On the road again...

We are headed East for a family wedding in Saskatoon with some stops along the way to show off the 2014 product from Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles!

You can see the 2014 previews by following the links below:

Kokatat Men's
Kokatat Women's
Werner Paddles - Canoe/WW/SUP
Werner Paddles - Touring/Fishing

Hope to have a post or two from the road introducing you to some of our fantastic dealers along the way.

Don't forget the upcoming preseason deadlines, here they are for your reference:

Kokatat PS Program – September 15

Jackson Kayak – September 27

Werner Paddles – September 27

Predator Helmets – September 27

Hurricane Kayaks – October 1

Overboard Accessories – October 1

Seals Sprayskirts – November 1

Esquif Canoes – November 15

 

Trying out the 2014 Werner Paddles on the Water

We finally got on the water to demo a couple of our new 2014 Werner Paddles specifically the Luna canoe paddle and the stunningly light Werner Sr. Signature Series, Ovation touring kayak paddle.

Mark and I liked the Luna, it's smaller than the Rec Canoe Paddle and it looks much nicer (IMHO).  We will be ordering a few of these for our trip down the Fraser River next month and hope to get some nice photos in the process.

While we have been super spoiled by Werner paddling our custom performance core bent shaft canoe paddles (a wedding gift), the Luna is a great choice for the all around, does it all canoe paddle.

The Ovation, well it was incredible, so light and effortless to paddle with.  I also have to comment on how it performed entering and exiting the water - it was SMOOTH.  Perfect design, combined with flawless construction - of course, we would expect nothing less from Werner now would we.

This paddle will be for the discerning paddler, the one who wants the "best of the best".  I normally paddle a neutral bent Kalliste for touring, and I did not mind the straight shaft in the Ovation at all.  At 19.75oz. the swing-weight of this paddle can not be beat and while there is more to a great paddling paddle than swing-weight, this feels fantastic. It's shockingly light. 

You may have a Kalliste or an Athena in your paddle quiver but now you will want the Ovation.

Huge kudos to our R & D folks!!!!!  This one is a WINNER!!!!

On the water in the Jackson Kayak Journey

Last weekend I had the chance to get out on the water with my husband Mark and our good friend Janyne.  Janyne is a non-paddler but she gets straight A's for being up for an adventure.

Mark and Janyne, packed up and ready to go!

 We grabbed our Esquif Prospecteur 17 and Jackson Kayak Journey 14 and loaded them up with all the things that make for a great weekend on the water.  The only thing we were short on was bug dope but that's a whole other story.

The weather was a mixed bag with some spectacular electrical storms on the Saturday night but the daytime was sun, sun and more sun.




We did some day tripping from our marine campsite and explored the opposite side of the lake which was home to a spectacular waterfall (sorry no photos).  This gave me ample time in the Journey 14 and a chance to play around in the current near the base of the waterfall.

Me, enjoying the Journey 14

The take home for me was that the Journey 14 is super versatile.  It's a fantastic day tripping option for a more experienced paddler like myself or if you want to head to the coast and play.  Yet it was also perfect for Janyne as a beginner paddler.  The 14' length gave it enough waterline to have some decent speed and as soon as you put it on edged it carved beautifully.  Janyne has not reached the point of edging her boat - her focus is on stability and the initial stability on the Journey was great for her.  She made the paddle back to our campsite that afternoon mostly effortlessly.

Janyne

 

The outfitting in the Journey is superior to any of the kevlar performance sea kayaks we have in our personal fleet of boats and the backband is my favourite feature by far.  My only comment is that I could use a bit of a wider seat for my hips.  I remove the hip pads for a little extra room.

The Journey is available in a 13.5 and 14 model.



If you are looking for a new boat or one to add to your personal fleet, the Jackson Kayak Journey series is definitely one to check out. 

Introducing the Jackson Kayak Cruise 10

While attending the Open Air Demo at the recent Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, UT I had the opportunity to get on the water with my Jackson Kayak cohorts and demo some of our new 2014 line up.


A boat that stuck out for me with the new Jackson Kayak Cruise 10.  This boat is a follow up to our very popular Cruise 12 that we introduced in 2013.  The Cruise 10 is perfect for that recreational paddler looking for something that is lighter-weight, stable and perfect for the entire family.  There is even a small sitting platform right in front of the paddler for a small child to sit - facing Mom or Dad!!

Nikki checking out the Cruise 10 and JK Marketing Director, James McBeath on the new Big Rig fishing kayak

The Cruise 10 has the following specs:

Length - 10′ 3″

Width - 32.5″

Height - 14″
Weight - 60 lbs.

The Cruise 10 features our hi-lo seat which is changing the way folks see outfitting in recreational kayaks.  It's comfortable, versatile and fantastic for those folks that have mobility issues as it makes getting in and out of the boat very easy.  You can also remove it while stopping on shore for lunch or a break to take in the scenery.  It also has a bow hatch and a day hatch, enough storage for a day excursion or even an overnighter with the stern top deck storage.

