Q & A with Esquif Canoes

Here we go! Round 2 of the Esquif Q & A about T-Formex!

Q: Can I use the same vinyl adhesive to install outfitting in a T-Formex canoe that I used on Royalex canoes?

A: Yes. T-Formex has the same type of inside skin that Royalex has.

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Q: Will T-Formex canoes be repairable using the same techniques that I use to repair Royalex canoes?

A: Yes, absolutely.

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Q: Can skid plates be installed like on Royalex Canoes?

A: Yes. In addition, self-adhesive skid plates that we now see in the market will also work on T-Formex canoes.

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We want to hear from you too so please post your questions in the comments section below. We will then compile them and post the answers in the near future. If you wrote us a question in the comments last week and it has not been answered this time around, please don’t worry - we will address them all in the coming weeks.

T-Formex is Happening!!!

Each week, for the next few weeks, we will be posting answers to the most commonly asked questions about T-Formex. We want to hear from you too so please post your questions in the comments section below. We will then compile them and post the answers in the coming weeks. Please follow Esquif International on-line for all the latest updates on Facebook.

Jacques Chasse, owner of Esquif International inside our autoclave

Inside the Esquif International headquarters in Frampton, QC

Chaque semaine, pour les prochaines quelques semaines, nous allons poster des réponses aux questions les plus fréquemment posées au sujet de T-Formex.  Nous voulons également vous  entendre , alors s’il vous plaît poser vos questions dans la section des commentaires ci-dessous. Nous allons ensuite les compiler et publier les réponses dans les prochaines semaines.  Suivez-nous sur internet pour toutes les dernières nouvelles!


- What is T-Formex?
- C’est quoi T-Formex? 

T-Formex is a high tech ABS plastic laminate, specially designed and built for canoes and other products requiring structural memory.  It integrates a foam core, layers of ABS, and a UV protectant skin. It was developed to provide the same resilience, mechanical properties, and strength to weight ratio as the proven Royalex.

T-Formex est un plastique ABS stratifié de haute technologie spécialement conçu et construit pour les canots et d’autres produits qui requièrent une mémoire structurelle.  Il intègre un noyau de mousse, des couches d’ABS et des couches de protection contre les UV.  Il a été développé pour fournir la même résilience, les mêmes propriétés mécaniques en conservant le même ratio résistance / poids qui ont établi la réputation du Royalex.         

- Will T-Formex be stronger and lighter than Royalex as initially suggested?
- Est-ce que T-Formex sera plus fort et plus léger que Royalex comme il été initialement suggéré? 

T-Formex will have a similar weight and strength compared to Royalex. T-Formex is, as Royalex was: a customizable vulcanized sandwich with structural reinforcement and additional impact resistant substrates. Each canoe model will have a specifically designed sheet that achieves the perfect balance of durability and weight reduction. We always used the strongest sheets of Royalex that were available so we will match that with our new T-Formex sheets. It will be at least as good, if not better, than Royalex.

T-Formex aura un poids et une résistance similaire par comparaison à Royalex.  T-Formex est, comme Royalex était: un multi-laminé vulcanisé et personnalisé avec les renforts structurels et des substrats de résistance aux chocs supplémentaires. Chaque modèle de canot aura une feuille spécialement conçu qui permettra d'atteindre un équilibre parfait entre la durabilité et la réduction de poids.  Nous avons toujours utilisé les feuilles les plus robustes de Royalex qui étaient disponibles et nous allons faire de même avec nos feuilles de T-Formex.  Il sera aussi bon, sinon supérieur, que Royalex.

- Will there be a lighter weight version of T-Formex, similar to Royalite?

- Est-ce que il y aura une version plus légère de T-Formex, similaire à Royalite?

We are working on reducing the weight of the T-Formex sheets for the models that can benefit from a lighter weight construction.

Nous travaillons sur la réduction du poids des feuilles T-Formex pour les modèles qui peuvent bénéficier d'une construction plus légère.

- Which models will be available in T-Formex?
- Quels modèles seront disponibles en T-Formex?

