1st Annual Naramata Paddle Regatta

Join Werner Paddles and Sun N Sup in beautiful Naramata, BC this Friday evening and Saturday for the 1st Annual Naramata Paddle Regatta.

Sun N Sup will be hosting their very first SUP event. In partnership with beautiful Sandy Beach Lodge, they are showcasing Standup Paddling in a fun-filled event where everyone from beginner to expert can enjoy themselves. 

Friday Sept. 21^st – 4 pm – 6 pm – SUP & SIP social
Saturday Sept 22^nd  - Race Day (SUP Expo & demos)

For complete details check out the event website HERE

  

 

 

Board the Fjord Stand Up Paddleboard Race - THIS SUNDAY in Deep Cove!!!

The weather is supposed to be great this weekend so join us in Deep Cove for the Board the Fjord Stand Up Paddleboard Race hosted by Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre this SUNDAY September 16th.

We will have all of our Werner Paddles Stand Up Paddles for you to demo and you can check out all that's new for 2013 too!

Board the Fjord is Deep Cove's Premier Stand Up Paddleboard Event. It's a full day of racing and festivities in beautiful Deep Cove and Indian Arm.

The scenic race course takes paddlers around 7 different islands in North America's southern most fjord.

The race is open to recreational and competitive paddlers and we encourage everyone to come out and challenge yourself at this great event!

Visit the website for more information!

Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic RECAP by Stephen Laurie

The 2nd annual Eastslope Kayak Fishing Classic is now officially in the books. This year’s event was a great success seeing growth of more than double the number of registered participants from last year. The last minute change of location due to the oil spill on Gleniffer Lake just two weeks in advance of the tournament definitely posed some challenges but with the help of Alberta Parks an alternate location, Phyllis Lake, was found, approved and ultimately turned out to be a great spot for the tourney. The BBQ social prior to the Captains meeting on Friday proved to be one of the highlights of the weekend with plenty of attendees who enjoyed meeting each other and talking shop.

Captains Meeting

BBQ Social

Quite a few of the participants showed up as early as Thursday to pre fish and camp at the Lake making for great company and a nice extended weekend spent with Kayak Anglers from all over Alberta. The anglers hit the water at 6 am tournament day and were welcomed by almost nonstop rain but toughed it out which led to some pretty impressive overall numbers coming in at judging time. Quite a few of the participants limited out with all 25 fish caught including 5 White Sucker which in the end turned out to be the difference that separated the top 4 to 5 anglers from the pack.

On the water

The 2012 Eastlope Kayak Fishing Classic saw repeat winners with brothers Jay and Matt Maciejewsky, both in Jackson Coosa’s, again claiming 1st and 2nd place respectfully and saw them go home with some of the top prizes including A Kokatat T3 Super Angler Dry Suit, Werner Paddles and gear from Yak Attack and Settles Bridge Supply House. First time tournament participant Jim Kind’s third place finish showed that the hours he spent pre fishing were not wasted and earned him a top notch Fly Fishing outfit from Amundson, Exoficio, and Buff Headwear. 

Parking

With the generous donations from our sponsors all our participants were able to leave with top quality prizes and gear from some of the best companies in the kayak angling world. The most exciting moment of the awards ceremony was the highly anticipated draw for a Jackson Kayak Cuda ,a top of the line kayak fishing machine, kindly donated by Jackson Kayak one of our featured sponsors which was won by Wayne Westbury an avid pontoon fisherman who may now be a convert to the world of kayak fishing. With promises from participants to return and with the growing interest in kayak fishing next year’s event is sure to see increased growth and be bigger and better yet again. I’m already working on plans for next year and can’t wait to see both familiar and new faces . 

Wayne Westbury winner of the Jackson Kayak Cuda with event director, Stephen Laurie

A special thanks to all of our sponsors for their genorous contributions and helping to promote the growth of kayak fishing.  

Jackson Kayak, Kokatat, Werner, Settles Bridge Supply House, Undercurrents,Yak Attack, Kayak Angler Magazine, Jackfish Lures, The Fishing Butler, The Fish Grip, Exofficio, Buff Headwear, Pure Fishing, Amundson ,Cabela’s, Glenbow Flyfishing, The World Fishing Network, Kayalu, The Bow Habitat Station, Valhalla Pure Outfitters, Scotty, Tie Boss, Kayak Fishing Supplies, Campers Village and Greenfish. 

Kal Classic RECAP!

We had a fantastic weekend at Kalamalka Lake for the Kal Classic with the crew of Kalavida Surf Shop.  A HUGE, HUGE thank you to event coordinator Heidi Maddess!!!  Thank you too, Kevin, Michelle, Allan and the Kalavida crew - we had a great weekend despite the torrential rain!!!  To all the volunteers particularly you board handlers - wow, you worked hard and it was appreciated by everyone - THANK YOU!!!

Mike Darbyshire beating out SUP legend, Dan Gavere in the Sprint!

