First-ever attempt to visit all islands of the West Coast archipelago by kayak

Kokatat, the 39 year-old independent paddle wear and accessories company announces their support of the Channel Islands Sea Kayaking Expedition. The expedition is the first attempt by paddlers to visit all eight of the Channel Islands by kayak. The three- member team will depart on Monday, Sept. 6.

Kokatat will be providing the California based team members with Kokatat’s top sea kayaking gear, including the GORE-TEX® TecTour Anorak, GORE-TEX® Storm Cag, Guide PFD, and OutFIT Tour PFD. Experienced sea kayakers, Bryant Burkhard, Pedro Frigola, and Sean Morley, comprise the expedition team.

The expedition was planned for the early fall due to the season’s typical cooperative weather patterns in the region, although, the California island archipelago is known for variable weather conditions. The projected route departs Gaviota, Calif. on the mainland and crosses to San Miguel, then down through the islands of Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Barbara, San Nicolas, San Clemente and lastly Santa Catalina to return back to the mainland. To view the proposed route on a GMaps Pedometer, visit here.

Besides the weather and decreasing day light into the month of September, the expedition is presented with a challenge on the San Nicolas and San Clemente islands. The two islands are under the control of the U.S. Navy and it is unlawful to touch land on either island. Therefore, the team is required to paddle to and from both islands without getting out of their kayaks, estimated to take over 20 hours and cover up to 80 nautical miles.

“This is probably the main reason why no one to our knowledge has attempted this challenge before now,” said expedition team member and Kokatat sea kayak ambassador, Morley.

In addition to making history in the sea kayaking world, the team will also be raising funds for the Channel Islands Park Foundation, which is dedicated to enhancing the awareness and understanding of the California Channel Islands. For more information about how to sponsor their efforts, please visit here.

About Kokatat Watersports Wear
For the past 39 years, Kokatat has built a reputation as a friendly company of paddling enthusiasts, dedicated to creating innovative paddlewear and accessories. Kokatat is a highly trusted brand known for its independence, high level of quality in addition to an extremely well respected, service-driven business model. Kokatat is an incredibly strong brand and is known for authenticity and launching game changing paddling products. Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Twitter “@kokatat”.