All of the models that we were producing in Royalex will be produced in T-Formex. On a related note: we have a stock of Royalex solo canoes remaining in inventory – being sold at the 2015 prices. We will not be producing those solo canoes in T-Formex until we have sold them all. Please contact your local dealer for solo canoe pricing and availability.

Tous les modèles que nous avons produit en Royalex seront disponibles en T-Formex.  Sur le même sujet, nous avons encores des canots solos en Royalex en stock qui seront vendu au prix de 2015.  Nous ne produirons pas ces canots solos en T-Formex jusqu'à ce que nous ayons vendus tous ceux en Royalex.  S'il vous plaît contacter votre revendeur local pour le prix et la disponibilité des canots solos.

Fraser River Canoe Trip - Kid & Beginner Friendly

The "Mighty" Fraser River may be one of the most under-utilized and under-appreciated waterways (by paddlers) that I can think of and it's one of my favourites VERY close to home.

The Fraser is the longest river in British Columbia, named after explorer, Simon Fraser.  The first nations name (which I actually prefer) is the Sto:lo River and it flows from, Prince George, BC through city of Vancouver, BC to the Pacific Ocean.

Teresa and Kennedy

I was first introduced to the idea of paddling on the Fraser, by my husband, Mark and in our early dating years I thought he was crazy.  The idea of paddling down this particularly river frightened me and thankfully I got over this and ventured out with him one weekend.  I am happy to report that there have been many more Fraser River trips since then and the most recent was experienced by experienced, novice and first-time paddlers, not to mention, 2 kids (7 yrs old and 3.5 yrs old).

Our youngest paddler, Owen!

A bunch of our "motley" crew

 I love the beautiful sandy beaches and the non-technical aspect of the section between Hope, BC and Chilliwack, BC.  Hazards on the river are namely wind, power boats, immersion and some bridge pilings (all pilings are completely avoidable).  This year, the anglers in our group, happily enjoyed the record sockeye run and Mark ("Englishman") got the title of successful hunter this trip!

Mark with his catch!

Janyne trying out the stern position during her 2nd trip down the Fraser

We typically do the trip in September and October as the river is running quite high during the summer months and most available campsites will be under water.  Friends and family have an open invitation to join us particularly if they can gather a few more experienced paddlers, our goal is always to have as many experienced paddlers as possible so we can share the adventure with those that would be unable to do so on their own.

Group shot (L to R): Morgan, Owen, Mark, Liz, Mark, Kennedy, Eric, Teresa and Janyne

I hope you enjoy a few photos from our recent trip.  Thanks to Janyne, Teresa, Kennedy, Eric, Mark, Liz, Morgan, Owen and my husband, Mark for sharing the adventure and the beauty of the Fraser River with me recently. 

Playing Hooky to Paddle

I was never the student who played hooky from class in high school and rarely did I have sick days when I was an employee but in my forties I am learning to play hooky.  Playing hooky in my mind is a gift I give myself.  This gift rejuvenates me and it reminds me of why I got in the Paddlesports business 20 years ago - I love to paddle and be on the water.

Our home is a bit like a revolving door, people coming, people going and for the most part I like it that way.  Earlier this week, our friends and canoe instructors, Allyson Phillips and Roger Warnatsch from Green Wave Canoeing in Kimberley, BC came through town.  This was an opportunity to connect with friends that live hours away over cold ciders and healthy meals AND go paddling.



































Mark and I took, Allyson and Roger's Moving Water Canoe Course last month.  You can read all about that adventure here and we were stoked to get on the water with them again.  This time, on OUR home rivers, the Chilliwack and Vedder Rivers in our favourite, Esquif Pocket Canyon. The Pocket Canyon is our go to boat for play days on the river where we do not have to load it with overnight gear.  Our Prospecteur 17 or Mistral 17.5 is what we use for multi-day trips.

We put in on river left across the river from Osbourne Road, this put in is accessible via the Vedder Logging Co. Road (take Chilliwack Lake Road, cross Tamihi Bridge and take your first right).  You do have to do a bit of a carry to access the river but it's not far.  We took out on river right at Lickman Road.  This run is a class 2/2+ and the biggest hazard is wood/trees and immersion.  During our run there were a couple of blind corners but we did not find any wood blocking the entire river.  There was always a way to avoid it.

