Werner Paddle Comparison: Shuna vs. Cyprus

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Kayak Dave

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 a little less impact. Both paddles feature Werner’s adjustable ferrule system and come in a variety of options (small shaft, neutral-bent shaft, various lengths, ect). Here are the head-to-head deets:

The Shuna:

Layup: Carbon shaft with fiberglass blades (Premium); Carbon shaft with carbon blades (Performance)

Weight: 27.5oz (Premium); 26.5oz (Performance)

Blade Size: 610cm2

Cost (MSRP):  $275 (Premium); $350 (Performance)

Feel on the water: The Shuna is Werner’s most popular high angle paddle and it’s easy to see why. After paddling with the larger-bladed Correyvrecken, I was pleasantly surprised by the stability of the Shuna; there was hardly any flutter to speak of! This paddle also provided a reliable brace and oh-is-it-light!

The Cyprus:

Layup: Carbon shaft with carbon performance core blades (Performance Core).

Weight: 24oz

Blade Size: 610cm2

Cost: $400

Feel on the water: The first word that came to mind after paddling with the Cyprus was: efficiency! You can feel the power and stability in this paddle but, unlike the larger-bladed Ikelos, it won’t tire you out. The Cyprus defines smooth transitions, solid braces, and light-weight oh-so-goodness!

The Winner:

This was the closest match-up yet and I feel tempted to call it a tie! It’s like splitting hairs to try to differentiate between the Shuna and the Cyprus when comparing how they feel on the water. On the one hand, the stability of the Shuna’s forward stroke wasn’t compromised by the lack of foam core like the Correyvrecken was in our last match-up. However, one could also make the argument that the foam-core Cyprus provides slightly more reliable brace. To me, they’re both great paddles and in this case I’ll go with the Cyprus for the weight savings!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed our comparison of Werner’s touring paddles! Check back for full reviews of each of these great paddles as they become available!

-Kayak Dave

 

Categories: Gear Reviews | 2 Comments

Hurricane Excursion 128 Review

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Kayak Dave

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 of hybrid-day touring (light touring) kayaks this Spring with the addition of the Excursion 128. This model was brought on to replace the Expedition 128 and I’m happy to report that the drastic design changes resulted in a far superior craft!

The Hurricane Excursion 128 is 12ft, 8in long and has a beam of 25.5in which places it firmly in the light-touring class. Like all Hurricane kayaks it’s constructed of thermal-formed ABS plastic called Tryon. In general, thermal-formed plastic is as durable, more UV/ heat resistant, lighter, and stiffer than the traditional polyethylene used in roto-molded kayaks. With that said, the gauge (thickness) of the Trylon used across the Hurricane lineup tends to be less than that used by other thermal-formed manufacturers such as Eddyline. This translates into a lighter but more flexible and, therefore, slightly less efficient craft. Surprisingly, The Excursion 128 weighs in at 47lbs which is not super light for a thermal-formed kayak in this class but still manageable to shoulder and car-top.

I’ve found the Excursion 128 to be worlds ahead of the old Expedition 128 in respect to both tracking and efficiency. Despite only having ~12ft of waterline, the Excursion 128 tracks as if it’s on rails. This is in stark contrast to the Expedition 128 which had more than some difficulty going straight! The Excursion 128 hull also displays a more moderate U-shaped design with reduced beam and volume when compared to the Expedition 128. These positive changes become evident in just how much easier and efficient it is to paddle! The trade-off is a slight reduction in primary stability but this was hardly evident after 10 minutes of paddling and adds to the improved speed. Overall, the hull dynamics of the Excursion 128 are fairly comparable to the Current Design Vision 120SP and the Epic GPX. However, the $1199 MSRP may make the Excursion 128 an attractive alternative to these composite models for folks who need to mind their wallet!

