A Return to the Bow River with Kayak Angler, Stephen Laurie

Our sponsored angler, Stephen Laurie getting out on the river after a long spring run off. 

Check out Stephen's gear sponsors:

Jackson Kayak

Kokatat Watersports Wear

Werner Paddles

New Kayaking Fishing Event in WA State

Word on the street...okay from Kayak Angler, Isaac Miller is that there is a new kayak fishing event in WA State on September 22, 2012 sponsored by the Northwest Kayak Anglers

Salmon SlayRide Derby
Kayak Fishing event
Greys Harbor, Westport, WA

 You can also follow Isaac and his kayak fishing adventures on his blog - Yak Fish or give him a listen on Kayak Fishing Radio which he co-hosts with Dennis Spike. 

 

 

SUP Olympics on Kal Beach - September 8th

Join our friends at Kalavida Surf Shop on gorgeous Kalamalka Lake in Vernon, BC on September 8th for the SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Olympics!

Individual and Team events.  Great prizes too -Win a free Paddleboard!

• 4 x 400 Relay (no stepping over the white line now…)
• SUP Javelin with a paddle
• Beach Volleyball
• Discus Throw (on a board)
• Paddle Ping Pong
• SUP Jousting (new SUP Olympic sport)
• Freestyle SUP (judged event….. oh oh)

PLUS -  The SUP City Challenge Cup:  Kamloops vs. Vernon vs. Kelowna, etc…..

ENTRY FEE:  $20 per person
INCLUDES:  All events, ONE Prize ticket for free paddleboard, food, snacks, heckling

Weekend Wrap Up

What an amazing weekend of all things paddlesports!  Saturday we were out at Western Canoeing and Kayaking for their end of season sale.  Selling Aqua Pac Accessories, Esquif Canoes, Jackson Kayaks, Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles! 

Sunday the weather was fantastic for the Vancouver SUP Challenge at Jericho Beach and we were joined on the beach by Werner team paddlers, Nikki Gregg and Mike Darbyshire.

Jade and Azul Beach Patterns

Lots of paddlers came by the booth to demo paddles and check out what's new for 2013 particularly our new lighter weight Premium and Performance Core SUP paddles, the updated beach patterns, the 3 pce. Fiji and our SUP River Running paddle - the Stinger.  Check out the video of the Stinger HERE.

A huge shout-out to Gary Parsons and his crew for hosting a great event.  The vibe was awesome and all paddlers were welcome, newbies to the pros and groms all the way to our more distinguished silver-haired participants!  Thanks to Mr. Bell (Shannon Bell-Parson's dad) for the tunes and the fresh peaches.

Gorgeous Paddles photo: Mark Klein

Start of the 14' Race photo: Mark Klein

14' Race - Norm, Bo, Mike and Lina photo: Mark Klein

Yannick Michaud from Ocean River Sports in Victoria, BC photo: Mark Klein

Nikki Gregg photo: Mark Klein

Laura Demers from Western Canoeing and Kayaking in Abbotsford, BC - you rocked Laura!!! photo: Mark Klein

Check out more photos on our Facebook page

Jackson Kayak 2013 Fishing Models with Isaac Miller

Welcome Guest Blogger, Jackson Kayak Fishing Angler, Isaac Miller!

Jackson Kayak exploded at Outdoor Retailer this year with a trailer full of never before seen kayaks. Then they brought out their tried-and-true top selling fishing kayaks with new features that are sure to please any kayak angler.

The Coosa will come with a number of inserts to put this RAM Revolution rod holder

If you already have a Jackson fishing kayak like a Cuda or a Coosa, you’ll wish you had some of the new features these kayaks, and the rest of the 2013 lineup, are featuring. Throughout the kayaks are small nut inserts. You might not notice them right away as they’ll be capped off with plastic screws to protect the threads from sand and other muck. Jackson Kayak paired up with RAM Mounts to install these inserts and all the fishing kayaks will come with at least one RAM Mount to install a rod holder where ever you desire. The Coosa, Cuda 12, SUPerFISHal and Kilroy will come with one RAM rod holder, while the Cuda 14 and Big Tuna will each come with a pair of RAM rod holders. Because Jackson is using RAM Mounts on the kayaks, you can also install any of the RAM accessories like GPS cradles, AquaBox waterproof boxes, and more.

GoPro Ready. You can remove the screw and place the GoPro where ever you want, or not at all, and open up another insert for a RAM Mount

The kayak fishing fleet, as well as other kayaks from Jackson, are all now GoPro ready. The same inserts can be used to install a GoPro HD camera, with a mount already included. The kayaks do not come with the camera though, so it will need to be purchased separately. If you don’t plan on using a GoPro, remove the mount and you will be able to install a RAM Mount in the same spot.

