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.

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Today's News Editor(s): bartw.