Spring in the 4Fun ~ Plattling Eurocup 1 2015 ~ Courtesy of JCP

Playak News Flash - June 16, 2015
The world's latest paddling headlines.

News Watch Headlines Spring in the 4Fun Jackson Kayak - I've been paddling the For Fun since this winter and it's getting better and better. I am 5'11" and weigh 215 pounds. The best spot I've found for the seat is right in the middle. Plattling Eurocup 1 2015 Kokatat Blog - Kokatat Global Ambassadors and Team Gui-Gui Prod members just killed it in the first Eurocup of the year in Plattling. I met Thomas Richard and Guillaume Respaud Guigui in Millau and we drove 17 long hours to the first big international event of the season: the 1st Eurocup, held in Plattling. Courtesy of JCP Rediscovering North America - Part of the joy with this trip has been the remarkable people we've come to meet. Jonathan Chapman ranks as highly as anyone thus far. A consummate professional and genuinely great guy, he and his crew put together a great shoot while we were laid-over in New Ulm and this is only some of the fruits of their labor. California 100 Pictures and Results Sup Currents - The California 100 is definitely a race on my bucket list. I cannot begin to describe the race in any detail because I have not done it but will someday. Unfortunately, the Cal 100 happens the same weekend as the Tahoe Cup Donner Lake Race, a race that typically kicks off the paddle race season in the Tahoe area. A Shoal Bass Weekend Jackson Kayak - It is the end of May and these Shoal Bass are in some sort of funk with them being in a late and post spawn. You can easily catch the small buck males right now using a variety of smaller profile lures like a plastic worm or shallow crank, but I'm after the big ones. What is a Shoal Bass? A Shoal Bass is one of the black bass species that is native to river systems found in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Stroke Clinic & Naish Demo with Chuck Patterson Standup Journal - We couldn't be more excited about hosting legendary waterman, Chuck Patterson on Tuesday, June 16th! We've got an afternoon of activities that includes demo opportunities of the 2015 Naish paddle board lineup as well as a paddle clinic with the master himself. This is a must do event for all of you. Standing on Water Trailer – Casper Steinfath SUPboarder - We love a good SUP film and we've been looking forward to seeing the 'Standing On Water' film with Casper Steinfath since we heard he was up to something last year. Working with Danish filmmaker Peter Alsted this looks like a beautifully shot, real world surf story about becoming one with the sea in a place that isn't known for world class waterman. Yampa River Festival Palm Blogs - We first came to Yampa River Festival last year with no idea of what to expect. It took place in a small mountain town, we knew very little about the local whitewater and there where conflicting dates with bigger events throughout the state of Colorado but two old school legends and active kayakers in the area (Chan Zanzwig and Kurt Casey) convinced us to visit despite our doubts. Yampa River Festival bren-orton 13.06.15 19:03 We first came to Yampa river festival last year with no idea of what to expect... Barcelona will kick off the 2015 World Series in style in 2 weeks Waterman League - In 2 weeks time, Barcelona will take center stage as it hosts the Opening event of the 2015 Stand Up World Series. From the 26th – 28th June, Barceloneta Beach in downtown Barcelona will witness the prestigious opening of the 2015 World Series as the World's best gather for a groundbreaking weekend of racing, vital ranking points towards a World Championship Crown and $25,000 of prize-money. Yampa River Festival Team Pyranha - We first came to Yampa river festival last year with no idea of what to expect. It took place in a small mountain town, we knew very little about the local white water and there where conflicting dates with bigger events throughout the state of Colorado but two old school legends and active kayakers in the area (Chan Zanzwig and Kurt Casey) convinced us to visit despite our doubts. Connor Baxter wins the Technical Race at the 2015 ISA World Championships SUP Surf - The 2015 ISA World Championship in Sayulita Mexico was by far one of the most fun events ever. It was the first time for team Hawaii showing up and competing. The reason why the contest was so much fun was because we had 27 different countries come together for a week long battle. It was a nice change up to be able to cheer for your fellow teammates and make game plans with them so everyone did well. Spring Flings 2015 Down Hill Kayaking - The spring of 2015 was not a high water year in and around north Alabama, but luckily for those of us who live here, below average spring rain is still better than most places anyway. The ever reliable Little River Canyon (LRC) stayed at runnable levels almost nonstop from December to April and provided consistent, high quality paddling between the few bigger rain events that we did have. Below: A compilation of shots from of a variety of runs friends and I paddled from February to April of 2015. Use a Resistor to Improve Technique and Develop Specific Strength Larry Cain - I don't believe in spending a lot of time trying to find gym exercises that mimic the paddling motion. If I'm in the gym I'd much rather work on the component of strength I'm working on in more general, less specific terms. First Paddle of the Mirage 532 Sea Kayak Rod Swan - After having the Mirage 532 in my possession for 32 hours I had to have a paddle and try out the new kayak. I quickly loaded the kayak on the ute and headed for a short paddle in the Pioneer River, which is only a about 800 meters away directly. My first reaction after leaving the bank was that the Mirage 532 is very comfortable and stable. I felt right at home straight away. Always More to Learn Sea Kayak Stonington - The learning never stops. A few years ago, when I worked toward earning my ACA Level 3 instructor certification, I claimed to have no interest in progressing to the highest level. The prospect of coaching people in the bigger, more potentially hazardous conditions just didn't have its appeal. But as I progressed into those environments, it helped to have the occasional guidance from upper-level coaches. This week I went to an L5 instructor development workshop (IDW) to get pointed in the right direction.

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