Norm Hann Joins Nikki Rekman Sales Team and Kokatat Global Ambassador Team

At Nikki Rekman Sales we have the privilege of meeting and working with some of the industry’s best ambassadors and Norm Hann is one of those people. I can’t remember the first time I met Norm, I think most likely in the early days of the Kal Classic. (Hosted by Werner Paddles FIRST land-locked stand up paddle dealer, Kalavida Surf Shop). He had already started his Standup 4 Great Bear conservation initiative and the documentary, STAND was filmed (you can view it here) and EVERYBODY knew Norm and his red shorts (part of his SUP race attire). 

I have wanted to work with Norm since this time and in early 2016 the stars aligned. Kokatat announced that Norm would be a part of our team as a Global Ambassador. The fit is perfect. Norm is a person of high integrity and loyalty. He also has a desire to paddle safely, comfortably and most importantly stay dry. As an instructor and guide, Norm needs to have the best gear possible whether he is touring up in the Great Bear Rainforest or Belize, introducing folks to river SUP on his home river in Squamish, the Mamquam or making his morning coffee run down Howe Sound.

Norm’s Kokatat gear list is as follows:

PFD – touring – Orbit Tour/river – Maximus Centurion

Jacket – Goretex Passage Anorak or the Goretex  Paclite Full Zip

Drysuit – Goretex Idol with SwitchZip Technology

Insulation - Woolcore

Paddling Suit – Goretex Surge Paddling Suit

Helmet – Predator Shiznit – Philadelphia Orange

*his much loved red shorts have been replaced with the Men’s Destination Surf Trunk

If you are lucky enough to take some instruction from Norm ask him about his gear and why he trusts Kokatat. I could tell you why I do but I’m not as cool as Norm.

Norm, thanks for being a part of the Nikki Rekman Sales team and the Kokatat family. We are thrilled to have you.

SUP and the Shuswap River with Eli Fischbuch

This season has been a bit different for me than last because I am not doing as many races.  I decided this year to just commit to four races over the summer and this has given me some time to do some other kinds of paddling and adventures.  I have done some long paddles on the Shuswap, spent a day paddling at Adams Lake and helped with some kids camps at Kalavida Surf Shop.

One super cool paddle that I did was on the lower part of Shuswap river (lies Northeast of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia).  This part of the river is wide and slow moving which makes it a nice relaxing time on the water. Even for the more beginner paddler you can still have a fun time on this river. 

 I started at Grinrod Park and I finished at Mara Lake, which was a total of 18 km.  This may seem like a lot but you are on a river that does have a current so it is not so bad, there are even cool places to stop along the way for a lunch break like little islands in the middle of the river.

One of the reasons we decided to paddle this part of the river is on July 27 the Lower Shuswap River Stewardship Society held a “No Wake Flotilla” and paddled this stretch of river to raise awareness about the effects of power boats on the shoreline and the river. We had planned to take part but then couldn’t go that day so went the next weekend instead.  When we were on the river we could see the effects from boat wakes – there are lots of trees fallen in the river because the banks have eroded away.  When we got closer to Mara Lake there were a few boats towing wakeboarders or tubes on the river.  So even though this is a very easy river to navigate you still have to watch out for boats. Most of them do slow down but you should still keep to the side and just keep an eye when you go around blind corners. 

Since this is a river I used an all round surf board just because it is more stable than a race board and I was in no hurry to get down.  I also used my Werner Nitro M, which I found worked perfect for this river because the paddle blade does not have a huge surface area so it would not put a lot of strain on my shoulders.  You want to be comfortable for when you are paddling for along time. 

Next up for me is the Columbia Gorge Paddle Challenge in Hood River which I am super pumped about.

***we will be seeing Eli this weekend at the Kalamalka Classic in Vernon, BC hosted by Kalavida Surf Shop and we are sure we will hear all about his Columbia Gorge experience.***

Playboating Clinics with JK's Stephen Wright and River SUP Clinics with Ken Hoeve - join us at the VKC Whitewater Festival

Jackson Kayak is proud to support the Vancouver Kayak Club Whitewater Festival,May 2 - 4, 2014 on the beautiful Chilliwack River.

In collaboration with the VKC and Western Canoeing and Kayaking, Jackson Kayak is offering two clinics, Introduction to Playboating with Stephen Wright and Introduction to River Stand Up Paddling with Ken “Hobie” Hoeve.

Clinics are $20.00 each and payable to the Vancouver Kayak Club.

For additional information you can contact the VKC via email 

Saturday, May 3^rd

9 a.m. – Introduction to Playboating

9 a.m. – Introduction to River Stand Up Paddling
2 p.m. - Introduction to Playboating
2 p.m. - Introduction to River Stand Up Paddling

Sunday, May 4^th

9 a.m. – Introduction to Playboating

9 a.m. – Introduction to River Stand Up Paddling
2 p.m. - Introduction to Playboating
2 p.m. - Introduction to River Stand Up Paddling

Stephen Wright

4-Time US National Freestyle Champion                                                      

3rd World Championships 2011                                                        

3rd World Championships 2009                                                        

USA Freestyle team member 2009 & 2011                                                   

2011 Pan American Champion                                                          

                                                           

From Golden, CO, USA                                                        

                                                           

Playboat: Rockstar M for holes, 2013 All Star for Waves                                                    

                                                           

Creekboat: Karma M  

Ken "Hobie" Hoeve

Living in Colorado for the past 20 years, Hobie has been a fixture on the whitewater kayaking scene as both a competitor and announcer. His accomplishments range from victories on Gore Canyon, the Arkansas’s Royal Gorge, Clear Creek and Utah’s Weber river to announcing and hosting events like the Reno River Fest, Teva Mountain Games, FiBark and Dominion River Rock. And within the past 5 years he has become an instrumental figure in the progression of running rivers on an SUP.

From Colorado, USA

Board: SUPerCharger

 

Stephen in action!!!

Hobie makin' it look easy!!!