Pak Boat 16

Folding canoes and kayaks are becoming a wiser decision with fuel prices jumping and our living spaces getting smaller. I started repping PakBoats this year and after several months of playing with the product I have to say that I'm quite satisfied. My interest started as I was searching for the perfect boat to pull behind my bicycle for the "green tour" that I'm planning. The green tour has been delayed slightly as I await a new Bicycle Trailer from Equinox Bicycle Trailers (http://www.equinoxtrailers.com/) and try to line up dog care while I'm away. The Equinox trailer is ideal because it will break down and fit into a carrying case for bus or train travel!

It took me about 1 hour to put this boat together for the first time but I think that part of the delay was that at the demo I was at putting it together I was stalled several times by interested customers...all asking how long it took me to put it together! I think I could now put the boat together in less than 25 minutes. I have now paddled the boat solo and tandem and I really like the performance. The optional padded knee pads are a must if you are going to kneel. The provided seats are quite comfortable. I would not hesitate to take this boat on any canoeing adventure. It is quick to respond, quite stable and easily solo paddled even in wind.

Flathead Lake Wayfarer's Park

After 9 years, Mother Nature finally decided to deliver the good weather for the Flathead Lake Paddlefest. Five of the regional stores work together to put on this event to promote the fun of paddling at one of my favorite work spots on the circuit--Wayfarer's Park, Flathead Lake MT. Silvermoon Kayak Company, Whitefish Sea Kayaking, Rocky Mountain Outfitters, Sportsman Ski Haus and Glacier Sea Kayaking should all be complimented on playing nicely together on the same plot of sand. Unfortunately, the park restricted access as the park filled up. Talk about an external limitation! Shame on MT Dept Fish and Wildlife! There was plenty of parking all over the park still available and we were not overwhelmed on the beach.

Highlights:

1. Dubside came over from Seattle to share his passion and skills for Greenland Style Paddling.

2. Emotion's Grand Slam was a big hit with the aspiring kayak fisherman. My personal review of the boat to come soon.

3. No British enthused Romany/NDK paddlers chose to race their boats for $500 against the Fathom. Dang! I could have used the gas money!

4. I put together the Pak Boat 16 Canoe and paddled out into the 3 foot waves and wind. The boat handled perfectly.

5. I stayed an extra day to hang out in this great park and for once take some time to paddle and play some guitar at one of the cool spots I travel to.