Janice L. Green has lived in Southern California for over half of her life.  Her passion for paddling began when she was exposed to a wide variety of watersport activities at an early age while growing up in a small town in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 lakes.  Her parents, Norman and Sondra Green, belonged to a waterski club and skied at Lake Minnetonka, where her family spent the weekends boating, fishing, and swimming in the summertime.

Janice bought her first kayak in 1985, an Ocean Scupper, manufactured by Ocean Kayak, which she states is “the perfect fit for her, even after trying out many different types of kayaks over the years”. As an avid kayaker, Janice recognized the need for a guidebook on flat water paddling locations when she first began paddling different lakes throughout California and was unable to find sufficient information about them.  In the process of compiling maps, camping and lake information on the different lakes she paddled, she realized she had accumulated an enormous amount of valuable data that could be beneficial to other paddlers who either didn’t have the time to gather the information themselves, or who didn’t want to blindly venture to unfamiliar destinations.  “From experience, I have found the unknown is only fearful because it’s unknown.  In most cases, once you have conquered your fears, you will find there wasn’t anything to be afraid of at all.  Hopefully, these guidebook will take away any of the concerns you have about paddling unknown destinations.”

When Janice first began paddling different lakes she was equipped with very little.  Back then, computers were rare, books on destinations where to paddle in California were even rarer, so all she had was a California road map to lead the way to unexplored territory.  Reflecting back to when she first began paddling new destinations Janice recalls, “The fear of the unknown was high in the beginning, and so were the risks.  I suppose you could say I was flying by the seat of my pants, relying mainly on my physical condition, and common sense.  I picked the smallest lakes in the beginning and the ones that weren’t as remote.  Once I built up my experience and confidence I began to venture to destinations where I was frequently the only one there, discounting the bears, of course.”  

The further away she paddled, the more hooked she became on paddling serene mountain retreats, but for Janice, “Whether you seek adventure paddling a remote lake in the wilderness or just want to spend a leisurely time paddling a small lake, kayaking and canoeing can provide a pleasant diversion and a great time away from life’s day-to-day stress.” Over the years Janice has been fortunate to have paddled some of the most breathtaking flat water  destinations in California.

After completing her first guidebook PADDLE ME: A Flat Water Kayak and Canoe Guidebook for Central and Southern California, Janice began to explore the lakes in Northern California eight years ago. Since then she became enthralled with the lakes up north. “Kayaking and canoeing beautifully serene destinations can be one of the most emotionally and physically rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.  If you have never tried paddling before, I hope you give it a try, whether you enjoy day tripping, extended weekend jaunts or expedition touring.” In 2005, Janice completed PADDLE ME ll:  A Flat Kayak and Canoe Guidebook for Northern California.

Being a solitary paddler for 28 years, Janice has learned over the years you need to use common sense and to take extra safety precautions.  “By taking a few precautions when you go on a paddling adventure, you can increase your chances of having a pleasurable and safe trip, whether you choose to paddle alone or with a companion.” By following a set of rules, Janice has maintained her safety while paddling for the past 28 years.

When not paddling, Janice spends her free time writing, painting, playing classical guitar, golf, tennis, bicycling and going to concerts and theater performances in the wintertime.  She is a self-employed photography and printing representative which gives her the resources and allows her the free time and flexibility to kayak 30 to 50 lakes a year.

Janice is “extremely grateful for being able to do the things she enjoys and loves, for having close friendships and family, and God permitting continued life.”  After three car accidents, and stomach cancer, Janice quickly became aware of how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away.  Since then, she has developed the attitude, “Don’t put off what you can do today, because tomorrow may never happen.”

It is her love of kayaking and the peace it brings her that inspired her to share her experiences with you, so that you too can experience the pleasure of paddling. She hopes others can find the same joy and peace she has found through paddling flat water destinations in California.