Sight-sea-kayak-ing: Baja Mexico

Sight-sea-kayak-ing: Baja Mexico

Why do you sea kayak? Do you just enjoy paddling flatwater? These are questions that I often get when unloading my brightly colored sea kayak from the roof of my SUV.

These are the reasons that I load up that long boat and explore:

WILDLIFE
Kayaking connects me to nature. I escape from the big city and become immersed in the landscapes and natural habitats. I have paddled alongside porpoises on the East Coast, spotted beautiful Blue Herons on the riverside, and in Baja Mexico, I had up close encounters with sea lions. In each of these examples, the wildlife and I are enjoying nature together. Yeah, that sea lion may be waiting on her next meal and I may be waiting on my next photograph, but we do so with a mutual respect for each other.

I think of that sea lion when I see a piece of trash floating in the water. Their barking puts a smile on my face, as does their love for basking in the sun. These experiences motivate me to be a steward of the environment, realize the impact we’re having on natural habitats, and share these experiences with other individuals.

THE WATER (AND ITS DYNAMICS)

There is something soothing about water. It is powerful and yet gentle. It is towering and it is flat. The rock gardens of Baja Mexico are unique and offer a doorway to a new perspective on what a sea kayak can do. Ocean swells collide with or flow through the rocky coastal shoreline of Baja, creating a playground for sea kayaks. This activity requires patience, timing, and focus. Waiting for the right moment, navigating a smooth line through the features, and embracing a huge burst of excitement.

I appreciate a day on a glassy mountain lake as much as I do zooming through one of Baja’s rock gardens. There are so many unique water features out there and I love being able to experience them in a sea kayak. La Bufadora Blowhole is another example of a magnificent water feature in Baja. It is a natural marine geyser capable of shooting water well over 60 feet in the air. Ocean waves force into a partially submerged sea cavern, causing a buildup of air and water pressure. The air and ocean water are expelled through the only exit, launching 60+ feet into the air. Unlike spectators on an observation deck, I was able to see this feature up close while in my sea kayak.

SUNSET CRUISE
There is something truly magnificent about watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean, especially while sitting in my sea kayak. The gentle orange glow reflecting off the beautiful blue ocean. The stillness in the air and the rhythmic crashing of waves. It is a reminder that a day of paddling has concluded and another is soon to come.

I sea kayak for these experiences. It is so much more than paddling flatwater.

Kyle Thomas