Race Report: Kawnivore 100

Posted:  October 27th, 2011 by:  admin comments:  0
Race Report:  Kawnivore 100

By Paul Cox

The first annual Kawnivore lived up to its billing

Those of us who rush to paddle our local rivers after work and every other chance we get do so, I’m guessing, because we enjoy the rhythm of the paddling motion. The sensation of propelling yourself through the water as quickly as you can by channeling your effort in the most efficient manner is energizing. The sound of the paddle jabbing the water, the blade slicing toward and away from you as you rotate in the seat and pull, and the clean swishing sound the water makes as it slides off your paddle as you lift is joy. Repeat. Repeat. It’s a good feeling … but, unfortunately, there would be very little of that during the first annual Kawnivore paddle race July 22-23. At least there wouldn’t be much of that in succession.

The temperature in Manhattan, KS, according to the digital sign at a local bank, hit 105 degrees a few hours before the start of the race. God knows what the heat index was. I was too scared to find out. Even though we’d race through the night, I knew there would be enough time for the heat to melt my will to paddle in the incredibly shallow water of the Kaw River.

Because the Missouri River has been at flood stage for so long, the faucets essentially had been turned off in those rivers that feed it. The Kaw River (the Native American name for the West-to-East ribbon of water that now is named the Kansas River) dumps into the Missouri, so paddlers knew this race would be no float trip. We were going to have to earn every one of the 94 miles.

Still, more than 124 boats had registered for the race. Paddlers lined up for the start in the Blue River maybe 100 meters from its confluence with the Kaw in Manhattan. The race would end in Lawrence, KS. The multi-person and solo female boats began at 5:30 p.m. The solo males — my group — took to the line at 5:45 p.m. and sat in our boats waiting for the 6 p.m. start. I figured those in my group would burst off the line in an all-out sprint to catch a ride on the wake offered by the fast tandems that had a 30-minute head start. I prepared to suffer. Then, as nervous energy built, I began tightening and tinkering around with my rigging, lighting, GPS, etc. Bad idea. The start was just a few minutes away when I snapped my bow light clean off! Good Lord!! I couldn’t possibly miss the start! I paddled my kayak to the shore where, thanks to the generosity of another racer who happened to be stowing a full roll of duct tape in his cockpit, I was able to tape down my light just good enough so it didn’t drag in the water. Good for now, I thought.
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On A SUP Down The Mississippi: An Interview with Dave Cornthwaite

Posted:  June 17th, 2011 by:  admin comments:  1
On A SUP Down The Mississippi:  An Interview with Dave Cornthwaite

Adventurer Dave Cornthwaite is already in Minnesota and is set to begin the next leg of his Expedition 1000 project on Monday. Expedition 1000 consists of twenty-five separate journeys with each being in excess of 1000 miles and each being a human-powered endeavor. The project will have Dave touching on every continent, crossing the three major oceans and reaching both poles. We caught up with Dave this morning for a little Q&A about gear, staying connected and plans for the future! Best of luck Dave!

We recently followed along with your tandem bike ride, how does SUPing down the Mississippi compare?
There’s a world of difference between travelling on road and on water. Sure, there will be some gigantic oil tankers to deal with towards the end of the Mississippi but I won’t have to worry about cars knocking me off every few seconds. On the river I come into contact with so much wildlife, it’s a more peaceful way to travel. There are still challenges, but the prospect of SUPing 2400 miles fills me with excitement, I can’t wait to start on Monday.

Of all of the adventures (past and future), is there one that you are most looking forward to?
I guess I make a living from the stories my journeys generate but I refuse to travel just for the sake of ticking another 1000-mile effort off my list. I’m looking forward to each expedition in its own way, but the very nature of doing these things takes me out of my comfort zone so I’m excited about the major challenges: paragliding across the Himalayas, rowing the Indian Ocean, taking a pedalo across the Pacific. Right now though, my head is all focused on the Mississippi. Continue Reading

2011 Teva Summer Games – Registration Opens February

Posted:  February 22nd, 2011 by:  Ty comments:  0
2011 Teva Summer Games – Registration Opens February

**2011 SUMMER REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 2011**

The Teva Mountain Games are the country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, art and music and they return to Vail, June 2-5, 2011.

