In 1987, Ed Gillet undertook a harrowing solo paddle to Hawaii that has only grown more famous in retrospect. That same year Michael Jackson released Bad and babies were being born who would become today’s millennials. This was a time before corporate sponsorships and Internet updates. When his bow finally cut a furrow into the sand on Maui, the only person there to greet him was a local drunk staggering along the beach. It was the same fanfare he received when he’d left San Diego 63 days and 2,200 miles earlier: none.

There were beautiful days when blue and gold mahi-mahi frolicked around his kayak like puppies, when the sea was a perfect royal blue, and trade winds surfed him to 80-mile days. Other times Gillet popped painkillers to dull the pain of saltwater sores on his hands so he could hold his paddle. He ran out of food and began eating toothpaste. Waves crashing into the cockpit made it impossible to sleep. When Mauna Kea finally appeared in the viewfinder of his sextant—yes, he used a sextant—he was so addled he cursed it for obstructing the horizon he needed to fix his position.

Gillet didn’t use the sextant out of nautical nostalgia: Loran and Omega, the navigation systems of the time, wouldn’t survive a kayak trip. He used an off-the-shelf yellow Necky Tofino—a 20-foot tandem sea kayak that carried more than 600 pounds of essentials to keep Gillet alive. His progress was slower than planned—he envisioned 40 days, ran out of food on day 60, and landed on day 64. People thought he’d most certainly died. Relatives contacted the United States Coast Guard, the Commandant of the U.S. Navy, and even the current President at the time, Ronald Reagan, to try and find him in the vast Pacific.

Ed Gillet’s California-to-Hawaii journey was the first of the modern kayak megacrossings. It was a fundamentally different type of paddling than even the most rugged coastal expeditions or island circumnavigations. It was a journey far harder for most sea kayakers to understand. Only a handful of paddlers would know: Gillet, R.W. Hand, who tried twice and failed to repeat Gillet’s journey, Aleksander Doba on the Atlantic in 2014, Sarah Outen on her worldwide journey, Scott Donaldson, James Castrission, Justin Jones and the late Andrew McAuley on the Tasman Sea.

It’s easy to dream of paddling the Inside Passage to Alaska, around Sardinia, Iceland, or any other coastline or island chain in the world, because those trips are expansions in time, distance, and difficulty from what we do on weekends. When I’m on a two-week trip I can easily imagine how fun it would be to just keep going; I’d bring more food, train more, and see what’s around the next point and the next and the next. But crossing a featureless void? Perhaps not.

Continue reading: https://bit.ly/3CcwByY

✍️: Neil Schulman

📷: Robert Zaleski

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• Kayak RSVP

• Shore Cleanup RSVP

We want to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors Think Blue San Diego and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians for making this event possible and empowering the community to take meaningful action for this ecological hotspot of the San Diego River. And thank you to Aqua Adventures for donating kayaks for the event.

Kayak & River Cleanup Opportunity: Do you want to make an immense difference for the San Diego River before the rainy season starts? Join us for the Great River Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 9th from 9 am- 12 pm! Come out for a beautiful fall morning outdoors to help clean trash from the riverbed before it washes into the ocean and harms wildlife during/after winter storms. There are 9 spots left for the kayak portion of the cleanup, do not miss this rare opportunity to kayak the river in Mission Valley! If you are interested email Rachel at rachel@sandiegoriver.org.

If you would like to stay on land and help clean the riverbed, sign up here: https://sandiegoriver.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/…

Together, we can help restore the river, an immense natural, cultural, and recreational treasure in our region!

-by Jay Murdock, a friend of John

Saturday, November 19^th we gathered to remember and honor the memory of a great friend and fellow paddler. John’s wife Dorothy, and many of his long-time friends were there. Both Doug Drake and Louis Greco spoke after the paddle, and part of those speeches are in this article. We paddled just around Mariner’s Point so those on shore could observe the scattering of flower petals and some ashes. Dorothy spoke how much this event meant to her and told us a few memories she has of John. It was a perfect morning on the water.

