Thoughts from the 2012 Bay Area Paddlefest

Just returned from the 2012 Bay Area Paddlefest.

I am now convinced that events like this are the least effective way to excite people about our sport we love. I watched enthusiastic newcomers leave tired, hungry and confused. It made me sad. Thirty to forty reps all incredibly skillful at showing their products while delicately pointing out a few "items of curiosity" about their competition might not be the best recipe for a newcomer. We mean well. I think all of us reps would like to spend more time training retail staff about products so they can be the best help to the new paddler. The retailer is in the best position to help a new paddler because they know the local waters and can show the products best suited for different locales. I was confused that many of the store employees did not even try the new products that so many companies brought to the beach. There certainly was enough time!

If you are new and interested in getting involved in the wonders of the world of paddlesports I might humbly make some suggestions (ok maybe not as soft and tactful as I would like but this is a blog!)

1. Take a tour, social paddle, sunset paddle or paddling campout with friends or your favorite shop. Do this before a class so that you can just focus on the fun. Get hooked!

2. Think about what you want to do with this sport. Is there a picture in your head of yourself a year from now with your new kayak/canoe/sup? Tell friends, trusted shop employees and family about this "vision".  Maybe they have some insight. A good model that helps me ask customers what is important to them is:

F.I.T   For you (size, skills, aggressiveness, carrying convenience, pocket book)
           Intended Purpose (what are you doing with this boat--camping, fitness, day, tour, fish, etc)
           Type of Water (make sure your craft is safe and equipped for your preferred waterways)

3. Take a class or work on skills you have picked up from your trusted paddlers. Make sure you keep #2 in mind but be open to gaining new aspirations.

4. Rent some boats. Paddle. Paddle. Paddle. Paddle. Paddle. Paddle. read. Paddle. Paddle. Paddle. Be sure to mix 9 parts paddling to 1 part reading/computer "research". I know of a fellow rep who experimented one year by changing the entire internet content of one of his "items". He used friends from all over the country to post reviews and purchased professionals to also swing opinions and add content. Believe me, it happens all the time. Even in the magazines. Especially on the online forums. You can't believe everything you read and those who write it don't know who you are or what is important to you.

5. Buy a boat based upon your assessment with your new found skills once you feel you have reached a reasonable point on the accelerated portion of your "learning curve". Be open to selling this new boat in a year or two. You are not getting married to your first craft. You will only lose 20 to 30% of your investment after 2-3 years if you decide to part with your first boat. Better yet, keep your first boat for friends and family and add to your quiver.

Send the companies you patronized pics, opinions and suggestions regarding your new gear. We will listen and make improvements along the way. 

Eddyline Caribbean Sit On Top

The new 12' Caribbean Sit On Top from Eddyline Kayaks. 12' long, 30" width, 48lbs. Capacity 300lbs.

The first sit on top Caribbean 12' from Eddyline Kayaks is now on the market and Dan Arbuckle (Headwater's Kayak) and I were able to get it out on the water last week. Dan is 6'1" 210 lbs (red jacket) and I am 5'11" 175 lbs (black suit).

Eddyline took a lot of time getting the Caribbean just right and they had plenty of feedback from the various fishing guides and outfitters around the country. You'll notice a very feature rich and customizable deck. The Caribbean comes standard with sliding mounting tracks that can accomodate the plethora of rod holders, GPS mounts, beverage and camera mounts that are on the markets. There are 3 hatches on the Caribbean for plenty of storage and access. Paddle holders on both sides of the boat for quick parking of the paddle. Sea dog footbraces on the rudderless version and stainless footbraces for the ruddered option. The stern tankwell is shaped to fit milk crates and buckets and also comes with optional tankwell cover for drier storage.

One of the coolest features that Eddyline has worked into the Caribbean is that the seat scupper does not drain straight down into the water but is instead plumbed to drain into the forward foot compartment scupper. This means no more splashes straight into your seat and a much drier ride. Add two scupper plugs into paddler's cockpit scupper drains and you have a totally dry ride for colder water paddling when drainage is not needed.

Eddyline's carbon shaft from Swift Paddles has been used to make a "no-pinch handle" that is strong and beautiful.

Hinge Hatch--easy to open and keep open for on water access. Rods can be stored easily down inside the hull for surf landing. The hatch is "gasketed" for dryness.

Notice the small access hatch behind the paddler. Also a really easy place to store a fishing rod for surf landings. This hatch (along with the hatch in the cockpit) also make accessorizing and after market installation of gadgets a snap with the Caribbean.

