White water paddle experience at the Ucona River ~ Costa Rica number 3

Playak News Flash - December 31, 2013
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines White water paddle experience at the Ucona River Rafting Life - Gold river is one of the great places to paddle on Vancouver Island. This year we have had one of the driest years in about 50 years, regarding flows in the rivers.On Friday night I got a txt from Corey May. "Free for a paddle tomorrow? Levels are looking okay on the North Island", Just from that I knew it would be the Gold River area. We arrived to find the water low but very paddable. Dropping boats at the bridge we headed off to find the takeout at the end of Branch – U31. We scouted the take-out so we would recognize the finish point. Paddling with Clipped Wings Trash Paddler - I thought my 2013 paddling season was over, but this morning's above freezing temperatures tempted me get out there one more time. As my last paddle of the year was winding down and I'd just passed the South Bridge Boathouse, I saw what I at first thought was another blue heron flying towards me. As it got closer I realized it was an adult bald eagle and it flew only some 15' above my head. Boater and paddler gunkholers would like gunkholes Rob Casey - Gunkholing, find out what it means here, this is a reference guide for boaters and paddlers who want to paddle and explore different and beautiful waters. 10 Top Kayak Fishing Destinations YakAngler - Everyone has a favorite fishing hole – a go-to spot where the water is as familiar as your living room, and the fish are almost family. With that said, there are places I've heard of that I would love to add to my kayak angling bucket list. The Stand Up Paddle racing performances of the year SUPracer - SUP racing has stories too, here we read about people who fought against all odds and won SUP races this year. Its not just skill, its strong character, toughness and never give up attitude, these are elements that make up champions. We have Travis Grant who won the BOP distance race being only half fit with a knee infury and Eric Terrien who solo paddled racing ahead of elite drafters who technically had immense power to overtake him...more stories on four great SUP athletes who won fighting a great battle for that win. New Conquest Vista Inflatable Kayak with Clear Floor Panels AirKayaks - We recently had the opportunity to test out a prototype sample of the Conquest Vista, the newest model in Solution for Sports' inflatable kayak line. Similar in concept to the current Conquest Dyad, the Vista is a high-pressure, 14-foot tandem with two clear viewing panels in the floor, allowing paddlers to watch the underwater world. Once More Into The Jungle Kayak Borneo - Sorry to all for the delay in getting more posts up, the jungle is not conducive to logging on and life has done that classic thing of overtaking me since I got home. You were left with the idea of an un-runnable gorge in your head; I'll take up where Nick left off. Sportsman's Paradise Part I Casting Tales - Characterizing Louisiana is akin to justifying why I love to fish to non-fishing folk. An attempt to enlighten the unknowing is futile and a disservice to fishery. The deed takes up too much precious time (time better spent fishing) and people can't fully comprehend or appreciate something until they've experience it for themselves. ... How I Stay Warm on The Water in The Winter Jackson Kayak - ... Cold temps? My Southern self says yes; you Northern-clime types would scoff. The thing is – and I share this with folks all the time when they look askance as I load my boat in high 20°/low 30° temps – it's all in how you prepare. As with anything, the right tools make a huge difference, and can also frequently make the seemingly impossible possible. Could Japan Be A New Frontier For SUP? SUPracer - The SIC crew made a visit to Japan to find out whats the potential for Stand Up Paddle sport in Japan, currently the Stand Up Paddle community of Japan is pretty small compared to USA. However, Japan could very much in the coming years get hooked by SUP, as surfing and outrigger sports are already popular there. This video shows what SIC crew did in Japan, they had a SUP race and did site visiting of the land of the rising sun. Costa Rica number 3 Pirate Production - The Caribean sea was incredible! We spent two nights at place named Rock J's which looked as if it was designed specially for backpackers & surfers, you could sleep there in your tent or rent a hammock for 6$ or get some other cheap rooms and it was just next to the beach. Whole area where we stayed was placed along the road leading by the shore. Top paddles of 2013 - #4 Tony Paradise - On June 8th a group of us paddled from Middle Cove to Quidi Vidi,  Its a paddle along an exposed coast that I've wanted to do for some time.  I was pleased to finally got around to doing it.  Here we're leaving Middle Cove but not before ... Irish Nationals and Flesk Race Training with Barry Loughnane Jackson Kayak - November saw the first round of the Irish Freestyle National Championships take place at Curragower Wave right in the heart of Limerick City. A Perfect Day Adventurous Experiences - I was up this morning, whilst the stars were still bright, checking my camera and gauging the light for sunrise was coming, and i'd a location to choose, from Douglas prom and its coffee, and a different aspect to muse to the Calf of Man island, with spectacular view. YakAttack BlackPak YakAngler - I try not to take too much stuff when I'm kayak fishing – and I fail. I need a place for my safety line, tow bungee, flashlight(s), Fish Grip, anchor, etc.