Unfortunately, many of the flaws in the Excursion 128 can be found in the outfitting. I’m a big fan of the generous (but not overly so) cockpit size which allows you to retain that feeling of “wearing the kayak” without feeling jammed into it. However, the seat and thigh-braces need some work. I found that the seat used in the Excursion 128 is less comfortable (more rigid) than earlier Hurricane seats and sub-par when compared to others on the market. The seat-back raises a good 4-5 inches above the cockpit rim and it really gets in the way when attempting re-entry. The thigh-braces are simple, sticky-backed, foam pads which match the “hybrid feel” of the cockpit but could be replaced by more contoured and performance-oriented pads to take this boat to the next level. My final note on the outfitting highlights the exceptionally small (day-hatch-sized) forward hatch opening which impedes proper access to that space for gear storage. A standard-sized front hatch should be considered on future iterations of this craft.

Most of my paddling in the Excursion 128 has been on flat water in light conditions. It’s clear that the Excursion 128 excels in this sort of environment and would be well-suited for beginner and intermediate paddlers looking to explore lakes, rivers and estuaries. Based on its exceptional tracking and good stability, I’m confident that this craft would also perform well in light, near-coastal conditions. The minimal rocker makes me feel like it could become a wet and bumpy ride if conditions got too big (2-3ft seas, maybe). The addition of a nylon spray deck could help compensate for this at bit. Overall, the Excursion 128 is very nice to paddle and offers a great alternative to the Current Design Vision 120SP for budget-minded paddlers!

-Kayak Dave

Pros: Affordable price point, excellent tracking and efficiency, good cockpit size, Made in USA

Cons: Sub-par cockpit outfitting (especially the seat), small front hatch opening impedes access

Demo Notes: I have test paddled the Excursion 128 exclusively in calm, flat water conditions.

Kayak Dave Rating:

Categories: Kayak Reviews | 6 Comments

Lincoln Kayaks Quoddy Light Review

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Alex Russo

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 touring kayak built in Freeport Maine. Using their unique Paddle-Lite® construction process, Lincoln combines over fifty years of canoe and kayak construction to bring consumers strong, stable, and lightweight kayaks. The Quoddy Light is no exception to this. Built with Maine-pride and incomparable quality, the Quoddy Light is one of the lightest, most versatile kayaks available today.

The Quoddy Light’s performance is reminiscent of a much longer kayak. It tracks well for a 12’6” craft and does not shy away from agile, clean, and predicable turns. Its overall stability is forgiving and allows for an enjoyable paddling experience for experienced and novice kayakers alike. The Quoddy’s initial stability is rock-solid, predictable, and provides a smooth transition for maximized maneuverability. When brought on edge, the Quoddy is exceptionally responsive to lean turns. Unlike many kayaks in the recreational/transitional category which emphasize primarily on initial stability, the Quoddy’s shallow “V” shaped hull allows for a subtle yet predictable transition to secondary-final stability.

Kayak Dave taking the Quoddy for a spin

Outfitted with both front and rear bulkheads/hatches, the Quoddy is great for day trips on the harbor or protected bay. Cruising around coastal waters, exploring estuaries, or meandering through tight rivers are all places where the Quoddy will excel. The front hatch and bulkhead not only provide extra dry-storage, but adds additional fore-and-aft buoyancy.

Many kayaks in this class are outfitted with large, spacious cockpits. Designed to fit women and smaller framed paddlers, the Quoddy Light has a small, more performance-oriented cockpit. Measuring at only 17” by 28.5,” the cockpit dimensions are smaller than that of many sea kayaks. While the smaller cockpit is very comfortable and is nicely padded for thigh support, the less-spacious size may deter new paddlers who fear an “enclosed” sensation. For medium to larger sized paddlers, check out the Quoddy Light’s 14’6″ brother, the Chebeague.

The Quoddy Light is one of the most comfortable recreational/transitional kayaks I have ever paddled. It is outfitted with a Valley Canoe foam seat and an adjustable neoprene back band. In addition, the Quoddy can be further customized for padders by using minicell foam blocks.

