Kayaking is one of the most serene and beautiful ways to experience the coastline and sealife of the Big Island. The mission of the Big Island Kayak/Adventure Club is to facilitate the connections between current, and future, Big Island paddlers, gettting each of us out on the water more often, enjoying the company of others and getting to parts of the island that some of us may not be comfortable negotiating on our own. The goal is to use the expertise and organizational skills among our membership to put together and lead a variety of spectacular excursions on a regular basis.

Kelly Harrison is currently spearheading this effort along with the help and interest of other local paddlers. As owner of P&P Kayaks and through his connections with paddling enthusiasts around the island he has recognised a desire for an organised group that individuals can join in, at their convenience, to increase their enjoyment of the kayaking experience.

We plan to organize outings with varying degrees of difficulty to many areas of the Big Island. We may be out to beach, snorkel or just sightsee and get some exercise. We may also designate overnight camping trips or specialty outings like Kayak/Scuba or Kayak/Fishing or Kayak/Surfing

Kelly is planning on having a quiver of Demo kayaks available so members can try out different boats and new gear. For those who don't yet own a kayak, Kelly should be able to set you up with a rental or demo so you can get a taste and feel for the differences in gear before you commit yourself to a purchase.

When Kelly lived in the Northwest he played on some Kayak Polo teams. It's bit like soccer or basketball but played on the water in small manueverable kayaks with a goal at either end. It's loads of fun along with being great exercise. Currently he's got an assortment of short kayaks (less than 10') slated for just that purpose and when the interest is appropriate we'll be having games on a regular basis.

Currently there are no membership dues. It's all about having fun and getting out on the water. Everyone involved will be doing so at their own risk. Kelly is a talented waterman with lifeguarding skills and experience working as an Emergency Medical Technician. However, he (or anyone acting as group leader) will not be responsible for participants safety.

Participants will need to make their own decisions from choosing an appropriate outing, deciding on whether to participate or pass depending on weather considerations and their own physical fitness level. Participants may need to cut short their day and return to the starting point on their own if the days task proves too difficult.

Waivers will need to be signed by all participants. Participants are encouraged to ask Kelly or another group leader in advance about the level of difficulty for any particular outing. We'll do our best to give sound advice knowing that people can and do overestimate their abilities at times and weather is never guaranteed. Remember the final decision is yours and only yours to make.

Email or call Kelly at 880-1400 for more info.

Up coming events