Why I Fish from a (Jackson) Kayak

Hey folks, it's been awhile I know...EPIC adventures were calling!

Check out this great video from our sponsored kayak angler, Stephen Laurie and get stoked for kayak fishing in 2013!

THANKS Stephen, such a pleasure having you and Len (The Fish Whisperer) on the Nikki Rekman Sales Team!!!

Back on Solid Ground

In Nikki's most recent e-mail update she was apologetic about the infrequent posts over the lat 18 days but reports that they are back on solid ground in Ushuaia, Argentina.  Nikki says that what they saw and experienced paddling in South Georgia and Antarctica still has not really sunk in.

The following is directly from Nikki's most recent e-mail:

We had incredible weather and the staff and crew of One Ocean Expeditions were top-notch.  The wildlife was absolutely spectacular, the scenery stunning and the food provided by our chef Mark Esguerra was great (if you are in Toronto check out his restaurant SMASH Kitchen & Bar).

Chinstrap Penguins

Juvenile Elephant Seal.  Photo Nikki Rekman

Paddling with penguins of numerous varieties (King, Gentoo, Adelie and Chin-Strap), fur seals, elephant seals, crab eater seals, different species of Albatross and a plethora of other seabirds was outstanding.  Throw in more ice and snow than I have ever seen and well, you start to get the picture.   

Mark kayaking with the penguins-Antarctic Peninsula.  Photo by Nikki Rekman

During all our time on the water we were kept warm, comfortable and dry compliments of Kokatat Watersports Wear.  I have never needed to layer up quite like this before!  The Power Dry Drysuit Liners were coveted by fellow paddlers and when used in conjunction with my Woolcore I was one happy paddler.   One Ocean Expeditions keeps all their kayaking guests dry and safe in Kokatat Drysuits and PFD's.  These guys provide only the best gear and we are very proud to have represented Kokatat Watersports Wear, Werner Paddles and Seals Sprayskirts and Accessories in one of the most amazing places to paddle in the world.


A more thorough report will be posted when we return!   
-Nikki

I think that it goes without saying that Nikki thanks One Oceans Expeditions and her kayak guides, Mark Scriver and Sophie Ballagh.

Kayak guide and good friend, Mark Scriver.  Photo by Nikki Rekman

Kayak guide Sophie Ballagh- one of the best guides we have ever worked with and we know some of the industry's best.  Photo by Mark Klein

Hello from the South Atlantic

      Nikki is doing her best to keep us up to date of her Antarctic Journey and as her e-mails are being sent via Satellite phone there are no pictures to report.  This is what she's been up to so far.

      Other than being "incapacitated by sea sickness on the first full day at sea" and "appropriately medicated ever since" Nikki Reports that things are great. First, a visit to the Falkland Islands to take in the amazing wildlife including "beautiful sea birds, black browed albatross, pintados and even our first penguins, the rockhoppers on West Point Island".  Here Nikki and Mark also enjoyed tea and baked goodies with the local couple that live on the island. Next, to the town of Stanley to take in the history at a couple of Museum's.  Unfortunately, the paddling excursion planned for this portion of the trip was cancelled due to high wind but,  Nikki figures they had "13 more days to keep trying".

 They have arrived in South Georgia after 2 full days at sea.  In her own words, Nikki states "Kayaking this a.m. was unfreaking believable!   We paddled in Elsehul Bay and the wildlife was insane!  Elephant seals, King penguins, Gentoo penguins and fur seals and of course albatross.   And we just saw our first iceberg!"

We are looking forward to the week 2 Report.  Stay tuned.

Laura Demers

Updates from South America

Nikki Rekman Sales team member, Laura Demers, hopes to receive weekly updates of Nikki's adventures in South America.  Stay tuned for more.

Let the Epic Adventure Begin!

Well, I have no idea if I will have the opportunity to make posts to the blog while I am away but I will do my very best.  I still need to do a bit of research about how best to do that but heck I still have a few more hours.

Don't forget to check out our friends at One Ocean Expeditions who are actually making this trip possible and start saving your pennies now because Antarctica is not always going to look like it does...full of snow and ice.  I have a feeling this trip is going to make a big impact on me and further reinforce why we need to accept that Climate Change IS happening and that our actions need to reflect that understanding NOW.

The route

Purpose Built Paddles

Welcome Guest Blogger, Mike Darbyshire! 

**Mike did up this great post on his blog and we thought it was too good not to re-post here! 

I can appreciate the ease of having one paddle that "does it all". The problem with that is usually a paddle that "does it all" comes along with a number of compromises in performance. Most paddle companies have a few different models with end-use, cost and durability in mind. Werner Paddles has been making paddles for a long time and they have a pretty good idea of how to make paddles to handle different environments.

