Interview with Frode Wiggen, An Awesome Greenland Roller!

Playak News Flash - January 30, 2012
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines

Interview with Frode Wiggen, An Awesome Greenland Roller! BaffinPaddler - Frode Wiggen, the Senjaroller from Senja, North Norway with the Boreal Baffin sea kayak and Northern Light Paddlesports Greenland paddle enjoying the Northern Lights! Frode Wiggen is the Senjaroller , from Senja , North Norway . He's an awesome Greenland roller, and obviously much...

First Descent of Toaroha Canyon Daan Jimmink - This misson started like most missions do when living in Murchison: through Skype. After a couple of chats to Jordy during the week, Jess and I decided to head down to the West Coast to paddle the two day Perth. We had completed most of our drive down to Hokitika when we got a text from Jordy ...

GB sign slalom treaty with French BBC - British and French slalom canoeists strike a deal to gain better training sessions at other nations' expense during warm-weather training in Australia.

Mexico: Ten weeks of Tacos, Tequila and Tall Waterfalls Part 5 Seth Ashworth - Back in Tlapacoyan, just a few days before New Year, we were joined by two new paddlers. Canadians Joel Kowalski and Blake Mahoney. There was a loose plan to run this river a few weeks before, but after hours of research we could not find any information, save that there was some tall, ...

Product review: Kokatat MsFit Tour and Ronin Pro PFDs Have Kayaks, Will Travel - Eventually, even the best gear wears out. After six years of heavy use and exposure to the elements, the fabric on Alec's Kokatat MsFit Tour PFD was deteriorating, the retroreflective tape wasn't retroreflecting, and the zipper tabs were gone from the pockets. Sadly, it was time to replace it.

Photos- 4th Annual Cold Stroke Classic SUP race. Werner - The 4th Annual Cold Stroke Classic SUP race, held at the Blocakade Runner in Wrightsville Beach NC, was an epic event with the highest racer sign up in the events history and the highest winds.  Over 130 competitors took to the water, which seemed to make sense with temps in upper 60's, however they were greeted to some serious wave action and for most the race sustained 38 mile an hour winds.

The Final Chapter of a Season: The Homeland Adventures of Burgess - The water's were slowly tapering from the creeks in the furthest reaches of the North Shore. Meanwhile, a singular urbanite had driven northward and Joerg had left his corporate job aside for the day. He met with myself and Kiffy. Joerg is one of those legendary characters of the Midwest Creeking ...

2011 Summer Series – Botany Bay Sydney Surf Ski - Australia Day was awesome this year, not just because we got to celebrate living in the best country in the world, not just the best paddling country in the world, because I finished a race AND didn't fall off! Fairly stoked.

Utah Approves Use of Green River for Nuclear Power Plant (UT) Am. Whitewater - Salt Lake City, Utah. The State of Utah has approved two water rights applications for a proposed nuclear power plant near Green River, Utah. The decisions follow more than two years of study.

Action Alert: Colorado River/Grand Canyon: (,,,) Due Jan 31st Am. Whitewater - The future of the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam will be decided in the not so distant future, and your voice is important in shaping the process! If you've ever been through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado, hope to in the future, or simply care about the health of this ...

I'm not superstitious - more from Rich as guest blogger Anglesey Stick - Friday the 13th – A trip to the Skerries Paddling to the Skerries is seen as a bit of a rite of passage for sea kayakers and can be a fairly serious trip in the best of conditions. Deciding to paddle there on Friday the 13th may not seem like the best idea for a lot of people ...

The Dangers of Sun Exposure Faced by Sea Kayakers. SeaKayakPhoto.com - The following article was published in issue 29 of Ocean Paddler magazine, which was published in December 2011. Since it was published I have developed a possible third recurrence of skin cancer and it was surgically removed earlier this week. I now await the pathology report to see if any further ...

To see all the latest news, videos, forum discussions and more, visit Playak News Watch.
This is the standard version of the newsletter, covering all paddling disciplines. To change the tailoring, please login on Playak, and then click the yellow triangle at the very top of the page to set your interests.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter with only one click, click here.

