Last night I indulged in some armchair athleticism, courtesy of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival’s “Paddle Sports” night. One of my favourites included a segment (see above) about Dubside, a colourful character from Everett, WA, and perhaps the best sea kayak roller I’ve ever seen.

Made by local filmmakers, this video showcased Dubside’s incredible rolling techniques (paddle behind the head, no paddle, no hands, brick in a hand…), and his trip to Greenland to compete with indigenous kayakers. But perhaps the most outrageous revelation occurs in the beginning, when we learn that Dubside is a dedicated sea kayaker WHO DOESN’T OWN A CAR.

For anyone who believes that outdoor recreation requires a combustion engine and fossil fuels, this video is a fabulous wake-up call. Carting a folding kayak on wheels on local public transit, Dubside quietly travels to various put-in points he’s found around Everett, spends about 15 minutes (!!) assembling his boat, and he’s away.