The event was also fortunate to host so great names in the SUP community from the USA and Western Canada!  Werner athlete, Nikki Gregg was in attendance, earlier in the week providing clinics and racing over the weekend.  Nikki earned 2nd place in the Women's category, Dan Gavere 2nd in the Men's category and BC's own, Norm Hann claimed for the second year in a row the King of Kalamalka title.  Way to go Norm!!!  Norm was also awarded a Werner Paddles Grand Prix (which he had demo'd from us before :) so we are very excited that Norm will be using a Grand Prix on the water in the very near future.  Congratulations also to Shannon Bell (who also went home with a Werner Paddles Grand Prix), Shelia Sovereign and Vancouver Island's, Stuart Robinson.

Sheila Sovereign, Shannon Bell and Nikki Gregg

Women:
Queen of Kalamalka: Shannon Bell
2nd - Nikki Gregg
3rd - Sheila Sovereign

Men:
King of Kalamalka (repeat): Norm Hann
2nd - Dan Gavere
3rd - Stuart Robinson

Norm Hann - King of Kalamalka

Another fantastic showing was by Deep Cove Outdoor's, Mike Darbyshire, sponsored by Nikki Rekman Sales, Starboard, Kokatat Watersports Wear and Deep Cove Outdoors.  

Mike beat out SUP legend, Dan Gavere in the Sprint Course (Elimination Style) and completed along with fellow Deep Cove Outdoor's paddlers, Karly Cox, Garry Rathbone and Dion Maxwell the Kalamalka Crossing.  

This is the marquee event of the Classic – a 10 mile (18km) trek across the length of Kalamalka Lake.  You guys were fantastic!!!

Deep Cove Crew: Karly, Dion, Garry and Mike

Yannick Michaud from Ocean River Sports our Werner Paddles dealer, in Victoria also competed in the events over the weekend and finished the Kalamalka Lake crossing.  Way to go Yannick!!! (sorry, Yannick no good photos).

Kristian Pearson

Finally a very special mention to our friend and Western Canadian Starboard Rep, Kristian Pearson for his finishes this weekend.  He did the entire rep community and his brands very proud this weekend!!!

For more photos go to Nikki Rekman Sales on Facebook!!!

  

Photo credits: Mark Klein

Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival: June 22-24

Join me and Werner Athlete, Nikki Gregg for the Kalamalka Classic SUP Festival in Vernon BC, THIS weekend, June 22-24.  This event is hosted by the fabulous crew at Kalavida Surf Shop!

The event has something for everyone; beginner to enthusiast, men, women and dogs too.

Friday: SIP and SUP to Bishops Bird Sanctuary / Late Registration

10:00am-8:00pm – Late Registration - Kalavida Surf Shop
6:00–8:00pm - SIP & SUP Sunset paddle (Wine and Music with Manfred Harter)
 – $10 Donation (Board rentals available)

Saturday: Short Courses / Sprint Showdown / Free Demos

9:45am – Opening Ceremony (feat. Mollie Bono – Okanagan Indian Band / SPrKL)
10:00am-3:00pm – Vendor Expo and Board Demos
10:00am – Short Course Race - Competitive (Presented by Starboard)
 - *BC SUP CUP Points race for 12’6
11:00am –Short Course Race – Recreational, Junior - *BC SUP CUP Points race for 12’ & Under
2:00pm – Sprint Races (Competitive & Recreational)
3:00pm - Grom Relay Races (Kids)
6:00pm – Dinner & Entertainment

Sunday: The Kalamalka Crossing - Long Course (Presented by Naish)

8:30am – Pre-Race Meeting at Start line in Oyama (Wood Lake Beach)
9:00am – Start for all 12’ & Under Surfboard style
9:20am – Start for 12’6 & Under Recreational & Competitive & 14’ Recreational
9:30am – Start for 14’ Competitive - BC SUP CUP POINTS

NW Cup Canada Day Race hosted by Chilliwack Centre of Excellence

All boat types wanted and welcome - test yourself on a Whitewater Slalom course July 1.

9 am racers meeting, 10 am race!

Prizes available from Nikki Rekman Sales and Western Canoeing and Kayaking

(On June 30th there are clinics and practice on water,  in preparation for race day.  All types of boaters are encouraged to participate - C-1, K-1, Creekers, Playboaters, Canoeists!!!)


 Please contact CCE to register.

National Canoe Day - June 26th

- published 3/26/12 on http://www.nationalcanoeday.net/

People and groups across Canada and around the world come together on or around June 26 every year to help celebrate canoeing and paddle sports – how will you be celebrating?

We’re asking everyone across Canada and around the world to register your participation here - let us know how you’ll be joining thousands of people around the world as they get involved!

You can check out our Events page to find groups in your area, or you can participate on your own – the only limit is your imagination! Whether your a canewbie or a paddling enthusiast, you can celebrate the wonder that is the canoe.

However you choose to participate, please register with us – whether large or small,

How will you participate?

