Outdoors - Explore

POSTED: Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2009

Meet canoeing enthusiast Evan Ritchie

Name: Evan Ritchie

Age: 44

Residence: Bellingham

Day job: Ferndale High School teacher

Early beginnings: "I got involved in canoe tripping as a child. It was one of our family's favorite ways to camp. We'd go out for two weeks at a time with our family of five in one canoe."

Turning point: Taking a paddle class from a whitewater canoeing legend. After that "I paddled and went to class. That was about it."

Favorite canoe spot: Lake Whatcom, "but there is something to be said about the whitewater portions of the upper Nooksack (North Fork near Douglas Fir campground)."

Oars of wisdom: "Learn from the best. Team up with experienced paddlers who will teach you the ropes."

Pet peeve: "Canoeists and kayakers who don't get along because of the number of blades they have on their paddles."

Gear choices: "It all depends on what one is trying to accomplish. Some bent shaft paddles are incredibly efficient for moving the boat forward. These tend to be good for racing and tripping. If you want to be able to maneuver the boat, a more traditional paddle works well."

Best Whatcom County resource for canoeists: "Head down to the water and find people who paddle."

Biggest victory: "Frank Bells Rapid, North Carolina category 4 open rapid that I paddled in an open boat when I was 19-years-old."

Greatest challenge: "Balancing the desire to canoe with interest in other recreational activities."

EVAN TIPS

"Learn from the best," Richie says. "Team up with experienced paddlers who will teach you the ropes."

"Take class and take instruction," says Bellingham resident Denny Lange. "Knowledge is one of the most important pieces of equipment to have. It's not something you can stuff in a bag, but the more you know about the sport the better you will enjoy it."

"Stick to calm, flat water." Kendall resident Pat Kennedy(cq) says. "Stick to lakes and ponds when you are first getting used to it before you tackle the rivers."

LOCAL RESOURCES

RETAILERS

Bellingham Bay Community Boating Center

501 Harris Ave.

Bellingham

714-8891

www.sailpaddlerow.org

Johnson Outdoors

2460 Salashan Loop

Ferndale

366-4013

www.johnsonoutdoors.com

Western Washington University Lakewood Watersports Facility

2410 Lake Whatcom Blvd.

650-6131

http://vu.wwu.edu/lakewood/

Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Department

Canoes available at Silver Beach and Lake Samish recreation facilities.

Yeager's Sporting Goods

3101 Northwest Ave.

Bellingham

733-1080

www.yeagersportingoods.com

ONLINE RESOURCES

www.paddling.net