So to make a long story shorter, I realized that no matter how sick I am, I gotta somehow find a way to work and make some money, (ironically, so I can rest.) To that effect, I've embarked on what is probably the most ambitious Cape Falcon Kayak project yet: A complete overhaul of the business, to include plans, kits, instructional videos, an online store, and about a zillion other things that I'm basically nuts to try to do in my condition.
I started out by working with a graphic designer who has done an incredible job of taking pages and pages of handwritten notes and turning them into gorgeous plan sets for all five kayaks, as well as creating a new logo and even an electric brand so I can burn the logo into kayaks, paddles, and business cards made from kayak scrap wood. Too cool!
Check out these sample plans.
This means I'm going start teaching again on a limited basis. I'm aiming for four classes next year. That still isn't much for people who are trying to get into a class but it's more than there's been in quite a while. Due to that limited availability I've created a newsletter signup so people can receive an email whenever new classes, plans, kits, or videos are released. The CRMM class filled in 48 hours, so this is a good option for people who don't want to miss out. I'm planning another F1 only class in late September.
The next month for me is going to be a hyperfocused edit-o-thon to try to get the videos, kits, and plans ready by September. During that process I'm going to be posting a lot of free content on my videos page, so come back and check that out, or just sign up for the newsletter and I'll send a link when stuff gets posted. Speaking of video, I wanted to share an amazing whale encounter my friend and former student Ken captured while paddling his F1 in Monterey bay.
Seriously though. I hope all of this inspires people facing all sorts of hardship to move forward as positively as possible which isn't to say that we all don't need people to carry us when we can't carry ourselves. I've been there, I might be there again, there's days the pain is so bad I'm not sure I want to be here at all. But for now, I'm alive, I'm strong, and I'm trying, and that wouldn't be possible without all the people who've supported me along the way. Thank you. I hope this update brings you joy.
-Brian
(one last thing, there is a really cool F1 for sale in Tennessee for a great price that has only been used once, send me an email if you're interested, details here