John was far too young when he died of a heart attack while on a day hike. But he was in good hands that day, having made the most important decision of his life years before: He chose life and the Author of life by accepting that promise found in scripture – John 3:16, and John O’Hagan was changed forever. God’s love and grace touched John, and he passed it on to whoever he met on many occasions. While he was a great outdoorsman, he was also a stellar person, taking the time to help others and bless those around him (more on this is in the article written in July of 2021, just scroll down to find that).

Albert Einstein said “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” John discovered, that by turning his life over to the Creator, the miracle of grace transformed him.

Doug Drake spoke to us after the paddle, that “when someone we love passes, it’s as if we have lost a part of ourselves. Living without your child, spouse, parents, or John, is very much like losing an irreplaceable part of yourself. It’s not something we get over or get back to normal. It’s a loss that endures a lifetime. As C. S. Lewis, the person whose life the amazing movie ‘The Most Reluctant Convert’ is based on said ‘The death of a loved one is an amputation, and the pain I feel now is the happiness I had before’.”

Louis Greco then said “I have had the blessing to know John for over 30 years. I consider him one of my best friends, as I am sure many of you do as well. John seemed to know someone wherever we went. He lived up to his nickname ‘coach’, and was a great coach to me, always available to listen, advise and encourage. As a great leader he would often do a reconnaissance mission to a future campsite, checking important factors such as the availability of water and trail conditions to assure a successful trip. John has now gone ahead of us… to scout out the perfect heavenly campsite.”

Well said Doug and Louis, very well said.

So, this Thanksgiving I am thankful to have known John, to have received the blessing of his playful smile, his great compassion, and for God’s grace channeled through this wonderful man.

-by Jay Murdock, SDKC Safety Editor and Trip Leader

October 7-10, 2022 was our 8^th trip to the June Lakes Loop, north of Mammoth, and we had ideal weather. No wind, daytime temps in the mid-70’s, and night temps in the low 40s, with just a few sprinkles on our hike and the last night after we were in our tents. Now that is how it’s supposed to work for an easy car-camping trip.

After the snow and cold of last year’s trip, some people had second thoughts about going this year, but the nine who went this time all had a wonderful experience.  We hope you can join us next year!

-by Jay Murdock and Others

Jake recently lost his battle with cancer, and people near and far who knew him have lost not only a wonderful friend, but a great person who just happened to be one of the best paddlers we’ve known. Yes, Jake was all that and more. Everyone who knew him liked him. He had this wonderful soft nature and calmness about him, but also a confidence and warmth that made you instantly like the man.

Jake’s paddling skills went far beyond most of us, as you will read in the following comments by some who paddled with him, but you would never suspect that in talking with him. He was both kind and gentle in helping us gain a greater skill level in our sport, and it seemed his patience never ran out. He had this ever-present smile that drew us in, a smile that was unassuming and humble, yet conveyed a strength that gave us courage to go beyond our comfort level.

Comments from Others:

“Jake and I were paddling buddies and like many kayakers in San Diego we paddled together often.  Thanks to Aqua Adventures and in particular Jen Kleck, we paddled the San Diego coast, from North County to the Coronado islands.  Further south in Baja we paddled the coast south and north of La Bufadora and out to Todos Santos.  Up the CA coast we paddled Point Lobos, Golden Gate, and the San Juans, and who doesn’t have fond memories of paddling the Colorado river and Black Canyon.  In Scotland we paddled the Pentland Firth, where in a tide race I had to self-rescue from a wet exit because Jake was busy rescuing our ‘group leader’ who was being tested for BCU level 5 accreditation – he failed!  From there we paddled the western coast of Scotland and the Isle of Skye (the wildest tide race I ever paddled) and several isles in the Outer Hebrides.  Jake was always there with a smile and confidence that inspired. 