Overall, the Lincoln Kayaks Quoddy Light comes highly recommended for any kayaker looking for a lightweight, stable, maneuverable, and comfortable boat. Available in a variety of color options and two lightweight composite layups, the Quoddy is designed to turn heads on the water while providing an enjoyable paddling experience.

Pros: lightweight construction, predictable primary and final stability, comfortable seat outfitting, maneuverable, tracks well for a shorter craft, Made in USA, smaller cockpit*

Cons: Smaller cockpit*

*This feature proves to be contradictory for a few reasons. While the smaller cockpit provides refined support on the water for lean turns and boat control, it is also a limitation for individuals who do not like tighter feeling kayaks. All aspects considered, this is still a kayak which falls on the recreational end of transitional touring.  Typically, individuals looking to emerge into paddling for the first time prefer a wider, more spacious cockpit. Lincoln’s Chebeague, designed for larger paddlers, has the same cockpit dimensions.

UPDATE (8-23-2013): Lincoln Kayaks is releasing a Quoddy Light LV for the 2014 season.

See Also: Current Designs Vision 120 SP

See Also: Stellar Kayaks S12

-Alex

Categories: Kayak Reviews | 3 Comments

Platypus Platy Bottle Review

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Kayak Dave

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 lot of reasons including that they’re liable to leak after being opened, not very collapsible when empty, and nearly impossible to stow anywhere except in that space in front of your footpegs.  Thankfully, the folks at Platypus Hydration were on the same page and presented that “better way”!

The Platypus Platy Bottle is a 2 liter water storage system that will put a smile on the face of many kayak campers! The bottle features 100% BPA-free and taste-free polyethylene plastic that weighs in at up to 80% less than a hard bottle of equal volume. Empty, the bottle weighs a scant 1.3oz and fully collapses to about the size of place setting (fork, spoon and knife in a napkin). A threaded spout seals the contents in and accepts a variety of caps including the Platypus closure cap, hyperflow (sports bottle) cap, and drink-tube kit. At an MSRP of $13 they’re about the same cost as a standard Nalgene but with twice the capacity.

This water bottle seams simple but it’s a real dream for a kayak camper. First off, the threaded cap helps to prevent the leaks that happen all-to-often with the push-on caps of the gallon jugs. When coupled with the drink-tube kit the Platy Bottle can be utilized like a Camelbak for hydrating en route. Second, an empty Platy Bottle takes up hardly any space making it an attractive addition to your bail out kit. Finally, full Platy Bottles are small and flexible enough to stow in your forward and day hatches to better disperse the weight of your fresh water supply and to keep it from shifting around during the trip.

I’ve found the Platy Bottle to be a surprisingly durable and versatile solution to my freshwater needs while kayaking. They’re certainly far superior to hard-plastic bottles based on their high “packability.” The 2L size seems good for this reason but the downside is that you need to carry at least 2 per-person-per-day to meet your hydration needs. Larger groups may consider the more voluminous Platy Water Tank which is available in 4L and 6L sizes. I’m sure that wear and tear will catch up eventually but after one full season mine are still going strong. Also, I’ve only used them for water storage so I can’t comment on whether or not they retain odors if you were to put a sports drink or juice in one. I did notice that Platypus makes special bottles for wine but I understand this has something to do with keeping the wine fresh and free from oxidation more than anything.

Anyway, this is a great product and I highly recommend kicking those bulky, plastic jugs and picking up a Platy Bottle or two for your next kayaking adventure!

-Kayak Dave

Pros:Lightweight (1.3oz), collapsible, versatile, no leaks.

Cons: Questionable long-term durability, need a few to meet hydration needs.

Kayak Dave Rating:

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Hurricane Tracer 165 Review

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Alex Russo

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 half the price of a traditional composite sea kayak. I personally paddled the Hurricane Tracer for over two years as an instructing/guide kayak and for recreational, day tripping, and skill development. As my first touring kayak, the Hurricane Tracer helped me develop important skills as a paddler and provided both performance and stability in a variety of conditions.

