Tokyo paddling trips, but the canal I was attempting to go through was blocked by a recycling center (couldn't tell just from Google Maps). I'll have to connect the other part launching from Tokyo in the future. Probbaly for the best as the trip was still over 12 miles, and I was pretty beat.

This is the second time now where I've had a headache from the day before which I couldn't get rid of...but went away immediately when I hit the water on the kayak... weird.

Total Distance: 12.79 miles
Duration: 03:17.15
Average Speed: 3.9 mph
Max Speed: 8.4 mph









01.12.2025



Returned to the Matsudo Canoe Race on the Edogawa River in Chiba. Nick joined and gotta give him props, the first time he's been in a kayak for over 5 years minimum. I trimmed 10 minutes off my 2019 time which I'm super pleased with. It's not all me though, faster kayak and racing paddle better make me faster! Came in 143rd out of 356 boats.

A note from the race director (translated to English): "On Sunday, January 12th, the "Chiba Prefecture Governor's Cup Competition 43rd Club Competition Canoe Competition" was held in Edogawa. The weather forecast a few days ago called snow, so I was worried, but this year more than 400 people participated and competed in various canoes, starting at Kamikatsushika Bridge in Matsudo City. The weather was cloudy and low temperature, but there was no wind and we were able to finish the operation without any accidents or injuries this year. Practice and get stronger this year from elementary to seniors and break records next year!"





Total Distance: 3.3 miles
Duration: 00:37:36
Average Speed: 5.2 mph
Max Speed: 6.0 mph