Professional and amateur athletes from around the world converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail to compete in eight sports and 24 disciplines for more than $100,000 in prize money. This year’s sporting events include kayakingraftingmountain bikingroad cycling,World Cup Boulderingamateur climbingfly fishingstand up paddlingtrail running and ahalf  marathon.

Lifestyle components include the Mountain Click Photo Competition, the Outside Adventure Film SchoolOutdoor Reels Film FestivalMountains of Music free concerts and the Teva Mountain Ball. The weekend is rounded out by the Gear Town and Green Light District expo areas and the interactive family zone, Adventure Village.

The Teva Mountain Games are a project of the Vail Valley Foundation.

Video: First Descent of Peru’s Rio Huallaga

Posted:  December 19th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Video:  First Descent of Peru’s Rio Huallaga

One of a kind adventures do still exist in the world! This video is from the Kayak Telluride team as they made a first descent of the Rio Huallaga in Peru. The river was the last major tributary of the Amazon River yet to be navigated.

Thanks to The Adventure Blog for the heads up on this one

Winter Kayak Training In South Dakota

Posted:  December 1st, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Winter Kayak Training In South Dakota

Having raced on Team Adventure World Magazine, Paulette Kirby is preparing to return to Patagonia early next year to compete in one of the world’s most challenging adventure races. So, how does one prepare for such an event? For starters, you head out on the water during the winter in South Dakota for a paddle workout. Thanks to Randy Ericksen for the video.

Astral Green Jacket Rescue PFD

Posted:  September 20th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Astral Green Jacket Rescue PFD

Astral GreenJacket Rescue PFD
By Susan Hollingsworth

For kayakers who flirt with the boundaries set by nature, Astral’s Greenjacket Rescue PFD prepares them for anything.  Need to rappel to look at that waterfall?  How about grab that rope quickly for a rescue?  Greenjacket is there.  

An avid whitewater padder knows that having a PFD that is comfortable and functional make descending more difficult runs easier.  It might be the lifted weight of having a…

Quick access lash tab for your knife
Protective reinforced flotation along the torso and spine
A specific pocket for a throw rope
Another pocket for a web tow
Spectra safety loop integrated into frame for a harness system up to 1100 lb strength

Aside from all the practical and functional features Astral went ahead and added in extra features to make the jacket more form fitting and comfortable to wear.  Get rid of the idea that a life jacket feels like a corset.  Elastic in the back and separate foam panels for upper and lower torso in the front increase mobility in every direction.  It tightens around, down and up; creating unlimited custom fits.  

The Greenjacket even works for the ladies, whose upper bodies are…well…not the same shape as guy’s.  

Keeping with the idea that paddling rivers might be one of the most fun activities, Astral’s designers have released Limited Edition styles and colors.  Who says technical gear has to be ugly?  

About Susan:
Susan paddles with the some of the country’s most talented female whitewater kayakers, known as the Femme 45 girls. On some of the hardest runs in the Pacific Northwest, she puts female paddling gear to the test every day.

130 Mile Solo Paddle Board Crossing From Cuba to Key West

Posted:  August 26th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  1
130 Mile Solo Paddle Board Crossing From Cuba to Key West

Next month, Cynthia Aguilar will attempt to complete a 130 mile solo paddle board crossing from Cuba to Key West. Her goal is raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and her non-profit organization, Keep Paddlin’, Inc. The 26-year-old is out to show people that one person can make a difference. She has undertaken other endurance events as a way to raise money and awareness for individuals and groups. She also hosts paddleboard races as a way to help others in need.

2DamDays Paddle Marathon

Posted:  July 30th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
2DamDays Paddle Marathon

On September 25-26, an inaugural paddle event will take place on the Lake of the Ozarks in central Missouri. 2DamDays Paddle Marathon will test the endurance of adventure paddlers as they traverse over 92 miles of what is essentially flat-water in a two day period. Total prize money will be $13,500.