• Go for a paddle
• Make a canoe craft with your family, school, or group  (click here to download our free Mini Canoe PDFs)
• Organize a canoeing event (and register it with us!)
• Paddle to work
• Portage down Main Street
• Learn how to paddle
• Participate in our ‘You and a Canoe’ photo contest 
• Create a canoe-themed display in your shop window
• Become a Member of the Canadian Canoe Museum
• Plan a canoe trip
• Teach someone how to paddle
• Wear a canoe
• Visit the Canadian Canoe Museum
• Offer canoe-themed discounts in your shop
• Visit your local canoe outfitters
• Restore or build a canoe
• Drink a canoe-themed beverage
• Join your local canoe club
• Buy your own canoe

There are hundreds of ways to celebrate – how will you?

Another SUNNY weekend for a demo day!

Mountain to Sound Outfitters staff clinic

Another sunny and warm weekend for a demo - hurray!!!

We had a great couple of days down in Issaquah, WA at the Northwest Paddling Festival, giving new and experienced paddlers some time in Jackson Kayak's and Werner Paddles!!!

On the Friday, manufacturer's reps like myself, had the opportunity to spend time with the floor staff from local shops.  Along with Jackson Kayak VP of Sales, Marty Cronin, we took the staff of Mountain to Sound Outfitters through the Jackson Kayak line up.  The fun part was of course getting on the water with these guys.  Check out how much fun they are having.

Roman from Mountain to Sound Outfitters and Marty Cronin JK VP of Sales

Sonia assisting an interested paddler in JK boats

If you are interested in Jackson Kayak's check out Mountain to Sound Outfitters in West Seattle for all your paddlesports needs.  You can find them HERE.

Save the date for NEXT year's Northwest Paddling Festival at beautiful Lake Sammamish Sate Park in Issaquah, WA - May 10 & 11, 2013.  

Mountain to Sound Outfitters owner, Greg Whitaker enjoying the Coosa

For more photos check out the Nikki Rekman Sales Facebook page.

It's Clinic Season

At this time of year we are on the road visiting our dealers throughout Western Canada and beyond. This week I had the pleasure of taking a number of retail floor staff through the Werner G.U.I.D.E. clinic and the Kokatat Watersports Wear line up. An opportunity to take retail floor staff through the gear, educating them on everything from paddle materials and design to why a Kokatat Goretex drysuit will be one of the best investments a paddler can make. A special thanks to the crew at Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre, Valhalla Pure Outfitters - Squamish, Escape Route and Western Canoeing and Kayaking. As I write this blogpost this morning I am also thinking ahead to my Jackson Kayak Clinic with our new dealer in West Seattle, Mountain to Sound Outfitters. This is a fantastic shop, owned by Greg & Kara Whitaker. The staff is young and enthusiastic and I am stoked to get them on the water at Lake Sammammish this morning. This will also be the site of tomorrow's Northwest Paddling Festival so if you are in the Seattle area please come by and check out everything paddlesports. We'll be there with our fleet of Jackson Kayaks!!! This 2nd year event, in this new location is setting the stage to becoming the largest outdoor paddlesports festival in North America. I'll be writing from the road a lot in the next three weeks so if the format seems a bit off my apologies, finding the right software can be challenging. In the meantime, have a great day and get outside (even if that only means walking outside during your lunch break)!!

Join us at the Northwest Paddling Festival - Saturday May 12th

We are looking forward to another busy weekend getting paddlers on the water in Jackson Kayaks and Werner Paddles

The event is from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Sunset Beach in Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, WA.

The Northwest Paddling Festival is a Free event. If you are interested in paddling the gear, there is a nominal $5 per person charge for those interested in demoing boats or Stand Up Paddleboards (credit/debit cards will be accepted).

It is shaping up to be an amazing event with over 60 vendors from the paddlesports industry!

Come out and see what the biggest collection of manufacturers in specialty paddlesports looks like in one location.

Schedule events is here

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

Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak - Free Spring Paddle Festival - April 28 & 29

Join us THIS Saturday and Sunday (April 28 & 29) at Vancouver Lake with the crew at Alder Creek Canoe & Kayak for their FREE Spring Paddle Festival.

9 am to 4 pm for on water demos and clinics.

This is the best opportunity to test paddle new kayaks and canoes. Join manufacturer’s representatives and coaches for two days of test paddling, skills development and clinics, all for free. ($3 parking fee)

We will be there with Jackson Kayaks along with professional kayak angler, Drew Gregory.  Drew will offering 2 classes - Kayak Fishing 101 and Fishing on Rivers.  Try out our wildly popular Coosa Elite and Cuda fishing kayaks!

Drew's clinic times:

Saturday 11 am and 1 pm

Sunday 9:30 and 1:30

Directions from Portland: Take I-5 to Vancouver, exit on either Mill Plain or 4th Plain and go west. Mill Plain and 4th Plain merge into Lower River Road, Follow signs to Vancouver Lake.

For additional information please contact Alder Creek Canoe & Kayak at:  503-285-0464

Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films

Save the date for the Vancouver Festival of Ocean Films June 8th & 9th 

The festival will be held at the VIFF Vancity Theatre -

Vancouver International Film Centre

1181 Seymour St

Vancouver, BC

 

Times to be announced so keep watching our blog!

Presenting Partner Georgia Strait Alliance and Presenting Sponsor One Ocean Expeditions.