Inflatable Kayak Blog

No, this isn’t a tip about how to use duct tape (aka ‘Duck Tape’) as a PFD (personal flotation device). I’m sure that one won’t work. But duct tape can be considered a lifesaver because of it’s many, many uses. The tricky thing is how to carry it with you on your paddling, camping or fishing trips since it’s totally impractical to carry along a big bulky roll. Here’s a way you can carry a small supply with you on your outings. Wrap a few feet around a disposable lighter. You will be ready for any emergency and it won’t take up much space in a backpack or dry bag. The lighter might come in handy, too.

Let’s face it…kayaking is definitely more fun when paddling in warmer waters! But, once in awhile we’re all tempted to try some cold weather paddling. Whether you consider yourself a Novice or Advanced Kayaker, here are a few reminders you should always retain when in the chilly waters.

* Always, Always, Always wear your life jacket. Wearing your life jacket at all times when in the water may be the one thing that buys the time just long enough to save your life.
* Know your Limits! It is so important to recognize the limitations of your abilities, especially in cold weather conditions. Be honest with not only yourself but, with those around you. Someone’s life may depend on it.
* Dress Appropriately! Extreme cold is best left in the water! Insulating one’s own body heat is your best defense against the elements. Wear a layer of clothing that will wick the perspiration off your skin. (For example, cotton is a very poor material because it soaks up water and holds it against the skin.) Add a layer over that to create insulation and finally your full body dry suit which is designed to keep both the wind and water from soaking both you and your inner layers. Don’t forget about your hands, feet, and hats either!
* Be Prepared! Always bring safety, rescue, and navigational aids along with adequate food, water, and extra protective clothing.

These are just a few necessary basics that could make the difference between having a great experience and surviving one. Always let someone know where you are going to be and when you should be expected to return. Happy Kayaking!

Guest blogger Nani Russell works for Marketing Media Management as a Creative Account Executive, is the mother of two beautiful children, and loves spending time in the outdoors, including her own native Hawaii.

My wife and I save all of our wine corks in a decorative vase which sets on a shelf above our wine rack. But there’s a couple of other uses for those old corks other than decor or tossing them out. Of course, the synthetic corks that we’re seeing more and more of won’t work for this fire-starting tip, but the traditional corks will.

Try soaking some old corks in a jar of rubbing alcohol. You can then use a few of them underneath logs and newspapers in your fireplace to get your fire going quickly. You should light them with a long-handled starter for safe use.

Another way to use them is to take them along for your camping or overnight kayaking trip. Soak some corks ahead of time, then wrap them in foil and seal them securely in a zip-lock plastic bag. If you want, you can store them in your dry bag, but be sure they’re well sealed in their own bag first so the odors don’t escape.

I know many of you have been outdoors shoveling more snow than you care to this winter and I got to thinking about a tip for drying out your boots. When I’ve been out hiking or hunting and my boots have gotten wet, I’ll wad up some newspaper and put it inside the boots to absorb the moisture. It really speeds up the drying process. Replace the newspaper every 45 minutes or so till you notice there’s not much moisture buildup. Your boots will be dry for your next day’s hike or shoveling adventure. There’s not a much more uncomfortable feeling than slipping your feet into a pair of day old wet boots or ruining that nice pair you got from The North Face, so a good drying method is an absolute necessity. And I don’t think wearing dry bags on your feet is a practical alternative!

No, they haven’t added “snow kayaking” to the 2010 Winter games, but a couple of PakBoat folding kayaks will be there. During the Winter Olympics, two Puffin models will be on display (and offered for sale) at Lonsdale Quay public market in Vancouver, Canada. The “Dreamcatcher Boats” booth is located under the tent at the Seabus terminal, by the fountain – “you can’t miss it”. Brian Chandler is displaying a Puffin (12) Kayak and a Puffin Swift – both of them offered at very favorable prices. PakBoats worked out a special arrangement with Brian so that they will be able to ship boats directly to customers in foreign countries from the PakBoat warehouse in New Hampshire. Brian will take care of shipments to customers in Canada. This is a great opportunity for the Olympic visitors to get a look at these lightweight folding kayaks, up close and personal. If you happen to be an American visiting the Olympics, check them out and if you like what you see, contact PortableKayaks.com when you get back for free shipping and an excellent price.

Contributed by Sheryl Brennan

OK, fella’s. It’s no secret Valentine’s Day is on Sunday. Your best gal has been throwing out hints for weeks. It doesn’t matter that the holiday falls only a week after the Super Bowl and on the cusp of Spring Training, if you don’t have “something” planned, that little sumpin’, sumpin’ ain’t happening for you and the couch will be a few degrees warmer than your bedroom.

