Paddling Pics

by Erik Olsen on

Nothing earth-shattering here, but a couple of nice paddling pics from the folks at American Whitewater. I saw them and it kind of gave me the gumption to get out on the river today, even though it’s damn hot and muggy.

The site here overall is quite nice as well, with lots of information on paddling in the country, particularly the Northeast and West. They’ve got info o various rivers, how they’re running ,etc. and there’s a solid community here that you can dial into if you’re new to the sport and want to learn more.

Go Sledging

by Erik Olsen on

We’re always on the lookout for new outdoor sports and activities to bring your attention to. Here’s a piece on a new sport called river sledging. River sledging is kind of like boogie boarding, and kind of like white water rafting….and it’s also a bit like sledding. So mix these things together and throw in a bit of New Zealand craziness and you’ve got river sledging.

Looks like several Kiwi companies are offering opportunities to sledge on the rivers of New Zealand, and now doubt it’s coming or has already come to the US. Looks like you have to wear a helmet because you might get pummeled by dangerous boulders, but it also looks damn fun. Leave it to the kiwis to come up with a sport like this…they are the ones, after all, who came up with Zorbing.

Kayak and Eat

by Erik Olsen on

I’m always eager to find cool stuff about kayaking and, well, food, too. So here is a unique kayaking excursion that may satisfy your palate and curb your hunger pains as well. A company called Edible British Columbia, has teamed up with a kayaking adventure company called Blue Planet to organize a 3-day Gulf Islands Gourmet Kayaking Weekend includes a menu of locally sourced organic vegetables, wild British Columbia fish, pasture raised poultry, artisan cheeses and creative desserts paired with BC wines. There are several 2006 trip dates left for July, and one in August. The cost is $549 for what sounds like a suberb series of things to do with fitness and food.

Hydrofoil Kayak

by Erik Olsen on

Pretty interesting bit here about a hydrofoil kayak. Seems like it would be very difficult to keep this thing afloat, but as you can see from the photo, it’s obviously possible. But this is the real deal. As most probably know, the point of the hydrofoil is to reduce drag. You life the hull from the water and dramatically cut down on friction. They are used everywhere. Even on surfboards (though sparingly).

Well this one, called the Flyak, was designed by a Norwegian designer named Peter Ribe. The 17-foot apparently is so effective, too, that a former racer who had not done much competitive paddling for a decade and a half, recently demolished the 1,000-meter world record of 3:24 by 27 seconds. Wow.

Want one? It will set you back about $2,000.

Werner Paddles

by Erik Olsen on

Paddle fans…and I mean this in the literal, strict sense…will be interested in this site by Werner Paddles, one of the premier manufacturers of paddles in the country. From touring to whitewater to canoe and raft paddles, they’ve got a wide, wide selection that caters to pretty much every skill level. I single them out here because I was just talking to a friend of mine, an avid paddler, who said they are considered some of the best.