The Cruise 10 will also come in an Angler version and this will be for our more price-sensitive kayak angler who wants to get into a Jackson Kayak but can't quite afford the rigged out fishing models.  In the Cruise 10 they will still get that much appreciated hi-lo seat that is in our fishing models as well as the standing platform, a rod holder and a ram ball.  Perfect for getting you started.

Stand Up Paddling and Kids

Jackson SUPerNatural - 3 Crabs on Board!

       I knew the moment I fell in love with stand up paddle boarding that our family would fall in love with it too.  My partner's son, Bentley is always keen to join me on whatever kind of stand up paddle board adventure I'm on.  You can do so much with a SUP board these days everything from racing, touring and fishing to whitewater and surf.  All of which you can also do with a child of almost any age.  Kids as young as 4 are learning how to stand up paddle!


       Bentley is 11 years old and has been around water all his life.  Depending on what kind of SUPing we are doing he is sometimes on his own and other times he is taking a ride on the board with me.  He is always brave when we tackle whitewater on the front of the board and tough's it out on windy flat water days.




 
                         
        The Jackson SUPerNatural is a perfect platform for crab fishing with a child on board.  It has plenty of flat space for trap storage and an extra passenger and is remarkably stable.  Bentley enjoyed dropping the crab trap himself and enjoyed it even more pulling it back up to discover a good selection of crabs.  He even helped to measure them and ensure they were males of appropriate size.

       Bentley has also been for a couple rides on the front of the Jackson SUPerCharger down sections of the Chilliwack River.  Despite his constant wiggling we manage to stay on the board...mostly.  He enjoys it and seems to never want it to end.

Bentley and I all geared up for the river!

      I soon hope Bentley will be able to do more Stand up paddling on his own.  There are more and more board and paddle options becoming available specifically for kids.  It is a market that has some room to grow...maybe the new JK SUPerKid?!  I do believe that just like we need gear that works best for us, they need gear that works best for them in order to learn and grow.

Bentley after falling off!
 

Werner Paddles Touring and Fishing Product for 2014

As promised here is the final introduction to the 2014 Werner Paddles product line up - Touring and Fishing.

The Werner Sr. Signature Edition Ovation is a paddle that we are very proud of.  Firstly because it bears the name of our company's founder, Werner Furrer but also because of its outstanding design.  This paddle is for the paddler who wants the lightest, best performing paddle for use in a predictable touring environment.  READ: not for guides and instructors or someone who is rough with their gear, paddling in rough waters or rock gardening.

In a straight shaft this paddle weighs 19.75 oz.!!!!  The Kalliste currently comes in at 24 oz.  WOW!!!

This paddle will also come with a Paddle Sock logo'd in silver at no extra charge.  MSRP for the straight shaft is $495.00.

The Baja is the paddle I have personally been waiting for.  I was so bummed when we discontinued our Laguna a couple of years ago because this is the PERFECT paddle for outfitters, instructional fleets, clubs, camps and schools.  At $99 MSRP this paddle provides all the Werner heritage, blade design and value to price conscious paddlers.  The blade is the same shape as the Skagit in FGIM but in a vibrant white with orange badging.  It has a push button ferrule system with 3 positions: R45/L45 and unfeathered.

Baja, Camano Hooked - Scales:Grey, Werner Sr. Signature Edition - Ovation

As we all know Kayak Fishing continues to be a growing concern in paddlesports and this remains true in Western Canada.  At Werner Paddles we believe that a great paddling paddle is the perfect kayak fishing paddle.

We have introduced our new HOOKED fishing logo (I love it!) and have 4 kayak fishing models to choose from:

Camano Hooked colour - Scales:Grey
Shuna Hooked colour - Scales:Grey
Skagit Hooked colour - brown
Tybee Hooked colour - brown

These are all fishing branded versions of our very popular, industry leading touring designs.

Straight and standard diameter shafts only and our stock lengths go up to 250cm-260cm.

We will start shipping the new 2014 product to your local Werner dealer on September 3rd.  Get your order into them now and be the first of your friends sportin' the wicked new product for 2014!

Tofino Surf SUP Race Report

Special thanks to team paddler, Eli Fischbuch for the report from the Tofino Surf SUP Race!!

On the weekend of July 20^th and 21^st was the Tofino Surf Sup race.  This race is part of the Vancouver Island Sup series and the BC Sup Cup series too.  The race was a surf style race which was different than the other flat water races that I have done this summer. 

The first day was the long race.  We had to paddle in the open ocean for half of the race.  It was very hard because there were swells. I really liked this race – it was a challenge but it was pretty awesome to be in an ocean race. The course was two 5.5km loops – the youth and surfboard racers did one loop and the 12.6 and 14 ft men and women did two loops.  There were 3 youth racers (13-18yrs) and one grom (under 13).  It was good to finally have some other kids to race! These kids were all really good paddlers and I had to work really hard to stay with them. I think I paddled harder in this race than I ever have!

