|
LOCAL KAYAKER
REPORTS WALES ADVENTURE
When Lamar Hudgins talks, kayakers listen and 45 members of the Crystal
Coast Canoe and Kayak Club listened attentively to his report on
kayaking in Wales. In fact, according to President Ed Garrison, it was
the largest crowd the club had ever gathered.
Kayaking in Anglesey, Wales: Waves? Huge. Winds? Constant. Cold?
Bitter. Fun? Unbelievable, and yes, he is already planning a return
trip.
Lamar, local kayak outfitter from the Swansboro area and long time
supporter of the Crystal Coast Canoe and Kayak Club, was invited to
Wales by Nigel Dennis as a representative of the NDK Boat Company. He
sells those boats along with others at his Barrier Island Kayak shop on
Route 24 in Swansboro.
In Great Britain kayaking is governed by the British Canoe Union.
They try to guarantee that kayakers know the risk and have the skill to
paddle the water they are in. They administer tests to assess skill
levels. "But it is not just skill they are looking for. They also assess
judgement."
Judgement calls abound. The kayak leader has to determine the tide
run, the wind and bottom conditions. Lamar explained that with 20-foot
tides the tide races can be wicked and at some places produce standing
waves of 8 to 18 feet. When the tide covers huge rocks and flows at 6
knots, terrible hydraulics are produced.
Lamar has tested out as a level three coach and at the 4 Star Level
for kayakers. Level 5, the top, is his goal.
In 29 years Lamar figures he has paddled 20,000 miles and feels there
are still a few good miles in the machine. More, of course, if he stays
in the friendly confines of Bogue Sound, the White Oak River and Bear
Island. But he still loves the rush of big water and waves.
Reference:
John U. Davis
252.354.8802
|