Saltwater fisherman love the Jackson Cuda 14. It’s long and fast, making it easier to get to the best fishing grounds in the least amount of time. A common complaint, however, has been the flush mount rod holders behind the seat. These flush mount rod holders have been a staple item since modern rotomolded kayaks have been used for fishing. Flush mount rod holders end up putting expensive saltwater reels right next to the water, where they’re subject to all the effects that nasty saltwater can deliver. Jackson was the first to listen to the cries of the saltwater angler and, for 2013, have dropped the flush mount rod holders in the Cuda 14.

The Cuda 14′s new RAM Tubes are going to be a hit with saltwater anglers. In the distance, the new shape of the rod top protector will help make paddle storage quick and effortless.

Instead, future Cuda 14 owners will be rejoicing the RAM Tube rod holders. Mounted on RAM ball mounts installed in the factory, the rocket launchers will raise the reels 14 more inches above the kayak, keeping things as dry as possible. The Cuda 12 and Coosa will retain the traditional flush mount rod holders. Those with a keen eye will also notice that the Rod Tip Protector at the bow of the Cuda has been slightly redesigned. The bungies will now better accept a paddle blade to park it when you need to focus on the fishing without losing track of the paddle.

The Coosa, already the most popular fishing kayak on the market, saw a few additional changes. While it shares the same GoPro and RAM Mount readiness as the rest of the fleet, the front hatch has been flipped around. In years prior, the front hatch also opened from the front of the kayak. This made things difficult when trying to open the hatch while you’re in the kayak. Now it’ll open from the seat area. The rod keepers on the front hatch are now also taller, so it’ll keep rods staged right where you want them, even in rough water.

The Jackson Cuda 12 was first shown off at ICAST last month, but people lined up to give it a paddle at Outdoor Retailer. The shorter version of the Cuda 14, the Cuda 12 offers all of the same features of the Cuda 14–multiple rod stagers, center storage hatch, Elite hi/lo seating, tackle stagers, and more. The most obvious changes came from the front and the rear where you’ll find a slightly smaller tank well area and a smaller front hatch. This kayak is perfect for those that were looking for the speed of the Cuda 14 but not so much river-running agility of the Coosa. The Cuda 12 is a small kayak that tracks straight and continues to make a great platform for standing up and sight fishing like all Jackson fishing kayaks.

The dashboard on the Kilroy features more tackle staging areas, RAM Mount, rod stagers, and a GoPro mount. Under the dash you can see the rod storage tubes on the left. There are three more such rod keepers on the right side of the kayak.

The Kilroy was built similarly to the Cuda 12. It features the same hull as the Cuda 12 and features the same stand-up stability but that’s where similarities end. This sit-in kayak was designed for fishing by Damon Bungard. The Kilroy features tackle box stagers, storage for up to six fishing rods, a removable mesh crate cover, fly line stripping deck, and a removable dashboard towards the bow. The dashboard features the same inserts for RAM mounts, GoPro ready, tackle storage areas and foam fly patch. If you like cast and blast fishing/hunting trips, this will probably be one of the top kayaks.

Featuring the same RAM mounting points and GoPro readiness, the SUPerFISHal is a stand-up paddleboard made for fishing.

Drew Gregory shows off the super-stable, yet very fishy SUPerFISHal. Even I was able to do the same thing and I had never been on a SUP before.

The SUPerFISHal seems to have all the stability in the world and one can instantly become comfortable walking around and fishing from this SUP. At the front and rear, the SUP has straps to secure your tackle and cooler, not flimsy bungies. These straps will make keep your gear more secure. The SUPerFISHal also comes with plenty of capacity to haul everything you’ll need for overnight trips down the river too.

It doesn’t matter how you like to fish, Jackson Kayak has something for everyone now. Kayak fishing is made easier with kayaks that are pretty much rigged and ready to fish before they even leave the factory.

Jackson Kayak 2013 Line Up Walk Through

If you could not make it to the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Show in early August or you are a member of the paddling public, check out Episode 8 of Jackson Kayak TV with "Indiana James" and the rest of the JK crew.

Look for new Jackson Kayak Product at your local retailer early next year!  We are super stoked to get out demos so stay tuned...we are thinking November hopefully earlier!!!

Demos and Samples for Sale

We are prepping for 2013 here at Nikki Rekman Sales and the gear below has got to go!!!  Everything is in fantastic condition and in some cases in NEW condition. 

