Whitewater Paddling
Where’s the Whitewater? Understanding Whitewater Resources
For good or ill, New England’s rivers aren’t what they once were. Once the heart of the Industrial Revolution, rivers powered early industry and towns and cities were founded on their banks. This led to tremendous economic growth and prosperity, while at the same time changing the character of our rivers forever. Most, if not … Continue reading
Understanding Kayak Outfitting
With so many different makes and models of kayaks out there, it follows that there are just as many types of outfitting. Outfitting is one of the key factors affecting the performance and usability of any kayak. Properly fitted, outfitting allows the efficient transfer of energy from the paddler to the boat, via the paddle … Continue reading
Plastic Fantastic-Choosing a Whitewater Kayak
Anyone interested in getting into whitewater kayaking faces a daunting challenge-which boat is right for you? With all of the different makes, models, shapes and colors, it’s tough to know where to start. There are three questions that I ask anyone who comes into my shop interested in purchasing a whitewater boat: 1) Where will … Continue reading
Whitewater Paddling Tips for Sea Kayakers
There may come the time when you decide to dabble in some whitewater paddling. My adventures in whitewater paddling started when I joined the MIT Outing Club in graduate school. The sea kayaking season had just wrapped up but the whitewater folks were looking for some instructors to volunteer to teach winter pool sessions. This … Continue reading
Bridging the Gap (and Running it Too!)
Anyone that grew up with a big, extended family knows the triumphs and challenges that families, and communities, encounter. There are the firsts and the lasts, and everything in between. As with all of the places one can find water, one can find someone on it in a little boat. Fresh or salt, fast or … Continue reading
Exciting New Whitewater Paddling Gear for 2013!
Spring is in the air here at The Outfitters Shop at Zoar Outdoor. We can’t smell the flowers just yet, but we know what time of year with all of the new whitewater gear hitting the shelves! The 2013 paddling season is primed to be a great one thanks to this assortment of new whitewater … Continue reading
KayakDave.com Introduces Whitewater Category in Collaboration with Zoar Outdoor!
The staff at KayakDave.com is very excited to announce the launch of our new Whitewater Category in collaboration with the folks at Zoar Outdoor! Zoar is based on the Deerfield River in Western Massachusetts and is one of the primer whitewater outfitters in the Northeast. They offer a wide range of services to the paddling … Continue reading