The competitive race will be staged over two days with winners each day. In addition, there will be a single award of $1000 for the best over-all time from “Dam to Dam”. Prize money will be equally divided among five divisions which include Men Singles, Women Singles, Men Tandem, Women Tandem, and Mixed Tandem.

In addition, for those more casual paddlers there will be a much shorter “For Fun Only” event on the 25th. Finish point on that day for both events will be at Captain Ron’s at the 34 mile mark at which there will be food, entertainment and a “water fair”.

Visit www.2DamDays.org for all the details.

 

 

Yukon River Quest Race Report by Robyn Benincasa

Posted:  July 28th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Yukon River Quest Race Report by Robyn Benincasa

Woo hooo! Team Merrell/Akali’s Carter Johnson, David Kelly and I swept the men’s and women’s solo divisions and the team division in the Yukon River Quest this weekend. What a thrill to see all those orange jerseys at the top of the podium. Made my little heart sing.

The boys were well ahead of me (David was in a 6 man boat with some very cool Texans, with Carter drafting behind in his solo kayak like a madman for 43 hours!) by the time I neared Dawson City, but although I finished in the wee hours of the morning on July 3 (1:43 am to be exact), it was still light outside! That was the main reason I had chosen the Yukon River Quest (460 mile “Race to the Midnight Sun” from Whitehorse to Dawson) as my first major solo ultraendurance kayak race. Not a big fan of the dark. I hadn’t seen a soul in @20 hours when I arrived. Just me and the river. And I got caught in a CRAZY downpour in the final 12 hours, in which I couldn’t even see, with lightening everywhere, and the wind threatening to tip me over with every stroke. I didn’t know if it was scarier to stop and freeze or to keep going. So I kept going. Then I was rewarded about 30 min later with the most gorgeous double rainbow I have ever seen over my shoulder when I looked back at the black clouds to see if they were following. With one end of the rainbow in the river, and the other end in the mountains. Wow. I had to float backwards and stare at it for a minute. So remote and beautiful. Most of the time I felt like this tiny little orange dot in a huge prehistoric landscape. That sense that this river (@1/2 mi wide at this point) was here for millions of years and would be here for a million more when I’m gone. And then a bald eagle launched off the cliff and circled my boat, screeching a warning that I was too close to it’s nest (or that it wanted me to surrender my Cheetos. Not sure). That was the highlight reel. Continue Reading

Ultimate XC: Tremblant 2010

Posted:  July 22nd, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Ultimate XC:  Tremblant 2010

Race Report—Ultimate XC
By Bob Miller

Day 1 – Kayak 62k (34k down-river, 28k lake)
Day 2 – Trail Run 56k
Day 3 – Mountain Bike 100k

Day 1

Pre-race was kinda exciting as people milled about scoping each-other’s boats trying to figure out who had the fastest vessel. With a rule of only allowing plastic kayaks due to rough/boney whitewater sections, boat selection could be somewhat strategic. By all accounts it appeared Steve Hay was sporting best-in-class with a Cobra Eliminator, however depending on whitewater conditions Benoit L’s Wavehopper also looked promising. Most everyone else was paddling some form of sea kayak, myself included with a Necky Eliza. I was thinking the shorter, yet somewhat sleek Eliza would offer a good blend of speed and maneuverability.

Off we go and within no time Steve H. is in the lead followed by a group of 4, or 5 others, I opted to hang back & cruise in the 2nd pack thinking I’d try and exert the same output for the entire 62k. We had a good group with Pete Dobos, Dave Hitchon, Nicolas Taillefer (RD of the Asics Xtrail events) and a dude named Richard from Montreal. We worked well rotating through the draft averaging ~9.5kph across the first lake, which I thought was respectable considering the boats we were paddling.