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.
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Today's News Editor(s): bartw.

As We Reflect Thank You for An Amazing 2013 ~ India Surf Festival 2014

Playak News Flash - December 30, 2013
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines As We Reflect Thank You for An Amazing 2013 Werner - Into the sunset of 2013. Let us wish those who have been less fortunate a new beginning as we change the calendar. Hold the spirits of those that have passed close to our hearts. India Surf Festival 2014 SUPboarder - Ramachandi beach on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive will be the hottest place to be in Odisha this February. India Surf Festival 2014 is set to ignite the swell and sands with surfing, music, and art from February 14 to 16 bringing together not only surfers from across the country and abroad but also artists, musicians, designers and famous lensmen. Blue Planet Surf Potato Chip SUP Board Review SUP Surf - As a novice/intermediate stand-up-paddle surfer, I was looking for stability, but also something with a little more performance in the water than the big board I'm currently riding. 2013 year in review by team paddler, Luke Vollmerhaus Nikki Rekman - Hey Team! So I thought I'd throw together a little summary of my year and pass on my recommendations to all you adventurers!  I started off the season slow with kayak laps on local rivers; the Elbow, Sheep and High Wood. These are some of my favourite runs in southern Alberta;... Redemption at Cascada Tomata Seth Ashworth - When I was in Mexico in 2011 I paddled my first big drop, Cascada Tomata. That day I swam and I have been dreaming about redeeming myself there for two years. This beast is in the 65-70ft range and as I found out to my cost, is a fairly challenging undertaking. Big Winds in Hood River Offering a Whitewater SUP Package Trident Sports - Big Winds has put together a package for all of the whitewater SUPers out there. We have tried a number of whitewater SUP boards and nothing compares to the 2014 Starboard Astro Stream 9'6. Freestyle Recognised for the first time by Australian Canoeing Jackson Kayak - This last month the awards from Australian Canoeing were held and I was fortunate to be recognized by A.C. at the recent yearly awards dinner presentation. This is the first time Australian Canoeing has ever recognised someone from within freestyle kayaking for these awards. SP POV GoPro Storage Case – Review unsponsored - The SP POV Case is a solid and compact zip-up case keeps your action cam equipment perfectly organized and securely protected in any situation.... winter paddling homemade kayaks - Winter is a great time for seakayaking here in Israel, its not cold like in northern Europe or USA, and the water gets down to a minimum of 15C at the coldest. Usually round about February. Sometimes we have winter storms with rough water and wild confused waves, these are great days ... Easing Gale 8 or Severe Gale 9 Adventurous Experiences - We kicked off the first kayak indoor pool course exclusively for kids today, with a guide age of 10-14yrs. Perfect timing, as playing out would be deemed challenging . Winter Brown Trout Jackson Kayak - It is always an exciting time of year for me when Winter starts to arrive here in Western North Carolina. As owner and operator of one of the premiere guide services in the Smokies, I spend all year on the water. Some seasons are busier than others, and all have their pros and cons. For me though, Winter is one of my favorites.

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.

SUP Yoga on Today Show Health's list of FADS to get rid of in 2014

Playak News Flash - December 29, 2013
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines SUP Yoga on Today Show Health's list of FADS to get rid of in 2014 Distressed Mullet - Today Health came out with the top fitness fads that should go away in 2014 and guess what? SUP Yoga was on the list between pole dancing and gas-mask training. Granted, it's listed as a Yoga Mashup, in other words, things people impose on yoga because it isn't hard enough on its own. One Of The Names To Watch In 2014: Canada's Lina Augaitis Joins Team SIC SUPracer - Still a name that flies under the radar to some degree, I'm predicting 2014 will be a breakout year for Lina and that SIC's signing will prove to be a very smart move. Meet Carrie Brown Aka Wilderness Woman YakAngler - I recently had the chance to ask kayak fishing phenom Carrie Brown a few questions about her recent successes. She is the overall champion of the last three Kayakapalooza fishing series in Nebraska. Carrie is relentless when it comes to kayak fishing, finding new methods to bring aboard our finned friends for a quick picture and release. Last Day to Enter Casting Tales - Last day to enter the free full-day guided fishing trip for 1-2 anglers in Louisiana. Details are in the post below. Good luck. Paddling Each Side of Christmas Day Newfoundland Kayakoholic - The cold is hard on my camera battery and so I have not been taking many pictures. I have to tuck my camera inside my cag to let it warm up and then I take it out now and then to snap a picture here and there. Enjoy Pristine Whitewater with Costa Rica Guided Tours Geared for Kayakers Costa Rica Rios - Whitewater kayakers all know that when you are looking for new waters to paddle, or new destinations to experience, the last thing you want is a choked, commercialized stretch of river that holds more resemblance to a highway than the natural, amazing whitewater experience of their dreams. Top Paddles of 2013 Tony Paradise - Between June 23rd and June 27th five of us completed a 150 km circumnavigation of New World Island and the Twillingate Islands in Notre Dame Bay. It was our big trip of the summer. The Last Winter Kayak of The Year PaddlingLight - Got out for the last paddle of 2013 the other day. It has been a cold winter so far in the northwoods, and in the winter I prefer to paddle on warmer days, but with December coming to an end my streak of paddling once a month every month on Lake Superior for the last 5+ years looked threatened, so I just needed to get on the water. The Survivors Guide SUPboarder - Mark Philips from 'Stand Up Fitness & Wellbeing' brings us the next article in his SUP survival series which focuses on several aspects of health and fitness, lifestyle and nutrition, rest and recovery, and advice on how to implement these key elements into your busy schedules. Here Comes 2014 Connor Baxter - Champions aren´t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – a desire, a dream, a vision -Muhammad Ali.