At 16.5 feet, the designers at Hurricane developed a hull with a moderate V-shape and subtle rocker. This type of hull is most commonly found on British-style touring kayaks. The moderate rocker hull offers great final stability while allowing for effortless carving. New paddlers may feel overwhelmed by the handling of the Hurricane Tracer because it has a fairly tender initial stability. Upon first sitting in the Tracer, one may feel that its initial stability is very twitchy and may even discourage some novice paddlers. After becoming familiar with the handling characteristics of the Tracer, its performance is impressive. With rock-solid final stability and graceful maneuverability; the Tracer provides paddlers with a playful ride.

The Tracer 165 is outfitted with a plastic molded seat, Mountain Surf back band, fore and aft bulkhead/hatches, an elongated keyhole cockpit, and an integrated drop-skeg. Unlike many performance touring kayaks, the Tracer comes with Hurricane’s own hatch covers rather than Valley Canoe or KajakSport brand hatches. The Hurricane hatch covers provide a water-tight seal, and are easily removed and put on. If one needs to replace the factory hatches or prefers a more traditional look, the Tracer hatch rims are compatible with KajakSport hatches. The drop-skeg is effortless. Although the drop-skeg is cable controlled, it has a smooth action and has a very reliable construction.

In terms of performance, the Tracer handles rougher ocean conditions very well, and even provides a fun, enjoyable ride in surf. The Tracer 165 is prone to weather-cocking (when a forward moving kayak points into strong wind), making the drop-skeg a necessary feature in windy conditions. The Tracer is not the fastest kayak in the fleet although it offers both comfort and efficiency.

Overall, the Hurricane Tracer 165 is a great option for those who want dependable touring performance without the price tag. The stiff, durable construction has both the look and on-water feel of a much more expensive boat…at half the price. Although the Tracer’s primary stability is rather unforgiving, it offers great performance for a diversity of kayaking skills. This touring kayak would be best fit for medium to larger sized paddlers weighing between 150-220lbs.

Pros: very affordable price point, lightweight and durable thermoform design, maneuverability, quality skeg system, spacious elongated cockpit, comfortable seat and back band, Made in USA

Cons: Initial primary stability is tender, prone to weather-cocking

Demo Notes: I have test paddled the Tracer 165 in a variety of conditions ranging from clam flatwater to rough open-ocean conditions.

-Alex

Categories: Kayak Reviews | 11 Comments

Reasons to Use a Kayak Cockpit Cover

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Kayak Dave

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 gear. Here are three reasons why:

1.       Cockpit covers keep water and critters out

Image Property of Seals Sprayskirts

The main reason to use a cockpit cover is to keep water and various critters out of your cockpit during times of storage and transport. Wanting to keep water out is obvious. Even though kayaking is a watersport it’s just plain not fun to pull up to the launch and sponge out our cockpit to avoid shoving off in a wet seat!

Even less fun is jumping into your cockpit and finding out that it was already occupied. I’ve seen just about every critter you could imagine crawl (or fly) out of a kayaking including: bees, spiders, mice, birds, snakes, and even a skunk! A cockpit cover will certainly not provide Fort-Knox-like security but it will certainly go a long way towards deterring these types of critters from setting up shop in your office!

2.       Cockpit covers turn your cockpit into a MEGA hatch on overnights

A cockpit cover can turn your kayak’s cockpit into a huge hatch to store your gear (PFD, spray skirt, dry top, ect) on overnights. I always make sure that my gear finds a home in either my tent or (preferably) in my cockpit before I turn in for the night. This prevents it from getting soaked in an overnight rainstorm or at the hand of the morning dew. Also, it can help keep bugs off of the gear (like ticks or no-see-ums). One piece of gear that I always keep by my side (in my tent) is my paddle. Some may call it paranoia; I call it insurance!