Today's News Editor(s): bartw.

China ~ Spitfire takes abuse ~ Demshitz Linguistics ~ Mill Creeeeeek, PA

Playak News Flash - January 28, 2012
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines

China Fat Cats - Here are a few pics from the Litang Yalong and Yangste in Sichuan Province China

Spitfire takes abuse Imagine Surf - After one full year of hard core use, my prototype Spitfire is still going strong. This is a testament to the strong construction that we have given the board so that it can handle the river environment. This board has scraped, hit, banged and collided with more rocks than I can shake a stick at, ...

Another Upper Whitcombe - West Coast, New Zealand! Jordan Searle - Usually you try not to double up on the multi-day runs during New Zealand summer. This is due to the cost of the helicopter and you also want to try get all 3 (or more if you start counting the Upper Whataroa and Wanganui) classic multi-day runs. This was different for me though as I managed ...

Demshitz Linguistics Pucon Kayak Hostel - You are warmly invited to the hospitality of Pucon Kayak Hostel.  Demshitz Linguistics Pucón, Chile Yesterday the question was posed to Seiler brothers Graham and Jared what every young kayaker [...]

Forest Service Announces New Planning Rule Am. Whitewater - Jan. 26, 2012 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signaled the U.S. Department of Agriculture's intent to issue a new planning rule for America's 193-million acre National Forest System that seeks to deliver stronger protections for forests, water, ...

Mexico: Ten weeks of Tacos, Tequila and Tall Waterfalls Part 4 Seth Ashworth - Three, Austrian Kayakers, Robert Machacek, Matthias Zeiner and Lukas Strobl. These guys showed up one rainy, cold day at Aventurec. This particular day we had almost decided not to paddle, but new people meant a run on the roadside section. We loaded up their rental vehicle, ...

Mill Creeeeeek, PA Immersion Research - I paddled Mill Creek for the 1st time around the age of 8. It was my 1st creek.  About 2 miles over the hill from my parents house in Clarion PA, an outing on Mill Creek comes with many class 2 rapids, a few class 3 rapids, and plenty of family and hometown friends. Beyond the sentimental value and the fun whitewater, this creek is also special because it finishes within 5 minutes of a hot tub!

12 Days in the Grand Canyon: Every day something different Shane's Logic - Everyday something different. Day 1.  Day one was a big one for me because I just don't get to go on trips where everyone is paddling one of our boats let alone everyone was paddling the same boat.  It was also a really cool experience to see how well the Remix XP perform...

Big Catfish Hunt in the Cuda! Jackson Kayak - Decided to try my luck at landing one of these big monster catfish, the lake of choice is Lake Lavon Texas, known to have some big catfish. Met up with one of the best kayak catfish – fisherman, in the Dallas area. Jose, known by most of us as Chess101, this is his blog name on the Texas Fishing Forum (TFF).

ECO-ADVENTURE BY BIKE & KAYAK – An Unstoppable Combination Sea Eagle - His kayak carries his BIKE across water, then his bike carries his KAYAK across the land! The ingenuity and innovation of many people came together to make possible it possible for Australian adventurer, Gary Muir, to take a memorable trip … Continue reading →

IRF Rafting Course in Brazil PeakUK - A few days ago I finished the first course IRF (International Rafting Federation) in Brotas-Brazil. The course was dictated by my colleague and instructor Core (class 4/5) and me. Before continuing I have to say something about him. Above all a very humble person, member and Team Captain Bozo d'agua (2 times world champions, 8 times Brazilian champion, 3 times Panamerican champions and 4 times European champions) one of the strongest and most experienced person I have known in the last 15 years of river life.

Sneak Preview: New 2012 Airis Sport Inflatable Kayak from Walker Bay AirKayaks - Walker Bay's Airis Inflatables line is back with the introduction of the popular Sport inflatable kayak! The new 2012 Sport is 6 inches longer than the previous model, combining features of the 12 foot Velocity kayak. And according to the manufacturer, the newly redesigned Sport ...

