A thread in the Kayak de Mar forum has eventually meandered to questions about potential historical Spanish relationships with native Arctic kayakers. Mention was made of the Spanish exploration of the Pacific Northwest, its traces in the present toponymy of the area and possible contacts between those explorers and kayak-using peoples. Some hurried Net surfing indicates that, at least, this Spanish presence would be at the root of a sort of "Spanish Connection" in the sea kayaking world.
Among the touring range of the prestigious and scarily expensive Werner paddles the "Camano" model shines by its popular acceptance and the awards it has received. Not so long ago, a model called "San Juan" used to be part of Werner's catalog as well. Both took their names from two islands, not too far from each other (Puget Sound and the south end of the Georgia Strait, respectively). "Camano" happens to be what time and non-native speakers have made of the family name of the explorer Jacinto Caamaño Moraleja for whom the island was named. Similarly, San Juan Island honors through his patron saint the then viceroy of New Spain and committed fosterer of exploration, Juan Vicente de Güemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, second count of Revillagigedo.
Indirect, nothing but a curiosity and totally unrelated to traditional kayaking, but connection nonetheless. Perhaps it is a sign of more and better to be found.
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