Spring Runoff & New England Races ~ South West Sea Kayaking ~ Mexico 2014

Playak News Flash - February 9, 2014
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines Spring Runoff & New England Races Bliss-Stick US - It was an interesting but disappointing spring here in New England. Some late season snowfall brought us up to average or better snowpacks in the mountains, but spring never really arrived and so the entire snowpack dwindled away over the course of a dry month of 55 degree temps. South West Sea Kayaking SW Sea Kayaking - You can't kayak much further south-west than this…the above photo was taken last summer and shows a good friend paddling around Bishop Rock Lighthouse, Britain's tallest and most exposed lighthouse. The lighthouse is the furthest extremity of the Isles of Scilly, 56km WSW of the UK mainland at Land's End. Dawn Patrol Lanes – Ashley & Connor Connor Baxter - For me, it's just my routine to get up early routine. Pretty regularly I go out at Lanes and dawn patrol it. My sister, Ashley, is NOT an early riser, but one morning she decided to wake up earlier and join me. Getting her out of bed early is a mission! My dad somehow managed it on this particular day. He must have had a secret potion that morning. Mexico 2014 Mt. Hood H2O - I'm sitting here in my living room and outside the Portland weather is really bringing me down. Cold, crisp, and Clear without a sign of any precip in the coming 10 days. This has basically been the norm for the Winter 2013/2014 season thus far. No snow, very little rain, and lots of days spent indoors instead of out on the water. Dave Kalama Talks The New Quickblade V-Drive Paddle (And Reminds Us All To Have Fun) SUPracer - The vid features Dave Kalama, who came up with the idea for the V-Drive paddle and it's weird-looking, yet surprisingly effective double dihedral blade. The clip focuses on Dave's inspiration for creating the new design and his philosophy on life in general – a philosophy we should probably all remind ourselves about on a regular basis. ORT – extreme rafters pushing the limits International Rafting Federation - The Oregon Rafting Team (ORT) of the USA is a unique team and they are much more than just a competitive team. They also engage in volunteer work which includes river cleanups, search and rescue missions, as well as coordinating events.  Jen McGaley – Freestyle World Championships & Other Paddling SquareRock - For me the last five months of 2013 were easily the best months of paddling in my life, the obvious highlight being the Freestyle World Championships in North Carolina, USA. Over those months I also took up squirt boating, took part in the Nottingham Youth Freestyle event, competed at the Club championships for Sudbury Canoe Club ... My Past Season Flo Fischer - Season 2012 wasn't really over, when I took the plane to Cusco/Peru for a few months of good kayaking. Together with Nils Dippon, Pirmin Dlugosch and Sepp Cetincoepruelue we had the plan of a first descent of a so far unknown river in the middle of the Cordillera Raura, surrounded by many 6000m high mountains. Big Conditions For The Latest PRIMI Naish Downwind Dash Race In Cape Town, South Africa SUPracer - Swell at 3.5 meters and 17 seconds had most of the fleet dreading hopping in the water at Milnerton Lighthouse and especially dodging the rocks at the exit in Big Bay. The wind was a pretty standard 22-30knots whipping up beautiful runners for the entire 10 km downwind run. With conditions looking a little ominous, the field had been whittled down to 27 of the more experienced paddlers. How to build a kayak backpack system and a couple offun New Zealand rivers. WRSI - Paddling in remote locations is immensely rewarding. But, to do so without paying for a helicopter usually means super long shuttle drives or hiking. Mike Simpson to Paddle around Puerto Rico Distressed Mullet - SUP expedition pioneer Mike Simpson is en route to Puerto Rico where he will attempt to circumnavigate the Caribbean island on his stand up paddleboard. Best known for his epic 2,000+ mile self-supported paddleboard expedition from Florida to Maine, Mike's latest adventure is something he's been planning for over a year. 12 Towers: Bragging Rights Up for Grabs At Australia'S Biggest Race This Weekend SUPracer - Probably the single biggest race on the Aussie calendar, the 12 Towers Ocean Paddle Festival on Queensland's Gold Coast, is happening this weekend. While Australia has arguably the strongest roster of SUP athletes out of any nation, its events have always been sorely lacking. A Long Pause on The Float Jackson Kayak - The weather this winter has been pretty unstable so far, temps will be in the 60s and then dip down to 20s the next day. This crazy weather isn't stopping me from getting the Cuda slimed, winter can be tough but very rewarding at the same time. One technique I love to approach for a winter time bite is throwing a jerkbait. Greenland Kayaks - Lay Up Constructions Rebel Kayaks - Today we have started production of the first kayaks ordered from our Scandinavian partners. We are very excited because REBEL is becoming a reality. Is The Paddle Worth The Price? by Kayak Angler, Sonny Mills Nikki Rekman - Werner Paddles has also partnered with Kayak Fish Magazine for 2014 and this is great news for all of you kayak anglers looking to replace your old clunky paddle with a beautiful and lightweight Camano, Shuna, Skagit or Tybee in the Hooked series.

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Today's News Editor(s): bartw.