On the Saturday night there was a salmon barbecue at the TIN WIS resort.  After we ate there was a fun game of limbo with some Hawaiian music. Everybody had a great time. 

Photo credit: Taine Fischbuch

On the second day we paddled the short course.  this race was more sheltered than the other one and had more turns in it.  The course consisted of three right handed turn and one left turn, it also had a beach run.  In this race the groms went first and they did 2 laps.  There were quite few under 13 year olds which was neat to see. When they were racing most of the other racers went out and paddled with them and cheered them on.  The youth and surfboard class went next doing three laps and the men and women did 4 laps.  Since this race had three right turns I was a little worried because I can’t turn as well on the right side as I can on the left.  My turns went ok but even though I worked hard the other youth racers pulled ahead of me and I ended up third.  It was super fun to race some other youth and it makes me want to get out there and work harder for the next race.

There was also a fun relay race after Sundays race. The groms did their relay with a starboard 16’ inflatable board – each lap they would pick up another kid – by the end of the relay they were all paddling on it together! That looked pretty fun for them.

This weekend was super fun and a very good experience for me too.  Really great to have a SUP race in the ocean! The race venue was on MacKenzie Beach right in front of the Tin Wis Resort – I camped right next door at Bella Pacifica Campground with my family for the week which was awesome. I also managed to get in a couple of days surfing at Long Beach.

Thanks to every one at SurfSUP for putting together such a great event – I’m looking forward to next years already!

**Eli's paddle of choice is the Werner Paddles 2 pce adjustable Nitro**

Werner Paddles 2014 Preview

I am happy to say that Werner Paddles has once again delivered a fantastic line-up of new products for the upcoming season.  For 2014 we see additions in the following categories: Canoe, Whitewater, SUP and Touring.

We are also re-structuring our paddle categories for 2014.  There is a bit of info below but you will hear more about this in the coming weeks and months.

SPORT:  Touring/Fish/Kid/Coastal Play/Outrigger/Whitewater/SUP

Here is an example:

SPORT: Touring
STYLE: low/high angle or recreational or special edition or fitness-race or kid's touring
BLADE: size
SHAFT TYPE: straight or bent
CONFIGURATION: 1 pce, 2 pce.
PERFORMANCE: ultimate/premium or standard

On to the product....

Luna

CANOE: The Luna is a welcomed addition to the canoeing family of paddles at Werner.  A symmetrical blade in fiberglass construction.  Wrapped fiberglass shaft, t-grip handle, 1 pce. only and white blade.

$125.00 MSRP
























 WHITEWATER: You loved the graphics we have introduced over the past 2 years and we now have a graphic in the WW lineup.  Available in the Sherpa and Powerhouse Premium models only in Search-Crimson.  This pattern is a fun camo but not just any camo, check out those kayakers!!!  There is no weight change and no change in price.

Sherpa in Search-Crimson

SUP:  Going with the success of our Grand Prix series we introduce the Carve Family (premium) and the Nitro Family (ultimate).

Carve S - smaller blade size at 85 sq" perfect for the smaller paddler or a kid
Carve M - same as our previous standard Carve at 101 sq"
Carve F - a fuller sized version at


We saw a big movement away from the teardrop shape SUP paddle blade in 2013 and in 2014 we will no longer be producing the Advantage.  The Rectangular shape of the Carve and the Nitro is gentle on the body and easy to control.  This allows the paddler to dictate when and how much power is transferred into the stroke.

Nitro S - as requested a smaller blade size at 85 sq"
Nitro M - same as our previous standard Nitro at 100 sq"
Nitro F - coming in at 110 sq" (as a result we will be discontinuing the Fuse for 2014)
* ALL Nitros will have a carbon palm grip in 2014

New colour in the SUP Premium Floral : Magenta and we will continue with our translucent blades in blue, red, pearl and the beach patterns of Azul and Jade.

For those wanting the exceptionally light, buoyant and quiet feel that you have come to expect in a Werner Paddle we introduce in our Ultimate Performance category the Soul Family.

The Soul like the Carve and the Nitro is available in 3 sizes: S, M and F (85 sq"/100 sq"/110 sq")

The blade is a buoyant fiberglass construction (foam core) with a fiberglass shaft, ABS palm grip and dynel edging.  These paddles are available in a vibrant blue or red colour.

Finally the Tonga gives our recreational SUP paddles a fantastic performing paddle at a price they are comfortable with.  Fiberglass blade, wrapped fiberglass shaft, bold yellow colour only, mid-sized blade in 1 pce, 2 pce. and 3 pce. options. 
$159/$199/$214 MSRP

Left to Right: Tonga, Soul M, Carve S, Carve F and Nitro M

Check back in a couple of days for our introduction of the 2014 Touring and Kayak Fishing Line Up!!!