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Monthly Archives: August 2012

The Slocum Challenge Chapter #1

Chapter 1:  “Summertime, And the livin’ is easy” Summertime is almost over, but these Gershwin’s lyrics are as familiar as the post paddle bottles of ibuprofen to most every paddler who is fortunate enough to fall into the Masters category for the upcoming Slocum Challenge. Well, actually, that may not be the case for those … Continue reading »

Categories: Other Adventures | Comments Off on The Slocum Challenge Chapter #1

Welcome Aboard, Steve!

KayakDave.com is excited to announce the addition of Steve A. (pen name: “Boreal Alvik”) to our team of contributing authors. Steve has become a great friend and mentor to Alex and I during our summers at Billington Sea Kayak. His many years of kayak instruction and sales experience will provide the KayakDave.com readership with unique … Continue reading »

Categories: Announcements | Comments Off on Welcome Aboard, Steve!

Werner Paddle Comparison: Shuna vs. Cyprus

The final showdown in our head-to-head comparison of Werner touring paddles will be the Shuna versus the Cyprus. Both of these paddles represent the smaller (with respect to blade area) of Werner’s high-angle touring paddles. The blade area makes these two paddles well suited for smaller paddlers or those looking for a solid stroke with … Continue reading »

Categories: Gear Reviews | 2 Comments

Hurricane Excursion 128 Review

The Deets: Material: Thermoformed ABS Plastic (Trylon) Class: Hybrid Day Touring (Light Touring) Length: 12’ 8” Width: 25.5” Weight: 47 lbs Cockpit Size: 38 x 21 inches Capacity: 275 lbs Hull Type: Moderate U-Shaped Hatches/Bulkheads: Bow and Stern Rudder/Skeg: No Option MSRP: $1199 The Review: Hurricane Aqua Sport made an excellent addition to their lineup … Continue reading »

Categories: Kayak Reviews | 6 Comments

Lincoln Kayaks Quoddy Light Review

The Deets: Materials available in: Kevlar-Fiberglass Hybrid or Kevlar Class: Recreational/Transitional touring Length: 12’ 6” Width: 25” Weight: 33lbs. (hybrid) / 28lbs. (Kevlar) Cockpit Size: 17 x 28.5 inches Hull Type: Shallow V Rudder/Skeg: Rudder Optional MSRP: $2,199 (hybrid) / $2,599 (Kevlar) The Review: Recognized as a classic, the Lincoln Kayaks Quoddy Light is a beautifully handcrafted transitional … Continue reading »

Categories: Kayak Reviews | 3 Comments

Platypus Platy Bottle Review

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stuffed those milk-jug-style gallons of water into the depths of my cockpit before shoving off for a weekend of kayak camping.  Certainly enough times to appreciate that there must be a better way to carry fresh water in your kayak! Those gallon jugs bother me for a … Continue reading »

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Hurricane Tracer 165 Review

The Deets: Material: Thermoformed ABS Plastic (Trylon) Class: Performance Touring Length: 16’ 6” Width: 22” Weight: 50 lbs Cockpit Size: 33 x 18 inches Hull Type: Moderate V Rudder/Skeg: Rudder Optional, Skeg Standard MSRP: $1749 The Review: One of the most affordable performance touring kayaks available, the Hurricane Tracer 165 offers a British-inspired design for … Continue reading »

Categories: Kayak Reviews | 11 Comments

Reasons to Use a Kayak Cockpit Cover

Some kayakers may consider a cockpit cover to be a superfluous piece of paddling gear that’s just plain not worth buying. A younger version of me held hands with these nay-sayers but after many seasons of unnecessary flogging, I’ve decided to change camps. Now, I consider my cockpit cover to be a critical piece of … Continue reading »

Categories: Virtual Instruction | 3 Comments

Duct Tape Kayak Completes 2012 NSRWA Great River Race!

The Duct Tape Kayak, powered by our very own Alex Russo, completed the 2012 NSRWA Great River Race! It took a little over 90 minutes (winning time was 64 minutes) to traverse the near 7-mile course. Despite rain and bow-heavy trim, Alex was able to power to a glorious finish. The Duct Tape Kayak also … Continue reading »

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Trip Report: Newport Lighthouse Tour By Land

Although illness has kept me land-bound this summer I’ve made the point to keep most of my adventures close to the water. This was especially true of a recent weekend escape to Newport, RI where my girlfriend and I spent an afternoon exploring some of the area’s more fabled lighthouses. Newport, RI certainly boasts its … Continue reading »

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