Despite the crazy warm temperatures we have been having in the Fraser Valley recently we were dressed for full immersion in our Kokatat Goretex Meridian Drysuits and Maximus and Maximus Prime PFD's.  So often this summer we have seen people "tubing" down the Vedder River in no immersion gear and no PFD's.  The water is very cold, even on a hot day.  This was also an opportunity for me to try out my new Werner Paddles carbon Bandit - I loved it.  The swing weight was amazing and the paddle was "bomber" tough.

This run has everything in it, wave trains (big and small), one friendly hole and lots of spots to stop and enjoy your surroundings.

I hope this post inspires you to play hooky and go paddling!  It may be just the perspective change you need.

Thanks to Allyson Phillips for all the photos.

Whitewater Canoe Course on the Similkameen River

Last month we took the opportunity to do some professional development and signed up for a 4 day whitewater canoe course on the Similkameen River near Princeton, BC.  Allyson Phillips and Roger Warnatsch of Green Wave Canoeing put on a fantastic course and we learned a ton. 
 

On the final day of the course giving soloing a try - it's A LOT more work but fun!

Like many people, our paddling experiences have mostly been self-directed but as we have been paddling for over 25 years we are looking to do more difficult trips (namely to Northern Canada) and so getting some instruction seemed the next logical step.

Instructor Roger doing what he loves - teaching

During our 4 day course there was lots to review and even more new things to learn.  Our favourite stroke and what we believe, is one of the most valued in our arsenal is the reverse stroke.  My least favourite, the offside forward stroke for solo canoeing.  That is the most unnatural stroke I have ever done and I know I will need to practice that one A LOT!

Mark, instructor Allyson and Phil

We were complimented on our edging as we moved in and and out of eddies - that was nice to hear and our "go for it attitude".  We swam once, trying to surf a wave in our Esquif Pocket Canyon and although we didn't get points for style we put all of our rescue skills to good practice. 

Since our course we have been out once on the Vedder River and our looking forward to the possibility of some time on the Slocan River this coming weekend too. 

Mark having a great time!

 If you are ever interested in canoe instruction let us know and we will connect you with the folks at Green Wave Canoeing.  They've got a busy schedule teaching in the programs at Capilano University and College of the Rockies but they always make time for teaching outside of those programs too.  If anyone is interested in a smaller private course that can be accommodated as well.

Interview with Canadian Adventurer & Filmmaker, Frank Wolf

Recently I had the opportunity to connect with Esquif Canoe adventurer, Frank Wolf and talk to him about his adventurous life.  I had some very specific question for him too.

The backstory...I have known Frank for 10+ years from back in my North Water days and have always admired his ability to make time for his expeditions and for his love of tackling remote waterways throughout Canada and beyond.

Who is Frank?

I'm an award-winning filmmaker and writer specializing in adventure and environmental documentary film. As director and host I've covered stories from around the globe using a unique shooting style and humorous approach in order to make the often esoteric outdoor world appeal to a broad audience.  

My adventures are really just another way of traveling.  I'm drawn by curiosity to blank spaces on maps in wilderness areas- places with no guidebooks telling me what to do and where to go ...canoeing, kayaking, walking, cycling, skiing...I use whatever self-propelled means of transport works best for the mission.  The personal reward of experience always exceeds what I can imagine in the planning stages.  

I hate using inspirational quotes from long-dead people of the past but I'll make an exception in the case of Haiku poet Matsuo Basho. He said "Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought." In life and in adventure, that pretty much sums it up.

 

1.       How do you choose where to go?

I essentially look for blank spaces on the map I haven't visited and then figure out a way to do a trip through them. From years of experience, I can look at a topographical map and tell if it's possible to canoe through an area.  I also never repeat myself- every trip has to have the freshness that comes with experiencing a new landscape. Once I've decided on my route, I'll do a bit of research on issues facing the area so I'll have some context when it comes to interviewing people we meet along the way for the film. 

