In our February 2009 e-newsletter our Advertising Manager, Paul Riek, asks our readers how they would describe Sea Kayaker magazine. Would you consider us a consumer, technical, educational or some other type of publication. We're curious to hear which of our multiple personalities you see, and would love to hear your comments on this topic.

Warning - if you make an exceptionally well worded comment, Paul will probably get in touch with you to see if he can use it in an upcoming media kit. Rumor has it he has a goody bag to reward those that say yes.

I suppose that I use Sea Kayaker for "armchair kayaking". There would not seem to be much point in my reading kayak reviews when I am not in the market for a new kayak. Also no point in reading detailed reports on places I will never, ever, go. I read mostly to feel like I am still involved in the sport during the periods when it is impossible to paddle. If I could paddle any time I wanted I would hardly read about kayaking at all. I do feel that Sea Kayaker is a positive force in the kayaking subculture it's just that I would rather be paddling.

Sea Kayaker Magazine is the only magazine that I read basically cover to cover as soon as it is delivered to my mailbox. I particulary enjoy the trip articles, safety articles, gear review, paddling techniques, and some of the technical articles.

I guess that means that I would vote for the magazine covering all aspects of Sea kayaking. I keep my magazines and on occasion I will go to the online site and search for a particular subject and if I have that issue, I can then re-read the article.

Paddle On!

I don't think the magazine neatly fits into any of those defined niches, consumer, technical, or educational. I think that is because in order to kayak safely and enjoyably, the paddler needs a lot more knowledge than for instance someone who purchases a new car after reading about it in a truly consumer-oriented magazine like Motor Trend. For example, if the car requires engine rotation of 4,000rpm to reach 65mph, instead of only 3500 as written in the magazine, most people will not care.

On the other hand, if a kayak is rated to carry 300 lbs of paddler and gear, but becomes unstable at 275lbs, that is a very big deal.

So even though it is not 100% accurate, I think educational is the best description. The magazine conveys information on a wide range of topics of interest to avid or casual paddlers. Idyllic paddling destinations, boat characteristics, mini reviews of safety equipment and waterproof accessories (cameras, drybags) are all technical topics in my opinion, that are both educational and of interest to the consumer about to make a purchase.

At the same time, technical issues such as chines, rocker, fiberglass vs plastic, rotomold vs thermaform, and the mother of all jihads, skeg vs rudder are critical pieces of information that I think every kayaker should be familiar with.

Most SeaKayaker articles have a good combination of consumer, technical and educational aspects. For example, in a narrative article (primarily "consumer"), I'll notice from a photo that the author used a particular kind of kayak ("technical") and that they did (or didn't) use a deck compass ("educational/safety"). Another example: In a review article (primarily "technical"), I first learned ("educational") how important a low rear deck height is for doing certain rolls, and the fact that a reviewer got the kayak up to a certain speed made me look forward to improving my technique so I could do the same ("consumer").

Enough technical specs for those who want to know why.
Enough educational tips for those who want to know how.
More than enough boats & gear to lust over, because we want.

Ping me ;-)