Jun 25, 1951 - Mar 22, 1996

Funeral services have been held for Stephen S. Sinclair, proponent of a dangerous sport called storm-sea kayaking, who died March 22, 1996 of a heart attack in his home town of Elk in Mendocino County. He was 44.

Mr. Sinclair was famed for his fearlessness in high seas and gale- force winds. About 20 years ago he pioneered the development of ocean kayaks made of coated canvas, fiberglass and molded plastic that looked much like the kayaks used by Russian and Eskimo fur traders of the 19th century.

Mr. Sinclair, who advocated the use of wetsuits, helmets and other safety measures for ocean kayakers, ran a paddling school called Force 10, offering tours of the caves and inlets of the rugged Northern California coast. In recent years he also coached a soccer team in Mendocino.

He was a two-time winner of the Sea Trek regatta in San Francisco Bay and once paddled his kayak from Los Angeles to Mazatlan, Mexico. As a youth Mr. Sinclair was a champion swimmer, lifeguard and water polo player in Los Angeles.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Sinclair (nee Elwell), of Elk; three children, Ling, Lloyd and Holly Sinclair; two sisters and two brothers.

Friends said Mr. Sinclair's body was cremated and his ashes will be scattered at sea.

- San Francisco Chronicle - Thursday, April 4, 1996