Into the river, Hitchon, Taillefer & myself pulled slightly ahead and were notified at Aid #1 we were 2-3 min. behind the lead pack. Soon we were on & through the first small rapid, then a small pull-over and another smallish more technical rapid, which one of the lead pack kayakers had dumped in. I think Tallifer & Hitchon also had an upset on this rapid, as I never saw Tallifer until the finish & it was a little while before Hitchon caught up again. I paddled behind 2 guys from the lead pack for a bit, but decided to stop & dump some water in hopes it would speed me up, no luck. I had a bit of a bonk between hours 2 & 3, but was saved by the 29k aid station and a PB&J sammy. There was a nice run of rapids for a few k after the aid station, which livened things up, but soon it was back to shallow, wide, sandy, strength-sapping river paddling. I owe Hitchon for setting me up with a map the night before the race. I’d expected we’d receive them at the briefing, but no dice. Maps weren’t really necessary, but it allowed me to follow along and at least know when the misery on the river would end. Continue Reading

KayakPro Speedstroke

Posted:  July 21st, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
KayakPro Speedstroke

By Robyn Benincasa

The main reason that so many adventure racers struggle with the paddling legs is that we just don’t have a ton of time to train effectively, given that we have to be proficient in up to 6 different sports at a time. When I decided to train for the Yukon River Quest this year (first of all, what was I thinking?), I knew there was no way I was going to get in enough face to face time with the ocean and my surfski to train for a 460 mile race, so I started doing the research about alternative training methods. I spoke to my friend who coaches the junior olympic canoe and kayak team in San Diego, and he suggested the KayakPro Speedstroke ERG. I bought one the next week. I just had to know if it really was possible to train for a 460 mile paddle while inside a fire station. Survey says? HECK YEAH.

The KayakPro feels exactly like paddling a kayak, without being wet, cold or peeing your pants (you guys pee in your boats, too, right? right??) The truth is that I only did 4-6 long training days in my surfski and/or in a double kayak leading up to the Yukon River Quest, but I spent hours and hours “paddling to Canada” inside my fire station in the afternoons and evenings. During the race I felt strong from start to finish, all 51 joyous hours. The Speedstroke is pretty much my favorite training toy ever. And well worth every penny to have pure paddling training time versus wasting hours loading boats, driving to the bay, being cold and wet, filling the car with wet gear, driving home, cleaning and unloading boats, rinsing gear…agh. Most importantly, just think how cool it will be to hang with the top paddlers in your next Adventure Race and not have to catch those guys on the bike and run!
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Tips For Endurance Paddling

Posted:  June 30th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Tips For Endurance Paddling

With the Yukon River Quest starting today…we felt the following tips on endurance paddling were appropriate. The tips by Paul Cox appeared in our May 2010 issue.

Love to paddle and curious about long distance events? Well, there can be too much of a good thing — if you’re not prepared. Follow these five tips to increase your chances of finishing a long race and have fun doing it.

Pick a boat you can go the distance in. The “fastest” boat might not really be the fastest in a long race. Comfort over the long haul can translate into speed. With a stable boat, you likely will find you can use proper paddling technique longer. And when you have to reach for that tasty snack late in a race, you’re less likely to take a dip in the pond. So, if you’re new to the sport, you might want to opt for a hearty sea kayak with plenty of secondary stability rather than a sleek surf ski.

Paul Cox at the Moab Expedition Xstream

Train in your race-day boat. It’s best not to show up on race day in a boat you’re unfamiliar with, if you can help it. Your derriere is most likely to suffer the most when it has to conform to an unfamiliar position for hours on end. Problematic pressure points might not reveal themselves immediately. But, you’ll be able to find them if you spend plenty of time in the saddle before the starting gun goes off. Plus, you’ll want to be familiar with how to quickly fix items like rudder cables if they loosen or break during the event. The same goes for the paddle you will use. Whether it’s a wing blade or a flat-bladed paddle, train with it so you can learn to get the most power from good technique. Find a friend to video tape your paddling from the front, back and side. Watching yourself will help you find hitches in your technique.

Cover up. Since you’ll obviously be on the water, you’re likely to find yourself spending nearly all your time exposed to the wind and sun. So, cover your arms, legs and neck with clothing that will block UV rays and keep your skin from getting painfully burned without trapping too much of your body heat. Use plenty of waterproof sun block, too. Yeah, you might look like a white-faced mime out there, but you’ll be happy later. I didn’t take the time to apply lip balm during the Yukon River Quest and could barely talk after the race. And oh, the post race pictures! Every smile for the camera was immediately followed by a painful-looking grimace.
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12th Annual Yukon River Quest Set To Kick Off Tomorrow!