Stand Up World Tour 2012 gearing up SUP UK - Stand Up World Tour Patron and one of the world's leading Stand Up Paddleboard brands Starboard have stepped up to partner with the Sunset Beach Pro for 2012, punctuating the start of another exciting year for the Stand Up World Tour.

The NRS Big Baron iSUP Review CKS Blog - The NRS Big Earl iSUP is truly one of the most stable, forgiving, and intuitive stand up paddleboard's ever built. In addition to it's user friendly handling characteristics, it's also very well constructed ...

To see all the latest news, videos, forum discussions and more, visit Playak News Watch.
This is the standard version of the newsletter, covering all paddling disciplines. To change the tailoring, please login on Playak, and then click the yellow triangle at the very top of the page to set your interests.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter with only one click, click here.

Today's News Editor(s): bartw.

Middle fuy action! ~ Clover Point Waves (1.21.12) ~ Fluid Dope M

Playak News Flash - January 26, 2012
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines

Middle fuy action! Sweet - The rio Fuy Is one of the most fun rivers in the Pucon area.  With good drops, fun rapids and a really beautiful scenary! We went there this last week-end, good weather, good friends and some innovation going on this days.

12 Days in the Grand Canyon: Things I learned on my Grand Canyon Trip Shane's Logic - Grand Canyon Overlook.Things I learned while I was on my Grand Canyon trip. Day 1.  "Clean up your stuff before you go on to do something else!"  My mom told me that when I was a kid and I am still paying the price for not learning that lesson.

Clover Point Waves (1.21.12) Nathan Pfeifer - I've often been told that when the McKenzie River (OR) gets really high flows that Clover Point forms a series of huge surf waves, and is arguably the best play in Oregon. However, since I much prefer creeking, I seem to always end up on the steep stuff since the flows of Clover and the nearby creek...

Fluid Dope M Playak - It has come to our attention that there are still paddlers out there who want to get high. So we created the Dope. No, you can't smoke it. But you can get high with it. So high, in fact, that you can do multiple aerial moves before landing. So high that you can wave at the crowds, ...

Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia, Some of the Best Kayaking in Colombia Fluid Blog - In the south of Colombia, just north of the Ecuador border, on the Amazon side of the Andes Mountains is the department of Putumayo. Putumayo is still considered "El Corazón" or the heart of the guerrilla territory, but in recent years security ...

Stein Multiday LiquidLore - The Stein is one of the rare runs in SW BC that has relatively moderate whitewater for almost 50 km - long river sections are a rarity around here! While the bottom few km is a popular hike in day trip, you can also fly in to Stein Lake and make a multiday trip by paddling the whole river.

Bad Company - The Zoo (reunited) Jim Krawiecki - Many years ago I was part of a group of under performing outdoor cretins known only by rumour as 'The Zoo'. Paddling, climbing, mountain biking, drinking and general mayhem was our trade but eventually responsibilities got the better of our tomfoolery. Gradually, the animals escaped from 'The Zoo'.

Witte – Easy Days in the Fluid Big Bang Adrian Tregoning - Ok, so I admit, I paddled this last year, but time has gotten the better of me and what else was I supposed to post during the dry times?! So here we go, yet another Witte River article. This season I'll try different angles and rapids, as even I'm getting bored of the same positions –...

Leather Solo Seat Paddle Making - Another off-season project I have been gradually working is a leather sling seat for the 15ft cedar canvas canoe. Paddling solo means kneeling as close to the center point of the canoe as possible. With my shorter, symmetrical 14foot canoe, the bow seat is perfectly positioned to paddling...

Source to Sea on the Colorado River Team LiquidLogic - Two new videos from Will and Zak up on the Rockies Youtube channel. The first details their journey from Flaming Gorge to Ladore Canyon. The second from Desolation Canyon to the Grand.