I really like these nylon seat clips--they are flush and accomodate all the different seat clips that are out on the market. The ruddered version of the Caribbean will come standard with two flush mount rod holders behind the paddler. These can also be ordered on the non ruddered version for additional cost.

Optional rear tank well hatch keeps gear dry and looks way cool!

We have been very pleased with the suction mounts from Ram Mount. Tom placed this on the boat 3 weeks earlier and after a couple trips to the water and various toys attached it was still holding strong! The benefit of the high gloss/low porosity Carbonlite surface.

Track Mounts are excellent for allowing custom placement and choice of your favorite fishing, photography and navigation tools.

Project Ouch!

How tough is that material?

I have heard a lot of mis-truths about thermoforming and the material that Eddyline calls Carbonlite. In a past blog I illustrate how easy Carbonlite is to repair. But how tough is it?

There are many types of abuse and each type has a different outcome on your kayak. Everyone says that a Poly boat is the toughest yet it is the worst for abrasion and UV damage (shape retention and longevity).

For 99% of Eddyline's customers, the current lay-up and material thickness does a great job of balancing the durability vs weight trade-off. Eddyline wanted to remove the light "weight" emphasis that is so important on the market and make a heavy duty version for impact zone paddling and rep abuse. Just how thick of a sheet material to use for impact zone abuse is the question at hand.

I've done most of the things you will see during this season's Project Ouch to my demo boats over the years. They hold up. I decided to have a special Samba made up just for me to abuse. If something does break we will turn it into a chance to learn about repair. Durability of thermoformed boats is just like any other material. How thick of a lay-up? What kind for reinforcements? What kind of abuse?

There is no "best" material but just tradeoffs. I love having a quiver of personal boats so I can choose the right tool for the job without any compromise. In my garage are boats of every material and they all hold up differently depending on the abuse.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF PROJECT OUCH

A Good 'Ol Fire

As snow begins to fall in central oregon there is still reason to get outside and hang on to the last few nights under the stars. Just the other night my close friend Colby had a going away party. He is heading to Hawaii to start up Emotion Kayak's distribution on the islands. Colby is the real deal and he doesn't use an evite to get people to his party. He just sends a photo:

This photo led 100 good friends to a big clearing in the woods. Enough said...

Emotion and Jim Snyder in Japan

http://ameblo.jp/init003/entry-10668830228.html

Eddyline Samba Review

I finally was able to get the Eddyline Samba in some wind and waves. I've been really looking forward to this boat for this type of day paddling. Just messing around near the beach...

Compared to its predecessor, the Merlin LT, it has more generous leg room and a lower back deck. The bow is sharp and cuts right through the waves without being to "sticky" to swing around in a hurry. One of these shots shows how well the water just peels off the bow. A really nice knife like feel.

The Samba had enough acceleration to jump up to cruising speed quickly. Its shorter length and low stern kept it unaffected by wind. I found the stability and edging extremely predictable and when I caught a few of these small waves I was able to easily control the bow and play a little on the way down the wave. I did not need to use the skeg this day at all.

Eddyline Samba in action

Eddyline Samba in Limited Edition Color Sunset Orange

Just picked up the newest kayak from Eddyline. The Samba is gorgeous. Mine weighed in at 42.44 lbs on the climbing gear scale that I use. I'm thrilled with the limited edition color--I'm calling it Sunset.

Rockpool Kayaks now available at Scappoose Bay Kayaks

Scappoose Bay Paddling Center is pleased to now offer the new Rockpool Alaw Bach TCC!

www.scappoosebaykayaking.com

They are even offering a special for the first month!

British Design merges with the best in American kayak manufacturing. The Alaw Bach Thermoformed Composite Construction (TCC) are shipping all over the world as more and more paddlers are realizing the benefits of this type of manufacturing:

• Zero Waste--all extra material is sent back to the supplier of the material. The manufacturing process is much cleaner than a fiberglass production.
• Zero Gel Fractures--the fragile gel exterior of a composite kayak is replaced with a hard acrylic outer skin.
• Automated manufacturing that takes the variability out of the kayak. Uniform thickness (Rockpool uses the thickest material on the market for rough water conditions)
• 52 Lbs
• Ease of Repair--see how easy it is to do HERE . Touch ups, fills, fractures--all much faster than a composite repair

I'll be there June 4th and 5th! Give Scappoose Bay Paddling Center a call for more information.

