Hairy Putter's Review Blog

Adventures in kayaking with Liquid Fusion Kayaks
Hairy discovers his sea legs

In anticipation of a Thanksgiving visit from my best canine buddy, Jai-Ram, and his caregiver mother, Carol, my dad’s decided to see how I would take to messing about on the water. It was about time I got to use my life preserver (I have only worn it modeling for a segment on TV) and if I liked the experience, I could then take my visitors for a new and unique canine/human shared adventure while they are on their vacation.

Dog-friendly Liquid Fusion Kayaking is located in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, California in south Noyo Harbor on Dolphin. It is owned and operated by my good human friends, Jeff and Cate, along with their canine children, Bear and Aften. Liquid Fusion Kayaking specializes in river and sea kayaking, with adventures and classes for all levels and proficiency, from beginners (like me), to seasoned and professional kayakers. To view the full range of services and pricing, please visit their website at www.liquidfusionkayaking.com.

The sun was shining and I was feeling very energetic as we arrived. Immediately I was greeted by Bear and Aften. There was lots of sniffing and tail wagging as introductions were made. Liquid Fusion provides everything for your kayaking trip: they have various kayaks, outerwear, life preservers, etc. Do dress warmly and appropriately for the water as it can get cool in areas and water (outside of the groomers) I have found is very cold as well as wet when encountered. Once I was dressed in my life preserver we walked a short distance to a sheltered cove on the banks of the Noyo River were a kayak was waiting. Having never been in a kayak before, my dad’s felt more comfortable having a professional instructor take me out on the river for the first time. Cate got into the kayak and when she was in position, I was gently handed to her by Jeff and placed in her lap. After a few kisses from me, I placed my front paws on the bow of the kayak and Jeff gently eased Cate and I away from shore. 

Cate and I kayaking

I was captivated immediately by the motion, sights, and sounds. We saw all sorts of birds, even the lazy sea lions on the bank of the river raised their head in curiosity and one even swam close to us, taunting me. I have to say that most of all, my reflection off the side of the kayak when I turned my head held the greatest fascination. Cate had no trouble paddling as I did not wiggle. I did turn around to give her a few more kisses occasionally, but for the most part, I just cruised with Cate on the river as if I had always been an old seafaring dog. I took to kayaking “like a fish to water”, as my new kayaking postcards attest. You can view them on my website.

With my sea legs firmly established, I was now ready to take my friend, Jai-Ram, his mum, Carol, and one of my dads, Alan, on a Liquid Fusion Kayaking adventure for themselves. This time it was Jeff’s turn to instruct and chaperone us. Arriving promptly, the four of us got dressed in our life preservers and our caregivers opted to wear water protective outwear also. Once we were all dressed, Jeff went over the route we would take, general safety tips and guidelines as well as the correct ways to use the paddle. We then proceeded to a different starting point from my previous trip, this time it was in the harbor with all the “big” boats. To reach the kayaks we walked through the harbor’s restaurant outdoor seating area, patrons were very excited to see us all parade by and lots of attention was bestowed upon Jai-Ram and me. Jai -Ram as usual wanted to stop to check for food.

Once we were at the launch jetty, Jeff asked which of our caregivers wanted to be in the front or back, as this time we were going in a two-person kayak. Carol chose the front end for her and Jai-Ram, while my dad and I were to ride in the back. Alan would be operating the rudder. Jeff showed Carol and Alan the proper way to enter the kayak and where Alan should put his feet to reach the peddles that steer the kayak. Once Carol and Alan were securely seated, Jeff helped Jai-Ram and me get aboard. Jai-Ram was a bit anxious at first, but with some reassuring from Carol, he soon settled down and we were ready to go.

The tranquility of the trip

Jeff instructed us how to steer ourselves out into the harbor, as he settled into his kayak. The water was calm as we exited the harbor joining the Noyo River. It did not take long for Alan and Carol to get into the rhythm of rowing, mastering the steering and for Jai-Ram to relax. As we meandered gently along, Jeff directed our gaze to various spots along the river bank that held a treasure trove of bird life: King Fishers, Herons and several varieties of ducks. Jeff also pointed out Osprey nests and shared his and Cates previous encounters of other wildlife sightings. We exchanged greetings with the people fishing from a bridge that were just tickled to see two adults and two canines passing them by in a Kayak. As we progressed further the river became crystal clear and we paused to take in the breathtaking beauty of the mirror reflection of the overhanging tress and ourselves perfectly reflected, even the usual wiggle worm Jai-Ram, became as motionless as the water.

Noyo Harbor, Fort Bragg

Kayaking is a wonderful way to have more quality experiences and time with your pet. It was a magical time being in an environment where the only sounds were the conversations of nature. The time passed by effortlessly and with Jeff at our side navigating the odd branch and natural obstacle was a breeze. Jeff was even kind enough to bring his water proof camera along so he could take mementos of the trip for us. There is something so special and enchanting about sharing this experience with our human caregivers. We are safely secure in their laps, front paws resting on the surface of the kayak, the flow of air as we glide over the surface of the river gently caresses our fur and the odd drop of water that drips off the paddle gently reminds us that staying put safely in the kayak is very wise.

I strongly encourage you to check to see what kayaking opportunities exist in your area and especially if they are pet friendly. White water rafting and sea kayaking require much more experience and expertise. PLEASE do not take us out into water that could be unpredictable. The trips I have recounted to you were with trained and licensed instructors on a very gentle and shallow part of the Noyo River. There is something to be said “for messing about on the water” kayak style.

I give Liquid Fusion Kayaking four very enthusiastic paws.