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There are still great days remaining to get out for a paddle. Protected waters to paddle exist around every corner of our province. Specialized gear extends your season and helps to maintain safety margins.
As the water cools and days get shorter, making sure you do proper trip planning and use the correct gear is very important. I like the two piece dry gear we get from Beluga but you have many options. Please call us any time if you have questions about gear, boats etc. Fall paddling can be the best time of year to get out there.
Old Creel believes NorthWater is another excellent Canadian Company. Simply put, NorthWater develops practical solutions for aquatic endeavors.This includes safety equipment, storage solutions, canoe spray skirts, tow systems and many other products you paddlers find practical and reliable. Click here to visit NorthWater and review their products
Are all recreational kayaks the same? Not Really. Even with recreational kayaks you should consider quality of manufacture, seat position and seat comfort, stiffness of the hull and whether they will actually float when immersed and paddle in a staight line.
There are lots of low cost kayaks on the market. Especially in the Spring when the “big box” stores sell off there quota of XXX boats. These are usually coupled with a skirt, paddle and sometimes a safety kit. Closer inspection usually confirms you get what you pay for. Many of these boats never paddle straight due to hull deviations. Others will deform when left out in the sun for a few hours. Some even sink when water is let in. When damaged they can not be repaired as they are too thin to work with. Our philosophy remains. We will do our best to find you a real kayak for a decent price. We will package up usable safety and paddling gear and make sure you are given a package discount price. It may not be the least expensive but you will enjoy years of trouble free and safe paddling. We love to demo our products, There is a significant difference! Come and see for yourself.
Safety in paddling is a complicated topic upon which many books have already been written. Our intention is to emphasize certain points vs provide an all encompassing document. Proper planning and preparation for even a “quick paddle” can save your bacon.
For example: A simple decision such as “dressing for the water vs air temperature” can dramatically change the outcome of a unanticipated capsize.
Common sense, knowing your route, informing others of your plans and proper preparation all play a role in a safe and enjoyable on the water experience. It is not our intention to lecture anyone. Everybody is different and our perception of risk may be different for may reasons. Personally, I like a little challenge and a new experience. Gets the blood flowing and tests my skills. However, I would never endanger another and it is always advisable to recognize your limits and obey the law. What challenges me may be boring for another paddler or unsafe for someone else. Talk about these things with your paddling partner and plan accordingly.
Paddling in a group means that we paddle to the lowest common denominator. This means the least competent paddler must be the ultimate determinant of where we go, for how long, and in what conditions.
An example of the challenge in providing guidance and managing perception of risk. I often hear in the store from paddlers who are “not venturing far from shore” for safety reasons. Well, currents, breaking waves and weather can change the “close to shore” safety perception in a hurry. In fact, close to shore may be far more perilous vs. paddling further from shore. Seek advice from experienced paddlers, and pay attention to what the locals have to say about the area you plan on paddling.
Proper packing of a kayak or canoe can improve performance and make the paddle alot more fun. Boreal provides information on packing your kayak on their web site and as part of the users guide CD included with their boats. Load your boat - nice visuals - click here