Deluxe Anchor Trolley on the Cuda Jackson Kayak - After receiving my new Jackson Kayak Cuda, I began to formulate how I wanted to rig it for the kind of fishing that I do. Usually the first thing I consider is an anchor trolley. I mainly fish inshore waters from South Carolina to Northern Florida that have their fair share of tidal current and winds. An anchor trolley is a must for proper kayak positioning in these conditions to target a given area effectively. Using the wind and/ or tidal current you can articulate the anchor trolley and transition your kayak where it points in a desirable direction.

To see all the latest news, videos, forum discussions and more, visit Playak News Watch.
This is the standard version of the newsletter, covering all paddling disciplines. To change the tailoring, please login on Playak, and then click the yellow triangle at the very top of the page to set your interests.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter with only one click, click here.

Today's News Editor(s): bartw.

Mexico: Ten weeks of Tacos, Tequila and Tall Waterfalls Part 3

Playak News Flash - January 24, 2012
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines

Mexico: Ten weeks of Tacos, Tequila and Tall Waterfalls Part 3 Seth Ashworth - Whilst I looked at this beaten up 1986 motorhome joint owners, Todd Richey (USA) and Will Hartman (USA), were excitedly telling me how the van was perfect for mexico as its 'ghetto' appearance, loud engine, and squeaky steering make it blend in perfectly with mexican vehicles.

Chile Part II Nookie - What kind of feeling is similar to the one, when you're holding the tickets to Santiago de Chile in your hands? Somehow it's a little orgasm. Somehow? No, it is! So it was, when the tickets arrived in December 2011. Redemption was the mission!

New Jackson Kayak C1 Outfitting Jez Blanchard - There is some huge news for all C1 boaters out there. After years of having to ghetto fit boats for C1, Jackson Kayak is about to release an amazing C1 system this year. C1 boaters have been waiting for this for years and finally there is something that will convert K1 to C1 with ease.

Boof Baby Boof! Small World Adventures - Ken dwarfed by the Piatua's giant boulders For our first trip of 2012 we had a group of boof-junkies come down to Ecuador to sample some of the country's finest technical runs. Josephine nailing her boof stroke timing--she is getting some sweet disconnection with the water!

Video Updates! Whitewater Assault - The following are my recent video updates, I have been posting them else where, with little write-ups along side.  It has finally started to precipitate here in the Tahoe area. While its still raining at my house here on the Washington Ridge above the South Yuba it snowed at the resorts up ..

Kimberley Expedition Is Underway Werner - Werner is proud to be a part of a great expedition... 9 brave females will embark on a world first expedition, facing Western Australia's cyclone season to help SAVE the Kimberley.

Kokatat Supports the World's Longest All-Female Whitewater River Expedition Kokatat - Eight women, led by Kokatat athlete and former Australian Adventurer of the Year Tanya Faux, are set to embark on a 30-day unsupported river expedition through an uncharted section of the Kimberley region in North Western Australia. The Kimberley Whitewater Women Rafting Expedition aims to raise awareness for the Save the Kimberley campaign, whose goal is to protect the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of the region.

River Source Symposium Palm Blogs - Do you know what the ISO test is? How is fabric waterproofness measured? Is breathability in paddling gear really relevant. Will Kevlar® socks really stop a bullet? These questions and more will get answered at the end of January when we bring our head designer Barney Caulfield to the inaugural Gene 17 River Source Symposium.

SUP Regulations ? Atlantic Paddle Surfing - Should Stand Up Paddle Surfing be regulated ? Here is an outtake from ''A Stand Up Paddle Movie'' which explores this topic of SUP regulations.. Lucky for us here on Hilton head we have 6-8 miles of surf able beaches and four to five areas that are surfed regularly. As a Stand Up Paddle Surfer,...

To see all the latest news, videos, forum discussions and more, visit Playak News Watch.
This is the standard version of the newsletter, covering all paddling disciplines. To change the tailoring, please login on Playak, and then click the yellow triangle at the very top of the page to set your interests.
To unsubscribe from this newsletter with only one click, click here.

Today's News Editor(s): bartw.