Posted:  June 29th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
12th Annual Yukon River Quest Set To Kick Off Tomorrow!

The 12th annual Yukon River Quest is set to start at noon tomorrow in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. At last count, there were 84 teams (188 paddlers) from all over the world slated to take part in this year’s event. Aside from Canadian and US participants, the race field will be made up of racers from Australia, Austria, Great Britain, Finland, France, and South Africa.

The Yukon River Quest is the longest annual canoe and kayak race in the world. Except for two mandatory rest stops totaling 10 hours, paddlers race non-stop over approximately 740 kilometers (460 miles) from Whitehorse to Dawson City. Held annually in the north during the last week of June (around the summer solstice), it is a true “Race to the Midnight Sun”. The YRQ is widely recognized now as one of the toughest ultra marathon paddling events on the planet, where the world’s best paddlers gather to compete.

Check back on our site tomorrow for tips for endurance paddling by former YRQ participant, Paul Cox.

Best of luck to this year’s field of racers!

Adventure Sports Week 2010!

Posted:  April 29th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Adventure Sports Week 2010!

What do rollercoasters, a great rappel, fantastic scenery, a first class event and “10-24-1″ have in common?

Adventure Sports Week 2010!

“10 days, 2 races, 1 big party” is their motto, and what a party it’s shaping up to be!

Hosted at beautiful Farragut State Park in Bayview, Idaho (just north of Coeur d Alene), ASW 2010 is promising to be one of the top festivals in the USA this year.

Adventure Racing:

Featured in a full-episode documentary by Outdoor Idaho, The Crux and the Crucible, acclaimed as one of the most enjoyable and fun adventure races in 2009 is back with even more exciting challenges, including a great rappel, world-class single track, and even a rollercoaster will greet the racers over 3 days of amazing racing, June 11- 13.

This year, racers can choose to compete in one, two, or even three stages over three days:

The Midnight Ramble will begin at 6:00 pm on friday evening, and will take the racers over the mountains and lakes of north Idaho into the wee hours.

The Crux will start Saturday morning, and will be one of the most memorable days of racing ever… rappelling, rollercoasters and a couple of mountain to negotiate along the way.

Saturday evening, we will have our famous “June Moon” party before the racers hit the trails bright and early Sunday morning for the amazing Crucible, with a breathtaking kayak, awesome trekking and a challenging orienteering leg.

We will also feature a super fun “Sprint” adventure race – the new “C&C Adventure Challenge,” which will be a shorter, frenetic event for racers of every ability.

The Crux and the Crucible is a USARA National qualifier, and racers can earn points for the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Series.

Adventure races are only the begining for ASW 2010: Continue Reading

Adventure Racing 101 (Part 2)

Posted:  April 15th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Adventure Racing 101 (Part 2)

Paddling

Becoming a good paddler is the fastest way to gain a competitive advantage in adventure racing, since it’s the weak link for most of the teams that cross over from triathlon. It’s very easy to gain a 10-15 minute lead in an average two hour paddle if you’re good—a feat that’s almost impossible to accomplish on mountain biking and running legs. Paddling sections can be anything from a nice flat water cruise on a lake to class IV whitewater and six foot ocean swells, so get out there and practice in as many situations as you can find. Just remember to always take a buddy with you and stay within sight of one another.

Training:
*Start by contacting a good local paddler and learning stroke technique and water safety (especially how to get your booty out of and back into the dang boat when your world turns upside down). A good rule of thumb for stroke technique, at least initially, is to paddle with your arms locked completely straight throughout the entire stroke. This forces you to use your torso and midsection for power (via the back and forth twisting and untwisting of your body, much like a washing machine rotor) versus relying on your manly arms (which will be limp, lifeless, and useless to even a little girl within thirty minutes).
*Paddle with a group whenever possible. The best-case scenario would be to find a local k-1 training club (flat water Olympic kayaks) or ocean racing team. In California, this isn’t too difficult!
*Join an outrigger canoe club to supplement your kayaking and help with your strength Continue Reading

2010 Yukon River Quest Deadline is April 15

Posted:  April 8th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
2010 Yukon River Quest Deadline is April 15

The 2010 Yukon River Quest had 65 teams fully registered as of April 1, and the push is on to fill all 100 available team slots before the April 15 registration deadline.