 

Labrador Plateau Camping

2.        What is involved in preparing for an Expedition?
I try to keep it as simple as possible- preparation for a month-long canoe trip is the same as preparing for a weekend trip except you have to bring more food.  My filming kit fits into a small pelican case.

3.       What is the most challenging aspect?
The most challenging aspect is usually unknown until you're face to face with it.  For example, with the Kitturiaq expedition, I knew our portage up to the Labrador Plateau would be brutal but didn't realize how tough until we were in it- and then you just stay in the moment and make the best of it. Figuring out a way to make it through the challenges is very satisfying indeed.

Caribou Crossing

4.       What is the most rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect is the moment to moment discovery of experiencing a landscape you've never been through before- every paddle stroke reveals something new that you are seeing and will never see again once you pass by it.  You become completely in tune with your environment. I often feel I'm only truly at home when I'm on trip- which is why I plan and execute a new one year after year.
 

Turning in on the Natikamaukau River

5.       Where to next? 
After attempting to row the Northwest Passage last summer, I'm keen to try out another canoeing line in the Boreal forest.  It will be a 1300 km route from the narrows of Lake Winnipeg up to Hudson Bay- a nice mix of upstream, whitewater, and flatwater....and we'll be using an Esquif Prospecteur 17 of course- the best all-round tripping canoe in the world!

Check out Frank's latest Esquif-sponsored film KITTURIAQ about a first-ever canoe trip across the Labrador Plateau into Nunavik at www.kitturiaqfilm.com

New demo canoes arrived AND we get to introduce Kitturiaq - Frank Wolf's upcoming film

The timing is perfect as today we received some demo boats from Esquif Canoes and want you to check out Esquif sponsored paddler, Frank Wolf's new film, Kitturiaq's trailer!  

We are excited to have the following boats available in demo so let us know if you are interested in trying them out particularly if you are in the lower mainland.  Boats in the fleet:  Mistral 17.5, Prospecteur 17, Prospecteur, Pocket Canyon and the Presage.

Frank is a hard-core expedition paddler and we have been very pleased to be a part of many of his adventures!

Watch the trailer and we hope it inspires you to get out and paddle your own canoe!



'Kitturiaq' film trailer from Frank Wolf on Vimeo.


p.s. kitturiaq translates to mosquito - this should be very telling about Frank's adventure!!! Let us know how you like the trailer.

Esquif Prospecteur 17 Review

We are very excited to welcome guest blogger, Frank Wolf, a modern day Canadian explorer who gives us a review of the Esquif Prospecteur 17.

"The Prospecteur 17 is my favourite tripping boat ever- even more so now after handling the abuse we heaped on it during my recent 620 km canoe trip through Nunatsiavut and Nunavik. After a fairly brutal portage to get up onto the Labrador Plateau, I spent much of the next week literally dragging the Prospecteur 17 for 200 km across the tundra. The boat handled the workout just fine and then nimbly took us down the grade III Natikamaukau River before spilling us into the big volume waters of the George River, which we followed up to our finish in Ungava Bay. This is the third consecutive major expedition I've completed with the Prospecteur 17 and here's looking forward to many more- thanks Esquif!

If you'd like to read a detailed account of the expedition, check out the current Spring 2013 issue of Canoeroots Magazine in stores now, or online here: https://www.rapidmedia.com/cr/canoerootsmag_spring13/
Also, the film on the expedition is coming together now- you can check out a rough clip from the film, images and lots more at www.kitturiaqfilm.com - it'll be out in festivals in the fall.

Please check out Frank's website at www.frank-wolf.net

Esquif Rangeley 15' - A Real Workhorse!

Check out the new hunting and fishing series from Esquif Canoes.

The video highlights the Rangeley 15' but this boat is also available in 13.5' and 17' models.

They work great with a small electric or outboard motor.  Three great additions to our Sporting line up.

Click on the links above for additional information or subscribe to your You Tube channel

Have Canoes-Will Ship-Anywhere

Fantastic video by Esquif Dealer, Appomattox River Co. in Farmville, VA

Now you know why we charge for wrapping canoes - it's a TON of work!