Western Inventory

Get what you want when you want...

We bring in full container loads to the West to help meet our dealers quick inventory needs with freight savings.

Updated 7.03.10

Bend OR Available Inventory

Emotion Comets-Yellow, Red and Blue

Emotion Spitfires- Yellow, Red and Blue

Emotion Steatlth- mixed colors

Emotion Comotion-red and blue

Grand Slam Angler- Mustard, Yellow, Green

Canoes

Esquif Avalon Green

Esquif Prospector 16 Red and Green

Esquif Presage Yellow and Red

Esquif Heron square stern Green

Esquif Canyon Red

Mistral 16 and 17.5

Burlington WA RubyCreek Boathouse

See www.rubycreekboathouse.blogspot.com

Bend Kayak Sculpture

I happened to go by this new sculpture going up next to the Bend Parks and Rec Castle (I mean office) along the Deshutes River. I had heard about the artist doing this (can't find his/her name). I think Eddyline feels honored that the artist chose their boats to use and they do look pretty cool shooting into the sky. But, I also had some mixed feelings.

The Bend Parks and Rec office in town sits on the most prime real estate in town and this statue is on a roundabout on the way into their parking lot( which is used by many paddlers). The new office was constructed during the economic collapse and it appears that no expense was spared. The park around the building is nice and the geese are going to love the fresh surface. For me, the grace of a kayak or canoe is in its ability to help me escape our cement trappings. They are quiet crafts that allow us to foray into nature and then escape sans footprints. I kind of felt sorry for all these stationary boats that will never feel the water. I guess that is the point of Art...makes you think. And when I go around a roundabout, I'm usually thinking about absolutely nothing. Perhaps most people will pause a moment and wish they were on the water in a kayak instead of in their car. Right before they are rear ended by the car behind them looking into the sky!

If you have heard any of my soap box ramblings on a demo beach then you know that sunshine is the enemy of all of our Gear (including ourselves). I've seen what kayaks look like when stored outside full time for years on end.
Get down and take a look at this while it is still shiny and new. Perhaps I'm over thinking all of this!

Here's a new one...

Alder Creek Bend becomes Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe

Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe changes its name to Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe: New name, same friendly staff serving Central Oregon for over a decade

Bend, OR – It’s official, Tumalo Creek has unveiled its new name, new image and new website in an effort to further emphasize its local ownership and Central Oregon location.

“We are not the same company as Alder Creek anymore,” said owner Geoff Frank who bought the store from the Portland company in the winter of 2008, after serving as general manager for eight years.

Frank wanted to choose a new name that had some continuity with Alder Creek, the river near Portland that flows into the Sandy River, for which the original Portland stores were named.

Tumalo Creek flows into the Deschutes on a section of the river known by local kayakers as the “Riverhouse run,” the stretch from The Riverhouse Hotel & Convention Center to Tumalo State Park.

“I have a lot of fond kayaking memories of that spot where Tumalo meets the Deschutes,” said Frank. “After coming off the Class 4, I like to stop and paddle up Tumalo into this pretty little canyon, and then there is lots of fun, poppy water down below to look forward to.”

This summer, Tumalo Creek will be offering a wide range of beginning flatwater and whitewater kayak classes, summer camps for kids, a music series/demo day the last Wednesday of every month, and a Stand Up Paddleboarding race series every Wednesday in July and August. Please see the website for more details.

About Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe:

Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe has the largest selection of whitewater kayaks, sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, paddleboards and canoes in Central Oregon. We also offer a range of tours and classes to improve your kayaking skills. Whether you want to paddle the whitewater rivers of the Cascades or canoe across placid, high mountain lakes, our super friendly staff of paddlers are here to help. Our locally owned and operated shop is located next to the Colorado Bridge off SW Industrial Way, right on the Deschutes River.

Joys of the Road

Second time in 10 years that the Siskiyou Mountains on I5 south in S. Oregon has gotten the best of me. About 7 years ago I blew a transmission. Today, at literally the exact same place, I felt the drive train come apart under me as I ascended the mtn with F350, 22' enclosed trailer, and Truck Camper all depending on it.

I had seconds to slide over to the shoulder. Then the fun started. For some reason my parking brake was also fried. This meant that I had to sit in my car with both feet on the brake and phone for help. Thanks to the State Patrol Officer that arrived to help "block" the tires. Forty minutes later the super sized tow truck was there. I love AAA RV Plus Plan!!!!

