A Pole Vaulter has the same problem carrying their equipment as Stand Up Paddlers have...

Playak News Flash - March 8, 2014
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines A Pole Vaulter has the same problem carrying their equipment as Stand Up Paddlers have... SUPracer - One of the biggest hurdles facing international stand up paddlers is travel, or rather: traveling with your race board. Flying with a SUP race board is a nightmare, as anyone who's ever attempted this mythical feat can attest. But we're not the only ones who struggle…All of this reminds me of an article I read in the NY Times a couple of years back about how pole vaulters have such a hard time traveling with their equipment. Go Ultra-Light Rapid Media - Is that two-kilometer portage into you favourite lake tougher every year? Do you struggle to pack up your mess and break camp by the crack of noon? The affliction is common, and the solution simple: lighten your load. Dump the stuff you don't need and find the lightest reliable gear. Whitewater N Surf Kayak Safari PaddleBlogs - Whitewater and Surf Kayak Safari's on the Mendocino Coast are one of our favorite events to host in the winter and spring. Our goal is to hit the triffecta of a kayak surf session, a whitewater river run, and ocean rock garden play. Team Boardworks – 12.6 SHUBU Raven Inflatable Review by Ben Morton! Boardworks SUP - I wanted to start off by saying a few words about Ben Morton as a new Team Paddler for Boardworks and finish with a great product review he did about the new Boardworks Surf Inflatable 12.6 Raven.  I met Ben through the Whitewater SUP world and have spent a good deal of time paddling whitewater with Ben over the past year.   Mike Johnson Interview and Q&A US Waveski Association - If you have any interest at all in waveski and/or kayak surfing, you are no doubt familiar with the name Mike Johnson. Yeah, he's the guy who came up with the Mako designs as well as being very involved with Ocean Kayak's Rrrapido and Infinity's waveskis. Luc P's New Carvings Paddle Making - Here's a set of sorts made from cedar. The two smaller ones were carved for his lucky grandson. The off-white coloured paddle is from spalted maple. Karma Unlimited Jackson Kayak - The Karma Unlimited is here!! I am extremely stoked to add this boat to my pile of toys, and can't wait to spend more time in it! I was able to get a lot of time in the prototype version last Fall, and am super glad that the final thing is here. How to 45 a Drop Jackson Kayak - Do you want to run drops with more control and less risk of injury? If so, the 45 is a technique you want to know. Of the many waterfall-running techniques, the "45" could be the toughest to perfect. There are many situations where the 45, landing with your boat at an angle between ~30 and 60 to the surface of the water, is the most desirable option. My First Lord of The Fork Race & a Look Ahead to The Green Race worldkayak blogs - I attended my first Green River Narrows Race in 2006 as a spectator and quickly became enamored with all aspects of racing downriver in a kayak. The thrill of paddling fast, the cheering crowd, and the sole responsibility you have for completing the run safely and knowing you are your own safety during the race were all very fascinating factors to me. Sean Poynter SUP International - The Sapinus Pro in Tahiti saw stand-up take a couple of turns into new ground, and at the fulcrum of these shifts sits Sean Poynter. West Fork Tuck Pre-Release Work Weekend worldkayak blogs - In July of last year a natural high flow event occurred on the West Fork of the Tuckasegee, which had significant effects on wood in the river. These effects were overwhelmingly positive for paddlers, as high flow events tend to move pieces of wood to channel margins and into large accumulations. Congratulations to March Kokatat Instructor of The Month, Raphael Kuner ACA - Raphael is one of the ACA's most active Instructor Trainers and one of the most influential ACA representatives in Europe. Hailing from Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany, Raff (as his friends call him) began paddling canoes 25 years ago. The Palm Fxr Has Landed AS Watersports - The Palm FXr is based on their hugely popular FX buoyancy aid. The success of the FX is due to its low bulk cut, which allows for a great range of movement. It also features long, easy to adjust shoulder straps. This allows you to wear the PFD low, while the Palm 3D waist makes sure it stays there, even during the most turbulent swims. Mendocino SUP Getaway Clavey - I grew up going to Mendocino, at the very least, a couple of times a year. Mom and Dad would pack up the old Vista Cruiser and head up to the Seafoam Lodge for a weekend of abalone diving, bacon and eggs cooked on the beach, epic struggles in and out of 7mm neoprene and dinnertime feasts of whatever we could pull out of the sea. Ollie talks about the World Standup Paddleboard Championships that happened at Peru SUP International - I have just got back from my honeymoon in Peru that conveniently coincided with the World Standup Paddleboard Championships in Lima, though I'm not sure my lovely wife saw it that way! The competition went well for me despite the equipment I had to use. For anyone who doesn't know, trying to travel with 12'6 race boards isn't the easiest of things. This meant I had to hire one out there.

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Today's News Editor(s): bartw.