Recap - Slocan and Columbia River SUP Race (aka West Kootenay River SUP Race)

Another FANTASTIC weekend of river SUP racing in the West Kootenays presented by Endless Adventure in Crescent Valley, BC. 

The 2nd Annual West Kootenay River SUP Race drew stand up paddlers from as far away as Prince Albert, SK and Edmonton, AB and from around British Columbia.

Temperatures were HOT throughout the weekend so being on the water was fun and refreshing. Friday afternoon/evening Andrea Ryman (owner of Endless Adventure) provided a River SUP clinic to introduce folks to the beautiful Slocan River that would be home of the SUP Cross on Sunday. The clinics are a must-do for folks who want to have an edge on their competitors!

Saturday was the distance race on the Columbia River 16+ kms, putting in at the boat launch in Robson (across from the Lions Head Pub) and navigating some high water conditions to the town of Genelle. Due to the hot temperatures so early in the season this years paddlers experienced whirl-pools and boils along the entire route - everyone did a stellar job and top finishers - Ken Larsen and Genna Flinkman posted times under 1 hr!!!!

Headed to the river Photo: Mark Klein

Lions Head Pub - Post Distance Race Photo: Nikki Rekman

The race was followed up by a friendly gathering at the Lions Head Pub before heading back to the Slocan River for some practice runs.

Lower Slocan River Photo: Mark Klein

We enjoyed a delicious pig roast (thank you, Chris and Andrea) and some cool beverages courtesy of Sleeman Brewery on the Saturday night before we all retired dreaming of eddylines and buoy turns in the SUP Cross on Sunday.

Saturday Night Pig Roast at Endless Adventure Photo: Nikki Rekman

SUP Cross participants were up early Sunday morning to get a view of the course and get geared up with all the appropriate river gear. Rescue PFDs, paddles, helmets and SUP leashes help make your river SUP experience safe and FUN!!! Thank you to: Kokatat PFD's, Werner Paddles, Predator Helmets and North Water for loaning all the gear!!

This event is for SUP paddlers of all levels and the more experienced river SUP paddlers who attend, continue to be gracious and kind in sharing their knowledge and experience with new participants.

Congratulations to Ken Larsen and Genna Flinkman for capturing the Men's and Women's SUP Cross titles for 2015!!

The 2015 event was sponsored by: Werner Paddles, Sleeman Brewery, Kialoa, Zelstoff-Celgard 

Looks like the dates for 2016 will be July 1 - 3

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

More photos can be viewed on Mark's Flickr account.

West Kootenay River SUP Race Re-Cap

What an amazing weekend in the beautiful West Kootenays with the BC SUP community last weekend at the BC SUP Cup River SUP Race hosted by the folks at Endless Adventure.

The weather was spectacular and HOT and the rivers kept us cool and on our toes!!!

Mark and I had the pleasure of taking Mike Darbyshire's River SUP Clinic on the Upper Slocan on the Friday and it was a great learning experience and a lot of fun.  If you have a chance to get in on one of Mike's clinics do it.  He's knowledgeable, fun and safety is a top priority.

Thanks to Mark Klein aka my husband and the other half of Nikki Rekman Sales for the photos!

I look nervous...I was a bit.  Thanks to Kokatat, Werner, Jackson Kayak and Predator for my awesome gear!!

Mike D getting me on the Slocan River in the River SUP clinic - so much fun!

Saturday was the long course race down the mighty Columbia River from just outside Castlegar to Genelle, BC - 16.8 km.  Nikki Rekman Sales team members came out on top with Mike Darbyshire taking the top Men's spot, Lina Augaitis top Women's and our Alberta-boy, Eli Fischbuch taking top Junior!  We are proud to have all three athletes paddling with Werner Paddles!

Start on the Columbia River

 

First guy across the finish - Mike Darbyshire

First woman across the finish - Lina Augaitis

First Junior to cross the finish - Eli Fischbuch

We wrapped up the Saturday festivities at the Lion's Head Pub (THANKS Troy and Carly for hosting!!!) with entertainment by musician, Shane Phillip. FYI - the food at the Lion's Head is FANTASTIC.

Sunday was the most fun for participants on and off the river for the first ever BOARDER CROSS back on the Slocan River.  Very entertaining to watch!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these Nikki Rekman Sales team members - Lina, Mike and Eli!!

THANKS to Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles for outfitting folks in the river SUP clinics and in the Boarder Cross with rescue PFD's and paddles.

We participate in a lot of paddling communities in and around Western Canada and the BC SUP community never fails to impress me.  This is a group of welcoming, fun and gracious individuals and I am so thankful you have embraced us into the fold.

Nikki, Chris from Endless Adventure (our event host along with wife Andrea) and Mark photo: Andrea Ryman

Special shout-outs to Chris & Andrea from Endless Adventure and Mike Grant for hosting all of us.  Mike Darbyshire for inspiring people on and off the river.  To our team members, Mike, Lina and Eli - your support of us and our brands is so very much appreciated and we love connecting with you!!


