Review of Valley Gemini SP - Poly ~ Diary of a Middle Aged Kayaker

Playak News Flash - January 20, 2014
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines Review of Valley Gemini SP - Poly PaddleBlogs - Both Jeff and I really like the composite version of Valley Sea Kayak's Gemini SP and were really looking forward to trying out the plastic version. Diary of a Middle Aged Kayaker PaddleBlogs - An update that led to a long stream of comments about the difficulties of slalom paddlers and others sharing the same stretch of whitewater. Surf Expo & Orangebowl Race - Florida Riviera Paddlesurf - Only 3 weeks into 2014 and we already have a trade show and 1st race of the season under our belts. Last week we flew the Riviera Crew and Team out to Surf Expo in FL to show our retailers and the world our 2014 line up. Deep Creek 2014 Welcomes Garrett College as Enduring Partner ICF - In anticipation of this prestigious 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, hosts Deep Creek 2014 are recruiting sponsors to help produce the event and are pleased to recognise Garrett College as an Enduring Partner. What to Expect Your First Time on a Bellyak Bellyak - Since there are no straps or a sprayskirt, a bellyak is much more accessible than a traditional kayak.  A bellyak is easy to do, and hard to master. It's easy because laying down and "swimming" is intuitive for almost everyone. Sunset Beach Pro Celebrates Fifth Anniversary SUP Magazine - Each year the Standup World Tour (SUWT) kicks off its new season with the highly-anticipated Sunset Pro, held at Sunset Beach on Oahu's North Shore. Celebrating its fifth year next month, the Sunset Pro is expected to set the standard for another season of epic performances and progression in paddlesurfing. Explore your back yard! Braver Wave 2.0 Jackson Kayak - As boats have improved, kayakers have learned fun and new skills, and new roads/trails have been opened, it's worth taking the time to re-explore your back yard. Often times, runs that were just too log-choked to enjoy may have now washed clean. From the Slate Islands to the Isles of the Sea. SeaKayakPhoto.com - It was midsummer several years ago, when Jennifer, Phil and I met below the whitewashed cottages that fringe at the little harbour at Ellenabeich on the Isle of Seil. Dusi training continues Corran SUP - Here is a reprint of a great interview with the two South African boys who are doing the Dusi with me in a few weeks time.   Pioneer paddlers to see whatSUP at 2014 Drak Challenge Underberg As hundreds of canoeists ready themselves for this year's N3TC Drak Challenge, ... 6 Reasons Why Chaos in Sup Racing Has to Change Standup Journal - Out of a desire to help organize the sport we love, top athletes from around the world have formed the Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association. In addition to promoting safety, access and participation, the Stand Up Paddle Athletes Association was formed to help create comprehensive international rules to help ensure stand up paddling continues positive and inclusive growth. Field Notes: The Big Blue Paddle SUP Magazine - The day after Christmas, Aussies Tony Miller-Greenman and Michael Leith set off on a 30-day journey down the the coast of Australia. Starting in Brisbane, with plans to finish at Sydney's Bondi Beach, the duo is standup paddling 917 km (approximately 570 miles) in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Check out the guys' recap from the first leg of their journey Nz Summer 2014 Louise Jull - Summer racing here in NZ has been primo!!! I was stoked to take out the Christmas at the Kaituna head to head event and the short and long boat classes of the Andy Duff Memorial Race. Paddle Healthy: An Attitude of Gratitude SUP Magazine - John Denney has a method that top SUP athletes say they have used to up their performance in SUP racing. Its about controlling your stress. Interesting article to see, we should be calm and positive to handle difficult situations, that's how we can succeed. Manage our selves for maximum productivity, focus, concentration without losing energy because of stress. This year lets try to be cool and handle things better. Making Memories in the Big Tuna Jackson Kayak - One of my favorite things to do after purchasing a new kayak, is to pull it into the garage and start thinking about how I'm going to rig it. It didn't take long for a plan to come together and work to begin. Photographer Steve Young Shoots Werner - Big overhead, back-hand, drop for North Carolina's Chris Hill, captured again by photographer Steve Young. Since Chris joined the team in 2013, Steve has gotten tons of shots of him.

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Today's News Editor(s): bartw.