World Rivers Day - September 29th

On the last Sunday in September millions of people around the world will celebrate World Rivers Day thanks to a man named, Mark Angelo.  Mark Angelo is an internationally known river advocate.  Learn more about him here.

On the very same day, we in British Columbia, Canada celebrate BC Rivers Day and Nikki Rekman Sales is very involved in this environmental initiative.  

As a board member with the Chilliwack Vedder River Clean Up Society we are involved in the annual BC Rivers Day event as well as two other clean ups held in April and July.  We invite you to join us this Sunday at the Chilliwack Fish and Games Club House (48685 Chilliwack Lake Road). Registration begins at 8:30am. The river clean-up will take place from 9:30am to Noon, followed by a volunteer appreciation BBQ, entertainment and draw prizes.

We encourage families to join us so that we can inspire the next generation to care for their rivers and be active stewards in the places where they live.

Thank you all the volunteers, past, present and future who take the time to come out and support the Chilliwack Vedder River Society Clean Ups.  To our generous prize donators thank you for supporting us in acknowledging the many, many volunteers.  

Please support these businesses and thank them for their involvement.

Garrison Bistro - Garrison Crossing
Fortin's - Sardis
Mt. Waddington's Outdoors - Sardis
Western Canoeing and Kayaking - Abbotsford
Wave's Coffee House - Garrison Crossing
Cooper's Foods - Garrison Crossing
Inspired Arts and Gifts - Yarrow
Kingdom Outdoor Products - Ontario (thanks Alan!!!)
Kinkora Golf Course - Chilliwack
Heritage Chiropractic & Laser Therapy - Chilliwack
Epicure Selections (consultant: Nikki Rekman)
Hugo's Mexican Kitchen - Sardis
Fred's Custom Tackle - Sardis
Scissor Command - Chilliwack
Chilliwack River Rafting - Sardis 
Great River Fishing Adventures
Shaw - Chilliwack
Jespersons Auto Repair- Chilliwack 
Mertin GM - Chilliwack
Cascade Supply & Marine - Chilliwack
Chilliwack Dart & Tackle
Pedal Sport - Chilliwack 
Royal Wood Golf Course
Cultus Lake Golf Club
Ministry of Forestry
Ed Prachneau
Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve - Chilliwack
Great River Fish Adventures - Chilliwack 
Fraser Valley Salmon Society 

Sale Day is HERE!!!

Our demo/sample sale starts this afternoon - Friday September 20th 3pm-8pm and Saturday September 21st 9 am-2pm.

Message us to RSVP.

Boats (ww, sea kayaking, recreational, sit on top, fishing), paddles, boards, drysuits, PFD's and more!  Friends have also dropped off a Jackson Kayak Fun and a Dagger KingPin for sale as well.

Cash only please and bring your friends.  Sorry we do not ship so you need to come visit us in Chilliwack!

For a more detailed list of items check out the following blogpost.

We look forward to seeing you!!!

Outfitter Profile - West Coast Expeditions - Kyuquot Specialists

 

We are very privileged to have some wonderful partners in the Outfitting world using only the best paddling gear available.  West Coast Expeditions is one such Kokatat Watersports Wear and Werner Paddles outfitter, they are one of the oldest operators in Western Canada specializing in marine education adventures, and possibly the only one committed to one location for over 40 years!  

Impressive.

I met owner, David Pinel back in my Ocean River Sports days in Victoria and it’s a pleasure to be working with him all these years later.  I asked David to share with us more about WCE.

Photo courtesy of Ann Fisher

Marine biologist Jerry Lang began boat-based tours in Kyuquot in 1972 and his nephew Rupert Wong, also a marine biologist, introduced sea kayaking in 1988 as our primary way of getting around.  Today, we continue to focus on sea kayak-based tours out of a unique wilderness retreat on Spring Island – our platform since 1978.  The camp infrastructure and location is unmatched for access to sheltered and open coastal paddling, “Glamping” comforts (waterfront walk-in tents with wooden beds, thick mattresses, and pillows; plus hot shower and all-weather dining shelter), flexible programs, diverse resources, Aboriginal cultural interactions, and about 1500 sea otters in our immediate neighbourhood!  We’re on Canada’s westernmost island to do what we do – so we’re very remote and well off the beaten path! We’re very well positioned for multi-generation family adventures, corporate retreats, and workshops that are kayaking focused or otherwise (e.g., yoga, photography, and painting).  We feel grateful every day for what the area offers, including the reciprocity of a positive and supportive relationship for over 40 years with the local community of Native and Euro-Canadian residents.

photo courtesy of Boomer Jerritt

Our staff are superb paddlers, guides, and educators.  They are comfortable, informed, articulate, and entertaining company whether exploring the intertidal zone, coaching basic or advanced skills, navigating challenging waters, bantering with laughter, or reflecting about humans as part of ecology…amidst the myriad of complex global issues.  Our staff is extremely flexible in how we cater each adventure to the skills, interests, and opportunities of each person and each day.  And our chef-prepared meals that feature, among other things, locally caught fish are something that many guests rave about and keep returning for!