Vanessa Fischbuch thanks for getting Eli to all the races and for being an amazing example of how to parent awesome kids.

Super-Mom - Vanessa enjoying some time on the Columbia River waiting for Eli to finish his race.

For more photos go to Mark's Flickr account HERE.  Please give him a photo credit if you use the photos - Mark Klein :)

See you on the water!

Road Travels, the Good and the Bad...

We just got off the road this past Tuesday after putting over 9,000km on our #roadwarrior rig and it was definitely a trip to remember.

On a super, awesome positive note, our "new to us" 2008 Chevy Express performed great and the gas consumption was not double what the trustee old Subaru was and we had a TON more space.  Hurray!!!

We did a number of clinics (if we missed you, we hope to see you with the new 2015 product in August or during future travels in the territory).  Getting on the water is always fun and we had a chance to do that with the crew from Endless Adventure in Castlegar, BC.  Here are a few photos.

Enjoy the comfort and speed of the Jackson Kayak Ibis

Nick, taking the Jackson Kayak Journey through its paces

Checking out the stability of the Jackson Kayak Big Tuna

 The bad news, was 3/4 of the way through the trip when we got a call from my parents, that my Opa (Grandpa) had died.  The fun stopped there.  I was very close to my Opa and this loss (however expected at the grand age of 86) has been tough for me.  Thanks to all of you who sent kind words, they were very much appreciated.  We returned to Saskatoon (from where we had just been 10 days prior) for the funeral and we were very fortunate to be there and celebrate a life well-lived!  We had to get back to work and hit the road that night.  The trip improved from there.

North to beautiful, Smithers, BC to assist Kokatat Watersports Wear, Jackson Kayak and Werner Paddles dealer, Aquabatics Smithers at their consumer demo day.  A huge shout-out to Susan and her staff for moving the date ahead by one day to give us a couple of days off to rest after the epic driving - you guys ROCK!!  I am super excited to say I got to spend some time in my Jackson Kayak Cuda 12 and do a little fishing up on Babine Lake (about an hour north of Smithers).  We had great weather and I landed my first FISH from a kayak!!!  A beautiful rainbow trout, the day prior my "nephew" Eli caught 3 (which we ate, they were delicious).  While the photos did not turn out as I had hoped, this is the proof :)

Kayak fishing on Babine Lake, BC - I got one on the line!!!

There he is...see him??!?  Fun times!

Here are a couple of photos from our consumer demo in Smithers with Aquabatics.  The weather forecast was for thundershowers so we were pretty stoked to have a warm, sunny day!!!

Young Ian, having a blast!!

Lake Kathyln, a beautiful spot to get on the Jackson Kayak SUP boards

The Jackson Kayak Big Rig, big enough for you AND your dog!!!

Stand Up Paddling in the Beautiful Southwest BC Kootenays

We are excited to let you know about a great event in the SW Kootenays next month -
Sunday, August 25th from 10:00-3:00pm.

The 2nd Annual SUPrace on the Upper Slocan River, hosted by Endless Adventure.

The race draws 50-75 participants each year from all over the Kootenays and the Okanagn Valley.  Stand Up Paddling is new to many of the participants so if you have never raced before, do not hesitate to sign up.

SUP is a growing sport perfect for all ages and abilities.

For more information contact Meredith at Endless Adventure -  info@endlessadventure.ca or 250.359.8181

Endless Adventure can help you with all of your SUP and kayak needs as a Werner Paddles and Jackson Kayak dealer.

Happy New Year and Welcome, Guest Blogger, Chris Ryman

Well, after being knocked out by the head/chest cold thing going around, we have joined the land of the living again.  HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our friends and colleagues!  We wish you a year full of EPIC, fun and safe adventures.

I am excited to welcome our first guest blogger of 2013, Chris Ryman of Endless Adventure

Chris, his wife Andrea and their daughter are based out of Castlegar, BC running their shop in Crescent Valley and their adventure tourism company, Endless Adventure International down in Ecuador.  Please check them out.

Chris reports from Ecuador on the Kokatat Jackson Collection - Hydrus 3L Mythic Shorty Dry Top

Over the last five years I have been testing out equipment in the most harsh conditions on the planet, Ecuador.  Kayaks break often, skirts leak, helmets change colour, and drytops de-laminate.  If gear can survive the intense UV rays, humidity, and the jungle hikes of Ecuador top marks are awarded in my books.  I generally paddle eighty plus days during my stay in Ecuador, everything from class IV/V creeking to class III big volume.  Our tour company, Endless Adventure International, generally visits two paddling areas:  The Napo Valley, a hot and humid amazon jungle rain forest and the Quijos Valley, a cooler climate cloud forest.  Paddling in the Napo Valley does not necessitate the use of a full  drytop however, a shorty is a solid option if you want to keep a dry boat providing your skirt is still intact.  Since my first year in Ecuador I have tested three different shorty dry tops-- The Level 6 Chochee, the Stohlquist Swicx, and the new Kokatat Jackson Mythic.  I will use my  experience with all the models to compare and contrast to the new Kokatat.  

