River SUP - Mike Darbyshire

Check out these awesome images taken by Viviane Nishikiori from Deep Cove Outdoors of Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles sponsored SUP paddler, Mike Darbyshire.

Mike was out paddling down one of our gorgeous local rivers, the Seymour River in North Vancouver last week.

Don't forget to check out Mike's SUP programs at Deep Cove Outdoors. They offer everything from Intro to SUP, SUP Kids Camp, Sunrise SUP Paddles, SUP Fit and more.


We are stoked to have Mike on board this season!

  

Success all around this past weekend!!!

Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe and Western Canoeing and Kayaking

Western had their Spring Sale this past Saturday and despite overcast skies and rain before the doors opened they are reporting a very successful sale day.  Congratulations to everyone at Western and to all those proud new kayak and canoe owners.

Mark and I were at Vancouver Lake just north of Portland, OR this weekend with the crew from Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe for their FREE Spring Paddlefest.

Sunny weather brought a record turn out of 700+ participants.  We were run off our feet in the Jackson Kayak booth and were very happy to have VP of Sales Marty Cronin and his wife, Sonia along with pro Angler, Drew Gregory to help us out.

The response to Drew's seminars were great as he presented alongside Alder Creek's own, kayak fishing aficionado, Jason Self.

Check out the photos more photos on our Facebook page - kayak fishing was the center of attention all weekend in the JK booth!

 

Randel Washburne's 60 Trips, Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands REVISED

Rob Casey is an author and SUP/kayaking instructor that I know from Seattle, WA.

Rob recently completed revising the 3rd edition of Randel Washburne's 60 Trips, Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands.  15 trips were added with text for SUPs, canoeists, and other non motorized water craft. 

He is also the author of "Stand Up Paddling Flat Water to Rivers and Surf", a Mountaineers Outdoor Expert Series book published in 2011. 

If you are interested in taking one of Rob's SUP or kayaking classes you can check them out on his website. Don't forget to say we sent you!

If you are interested in his books contact:

Canada - Raincoast Books - 604.323.7100
USA - The Mountaineers - contact Darryl Booker at 206.223.6303

3 Alarm Adventure Race

We are happy to promote the 3 Alarm Adventure Race on Sunday May 13th proudly sponsored by another one of our generous and community-minded dealers, Western Canoeing and Kayaking.

The 3 Alarm Adventure Race is a fun and challenging 3-5 hour course based in the great outdoors of rural Abbotsford, 4-member team adventure race, based in the “side-country” of Abbotsford, B.C. 

There will be mud, trails, mountain bikes, orienteering, canoes, water, sweat, mystery events and more! 

Softcore and hardcore adventurers are encouraged to participate and in doing so, raise money for the Abbotsford Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, a charity dedicated to assisting the recovery of burn survivors. 

The Abbotsford Fire Fighters will be directing the race, in partnership with local adventure-based sponsors. Join us and “Heal the Burn”!

The race has many registration options to help you get the experience you want on race day. Compete as a 4 person team. Be competitive (more demanding) or recreational (less demanding). Enjoy the high school or masters division. 

Check out the website and FACEBOOK and LIKE the page!  Please share to spread the word!

Registration closes May 6th so register today.

Seals Sprayskirts - Women's Sprayskirt Review

Check out the review of the Seals Women's Athena Sprayskirt in Adventure Kayak Magazine

The Athena is available in the following colours:

Black, White, Golden Gate (yellow), Pink and Aqua

Don't forget to check out the Seals fit guide 

 All you female adventurers and weekend-warriors what is your favourite piece of gear designed specifically for women?

Artist - Sylvie Roussel-Janssens

Now, one might not think, anything about art would be featured on my blog but check out the talent of artist, Sylvie Roussel-Janssens.  She is a native of Montreal, but has been living in the lower mainland of British Columbia since graduating from Emily Carr College of Art.

 

I have had the opportunity to get to know Sylvie over the last 6 months and see her art in the flesh. The two new pieces below I am most excited to see as Sylvie has incorporated paddling images into her already stunning artwork.

The pieces are 2 layers of polyester fabric that are hand sewn on a welded wire structure.  The light comes from a series of 5 watt bulbs.

You can check out additional pieces on her website

"River Journey" (25"x 36"x 3")

"Sandpipers" (24"x 36"x 3")

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

Kayak Fishing Classes in Calgary

Are you interested in Kayak Fishing?

Living in the Calgary, AB area?

Jackson Kayak Angler, Stephen Laurie will be sharing his expertise in this introductory kayak fishing course at Undercurrents.

This introductory course will give both fisherman and paddlers alike the information required to safely and successfully fish from a kayak.  The course will cover topics such as kayak fishing safety, equipment requirements, kayak outfitting and kayak specific fishing techniques.  You will also receive general fishing knowledge in regards to tackle/gear selection,  fishing knots,  local strategies and tips required to get you started in the fast-growing world of kayak angling.

This is also a great opportunity to "try before you buy" and do some fishing from a Jackson Kayak Coosa Elite or the new, Cuda!

Cost:

$99

Dates:

    Thu June 7

    Thu July 12

    Thu Aug 16

    Thu Sept 20

Call now to reserve your spot at (403) 262-GEAR (4327)



Don't forget to check out Stephen's website Fishnhound Kayak Fishing

 

Western Canoeing and Kayaking Spring Sale

 Saturday April 28th - Doors open at 9:00 am.  

Come early for the best deals.

GREAT DEALS ON PADDLING GEAR!
 

Save a minimum of 10% OFF ALL PADDLING GEAR, with UNBELIEVABLE savings on selected paddles and PFD's.

Most CANOES AND KAYAKS will be on SALE -- CLEARANCE CANOES AND KAYAKS, and FACTORY SECONDS (excluding race boats).

For a complete list of boats on sale, check out www.westerncanoekayak.com on Wednesday, April 25th.

Questions?  Please call Western at 604.853.9320 or Toll-Free at 1.866.644.8111, or you can email them at westerncanoe@telus.net.

You can also order by phone by calling the above numbers after 10:00 am on Saturday, April 28th.

Please note that we will be closed from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Friday April 27th to get ready for the big event.

Seals Sprayskirts

Best fitting skirts out there!

Seals Skirts on Youtube

Seals has a great set of instructional videos that cover their most frequently asked questions.

Find them on Youtube

Don't forget our awesome on line fit guide too!

You will not find a better fitting skirt and for those of you selling it's the easiest skirt to sell in your shop for these 4 top reasons:

- easy to use fit guide (comes with every skirt)
- the model name and size is printed on every skirt
- great POP
- the skirt FITS the boat we say it does so your customer is a happy one!

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.