In 2014 programs will continue to feature the perennial favourites of 4 to 7 day “Base Camp” adventures, and 6 to 8 day “Expeditions” that are staged from our wilderness retreat.  With expert partners we’re also planning some custom kayak fishing packages, a photo tour, specialty training workshops (Greenland paddling, and Paddle Canada courses), and a unique combo adventure from the base camp with a mix of kayaking and boat-based day trips right up to the Brooks Peninsula.  We used to do more of the combo boat/kayak tours in the 1990’s and only recently acquired a power boat that again allows us to reach further afield with our small group kayaking and shore-based exploring throughout the Kyuquot and Checleset territory.

Photo courtesy of Boomer Jerritt

West Coast Expeditions offers options for almost every age and ability, as long as they’re happy camping!  Our base camp platform allows access to paddling options suited to new and veteran kayakers, all skill levels, all ages (so far, 6 months to late 80’s!), and a range of specialty interests (from calm water photography and wildlife viewing, to more ‘spicy’ outings along rugged coastlines, through arches, into sea caves, and threading around boomers).  Sometimes we have guests who are less interested in the kayaking and simply want to enjoy activities and relaxing from camp: wandering the rich shoreline and intertidal zone, ‘retreating’ to the sanctuary of nearby giants in the old-growth forest, reading a book, cultural interactions, and group time around meals.

 

Family Friendly -
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Calder Thompson

We’re fueled by guests frequently reflecting that their time with us was “the best vacation ever”.  The reasons are different for everybody, but the recipe is the same:  we treat people like individuals, listen, laugh, and excitedly connect them with what the area offers.

Thanks so much David.  If you are considering a trip to Canada's gorgeous West Coast, contact David and Caroline and the crew at WCE.  Tell them we sent you.  They will work hard to ensure you have a trip of a lifetime!

Samples, Gear and Boats that will be at the Sale Friday and Saturday

As promised here is the list.  Sorry no prices.  You have to come to the sale as I don't have time to list all prices, sizes etc.  Again, no shipping and CASH only.  ALL SALES ARE FINAL!!!

Boats
Jackson Kayak Cruise (SOT) 2013
Jackson Kayak Cuda 12 w/rudder 2013
Jackson Kayak Coosa 2013
Jackson Kayak Fun Runner 60 2012
Jackson Kayak Allstar 2013
Jackson Kayak SUPERNatural 2013
Jackson Kayak SUPERFishal 2013
Jackson Kayak Journey 13.5 w/rudder2013
Jackson Kayak Journey 14 w/rudder 2013

Boreal Design - Sedna w/rudder
Boreal Design - Epsilon w/rudder

North Shore Buccaneer (built by Valley Sea Kayaks in the UK)

Esquif L'Edge DECKED

Kokatat
Reaction Jacket Large Radish
Rogue Wo's Large Mango (needs new gaskets)
Tec Tour Wo's Large Radish
Goretex Paclite Knappster Unisex Medium Chili
Goretex Paclite Pullover Unisex Medium Sky
Goretex Paclite Pant Unisex Large Grey
Destination Wear Wo's Capri (2014 sample) Medium
Surfskin Unisex Short Sleeve Large
Neocore Short Wo's Medium
Neocore Men's Short Sleeve Medium
Neocore Wo's Short Sleeve Medium

PFD's (all Kokatat)
Orbit Cobalt L/XL
Aries Canvas XS/S
Outfit Cobalt Medium x 3
Outfit Tour Cobalt Medium x 1
Guide Orange Large x 2

Rear PFD Pocket (Black)

Drysuits
Goretex Front Entry Men's Medium Lichen
Goretex Expedition Men's Large Radish


Brooks Men's Medium Neoprene Vest

Paddles
Boreal Design Touring Paddlings - $50.00 each
Aquabound Canoe Paddles $15.00 each
Aquabound Edge WW Canoe Paddle $40.00
Werner SUP Paddles - ADVANTAGE - 3 x 80", 1 x 82", GRAND PRIXS
Werner Ikelos 2 pce. straight standard shaft 210cm
Werner Shuna Amber 2 pce. small straight shaft 205cm
Werner Shuna Orange 2 pce. small bent shaft 210cm
AND MORE...

Seals Sprayskirts
Surf - 1.2, 1.7
Pro Rand - 1.7
Sneak - 1.7
Shocker - 1.7
Coastal Tour - 1.7
Adventurer - 1.7
Splash Deck x 2
Sea Sprite - 1.7
Inlander - 1.7

Misc and more
Map cases
Aquapac drycases for point and shoot cameras, SLR's, phones, VHF, iPads
Yak Pak - Traditional Heel and Pegpads
Canoe Thwart Bag
Eagle Creek Packing Pods

Beluga Sprayskirts, Cockpit Covers, Mesh bag, Vinyl Duffle Bag
Wave Sport WW Paddle Bag
Hennessy Hammock Ultralight Explorer (brand new)
Outdoor Blender
ETC.