Kokatat Watersports Wear and Team Jackson Kayak have teamed up to introduce a new line of PFD's and dry wear.  The new line is bold and bright and made in the USA with top quality fabrics.  In classic Jackson style the colours coincide with the JK brand- Yellow, Orange and navy blue.  The shorty is complete with neck and bicep gaskets, skirt tunnel, but no fancy zipper pockets or unnecessary bling. Top quality latex gaskets are covered with light-weight neoprene providing protection for the latex and comfort for the paddler.  The shell is made of a breathable three layer fabric called Hydrus 3L, even on the hottest days in the jungle the top breaths avoiding the “OMG I am wearing a garbage bag” feeling. Kokatat has scored huge with this new fabric as it is lighter and dryer than both the L6 and Stohlquist.  Thus far with over forty straight days cooking in the sun and rustling through mysterious jungle plants the top looks brand new. 

The fit of the Mythic is perfect.  I am 6 feet tall (182cm) and a slender 175lbs (80kg) The medium fits just right but I could probably go for a large if I were to layer underneath as the top JUST fits.  Roomy in the shoulder area and slim in the torso with enough room for rotating the design is made for hours of play boating at your favourite spot.  Large velcro tunnel adjustments stay intact even while throwing your body about completing huge loops and twisting cartwheels.  Other tops I have tried will creep up on your lower back exposing you to leakage after aerial moves, the Kokatat remains in place most of the time. 

Yes, the colour of the new line of tops may seem a little ah “gaudy” but I personally am all about being seen on the river.  I am well aware that there are numerous Star Wars/ninja fans out there that insist on wearing black in hopes of looking like a force-less Darth Vader swimming out of their kayak.  This top may not be for you but I offer this piece of insight-- when your crew is searching for you after a unfortunate swim do you want to look like a rolling log, rock or garbage bag or something that screams out “save me now”!!! I have been waiting for years for function to take over style with river gear, gone are the days of plaid drysuits and dark colours.  Unless you are sneaking through private property to access some whitewater goodies camo has no place on the river.  When I am expedition kayaking I want gear that can be see from google earth if the shit hits the fan.  Not to mention dark green, black, and blue suck for photos, ask any photographer the brightest colours are yellow, orange, and red.  Lead guiding a river trip? Wrap yourself in the new Kokatat gear and tell your duckies to follow the light to safe lines!

So far so good with durability while other brands have slipped the ranks from my go-to top to “sure I have a top you can borrow” you will not pry this one from my hands.  Lightweight, excellent fit, bright colours, awesomeness. I give this piece of gear a good ol' nine out of ten, only losing one point for the occasional disturbing flashes of light I experience as my arms pass my peripheral vision and the blur of neon reminds me of my university disco days. 

Thanks for the good stuff Kokatat.

See ME on the river,

Chris Ryman

***now all we have to do is get Chris into the new Maximus Prime PFD and he'll be set!!!!***

Windy Demo in the Kootenays!

Saturday was a windy day on the Columbia River near Castlegar/Robson in the beautiful BC Kootenays but that did not stop us from getting out on the water with a few of the staff and customers of Endless Adventure. 

Our Jackson Kayak and Werner Paddles demo day started off with a yummy smoothy breakfast courtesy of Endless Adventure owner, Chris Ryman.  Chris hosted us at their home situated on the Columbia River, a short paddle to the pub and our demo location.

En route from the Ryman's to the Lion's Head Pub for some dinner the night before the demo.  How cool is that?!?!?

Despite the wind we had some adventurous folk join us at the demo to try out the fleet of Jackson Kayaks.  Whisper the dog, also got in on the fun.

Check out Endless Adventure at their location in Crescent Valley and if you are really up for an adventure join them in Ecuador through Endless Adventure International.

Nikki giving a young paddler some tips with Mark looking on.

Fantastic Weekend on the Chilliwack River

We had a great weekend at the Vancouver Kayak Club Paddle Festival on the Chilliwack River.  It's a total treat to have an event in our home-town (means we get to sleep in our own bed!!!) and not drive for hours :)

Saturday was cool and at times overcast but the turn out was great and lots of paddlers were demoing Jackson Kayaks and Werner Paddles  and lovin' the fact that we were loaning out our Kokatat Drysuits.  Nothing better than a clean run and being warm and dry!!!  Sunday was warm and sunny and again the turn out was high with lots of interest in our new Jackson Kayak Zen and Fun Runner series.

We were joined by two of our BC dealers, Endless Adventure from the Kootenays (thanks for making the 8 hour trek down guys!) and the crew from Western Canoeing and Kayaking.  Both shops brought demo boats so along with our demos, Jackson Kayaks was well represented and we had LOTS of boats to share.

You can check out more photos on the Nikki Rekman Sales facebook page.  These two were just a couple of my favourites featuring, Western Canoeing and Kayaking's, Ryan Bayes paddling the new JK Fun Runner!!!  Check out Ryan's blog, Fraser Valley Whitewater.

Photos: Nikki Rekman