Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Liquid Fusion Kayaking
Welcome to our new series, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
In this series, Cali Collective chats with our collaborators, manufacturers, partner companies and guest instructors on their origins, achievements, programs and more! In keeping with our mission to build authentic connection and community, Cali Collective is proud to support our colleagues in the paddlesport and outdoor industry. Enjoy!
Cate & Jeff, the dream team behind LFK
Mendocino Magic with Liquid Fusion Kayaking
Liquid Fusion Kayaking is an owner-operated instructional kayak company based on the Mendocino Coast of California. Their mission is to provide fun, personal, interactive, and educational adventures that garner appreciation for wildlife, nature, and kayaking. LFK is owned and operated by kayak instructors – Cate Hawthorne and Jeff Laxier. Cate and Jeff’s specialties include sea kayaking, whitewater river kayaking, surf kayaking, rock gardening, and natural history. They are both a bit nerdy when it comes to nature and love sharing wildlife and natural history during their classes and tours.
Owner, Cate Hawthorne, enjoying one of the many fun features on the Mendocino coast
Cate Hawthorne is a high energy person who loves sharing her passion for learning and the outdoors with others. Cate has several K-12 teaching credentials and a masters degree in education. After 13 years working in public schools, Cate moved her teaching talents from the classroom to the water. Kayaking is one of her many outdoor adventure pursuits on the Mendocino Coast. When not kayaking, Cate is likely to be mountain biking, hiking or running in the forest. Cate is an avid birder, connoisseur of wild mushrooms, and writer. She is an ACA certified whitewater and sea kayak instructor, and wilderness first responder. Check out her Woman on Water blog.
Jeff Laxier started teaching kayaking in 1996. A lifelong waterman and nature lover – teaching kayaking has become a way for Jeff to share his passion for water and nature with others. In 2005, Jeff founded Liquid Fusion Kayaking. With 20 plus years of experience teaching multiple disciplines of kayaking, Jeff has honed his instructional skills for all levels and is a master at skill refinement and application and fun. When not teaching, Jeff is likely to be messing about in kayaks on the sea, running down rivers, or carving waves in the surf.
Jeff surfing it up on the Eel River
Jeff is certified by the American Canoe Association (ACA) in Advanced Whitewater Kayaking, Coastal Kayaking, and Surf Kayaking. He is certified with the British Canoe Union (BCU) as a Level 3 Sea Coach and holds a 4 Star Award in both surf kayaking and sea kayaking, and a 3 Star Award in Canoeing. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding. A former member of the San Diego Mountain Rescue Team and the U.S. Marine Corps, Jeff has a dedication to exhilarating outdoor activities that know no boundaries.
What’s Next?
Cali Collective is beyond stoked to partner with Liquid Fusion Kayaking for our Whitewater Weekend on the Eel River April 4-5, 2020! In the springtime, the Eel is a playground for the intermediate paddler to help build confidence while exploring new sections of river. You even have the option of adding on a day of “whitewater of the sea” and spend the afternoon playing in the surf zone and rock gardens that adorn the Northern California coast. Don’t miss out on the magic of Mendocino and the chance to work with some of California’s finest instructors!
More info about the clinic: Mixed Gender Whitewater Weekend on the Eel River
To learn more about Cate, Jeff and LFK, visit their website and check out this sweet video:
Many thanks to Cate and Jeff for sharing their space, instructional stylings and positive energy!
All words and images copyright California Watersport Collective 2020. All rights reserved.