So, to avoid the glaring stares because you simply haven’t made a plan and all the good restaurants are booked, give her a Valentine’s Day to remember at home. You even get to work the grill in freezing cold temperatures. OOO-RAH!

• Step 1- Call the In-Laws and make overnight accommodations for anyone living in your house under the age of 21, then proudly announce to your special someone that you have made arrangements for the kids and she can sleep in on Valentine’s Day.
• Step 2- While your lady-love is sleeping in on Sunday, drop said inhabitants off at In-Laws and make your way to the nearest gourmet grocery store.
• Step 3- Pick up a bouquet of flowers from the floral department, fancy dessert from the bakery, stick candles and holders from the household supply aisle, nice smelling bubble bath from the Health and Beauty section, Bottle of White Wine from the Beer and Wine aisle (or stop by the Liquor Store on Saturday night if you are in a state that doesn’t allow beer and wine sales in the grocery stores), and the ingredients for the following Valentine’s Day Feast of Grilled Tuna with Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans.

Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients: 2 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes cut into quarters. 2 tablespoons olive oil. Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper (to taste).
Preparation: Drizzle potatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Wrap potatoes in foil leaving the top open for air circulation. Place on top grill rack, over medium-hot fire until golden crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Approximately 30-minutes.

Grilled Tuna
Ingredients: 2 pounds tuna steak. 1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 tablespoon grilled tuna. 5-spice rub (or freshly ground coarse black pepper, if you prefer).
Preparation: Slice the steak into 6″-long sections. Coat lightly with olive oil and roll it in the grilled tuna rub mixture or pepper. Grill over a medium-hot fire for 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare. Slice into ½” slices, and spread on serving platter.

Green Beans
Ingredients: 1 package of microwave steam-in-bag Green Beans
Preparation: Follow product directions

• Step 4- Upon your return to the home front, make lots of noise putting away your supplies and setting the table in preparation for your Valentine’s surprise. Make sure to put the flowers in water in the center of the table and set up the candles far enough away so that her hair doesn’t catch fire or the flowers.
• Step 5- Start the grill, then prepare a bubble bath for your significant other with the good smelling stuff you picked out, turn on her favorite CD, and tell her to go relax. When she is engaged in aromatherapy, crack open a nice cold beer for yourself and take a moment to revel in the confused, dazed, yet pleased look on her face.
• Step 6- Begin preparing your meal. When said lovely lady emerges from her Calgon induced coma, hand her the remote with instructions to pick out a “chic-flick” from pay-per-view while you finish dinner.
• Step 7- Open the bottle of wine, pour her a glass, then give it to her along with a nice big smooch and a sexy wink.
• Step 8- Plate your meal, light the candles, turn down the lights, and escort the woman of your heart to the table. Don’t forget to pull her chair and propose a toast to the two of you.
• Step 9- Bask in the adoration she is sure to give you throughout the meal.
• Step 10- When dinner is done, tell her to leave the dishes and join you in the bedroom for dessert. Clothing is optional.

Happy Valentine’s Day you lucky son-of-a-gun!

Sheryl Brennan is the author of Celtic Sacrifice, single mother of three rambunctious pre-teen girls, and an avid outdoors woman. Read more about Sheryl at www.sherylbrennan.com.

Most of the United States are currently experiencing some really bad winter weather. Not the best kayaking conditions, to say the least. That’s simply disappointing for most of us, but this type of dreary weather can have a seriously detrimental effect on others. About one in ten million Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). “SAD” is a prophetic acronym. The folks who suffer from it often experience feelings of depression, lack of energy, increased need to sleep, craving for sweets, weight gain and a weakened immune system. Symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the fall and winter seasons progress. It’s not easily diagnosed, but if you notice these symptoms, you might want to talk to your doctor about it. Only in the most severe cases will doctors prescribe anti-depressant drugs. Phototherapy – the use of light boxes and dawn simulators may also be used. This involves sitting in front of a specialized light box that exposes you very bright light. It’s easy to use and has relatively few side effects.

The best treatments for SAD, though, are the natural solutions you can do on your own like making your home sunnier and brighter by opening up blinds and trimming tree branches that may block the light. Get outdoors on sunny days, even in winter. Outdoor light, even when the sky is overcast, provides as much or more light than phototherapy. Take long walks. Studies show that symptoms improved when individuals took a one-hour walk outside daily. Regular exercise helps relieve stress and anxiety, both of which can increase SAD symptoms. Get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and take time to relax. Most of these ‘treatments’ sound like a good way to stay fit and healthy, too, so it’s a win-win solution, even for those who don’t have SAD but may have a strong case of ‘cabin fever’. And … if all else fails, take a trip to a sunny location with your inflatable or folding kayak and enjoy the sunshine! That could be the best cure of all!