Racing:  Werner GrandPrix M1000  -  81"

This is Werner's race specific paddle.  It is full carbon and extremely light to allow for a faster stroke rate and less fatigue over time.  I tend to prefer a faster stroke rate and I really like the longer, narrow blade rather than the wider teardrop shape.  I am noticing a lot more companies coming out with this narrow shape for 2013 so there must be something to it.

Werner also makes this paddle in the bent shaft.  I have started using the bent shaft for training paddles this fall and am looking forward to using it for some longer distance races.  The bent shaft gives a noticeable increase in forward reach but does take some getting used to especially if you have been paddling straight shaft for some time.

Surf: Werner Nitro - 79" 

In the surf I use a paddle that is 2" shorter than my race paddle.  This allows me to paddle comfortably in a surf stance when I am crouched low to catch waves.  The shorter paddle also allows me to use a high cadence stroke for quick acceleration.  Surfing can put a lot of stress on the paddle so it is important to use a good strong paddle that you can rely on.  When I'm surfing I pull harder to catch waves than any other paddle or race. For this reason I like to use a smaller blade to reduce the risk of injury.

Whitewater: Werner Stinger - 78"

The newest SUP Paddle from Werner.  This paddle is truly purpose built and performs its duties very well.  The Stinger has a very unique blade shape that is perfect for whitewater. The narrow tip of the blade allows for a lighter stroke and a soft catch. The blade gets larger towards the shaft of the paddle to give the paddler more surface area for bracing and power when needed.  The reverse teardrop shape lets you decide how much blade goes into the water.  The rounded tip of the blade is also great for moving the paddle around under the water.  A lot of whitewater strokes like draws, rudders and braces keep the paddle in the water in transition.

I understand that it doesn't make sense for everyone to go out and buy 3 or 4 different paddles but it does make sense to choose a paddle that is designed for what you do most.  Make sure you pick a paddle that feels good in your hands and that you trust.  I always recommend paddlers spend a little bit extra on their paddle.  It can be the most important piece of equipment you use so take the time to pick a quality paddle that is right for you.

 

SUP Mexico and World Paddle Association SUP World Championship

A huge congratulations to our very own, Lina Augaitis who was recently in Cabo, Mexico for the World Paddle Association SUP World Championship with her Werner Grand Prix!

 

















Lina made the podium once again with a 5th place finish in the Elite Division for all her races and overall!

Fanastic job Lina.

We will post a more thorough report of Lina's travels here in the very near future!

Please don't forget to check out her blog HERE!

Antarctica Count-Down Has Begun

Only 6 more sleeps till our EPIC adventure to Antarctica. I will do my best to do some blogposts (definitely doable from Buenos Aires and Ushuaia and apparently very expensively from the Falklands). What is YOUR epic adventure destination?

2013 Seals Sprayskirt orders due now!

Seals Sprayskirt preseason orders are due now!

Email me today with any questions and don't forget about our customization program for cockpit covers!!!

New product for 2013: roof rack foam for SUP boards, inflatable paddle floats, new Stretch Nylon waterproof skirt in 5 sizes, lighweight and fantastic fitting around the cockpit, SUP leash and more....

One of my favourite accessories from Seals is the Hood Loops.  Check them out:

Blow Out Prices on Demo Boats - short time only!

We have got to make room for the arrival of our 2013 demo boats so we have lowered the prices...until November 10th.  If we have to make room for them and store then the prices won't be this good in Spring!!!

Boreal Designs/Maelstrom

Boreal Design Ellesmere FG Mango -well used, has scratches $1700.00, regular $3499.00

Boreal Design Ellesmere FG Yellow - fantastic shape, barely used $2000.00, regular $3499.00

Maelstrom Vaag FG Blue - well used, has scratches $2500.00, regular $3899.00

Boreal Design Baffin P1 Red - fantastic shape, barely used $1000.00, regular $1999.00

Boreal Design Sedna Yellow - great shape $800.00, regular $

Boreal Design Kasko Multi Orange/Red - great shape $750.00, regular $1299.00

Jackson Kayak Whitewater Kayaks - all great shape, new demos this season

Villian S RED - $735 regular $1149 (on the river one weekend this season)

Super Hero EARTH - $735 regular $1149 (on the river two weekends this season)

Fun Runner 60 GREEN - $735 regular $1149 (on the river one weekend this season)

Email me or call me for more details. 

Here we G(L)O!

Check out THIS post from Jackson Kayak's Drew Gregory about our new glow-in-the-dark option for the  Coosa, Cuda 12, Cuda 14 and Big Tuna

 

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!

JK Dealer Summit Fun

Well we are back from Tennessee and we had a great time!  Fantastic hospitality, eats and it was a pleasure spending time with all the great JK dealers, particularly our own (Endless Adventure and Western Canoeing and Kayaking)!

We got to travel with Laura Demers who is a member of the Nikki Rekman Sales Team and one of the go-to staff members at Western Canoeing and Kayaking.