They towed me up the pass and then turned around and descended back to Medford OR to Crater Lake Ford. I was reminded by Crater Lake Ford that there are still some folks out there that truly practice the art of customer service. Totally awesome. One thing led to another and the White F350 that has been with me for 218,000 miles was traded for a slightly used F450. Bigger!!!!!

The irony of what it takes to promote human powered craft all over the west.

Pic taken from below the truck on the side of I5

Stohlquist Descent PFD and Add -a Buoy

Descent $199.95
Stohlquist's newest rescue pfd features so many new design elements from Stohlquist:

• Wrapture Foam--the ultra soft foam has been cut pre-curved to fit your body. The jacket molds right to your body even before tightening down the signature cross chest "cinch strap".
• Contoured and Reinforced Nail Cloth Shoulders: The shoulders curve away from the neck to avoid unwanted contact. Free floating with counter suspension secures the jacket against the body.
• Self-Centering 1 1/2" black oxidized stainless O-Ring
• High Capacity, self expanding front pocket will fit camera, Stohlquist Bullet Bag Throwbags or added bouyancy Add-a Buoy (see below).
  
• Ventilated lumber pad
• Gripp-Loc rubberized surface interior non-slip panel for zero ride up.
  

Stohlquist Add-A-Buoy $24.95

• Increases "face-up" tendency and adds floatation in rough conditions.
• Can also improve fit of the Descent.

Stohlquist Bullet Bags Sea Tow $54.95 WW Bullet Bag $49.95

WW Bullet Bag

Rockpool Alaw Bach

First Rockpool Alaw Bach MSRP $2999


Thermoformed Deck and Hull. Extra thickness and strength for the rough and tumble.




First US Dealer: Penguin Paddlers Redding and Rocklin CA

Why we don't paddle

Why We Don’t All Paddle. Why We Never Will.



Chances are if you are an avid paddler you have at one point evangelized the sport to everyone you know. “You just HAVE to come kayaking with us up to the lake…” If you have done enough of this you have found that it is not easy pulling a human off the couch. Who is to blame them? Couches are super comfortable. They usually have food close by and are a wonderful vista for tv watching.



It takes a lot to get to the water with a kayak or canoe. If I’m after exercise, I can be on my bike and back home before I’d even get the boat off the car at the put-in. The paddle outing is an Excursion. It is just waiting for an excuse to not be executed. Too hot, too cold, too windy, too much time, too much to do. At the checkout counter of life, paddling is not an impulse buy. You can just put it off until next time, the next season or never. It is like the garbage bags you keep forgetting to pick up at the store. Maybe next time.



Accessibility. The greater the access the more likely you will find paddlers. I was once amazed at how few kayaks sell in the Bay Area of CA. There seems to be water everywhere. However, access is sparse, roads are crowded and very few live right on the water. Way too much work to just go relax on the water. The fastest growing kayak segment in this area is kayak fishing. These enthusiasts are used to working a bit to get out on the water. For them, launching a kayak is way faster than their old motorized fishing boat. Now they are saving time and easing their access to water. Their access has improved through the kayak.


I use a few tricks to improve my chances of getting out on the water. I try to keep a boat on the car and gear in the back as much as possible. I motivate myself by knowing that it doesn’t take much to be the only one out on the water. I’ll drive further, endure a little weather and stay out later. While I’m cruising along on the water by myself I now take delight that the bicycle is easier for most and the couch is even easier.

River Retreat Sunday and Monday

The River Retreat was a blast. We had perfect weather for five straight days. I was so happy that so many people were willing to take time and travel to get together. The conversations that erupt when so many passionate people get together to share in the sports and business we love.

I understand that many shops are still busy or had other plans but what could be better than this...

I took about 60 pics of Tom Strauss from Emotion. He was smiling in every one of them. Try doing that with someone else you know. I bet Tom wins everytime.


One of the many basecamps to hang out in.

Ed Vater from Bending Branches and Aquabound Paddles showed up with Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and some great stories up northern Wisconsin Christmas BBQs. Ed made a lot of friends with these delectables.

Moon Mountain Ramblers rocked

My Dad showed these Northwesterners how to steam 50 head of corn at once over a fire. They were perfect.

Tom liked the 30 lbs of Salmon. We enjoyed fresh Salmon all week.


A highlight for me was paddling with Tom Derrer from Eddyline Kayaks. We huffed and puffed our way upstream before enjoying the lazy float downstream.