Health And Fitness: Bioluminescent Kayaking

Monday, 23 July 2012

Bioluminescent Kayaking

Continuing our California adventure, we paddled north out of Marshall, hugging the coastline of Tomales Bay, passing a series of summer homes and an Audubon preserve, before waiting a short time for the sun to set. Once blanketed in total darkness, we were able to release the fairy dust in the waters beneath by slightly agitating the water with our hands or paddles. Our guide “Bennie” with Blue Waters Kayaking explained that the phytoplankton store energy from the sun during the day, releasing it at night when agitated. Unfortunately, try as we may, we were never quite able to capture this phenomena on film as evidenced by the short clip below.

Paddling through darkness, we hurled balls of this "fairy dust" passed us on either side of our kayak. The miniature shining stars only disappeared when we approached lighted shores, but a quick escape into the blanket of darkness, away from homes and cars, released the stars once more.

It was an experience to remember and certainly something I would never encounter during my freshwater kayaking adventures in New Mexico. I would like to thank my friend and trusting guide, Denise, for a great summer adventure!