Here are some of Laura's thoughts on the Dealer Summit:


From the first day I heard that I'd be going to the Jackson Kayak Dealer Summit I was jumping in my booties with excitement!  I can tell you now that they did not disappoint.  With on water clinics for fishing, SUP, rec, touring and whitewater I feel as though I now have a better understanding of the product and the company that stands behind it. Jackson is continuously innovating their product to stay current in the market.  When Standup paddle boarding kicked into gear, Jackson did too creating the SUPer Fishal, SUPer Natural and SUPer Charger.  Being that my newest passions involve SUP and fishing I was stoked about the new boards and boats.  I already had my new Cuda 12 on order before I even had a chance to see one. Then I even had the pleasure of seeing one being built at the JK factory. By the end of day three I had absorbed some valuable tools for sales and marketing.  Many of which are already being practiced in our store.  The Jackson clan sure does put on a good party and finished off the summit by welcoming each and every one of us into the Jackson Family.

The Dealer Summit is designed to, educate Jackson Kayak dealers on our great product but also to thank them for their support and their business.  We hosted numerous seminars, kayak fishing, whitewater outfitting, How to Develop a Team (lead by yours truly and JK Fishing Team Member, Mark Wheeler) and more.  There were tours of the JK factory, a boat building contest - super fun, paddling and parties hosted by the Jackson Family. 

After almost missing our flights back to Canada due to construction on the I-40, we are anticipating the arrival of our 2013 boats next month and hope you will seriously consider joining us next October in beautiful Rock Island, TN for the 2013 JK Dealer Summit!!

Checkin out the fishing kayaks on the Caney Fork River.  Photo: Mark Klein

Going over the SUPerFishal with JK Kayak Fishing Team Members. Photo: Mark Klein

Jackson's Nick Troutman and our own, Laura Demers.  Photo: Mark Klein

Endless Adventure's Chris Ryman.  Photo: Mark Klein

Here are a few photos to share - more will be posted on our FB page HERE soon!!!

Dealer Profile - Wilderness Supply

One of the things I want to do to keep my blog going through 2013 (it was a New Year's Resolution to start one in 2012) is to feature shops in Western Canada that I work with, and Outfitters for that matter.  That's a hint to all my outfitters ;)

These Dealer Profiles will tell readers a bit about the great shops we work with throughout our territory and ideally entice people to go check them out, either in person or on line.

We are super happy to feature Wilderness Supply in Manitoba as our first Dealer Profile!  I have been working with this crew since the late 90's when I was at North Water and they are a proud Esquif Canoe, Kokatat Watersports Wear, Seals Sprayskirts and Werner Paddles dealer.

Special thanks to Buffy Cowtan at Wilderness Supply for answering all my questions.

Wilderness Supply opened  in 1995 with a small, family-runstorefront on Winnipeg’s Ferry Road.  Theirmom-and-pop outdoor gear store soon became a place worth traveling to, withemployees who spent as much time using gear as they did talking about it.  In 2004 they opened a second location inThunder Bay, ON, and have been growing ever since, expanding their original FerryRoad store and opening a second Winnipeg location.  In 2009 ownership of the store was passedfrom founders Frank and Jan to their son-in-law Rick, who has continued thefamily tradition with a focus on quality, tested gear, experienced staff, andknowledgeable customer service.

Ferry Rd. in Winnipeg - photo: Rick Shone

The staff love the outdoors as much as theircustomers—which gives them a great opportunity to get out and test gear forthemselves!  Whether customers want aguide through their first sleeping bag purchase, to discuss the finerdifferences between GORE-TEX and Dry-Q, or just to chat about weekend paddleroutes from the city, the staff are happy to help.  Their experience comes from a combination oflistening to their customers and their own passion for the outdoors. There are lotsof places to earn a paycheque – the staff work at Wilderness Supply because they love theoutdoors, and are excited about helping others get out and enjoy themselves!

Wilderness Supply Team - photo: Buffy Cowtan

Knowledgeable staff and a local focus bring people to Wilderness Supply.  Their customers appreciate that they will go the extra mile—if they don’t see what they’re looking for in store oron the website, they will work to help them find that perfect piece of gear.  Wilderness Supply's commitment to their local communities findsthem hosting and sponsoring a variety of events around Winnipeg and Thunder Bay,from climbing competitions and film screenings to food drives and communityfundraisers.  With all their growth, theyhave never lost that ‘small store’ feel, and they take pride in being the bestresource for local gear, knowledge and support in their communities.

Speaking of being involved in their community, Wilderness Supply is very involved in Adventure Racing.  For those of you interested in this aspect of outdoor pursuits check call them for information on The Donkey races.  For 2013 the Ice Donkey race will take place February 10th, the Dirty Donkey race will take place August 17th and the Swamp Donkey race will takeplace September 21.  Pain in the Assiniboine is June 23rd. 

Also watch their website for in store events like their annual tent salein June and the rental/demo boat sale in September.

*****thanks Frank, Jan, Rick and crew for all your business over the years, it's been a real pleasure!!!*****