How We Doin'? Readers Respond To Our Most Recent Survey

By Tamsin Venn, Publisher

Recently we asked our readers what information or resources we could provide that would make Atlantic Coastal Kayaker more valuable and fun to read. It is our ongoing effort to provide the type of information you can use in your own kayak adventures.

The profile of the ACK paddler who emerged from the survey is someone very much like ourselves. We really want to know where to paddle, here in our backyard in New England, but also up and down the coast. While we’re not primarily doing exotic adventures, we still like to keep them on our radar for our “bucket list.” We are still very keen on the best launch spots, where and how to find them.

You really like first-person story adventures, especially those that have mishaps, to accurately gauge our own risk taking. You like the humble stories of those trips that have gone awry so we can all learn from them. You also like to know about different kayaks, what makes them go, but many of you are paddling older models and like to hear about the performance of those, any improvements made in the design, plus, how to repair them. Technique is of interest. We were happy to hear from the person who indicated he would like to know more about the environment we are paddling through. (In another survey 81 percent of you said you liked to paddle to get out into nature.)

So here are more specifics.

The majority of responders (54 in all) wanted articles on paddling trips, especially in New England, but also up and down the East Coast. First person trip reports. Information on different launch sites. More local and regional stories that offer respite from the daily routine. Northeast Atlantic waters, hidden spots, places near restaurants and urban activity. More sharing of “local knowledge” in regards to boat launches/parking especially for places such as Boston Harbor. Good put-ins and great places to paddle in New England.

Fewer articles on kayaking in extreme environments. Paddle specific vacation options, e.g. resorts that provide quality kayaks. Exotic paddling destinations. More trip reports. More coverage in the mid-Atlantic; Long Island, N.Y.; Florida; Chesapeake Bay.

Other wishes: Gear reviews. Boat reviews. Regular paddle reviews of new/old/changed kayaks. Safety tips. Routes, campsites, need to carry water for us flatlanders. Navigation, weather, and tides. Reviews of new kayaks. Marine or aquatic life observed in paddling destinations. Maintenance and repair. Expert instruction on paddling techniques. Instruction on how to instruct. Kayak clinics. Adventure. Resources for paddles. Who to go with, local clubs, paddling group contacts. Provision of content geared to all levels.

Many liked ACK just the way it is. Thank you. Here are your comments.

What You Did Like
I really enjoy the mix of articles you have, especially the stories on safety issues.
I enjoy it pretty much the way it is now.
You do just fine.
Really like the personal experience articles.
I think it’s fine the way it is.
Keep current content.
You're doing a great job, have brought ACK a long way and I'm content with the way it is.
Like it as it is - prefer print.
You have done very well in my book.
Like it as it is. Good info on NE launch sites and paddle destinations.
Great magazine but would like more adventure kayaking trips to remote places and instructional "how to" articles.
I enjoy it as it is. The thing I miss the most, but is difficult to do, are the semi-objective kayak reviews that Sea Kayaker Magazine offered. If you could manage that it would be great, but I expect that is a budget and schedule buster.