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.

Dagger Katana Cross Over Kayak ~ What Does Paddling Mean to You

Playak News Flash - December 28, 2013
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines Dagger Katana Cross Over Kayak Team I-Canoe - I took some quick photos of it and the Wavesport Ethos side by side, just to give you an idea of how similar/different the two kayaks are. What Does Paddling Mean to You ACA - Adventure. Escape. Solitude. Challenge. These are just a few of the intangible (and priceless) gifts that paddlesports give to us. More Pacific Northwest Canoe Items Indigenous Boats - This post, the fifth in a series on exhibits at Harvard University's Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, highlights more canoe-related items from North America's Pacific Northwest. 2014 Wwgp Entry unsponsored - 2013 was a great year of kayaking for me. I often get asked what is my favorite river I have paddled and its such a tough question. We often break it down to best single day and best multi day run and I experienced both of these in one season. Stookesberry's Top 10- Best Big Water on the planet Jackson Kayak - This could be a very contentious subject because that little creek in your back yard could make an epic 3 meter wave with the right 100 year flood conditions. So let me apply some criteria to help narrow down the nearly ubiquitous potential for big voluminous flow to just a few select rivers, or 10 to be exact. Beady eyes and incontinent cormorants on the Murray's Isles. SeaKayakPhoto.com - I was bound for the Murray's Isles which house a cormorant colony on their rocky crest. Demshitz SantaCon Demshitz - In-between two epic harvest weeks of rain fed goods in December 2013,Demshitz set off on a road trip to find that levels had unfortunately dropped out. Jeff Clark – Thanksgiving Day at Mavericks SUPPaddleboard.com - While you were at your family thanksgiving functions, maybe watching football, or getting your cheeks pinched by your favorite Aunt, JEFF Clark was throwing himself over the ledge at Mavericks on his signature 10'6″ GUN built by Riviera.  2013 Paddling Review Maine Jackson Kayak - I was driving across the bridge in March and could see this wave on the Stillwater River, you could tell the wave had huge eddies, big foam pile but was it deep? Retentive? I immediately called Peter Latallie and we went to investigate. Jackson Family Christmas Paddling Jackson Kayak - Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays from Jackson Kayak to everyone! It truly is a special time of the year if you get together with friends and family, as nothing is more important, in my opinion, than friends and family. Karma monster Mackayak - A few folk have seen me rolling the Tahe Greenland in the pool and nicknamed it 'The Karma Monster' because of the yoga-like practice I use it for, and because its design is derived from a stealthy hunting qajaq. Sup Yoga Certifications Paddle Into Fitness - We are excited to announce our new two day SUP Certification program approved under the WPA, running this March 28 & 29 at the Kona Kai Resort & Marina! During the two days we will cover water safety, Blue Anchor, Uk- Worth The Trip Jackson Kayak - I've been asking myself this for months, it's the one trip I haven't done yet. I really wanted to get my first kayak conger and knew this could be the place but it's a hell of a long way to go, so is it worth the trip ? Dec. 20th kayak fishing in Wisconsin YakAngler - Watch out folks, it's a heat wave up here in Wisconsin. After weeks of temps in the single digits and low/mid teens we have a couple days with temps in the 20's. Sadly, most lakes and rivers are froze over with all this cold, but I found a spot with open water. You Helped Make 2013 a Great Year for Paddlesports ACA - As the end of the year approaches, the ACA would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all of our members, friends, and sponsors.

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.