There is still room in the solo classes (up to a 30-team solo limit), as well as all other classes. The complete breakdown of teams as of April 1 was as follows: 5 solo canoes (C1), 18 solo kayaks (K1), 18 tandem canoes (C2), 15 tandem kayaks (K2), and 7 voyageur canoes (VC). Another five teams were in the process of registering this past weekend, and many more are expected over the next 10 days.

So far, eight nationalities are represented in the 2010 field: Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, South Africa, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Organizers hope to meet or surpass last year’s total of entries. In 2009 registrations surpassed 85, and 73 teams actually started the race. The year before, in 2008, the 100-team registration limit was hit and a record 89 teams started the event. Typically about 10 teams withdraw before the start of the event, but so far none have withdrawn entries for the 2010 race.

Registration information and online entry forms are available via a link on the race website:www.yukonriverquest.com. The 12th annual “Race to the Midnight Sun” begins on June 30 in Whitehorse. Except for two mandatory rest stops totaling just 10 hours, teams will race round-the-clock 740 kilometres (460 miles) to the finish line in historic Dawson City, making it the toughest paddling marathon in the world. The event concludes July 4.

In other YRQ news:
• A Yukon River Quest fundraiser will be held on the evening of April 24 at the Gold Rush Inn in Whitehorse. There will be live music, race videos, and a silent auction. If you are interested in donating items for the silent auction, please call Joanie Pelletier at 867-668-4175.

• The YRQ has also embarked on its annual bib campaign. Businesses may have their names on a solo paddler ($250), a tandem team ($400), or an entire voyageur team ($700) in this year’s race. For more information, visit the race website and download a Bib Sponsorship Form.

Via press release

Photos courtesy of Harry Kern, YRQ

Immersion Research Long Sleeve Thermo Skin

Posted:  March 17th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Immersion Research Long Sleeve Thermo Skin

The repetitive movements of paddling a kayak can create some nasty chafe spots. Add in the difficulty of body temperature regulation in a wet environment and you’ve got yourself a pretty uncomfortable situation. Immersion Research’s Long Sleeve Thermo Skin takes all of these elements out of the equation, leaving you to focus on the paddling, not on the discomfort.

Made from an insulating, 0.5 mm neoprene fabric this top is made to shed water and maintain a warmer core body temp when wet. The thinner wet suit material and a brushed interior retains the warmth while reducing on bulk. Underneath the arms, a common area for irritation with paddlers, IR placed a lightweight, waterproof/breathable panel designed to keep water out. The lighter fabric allows for smoother movement between strokes without letting in additional water.

As with all of Immersion Research’s under layers, the Thermo Skin is ergonomically cut for the movement of a paddler. Designed with additional fabric across the shoulder blades and made using flat-lock stitching means that this paddling layer won’t pull or rub during your paddle session. IR also makes the Thermo Skin in short sleeves as well as a pant with designs for both men and women.

MSRP: $85.00

Review by Susan Hollingsworth

Immersion Research Comp LX Dry Top

Posted:  March 1st, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Immersion Research Comp LX Dry Top

Review by Susan Hollingsworth

Immersion Research’s Comp LX Dry Top leaves no room for excuses. Paddling is a year round sport and IR can prove it. Designed for the movement of a paddler, the dry top boasts ergonomic seaming throughout. Latex gaskets on both the neck and wrist combines with 4 layer waterproof and breathable Entrant® fabric to keep water out. An adjustable neoprene waistband prevents water from entering into the kayak through the skirt, maintaining a dry lower body as well.