2 Spaniards and the Mackenzie River - Mission Accomplished

Over the last two years along with Jackson Kayaks, Kokatat Watersports Wear and JK dealer Undercurrents in Calgary, AB I have helped support some very adventurous paddlers from Spain.  Carlos A. and Carlos R. LOVE paddling in Canada, LOVE the Jackson Kayak Journey and LOVE staying warm, dry and a float with their Paclite Pullovers and
Kokatat PFDs

Pike's Paradise - Arctic Grayling on the line

There most recent adventure took them to the Mackenzie River, the largest and longest river system in Canada.  The 2 Carlo's paddled 1950 km (over 1200 miles) in 42 days starting on the Great Slave Lake and ending in the Beaufort Sea.

During there adventure they paddled in all types of water conditions, saw wildlife, fished to their hearts content and experienced the awesome beauty of endless days in the North.  In addition there was the unforgettable Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights.

Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights

Follow their adventures HERE and be inspired!

All photos courtesy of: Bicho Producciones

SUP Events and River Clean Ups - it's a busy September!

I won't lie, I am looking forward to Winter :)

The fall is a busy time for Nikki Rekman Sales, wrapping up road travels, end of season events, helping prepare our dealers for the 2014 season and the BC Rivers Day River Clean Up!

This weekend we are stoked to support local dealer and SUP Community leader, Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre at the Board the Fjord SUP Race.  Please come out and visit the Werner Paddles tent, see what's new for 2014 and better yet demo our paddles.

Register HERE

Schedule of Events

8:00am: Check-in Starts
10:00am: Pre-race meeting
11:00am: Long and Short Course Races Start
12:30pm: Food and drinks after the race
1:00pm: Kids Race and Relays
2:00pm: Awards

 On Sunday September 29th it is BC Rivers Day/World Rivers Day and I encourage all of you to get involved in activities in your community.  If you live in the lower mainland of BC please come out to Chilliwack and support the Chilliwack Vedder River Clean Up Society.  Nikki Rekman Sales (I'm on the board of directors) will be there lending a hand and we hope you will join us.  We are actually looking for some extra volunteers to help with set up and clean up so if that's you please contact me.  Many generous businesses have donated prizes for the day so maybe you will be a lucky winner.

Meet at the Chilliwack Fish and Games Club House (48685 Chilliwack Lake Road). Registration begins at 8:30am. The river clean-up will take place from 9:30am to Noon, followed by a volunteer appreciation BBQ, entertainment and draw prizes.

Thanks to all these amazing businesses who have donated thus far.  Please visit their businesses and say thanks!

Garrison Bistro - Garrison Crossing
Fortin's - Sardis
Mt. Waddington's Outdoors - Sardis
Western Canoeing and Kayaking - Abbotsford
Wave's Coffee House - Garrison Crossing
Cooper's Foods - Garrison Crossing
Inspired Arts and Gifts - Yarrow
Kingdom Outdoor Products - Ontario (thanks Alan!!!)
Kinkora Golf Course - Chilliwack
Heritage Chiropractic & Laser Therapy - Chilliwack
Epicure Selections (consultant: Nikki Rekman)

Jackson Kayak Coosa YakAttack Limited Edition

We have had a number of people contact us recently about what the 2014 Jackson Kayak Coosa YakAttack Limited Edition is all about so here it is.  Thanks to Damon at JK for the help!

The same great Coosa but with all the bells and whistles you can think of.

YakAttack Zooka Tube

For 2014 we have partnered with fellow industry leader, YakAttack and this Limited Edition Coosa has it all:


- Custom color and graphic (slate/white/orange)
- Orange GearTracs (see video HERE) 
- Panfish Portrait (camera mount)

- 2 x YakAttack Zooka Tubes (see photo on right)

-  1 x YakAttack Screwball and one RAM Toughball (to mount Zooka Tubes)

- 1 x VisiCarbon Pro Jackson Kayak Flag on a 1/4-20 stud

YakAttack Srewball

Knots from our friends at Ridge Wilderness Adventures

Ridge Wilderness Adventures is the go to place for all things canoeing in Southwestern BC.  As a Master Canoe Instructor Dave Wooldridge specializes in adventures, lessons and first aid training.  His expertise in Big Canoes (Voyageur Canoes) has taken him all over the world and more recently the UK.

Check out this short, informative video from Dave on 3 very useful knots and if you are looking for some canoeing adventures please contact him.

Email

Phone: (604) 477-4663

Fax: (604) 477-2665