3.       Cockpit covers increase your gas mileage

Ok…you’ve got me…the miniscule increase in gas mileage gained from your cockpit cover will hardly put a dent in the mileage lost from having a GIANT sea kayak on the roof of your car! However, the cockpit cover does cut down slightly on road noise and can provide for a place to store your paddle while in transit. Word from the wise: make sure that you buy a cockpit cover with a security strap or clip to prevent it from blowing off and away on the highway!

There are dozens of different brands of cockpit covers on the market and they all do exactly the same thing. I’m a fan of the Cockpit Seals variety but that’s mostly because I’ve been a Seals Sprayskirt sort of guy over the years. If you’re in a pinch or still don’t want to spend the money then consider using a trash bag and an extra piece of rope as a make-shift cockpit cover. Once you’ve used a cockpit cover (or witnessed a skunk crawl out of your boat) you’ll never leave it behind again!

-Kayak Dave

Categories: Virtual Instruction | 3 Comments

Duct Tape Kayak Completes 2012 NSRWA Great River Race!

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Kayak Dave

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 took home the “best in show” award!


The Duct Tape Kayak was a big hit and received a lot of attention from participants and the local media. Read more and view pictures at the following links:

2012 Great River Race article featuring the Duct Tape Kayak: Patriot Ledger

2012 Great River Race article featuring the Duct Tape Kayak: Boston Globe

2012 Great River Race photo gallery featuring the Duct Tape Kayak: Boston.com

Photo by Emily Files, Boston Globe Correspondent

Best of all,  we were able to raise another $150.00 for Stand Up 2 Cancer! A special thanks to Jack and Nanci Lamarre for their very generous donation. We’re now within sight of our fundraising goal but we won’t make it without your help and support. Check back soon for our updated schedule of events including our second race of the year where the revamped Duct Tape Kayak is sure to perform better than ever!

-Kayak Dave

Click here to donate to the Kayak Dave’s Duct Tape Kayak team and help support Stand Up 2 Cancer!

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Trip Report: Newport Lighthouse Tour By Land

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Kayak Dave

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 fair share of historic lighthouses. There are four within the city limits alone (Castle Hill, Lime Rock, Goat Island, and Rose Island) and close to a dozen if you include those stationed in the surrounding villages and towns. We were lucky enough to visit three during our trip and here is what we learned:

Beavertail Lighthouse, Jamestown, RI

Our first stop was at the historic Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, RI. (Granted, this lighthouse is not in Newport but it was in the close vicinity and hard to pass up!) Beavertail Lighthouse was established in 1749 at Beavertail Point on the southern tip of Conanicut Island (Jamestown). How did this lighthouse get its name you ask? Well, if you were to look down on the southern half of Conanicut Island from space then you’d see the rough outline of a beaver with the lighthouse sitting on the tip of its tail! It was the 3rd lighthouse to be built in the American colonies after Boston Harbor Light (1716) and Nantucket’s Brant Point Light (1746). This lighthouse serves to mark both the east and west entrances to Narragansett Bay and to keep mariners off the rocks at Beavertail.

Meaghan and the Beavertail Lighthouse

Originally the land on which the lighthouse sits at Beavertail was owned by the great grandfather of Benedict Arnold. However, when the lighthouse was first built in 1749, the population of Jamestown was dominated by native Narragansetts who would naturally become the first keepers of the light. The original, circular tower stood 69 ft tall and was designed by the renowned Newport architect Peter Harrison. The present lighthouse was built in 1865 and sits back 100ft inland of its original location. It consists of a 45ft tall, white, square tower built of granite blocks. Beavertail Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation maintained by the US Coast Guard (3rd oldest still remaining in operation behind Sandy Hook, NJ, 1764 and Boston Harbor, rebuild in 1784). The light utilizes a modern optic that flashes a white beam every 6 seconds.

Click here for more information on Beavertail State Park

Castle Hill Lighthouse, Newport, RI

We stumbled across the next lighthouse on our list during our mid-afternoon tour of Ocean Drive in Newport. Castle Hill, the western-most point in Newport, served as the site of a watchtower was early as 1740. Discussion about building a permanent lighthouse began in 1869 but building was stalled by a land ownership dispute. Alexander Agassiz owned a summer home on the Castle Hill property and denied the government an easement to the lighthouse site until 1889 when he finally folded and sold a right of way for land-based construction. The lighthouse, designed by HH Richardson, was completed a year later in 1890.