Contributed by Sheryl Brennan

In a blog post yesterday, we focused on some upper body stretches to help with flexibility for kayakers and to build some stamina during the off-season. Now that we’ve given that upper body some attention, let’s not neglect that lower body. Hamstrings, hips, groin, and glutes need sufficient attention to achieve optimum form, as well. Try these simple stretches to keep that lower half lithe:

Lunging Stretch: Keep the knee directly over the heel, and breathe deeply while pressing hips down toward the ground. You should feel this stretch in the hips, glutes and front thighs.

Sitting Twist: Sit on the ground with your right leg crossed over the left and left hand resting on the ground. Use your right elbow to gently press against the right knee. Hold for about 30 seconds, and repeat for the other leg. This helps to stretch the buttocks and spinal rotator muscles.

Cat Stretch: On hands and knees and with feet together, press the center of your back upward and hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply. Follow this with the back arch.

Back Arch: Maintaining initial cat stretch position, press your mid to upper abdomen toward the ground and hold comfortably for 30 seconds while breathing deeply. Go ahead, let out a M-E-O-W. No one is listening!

There now. Feel better? Regular stretching can also reduce stress, resulting in a better night’s sleep. And by increasing flexibility, extension, and range of motion you’ll be better prepared for the water sport season.  And by the time you put your traditional or inflatable kayak in the water, you’ll find you can paddle further forward and draw through a greater range.

Sheryl Brennan is the author of Celtic Sacrifice, single mother of three rambunctious pre-teen girls, and an avid outdoors woman. Read more about Sheryl at www.sherylbrennan.com.

Contributed by Sheryl Brennan

Ahhhh… February.  A time for Love, Presidential Birthdays, African American History, and Water Sport Conditioning.

Oh sure, kayaking LOOKS like an effortless activity, but it’s definitely an exercise-intensive sport. Get in the water before properly stretching and you could end up… well… running aground.

So how do you build stamina during the off-season? How about regular stretching workouts? A session of stretches improving your flexibility is as vital as any strength or endurance building exercises. Especially for the larger torso muscles comprising a segment of your body called “the core”.

By increasing flexibility, extension, and range of motion you’ll be better prepared for the water sport season.  And by the time you put your traditional or inflatable kayak in the water, you’ll find you can paddle further forward and draw through a greater range.

If you have access to Yoga or Pilates classes, take advantage of them. Many gyms now include programs focused strictly on increasing flexibility, but if you are among those winter couch potatoes, try adding these stretches to your pre-bedtime routine:

Neck Stretch: Standing erect with hands on hips, tilt your head as far forward and hold; then tilt your head as far backward as possible and hold again. Next tilt your head as far to the right as possible; then repeat to the left and hold.

Arm over Head Stretch: Standing with feet at shoulder-width and holding your back and neck erect, gently pull the right elbow over the head. For a greater stretch, you can lean your torso slightly to the left. Hold for 30 seconds while breathing deeply, then repeat for other side.

Rotator Cuff Stretch: Standing with feet at shoulder width, bend your left arm at the elbow and place the top of your wrist at your side above the waist. Use your right to hold the left elbow and ease it forward. For a greater stretch, you can twist your torso to the right. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat for other side.

Bar Chest Stretch: Dust off your paddle and use it before kayaking. With feet at shoulder-width, hold the paddle behind your back, keeping both palms facing backward. Hold for 30 seconds. You can vary this stretch to target different chest areas: at shoulder height stretches the mid-chest, and below the shoulder height stretches your upper chest.

Deltoid Stretch: Keep your left arm straight, then reach across the length of your chest and pull the left elbow into your chest with your right hand, keeping your shoulders straight. Hold for about 30 seconds, and repeat for the other side. For a deeper stretch, you can bend the left arm at the elbow and twist your torso to the right.

Standing Side Stretch: With a shoulder-width stance, ensure the back is kept straight so your stretch comes from the lower back.

We’ll focus on some lower body stretches in a blog post tomorrow.

Sheryl Brennan is the author of Celtic Sacrifice, single mother of three rambunctious pre-teen girls, and an avid outdoors woman. Read more about Sheryl at www.sherylbrennan.com.

In a recent internet search I found a web site that has some good information that kayakers in California may find useful. It’s called the ‘California Boat Launch Ramp and Put-in Index’. You can find it here. The site includes maps, which allow you to easily find a locations to launch your kayak, as well as other helpful information. The web site is interactive, too. You can add your comments on places you have been, read what others have discovered and add replies to posted comments.

I personally appreciate being able to easily find convenient launch locations. It’s especially helpful when traveling to unfamiliar areas. Even though my inflatable kayak allows me the luxury to launch almost anywhere, I still prefer a regular boat launch area for safer parking and general amenities.