Preserving a dry core translates to less insulation layers needed underneath the outer jacket. With less bulk around arms and core combined with taped seams and lightweight fabric, greater mobility is gained. A kayaker can maintain superior technique and efficiency with each stroke, even in the cold winter months. IR’s Dry Top and other cold-weather specific gear stretches the paddling season to a full twelve months. Train throughout the year and gain the edge over the competition.

Kayak Video That Will Get Your Heart Rate Up!

Posted:  February 17th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Kayak Video That Will Get Your Heart Rate Up!

A couple of days ago, I posted a mountain biking video to help pass the days while record snowfall across the states prevent most of us from hitting the trails except in spirit. This time, Kraig Becker over at The Adventure Blog had posted this video with some great paddling incentives to continue our longing to get outside. It is also the trailer for the upcoming kayak movie called Face Time (due out this spring).

Facing the Wind

Posted:  January 10th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Facing the Wind

Facing the Wind: Three Argentine kayakers are making their final push to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Upon arrival they will have cycled (while towing their sea kayaks behind) 650 kilometers from the city of La Quiaca at the Bolivian border, then kayaked 2700 kilometers in rivers until reaching the ocean at Buenos Aires, and finishing off with a 4600 kilometer stretch of sea kayaking to Tierra del Fuego.

They are currently approaching Cape Horn where they will be up against some very difficult conditions: large waves, heavy winds, strong currents, etc. Since beginning the ocean stage of their journey they have had to deal with increasingly greater tide differences, currently changing up to 8 meters every 6 hours, making for some strenuous portages to camp. And true to the name of the expedition, every day they are facing against the tremendous Patagonia winds.

They have been keeping a blog and updating it with some amazing photos from their journey. Having come from the altiplano, down through the jungles and along the coast to Tierra del Fuego, they have amassed an impressive collection of images that are worth checking out.

Great job Diego, Luis and Augustin. We´ll be cheering you on as you reach your final destination!

Portage To Portage Kayak Adventure

Posted:  January 8th, 2010 by:  admin comments:  0
Portage To Portage Kayak Adventure

Thanks to The Adventure Blog for the heads up on this expedition.

In early December, self proclaimed ‘kayak bum’ and adventurer, Jake Stachovak, set out on his “Portage to Portage Paddling Project‘ to circumnavigate the entire eastern United States via kayak. He began the journey in the small town of Portage, Wisconsin and plans to complete his 5,000 mile expedition there as well.

Stachovak plan has him paddling the length of the Mississippi River to New Orleans then along the Gulf Coast to Key Largo (side trip to Key West). From there, he will turn north paddling up the Atlantic Coast to New York City (another side trip to Maine). Then, utilizing the New York state canals, he will make his way to the Great Lakes (Lake Ontario) before turning west towards Green Bay, Wisconsin. His final leg will have him navigating down the Fox River back to Portage.

I really like his take on this expedition:

I’m not out to prove anything about myself with this trip. By many people’s standards it doesn’t even fit the description of an expedition. Paddling 5000 miles through everyone’s backyard isn’t “hard core” enough to compare to trips that probe remote arctic islands or cross entire oceans. What I hope sharing this trip does do is show people how paddle sports can open up a world of adventure right near home. I also hope that the route itself (starting and ending in the same small town in Wisconsin, linked by a continuous loop of water around a third of our country) shows how we all are linked by water. Perhaps with an appreciation for watersports and the realization that we all share the same water we may be motivated to take care of it for the future.

Continue Reading

Helmet Cam Captures 90-Foot Waterfall Drop

Posted:  December 3rd, 2009 by:  admin comments:  0
Helmet Cam Captures 90-Foot Waterfall Drop

I saw a tweet the other day while on the road and was reminded of it when I was over at The Adventure Blog. The helmet cams have captured so much great video of some great adventures yet some of them I am content to just watch them from the safety of my chair (rather than be the one wearing it at the time-namely waterfall drops). In this video, kayaker Dave Hoffman drops 90 feet off Metlako Falls in Oregon. He stated that the visor on his helmet broke and spray skirt imploded and he had to swin but could not wait to do it again. Very cool indeed!

Kayaking Metlako Falls – Headcam from Dave Hoffman on Vimeo.