Most of all we were surf buddies, out on the water 2 sometimes 3 times a week.  Jake somehow pried me out of a warm bed way too early for any sane person to consider and convinced me to throw myself into the cold Pacific.  Jake coerced me out in conditions I would never consider myself and once saved me (and my surf boat) from the rock jetty at South Mission beach (I was trying out a new paddle that was beyond my skillset). 

But my most memorable outing with Jake was one surf morning at LJ Shores when I never even got on the water!  We had arranged to meet at the usual ungodly hour but had failed to consider the predicted fog, a weather condition that rarely happens in San Diego.  When I arrived, the fog was so thick (visibility easily less than 10’) that I could barely see a parking spot let alone find Jake’s truck or see Jake on the beach.  After half an hour of searching for Jake and his truck, I assumed he had had the good sense to either not show up that morning or had returned home after seeing the fog conditions.  But before leaving, directed by the sound of the surf, I felt my way across the beach.  To my total surprise, just as I approached the water’s edge and still unable see the surf, out of the fog and the surf walked Jake, surf boat on his shoulder and that big Jake grin on his face.

Jake had a way that made each of us feel we had his undivided attention and always an abundance of good will.  I missed Jake when he moved back north but Jake had a way of staying with you even when he wasn’t present.  I miss him even more now he is gone even though he will always be with me”.    -Thom Underwood

“Jake was my first “real” kayak teacher helping me to overcome my fear of tipping over my kayak and paddling in on the ocean.  One fine day Jake took me on a paddle from Aqua Adventures way out past the jetty, over to Ocean Beach Pier, the next thing I know Jake has me riding the back of a wave all the way to shore.  Wow! What an exhilarating experience and Jake made it happen.  That was Jake, “exhilarating”, full of life and ready for the next adventure. He took us all along on his “Portage to Portage’ paddle, what great memories he shared along the way.  Remembering- Jake performing headstands on his kayak and fun times out on the water.  Thank You Jake, for sharing your Joy of living radiating from your bright shiny eyes and your beautiful smile.  Cherishing fond memories close to my heart”.      -Jan Jensen

“Jake was great to paddle with.  He was always happy & smiling.  I can’t recall ever seeing him upset.  I recall paddling from Harbor Island to the Coronado’s with him and 3 other guys.  He also taught me how to fix Valley skeg mechanisms (thank you!).  One thing that bugged me was seeing him do a headstand in a Nordkapp.  Oh, come on!  Darned showoff.  I felt so inadequate!   Fair winds and following seas Jake.  You are missed”.         -Gary Billick

“I’m saddened by this news. I learned much from Jake’s kayaking teaching”.             -Vicki Ardoin

So sorry to hear about Jake!  I have such great memories of paddling with him guiding the meetup group paddlers on the AA social hours Thursday evenings and seeing him around the shop.  Best memories are of the jokes he would pull on the gang at the shop as well!  I still laugh when I think of them 🙂            -Miki Golden

Jake was a paddling buddy a great friend and one of the best people I have ever known. We shared a lot of campfires, paddled together in Baja, along the San Diego coastline and the Colorado River and he always made a great experience that much better just by his presence. Jake accomplished an amazing kayaking feat with his Portage-to-Portage trip where he paddled 5,740 miles down rivers through the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast to loop around the Eastern United States but that pales in comparison to his legacy of friendship and kindness, he left to all of us.

He was strong but gentle, he was confident but never arrogant. He was kind but never weak. He was wise but always open. He cared about other people and always looked for the good in them. He was loyal to his friends. He was resolute and when he said he was going to do something he did it. He has been a great example of what a good human should be. He had a Zen like calm but was always up for some fun. His wide smile was contagious. I can’t think of a time I ever heard him say a harsh thing about anyone. Even his huge expedition to do the Portage-to-Portage trip was understated. Adventure Kayak magazine called it the Anti – Expedition. Jake described it as a bunch of backyard paddles put together but it was much more. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet Jake could bask in his calm strength and feel the peace inside him. He was always the first to jump in and help when things went sideways and was extremely capable. I value the time I got to spend with him especially on the water. I would paddle with him as he was training for his trip and enjoyed that quiet time with a good friend so much.