Kokatat Neo Core Black Wo's Medium Short Sleeve - $46

Kokatat Neo Core Black Wo's Medium Long Sleeve - $54

Kokatat Neo Core Black Men's Medium Long Sleeve - $54

Kokatat Neo Core Black Men's Medium Short Sleeve - $46

Kokatat Neo Core Black Short Wo's Medium - $40

Kokatat Heavyweight Gloves - $25

Kokatat Midweight Gloves - $22

Kokatat Wo's Rogue Drytop Large Mango - $200 (will need gaskets replaced soon not from use but from hanging on the demo rack)

Kokatat Reaction Jacket Medium Radish - $90

Kokatat Blast Jacket Large Mango/Grey - $60

Kokatat Surf Skin Men's Short Sleeve - $20

Kokatat Outfit Tour XXL Mango - $90 

AquaPac VHF Radio Case - $25 

AquaPac MP3 Playercase - $35

AquaPac H2Oproof earphones - $22

AquaPac Small Camera Case - $20 

AquaPac SLR Camera Case - $70

Jackson Kayak Villian S RED - $850

Jackson Kayak Super Hero  EARTH - $850

Jackson Kayak Fun Runner 60 GREEN - $850

Jackson Kayak Journey 14 w/rudder ORANGE- $900

Boreal Design Kasko w/rudder (multi)- $750

Boreal Design Sedna w/rudder YELLOW- $900

Boreal Design Ellesmere (FG) MANGO - $2400

Boreal Design Baffin P1 RED - $1199

Maelstrom Vaag (FG) BLUE/WHITE -$2500

Boreal Design Paddles (variety - plastic blade/FG/carbon) - $25-$200

Beluga Accessories - too many to list

Beluga Men's Medium (blue) Breeze Paddling Jacket - $40.00
Beluga Women's Medium (red) Breeze Paddling Jacket - $40.00
Beluga Men's Medium (red) Rafale Drytop - $100.00

Werner Paddles 2 pce. adjustable Carve 74-78" (Beach Pattern - Azul)- $155

Werner Paddles 1 pce. Advantage 80" (Beach Pattern - Jade) - $131

HST will be added to all items

Email me- "myfirstname"@"mylastname" DOT ca (got to stay away from those on line robots that want to spam me)

Don't Miss These Upcoming Events!

It certainly does not feel like the summer season will be ending soon with how insanely busy things are here at Nikki Rekman Sales.

THIS Saturday August 25 - End of Season Sale at Western Canoeing and Kayaking.  For more information check out their website HERE.  We will be there for Jackson Kayaks, Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles!

THIS Sunday August 26 - Vancouver SUP Challenge and the crowning of the 2012 BC SUP Cup Champions!!!!  Join us at Jericho Beach to demo SUP boards and Werner Paddles.  We will also have the new 2013 product on hand for you to touch and feel!

Tamihi Five-0 - September 15 & 16 - Chilliwack River @ Tamihi Rapids.  Paddle solo or tandem to capture the King or Queen of the river title.  Great video of the event put together by Einar Hansen HERE.  Great prizes to be won.  More information on the Tamihi Five-0 website.  Kokatat Drysuits and more to demo!

1st Annual Naramata Paddle Regatta - September 21 & 22 - Naramata, BC @ Sandy Beach Lodge & Resort

This first year event will be hosted by the wonderful folks at Sun N Sup and is for paddlers of all experience levels.  We will be there with Werner Paddle demos!  Check out the schedule of events.

Chilliwack/Vedder River Clean Up - September 30 - hosted by the Chilliwack Vedder River Cleanup Society.  Please sign up and join us at the Chilliwack Fish and Games Club House (48685 Chilliwack Lake Road).

ALL volunteers will receive free digital subscriptions to the following magazines from Rapid Media:  Kayak Angler, Adventure Kayak, Family Camping & Canoeroots and Rapid.

Schedule is as follows:

Registration- 8:30 am - 9:30 am

Clean Up- 9:30 am - 12:00 pm

BBQ, entertainment and prize draw* - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

*Very special thanks to those contributing draw prizes: North Water Rescue and Paddling Gear, Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak, Western Canoeing and Kayaking, Kokatat Watersports Wear, Nikki Rekman Sales, Jackson Kayak, Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre and more.

Fantastic Outdoor App

I will start with apologies for my lack of presence here in the last couple of weeks.  With sales meetings, Outdoor Retailer, dealer visits and a few precious days away with my husband well...the blog got neglected.

There is lots to talk about but I will start with a fantastic outdoor app that I was introduced to at the Outdoor Retailer Show earlier this month in Salt Lake City, UT.