Castle Hill Lighthouse (Under Construction)

Castel Hill Lighthouse continues to mark the rocks along the east passage of Narragansett Bay on the approach to Newport Harbor.  The light is now automated to blink red for three seconds and the land is now maintained by the Castel Hill Inn and Resort. Right of way is granted to the public via an ocean-side path that starts at the southern end of the Resort parking lot. It’s definitely worth checking out as the vista offers panoramic views of Narragansett Bay. Meaghan and I discovered a pair of lawn chairs on the rocks next to the lighthouse where we watched as dozens of sailboats make their way through the bay!

Lime Rock (Ida Lewis) Lighthouse, Newport, RI

The last lighthouse on our Newport Lighthouse tour was the Lime Rock Lighthouse in Newport’s Inner Harbor. Lime Rock Light, later dedicated Ida Lewis Light, stands as a memorial to the most celebrated lighthouse keeper in American history! Idawalley Zoradia Lewis was the daughter of the original keeper of Lime Rock Light and took over keeper responsibilities at the age of 16 after her father suffered a stroke. As a young girl, she was touted as being one of the strongest rowers and swimmers in Newport! Her record as a lifesaver leaves little doubt to her athletic accolades as she was officially credited with saving 18 lives in service of Lime Rock Light (although she may have actually saved upwards of 35 lives). Her most notable rescue involved saving two soldiers from drowning in frigid waters after their rowboat capsized in March 1869. This earned her a gold congressional medal for lifesaving and secured her place in American lifesaving lore!

Lantern at the Lime Rocks (Ida Lewis) Lighthouse

The original lighthouse was built in 1857 on the largest of the Lime Rocks located 900ft from the southern shores of Newport Inner Harbor. The tower consisted of a narrow brick column attached to the keepers house which held a small lantern in the a second story alcove. The “lighthouse” is now home to the Ida Lewis Yacht Club which services the lantern in the original tower from May through October. Meaghan and I were lucky enough to get a tour of the property from the club’s bar tender; another example of how a good camera can make you look official!!!

-Kayak Dave

Trip Details:

Location: Jamestown and Newport, RI

Highlights: Flying kites at Beavertail State Park, Panoramic views at Castle Hill, Watching the sailboats from Lime Rock, Ocean Drive

Good Eats:  Lucia Italian Restaurant (Gluten Free options), 186 Thames Street  Newport, RI

Kayak Dave Rating:

Map:

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Yakima Releases Sleek & Sexy “Whispbar” J-Cradle

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Alex Russo

Tailored toward the BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi drivers of the kayaking world. Oregon based roof-rack manufacturer, Yakima, recently unveiled their newest product. The Whispbar is an aerodynamic and fuel efficient line of roof racks designed to take the “utilitarian” out of cargo loading.

The newest addition to the Whispbar family of products are Yakima’s sleek and sexy J-Cradles. Watch the video as Joel Grabenstein talks about the premium new product.

-Alex

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Photo of the Week: “Who Needs a Paddle?”

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Kayak Dave

The “unofficial champs” of the 2012 NSRWA Great River Race would have to be these two fellows in their green canoe. No, their canoe wasn’t made of duct tape but they did manage to get 7 miles “up the creek” with only one paddle! Alex reported running into these guys early in the race when their front paddle fell apart. They attempted to tape the pieces together using some of the extra duct tape that Alex has with him. There was nothing that was going to save their paddle expect their winning attitude! Who needs a stinkin’ paddle anyway?!?!

Notes: The photo was taken with my Cannon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR camera with EF-S 55-250mm lens . The camera was set to aperture priority with f/8, a shutter speed of 1/250s,  and ISO 100. The focal length was 250mm,

-Kayak Dave

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