Jackson Kayak Exploration Team!

Super excited to be asked to be part of the Jackson Kayak Exploration team.

Check it out.

Tierra del Fuego, Argentina - December 2013

Kokatat Drysuit Gizmo is HERE!

If you have not heard, check out what Kokatat has been up to and then head to our site to check out the new Custom Drysuit Gizmo!

 Domestic manufacturing allows Kokatat to expand custom dry suit program online

ARCATA, CALIFORNIA, February 26, 2013 – Kokatat is offering paddlers the opportunity to create and purchase their very own custom GORE-TEX® dry suits with the launch of a new online tool.

Affectionately referred to as GIZMO, the online tool lets customers easily design and personalize their own custom, made-to-order GORE-TEX® dry suit.

“With our factory in Arcata we have the unique ability to build and test all our dry suits one at a time,” said Jeff Turner, Kokatat sales and design manager.  “Our custom suit pod, comprised of sewing, sealing and inspection technicians is prepared to respond immediately to a new custom order.”

Each customized GORE-TEX® dry suit will be individually constructed in Kokatat’s Arcata, California facility to the consumer’s specifications of colors, features and sizing.  Once an order is placed through a Kokatat retailer the custom suit, made to Kokatat’s exacting standards, will be ready for shipment in three to four weeks.

“For a long time we’ve offered custom dry suits, but with GIZMO we’re putting the design right into the hands of paddlers around the world,” added Turner.

Kokatat is offering customization of three of the most popular dry suits in the industry: its GORE-TEX® Expedition, Meridian and Front Entry dry suits.  Once the suit model is selected, visitors are taken through a detailed step-by-step measuring process to ensure proper sizing with the ability to lengthen or shorten as required.

The final step of the program lets customers mix and match from over a dozen different colors and add custom features including pockets, hoods and reflective tape to complete their one-of-a-kind dry suit.

To complete a design customers must create a Kokatat.com account so designs can be saved for future review or to order from an authorized Kokatat retailer.  Once a design is completed and saved, an email is sent to the customer with a unique reference number and a copy of all the design details.  Armed with the finalized custom design customers can contact their local Kokatat retailer to process the order.

While primarily targeted to consumers looking for a one-of-a-kind dry suit, the simple measurement application will also be useful for Kokatat dealers to quickly identify the best size for their in-store customers.

About Kokatat water sports wear: 


Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for more than 40 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore, Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat!  Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.

Kayak Fishing wtih Stephen Laurie and Undercurrents

Our Nikki Rekman Sales Team Member, kayak angler Stephen Laurie is getting stoked for Spring and warmer temps in Alberta.

Join him at our Jackson Kayak dealer in Calgary, Undercurrents for a Kayak Fishing Presentation.

Midway Teaser - thought provoking film by Chris Jordan

After watching this film trailer for Midway, a film by Chris Jordan I had to share it.  As many of you know Mark and I along with our good friend and fellow rep, Mark Scriver were in Antarctica with One Ocean Expeditions this past November/December.  It was an incredible and life-changing adventure.  We were introduce to knew and amazing wildlife, one of which was the Albatross.

Chris's moving and confronting film, Midway shows us how thousands of miles away we impact these incredible birds and not for good.

Please watch and share.  You can follow Chris on his blog and via facebook.





MIDWAY : trailer : a film by Chris Jordan from Midway on Vimeo.

Here are a couple of photos Mark took on our trip of the gorgeous Black-Browed Albatross.

Werner Paddles TV - SUP

Another installment in the Werner Paddles TV SUP Series.

Check it out.

Reminder: Feat Talks featuring our own Lina Augaitis

Hope to see you there!!!

We want Lina to have her own cheering section!

P.S. we may have a couple of extra FREE tickets and when we know for sure I will post it here and on the FB page.

 

Jackson Kayak & Werner Paddles Gear Review by Taiga Schorr

Welcome to our guest blogger, 8 year old, Taiga Schorr.

Photo: Erik Schorr

I met Taiga, two years ago when we paddled down the Green River in Utah.  Also with us were our friends Leon Somme and Shawna Franklin from Body Boat Blade and Erik Schorr (Taiga's dad) of Anacortes Kayak Tours.

I recently asked Taiga if he would be interested in doing a review from a kid's perspective on my blog.  He thankfully said YES!



1.        How long have you been kayaking and how did you get started?

I've been kayaking with my parents since I was a baby, but didn't get into my own boat until two years ago. So I was six. My dad and mom own a kayak company, and so they took me out a lot. I started paddling my own boat when my Dad bought me my Fun1 and encouraged me to try.

2.       What is your favourite thing about kayaking?

Riding the waves and getting pummeled! OK, I also like to see cool things that I can't see from land. I need to learn how to roll though. 

3.       You paddle the Jackson Fun 1, what do you like about the boat?

It like the way it is shaped, and how it fits me. I am not very big.

4.       Your engine, which is your paddle is made by Werner Paddles, what’s the best thing about that paddle for you?

It isn't very heavy, and I kinda like the way that I can push the water really easy with it. It looks cool too. 

5.       What is your favourite paddling destination and why?

Tofino! Because there are big waves and I like big waves a lot. 

THANKS Taiga, awesome job!!!  We will be following your adventures into the future most certainly and are looking forward to having you back as a Guest Blogger.  Next time maybe you can do a trip report for us.

Photo: Erik Schorr

Chilliwack Vedder River Clean Up 2013 Dates

Please mark your calendars and come out to Chilliwack to support a great cause, the Chilliwack-Vedder River Cleanup Society.

Three times per year  the CVRCS organizes cleanups on the Chilliwack and Vedder rivers to help keep our water playgrounds clean.  Whether you walk, cycle, paddle, fish or ride your horse by or on these waterways we need your help.


April 20th (Earth Day)
July 20th (BC Parks Day)
September 29th (BC Rivers Day)


I am also looking for those in the community who are willing to make prize donations for this year's BC Rivers Day clean up.  If you or your business can help out with a donation please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Don't forget to LIKE us on our Facebook page too!

More Werner Paddles SUP TV

Here is the second segment in the Werner SUP instructional videos - these next few short video installments will break-down, the Forward Stroke.  The one below is the introduction.  Be educated, be safe and most importantly have fun!

Don't forget to share and post on your website and social media.

The Nikki Rekman Sales Team Expands to Vancouver Island!

Welcome to Jean-Francois (JF) Marleau the newest member of the Nikki Rekman Sales Team.

Photo: Stephan

 JF has four intense passions: kayaking, fishing, surfing and hunting. He also loves to combine these passions: kayak fishing, kayak surfing and kayak hunting. 

We are excited to have JF on board for his very well-rounded resume of paddlesports experience but notably for his experience with kayak fishing and hunting. 

On the professional level, he has taught kayaking and guided expeditions across Canada since 1998.   JF spends between 100-175 teaching and guiding annually.  He is a certified Full Guide Level 4, Guide Trainer and Examiner with the Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia (SKGABC). He is a certified Level 4 Instructor and Level 2 Instructor Trainer with Paddle Canada.

 He also enjoys teaching kayak fishing and guiding kayak fishing expedition. He has been a pioneer in promoting kayak fishing in Canada.  

When he is not having fun on the water, he runs SKILS and works as a professional hunter to protect farmers’ crops.

JF holds many diplomas, including a Master's degree in Industrial Relations and a Bachelor of Art degree in Political Science. Among his many attributes JF is also the author of several books and kayak training manuals.

If you have never met JF before, it is easy to pick him out of the crowd as his strong French Canadian accent cannot hide him for long.