Oh, Ranger! ParkFinder Mobile App

 

I LOVE this app.  I have done a lot of traveling around the Pacific Northwest and Southwestern USA during my years as a rep and this is one valuable app for business or pleasure!

Find State or Federal parks all over the USA (I am hoping they will add Canada sometime soon ;).  You can search by State or Park name and find out all there is to do at the individual parks, get linked to camping reservations and more.

A favourite part of the app for me is being able to save my favourites - it's fun to see where my travels have taken me and it makes the information easier to share with friends.

Let me know what outdoor adventure you plan to have using this cool piece of technology!

*Special thanks to Alex Frenkel for the introduction*

Update from Outdoor Retailer Summer Market

What's new for 2013?

I am enjoying a very busy and exciting time in Salt Lake City attending the, Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show.

The schedule is jam packed but I wanted to get out a few highlights about what's new for 2013.

Kokatat-

1.  Maximus/Maximus Prime PFD's
2.  Kokatat Jackson Collection featuring the Icon Drysuit, Legend Drytop and Mythic Shorty
3.  New Hydrus 3L fabric
4.  Re-launch of our insulation program for Canadian dealers

Jackson Kayak-

1.  New colours in Rec/Touring/Fishing and WW
2.  Fishing - Cuda 12 and the Kilroy, the Kilroy is a sit-in-fishing kayak with a ton of fishing features just like the rest of the JK fishing line up.  Interchangeable soft and hard-deck options, rod storage, tackle storage and our coveted hi-lo seat.  The Cuda 12 is for those anglers who love the size and maneauverability of the Coosa but wanted a stiffer tracking boat. 
3.  Cruise 12 - a recreational sit-on-top kayak, that was inspired by our success with sit-on-tops in the angling community.  "I love this boat - it's stable, I can stand up...but I don't want all the fishing features" - introduce the Cruise.
4.  In WW we have the 2013 Star Series, more volume throughout the boat in comparison to the current Star Series, we have the stern of the Rockstar and the bow of the Star.  This boat is more balanced and initiates moves ie. cartwheels easily.  With tapered ends you can transfer weight more easily and is more stable for less experienced boaters than the Rockstar.  The changes also give the paddler greater hull speed.

Karma - inspired by the Zen, the Karma is the fastest creek boat out there.  It has all the features you like about the Zen but it's designed for the creeker.  It has more rocker than the Zen and it's bigger volume which is great for larger paddlers.  It will be available in two sizes, a medium and a large.  The medium will likely come in a touch larger than the Zen 75.
5.  New partnerships with Go Pro and Nalgene.  All Jackson boats will come with molded inserts for the Go Pro cameras and the Ram kayak fishing accessories.  Where you saw aluminum water bottles we are proud to introduce Made in North America BPA free Nalgene water bottles.
6.  Stand Up Paddling - 3 new boards: SUPerCharger for the river runners and river surfers, SUPerFishal for the anglers and the SUPerNatural for those recreational folks who just want to get out on the water on a wonderful stable and well-priced board.

Seals Sprayskirts - new Stretch Nylon waterproof skirt in 5 sizes, lighweight and fantastic fitting around the cockpit and some new accessories including the SUP leash.

My apologies for the lack of photos so far but I am challenged without wi-fi in the main show hall.  I will do my best to get some up on facebook soon.

Contact me with questions.  We are stoked for 2013!!!!

Cold Weather Gear for Kayak Fishing

Our kayak angler, Stephen Laurie put together a great post for anglers about cold weather gear. This post is also applicable to non-anglers as well.

I will take this opportunity to also let you know that Kokatat is introducing WOOLCORE as part of their Insulation Layer Program for 2013. Paddlers know that wool is one of the best fabrics to wear in the marine environment and Kokatat just made it better, of course.

Our woolcore is a blend of 50% New Zealand Merino Wool and 50% polyester, this blend brings the best of both these fabrics so you have the comfort and temperature regulation of wool and the quick dry action of polyester.

Don't forget to check out our basecore (silkweight polyester/polypropylene blend), outercore (fleece), suncore (rash guard) and the neocore.

http://fishnhound.canadiankayakanglers.com/2011/11/cold-weather-wear-kayak-fishing/

Go to www.kokatat.com for more information and watch the blog for more Kokatat 2013 product!!!




Jackson Kayak Angler, Drew Gregory at the Open Air Demo yesterday taking the new SUPerFISHal for a paddle.

Have you ever thought about fishing from a SUP board? If so and you want to try it out let us know and we'll arrange a demo with you when our boards arrive.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Salt Lake City,United States