I hadn’t seen him in a little over 10 years as he moved back to Wisconsin, and I moved overseas, but his friendship was incredibly valuable to me. He will not be forgotten because he was a rare and special person. Now that he is gone, I will try to focus on the good he left in his wake and not on the sadness, but it will be difficult at times. I know I have tried to be a better person because of his example. If you want to do something good for the world, try to follow his example and be more like Jake.          -Mike Franklin

“Jake, Steve Wilson, and I went out to Catalina Island to paddle and camp. The next morning Steve and I got up at sunrise, thinking how manly we were getting up so early. As we stepped outside our tents, we saw Jake coming out of the cold water bare-chested, holding a large fish he just caught. We thought to ourselves that this guy is just not human to be able to pull that off”.      -Duane Strosaker (at the memorial paddle)

His Skill Level:

The following photos show his incredible skill level. During a paddle, Jake could get out of his cockpit and move about the kayak with ease, do a headstand, and even perform a roll using only his hands. Yes, we witnessed that with eyes and mouths wide open with awe.

Our farewell:

Thirty-two paddlers turned out for Jake’s memorial paddle in San Diego on February 26, and went out beyond the jetty, where his wife, Marit, scattered some ashes. Afterwards we gathered for a time to visit, hug each other, and listen to the great music of Steve Wilson.  

The High School Principal where Jake taught the last four years spoke eloquently of him at his memorial service in Wisconsin: “Jake was an exceptional human being, and those who knew him were lucky to have met him. He had an infectious, joyous smile, and truly found joy in experiencing life to the fullest. Jake cared about people, connected with others, and brought joy to those around him. He embodied the qualities of love, family, and selflessness”.

Who Jake Was:

Those of us who spent time with Jake knew his face conveyed the essence of who he was. The fact of how one’s inner character can be seen through their face was recently summed up by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine after accepting the likelihood that soon he may be killed: “Everyone’s face shows his or her life, their whole life path, as well as the end of one’s life”. We were able to see who Jake was, and how he was able to face his death with courage. Thank you, Jake, for being there for us, for giving so much of yourself to us, and for being a great friend. We will not forget you.

Let’s start the New Year off on the water as we’ve done for about 15 years.

You’re welcome to join us if you’ve attended some of the skills practices and can keep up with the group’s 3-4 knot pace.

As a reminder, you’re responsible for your own safety so all attendees need to be capable of self-rescuing.

DATE:                            Saturday, January 1

RALLY TIME:                  8:30 am

LAUNCH TIME:              9:00 am

DURATION:                   1 – 2 hours

LAUNCH SITE:              La Jolla Shores Boat Ramp

VENUE:                          Paddle north towards Black’s Beach, or perhaps paddle west to check out the caves

RECOMMENDED:            Depending on the weather, Mid-weight paddling clothes with a splash jacket

PLEASE NOTE: These paddles are not sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures events. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator.”  

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land in small surf.

-by Jay Murdock, SDKC Safety Editor

This was the 8^th time we have gone up to the June Lake Loop to paddle, hike, and see the wonderful fall colors of the Aspens. Because of health, work, and weather issues, we lost more than half the sign-ups, but those who went kept warm and enjoyed the crisp air. There were new people on this trip, and a couple from Arizona drove over to join us. We even experienced a taste of winter, with snow and 14-degree temperatures on two nights.

Because of the snow, most of us went to see the Tufa’s at Mono Lake, then drove over to Mammoth for the day on Friday.

Saturday had great weather (sun and mild breezes), and we took advantage of that with a fun paddle on Silver Lake.

Some of us then hiked around Gull Lake, where we took some amazing photos of the trees and lake. We ended the day with a wonderful dinner together, then a warm campfire. The mountains are beautiful in the fall for those who are willing to experience the wonder.