Ken Whiting Explores Waitukubuli
Ken Whiting of PaddleTV recently made it back from Dominica where he met and paddled with TRAK Pilots Weston Moses and Kerry Alleyne. During the trip Ken became one of the first paddlers to enjoy the newly-minted Waitukubuli Sea Trail, the first sanctioned route of its kind in the Caribbean.
Ken has kindly shared his thoughts (and some stellar photos!) on the Waitukubuli Sea Trail. It is easy to see how Ken became a raving fan of the Nature Island!
All photos © of Heliconia Press
Q: What inspired you to paddle in Dominica, and what had you heard about the island before your visit?
Ken Whiting (KW): I learned about the Waitukubuli Sea Trail from an online article that I came across. I was immediately intrigued because there are very few dedicated ‘Sea Trails’ anywhere in the world. Beyond that, I knew nothing about Dominica, aside from the fact that it was an island in the Caribbean. After seeing a few photos and reading more about the plan for the Waitukubuli Sea Trail, I was hooked on the idea of experiencing it first-hand.
Q: How was the paddling? What was different about it from other regions in the Caribbean you’ve paddled in?
KW: The paddling in Dominica was incredible for so many different reasons. The Waitukubuli Sea Trail runs the length of the island’s Caribbean coast with 14 sections to choose from, all of which are sheltered from the power of the Atlantic Ocean. For those that want to challenge themselves in rough water, the North, South and East Coasts of Dominica are very accessible too.
What was most surprising and unique about paddling in Dominica was the dramatic beauty of the island and its untouched nature as a tourism destination.
Q: Who is the Waitukubuli Sea Trail right for?
KW: The great thing about Dominica and the Waitukubuli Sea Trail is that it offers any level of paddler with spectacular kayaking opportunities. But even though there are many sections of the Waitukubuli Sea Trail that complete beginners would love, I would say that the Trail is ideally suited for people who have some paddling experience in sea/touring kayaks, as it opens the door to more opportunities.
Otherwise, Dominica is an ideal place for nature lovers and people looking for a truly authentic travel experience.
Q: What did you think of Kerry, Weston, and the Soufriere Outdoor Centre guide team?
KW: Wes and Kerry are two of the most down-to-earth, kind-hearted, and passionate people that I’ve ever met, and they’ve created something truly special with the Soufriere Outdoor Centre. Perfectly situated near the first segment of the Sea Trail in the stunningly beautiful and sheltered Soufriere Bay, the Outdoor Centre provides high quality rental kayaks and paddling gear as well as fully guided trips, to allow visitors the opportunity to discover the Sea Trail.
Aside from being a top quality outfitter and guide service for visitors to the island, the Soufriere Outdoor Centre has become a key part of the community. Wes and Kerry have made it their mission to get locals onto the water, and to coach the local youth into becoming the next generation of kayak guides and leaders.
Q: They call Dominica the "Nature Island of the Caribbean" - what was the most interesting natural feature that you saw during your visit?
KW: If I had to describe Dominica in a word, that word would be ‘Dramatic’. The mountains, the jungle, the coastline, the waterfalls… everything about the place is dramatic. It’s the kind of place where you constantly find yourself looking around in awe.
If I had to pick one spot as the most interesting and memorable natural feature that I saw, I would choose Trafalgar Falls. Trafalgar Falls is one of the most visited tourist sites on the island, because it’s so accessible. What I discovered is that Trafalgar Falls isn’t just one of the most visited sites because it’s accessible – it also happens to be one of the most spectacular nature settings you’ll ever see, and the closest thing to a scene from Jurassic Park.
Q: What was the most memorable moment for you down there?
KW: My most memorable moment in Dominica was paddling around the Northwestern point of the island, where we left the sheltered water of the Caribbean for the exposed water of the Guadeloupe Channel. Upon turning that corner, we were met with wind, waves, and one of the most magical coastlines that I’ve ever seen in my life.
Read more about Ken's recent trip, in his own words, with this recent article.
If Ken & team have been there, then you know that you can look forward to another stellar episode of his Paddle Tales series. Subscribe to Ken on YouTube so that you don't miss his upcoming episode in Dominica, and be sure to watch Ken's other episodes featuring the TRAK 2.0 in places like Alaska, Gaspésie, and Jamaica!
All photos © of Heliconia Press
The inaugural Waitukubuli TRAK Tour is launching on January 28, 2023 - with spots still available, be among the first to experience the Caribbean coast of the Nature Island! See the complete trip photo gallery.
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