Inflatable Kayak Blog

Stand-up paddleboards are quickly becoming the hottest “thing” in paddle sports. One reason is that using a paddleboard is a great workout. It works your arms, midsection and legs and burns a large amount of calories in a short time. Some new paddleboards are available in a package with a paddle, however many people are using their surfboards and simply buying a stand up paddle. If that’s your situation, you’ll be glad to know that Cannon Paddles, longtime leader in paddle manufacturing for kayaks and canoes, has introduced a new line of stand up paddles. You can choose the paddle shape, shaft type (aluminum, fiberglass or carbon) and custom length of the paddle. They also have an adjustable model that allows you to adjust the length of your stand up paddle. A great option if you share your paddleboard with someone who’s height varies a lot from yours. Like all their paddles, Cannon’s (SUP) stand up paddleboard paddles are made right here in the USA at their factory in Minnesota.

Last week, I wrote about what SPF (sun protection factor) in sunscreens meant. Today I’ll write about how much of it you should use when you’re out on the water. The peak hours of sun exposure are from 10 AM until 4 PM. If you are going to be out at that time, for more than 20 minutes, be sure to apply a sunscreen with SPF of greater than 15. Although SPF of 15 is considered adequate protection for most people, the problem is that most of us use only about a quarter of sunscreen quantity needed to get the full SPF protection advertised on the label. By using an SPF of 30, you will get adequate protection even if half the appropriate amount is applied. It is also recommended that you apply sunscreen twenty minutes before sun exposure because many sunscreens take a few minutes to become effective. And don’t forget to check the expiration date. Extreme temperatures can shorten sunscreen’s shelf life, so you may want to purchase a new bottle every summer and be sure to keep some handy in your kayak dry bag.

Here’s a tip for those of you who pack up the portable tent and camping supplies and head out for an overnight trip in your folding or inflatable kayak. You can save some money by making your own waterproof matches. Use clear nail polish instead of paraffin wax. The nail polish makes the matches more durable and won’t gunk up the match striker. Here’s how ….

· Step 1: Fill a soft-drink bottle cap with nail polish.
· Step 2: Dip each match head into the polish, and lay the match down on the tabletop with its head hanging off the edge. Repeat for as many matches as you need.
· Step 3: Once the polish has dried, hold each match head and dip the entire remaining wooden portion of the match into the nail polish bottle, and dry on wax paper.

As paddlers, we spend lots of time outdoors in the sun and, although it’s good to absorb some Vitamin D, it’s also dangerous to get too much sun. That’s what sunscreens are for. Sunscreens contain a variety of ingredients that reflect, absorb or scatter the ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sun protection factor (SPF) refers to a sunscreen’s ability to protect a person’s skin from some UV rays and gives a measure of how long it would take a person’s skin to burn while wearing the product. For example, if your skin would burn in 5 minutes, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will increase the time it takes your skin to burn to 150 minutes (5 multiplied by 30). SPF indicates protection against UVB rays only, whereas, broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVB and UVA rays. Although there is no standard way to measure a product’s efficiency for shielding against UVA rays, ingredients that offer UVA protection include: avobenzone (Parsol 1789®), titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Have fun kayaking this summer, but don’t forget the sunscreen!

The Pakboats Arrow series was released in 2007 and was supposed to be upgraded Puffins with fancier materials and graphics. While the boats looked sharp, the polyurethane hull fabric had problems and most of the boats had to be returned to the factory. With the recent improvements to the Puffin line, the original Arrows were in danger of becoming obsolete. So PakBoats decided to have the returned Arrows refurbished with new PVC skins. These Arrow replacements were made with a hull fabric that shrinks a little with time resulting in a completely functional kayak that’s not quite as pretty. The slight shrinking would mainly be a factor if you are racing, not so much for casual kayaking.

The real deal is that PakBoats is selling these Arrows as factory seconds at excellent prices. They are available in the 12’ solo model (with deck) and the 14’ Arrow Double (with both solo and double deck). The Arrow Double is identical to the no longer available Puffin II. So if you missed out on the clearance price on the Puffin II, here’s your chance to get a two person folding kayak at a really good price.

We’re heading into the part of Summer when we experience some really hot weather. When you’re paddling in the heat, it’s especially important to keep well hydrated. Whether you’re touring a long distance or just heading out for short paddle, you should have some water with you. I’ve read that if you are pursuing vigorous outdoor activities, you should drink about 8 oz. of fluids every 15 minutes to total about 32 oz. per hour. That does seem a bit much, but I guess that’s a factor of how “vigorous” and how high the temperature may be. At any rate, get some fluids into your system. If you feel “thirsty”, you are already dehydrated. It’s usually pretty easy to find a spot for a small cooler or cooler bag in your folding or inflatable kayak. In our Sea Eagle inflatable 330 kayak, there’s a great spot behind the rear seat, totally out of the way. Enjoy this Summer’s paddling and stay hydrated.

Since the TRAK kayak is relatively new (only about 2 years on the market), there haven’t been many paddlers writing blogs or reviews on the kayak until more recently. We noticed this paddling blog from Australia where you’ll find several comments and photos of the TRAK kayak in action. Here’s the address www.expeditionkayaks.com (go to the link to their blog at the top or bottom of the main site).

The TRAK T-1600 adjustable folding kayak is unique, to say the least, because of it’s shape shifting ability. With the Hydraulics inside the cockpit, you can actually shift the shape of the kayak’s hull for straight speed, easy turning or to neutralize a cross wind without a rudder. TRAK kayaks are currently available at special pricing through the end of August 2009.

One of the most important things to do if you own a portable watercraft is to make sure that you dry it off well before putting it away, especially if it’s for a long period of time. The chances of having mold and moisture damage are more likely than picking up holes or punctures. Moisture can also cause nasty stains on the surface of your craft. The best part is that it’s easy to avoid moisture problems. During the season, if you’re using your craft fairly often (every week or so), you can get away with rolling it up without drying it completely. It’s still a good idea to wipe it down so there are no major damp areas, but a complete “dry down” isn’t necessary. When you put it away for a period longer than, say, 3 weeks, I’d recommend that you make sure it’s completely dry before rolling it up for storage. When I do a complete “dry down”, I’ll do my regular wipe down before packing the craft into my car for the ride home, then later open up the boat and wipe it down again. I’ll also leave it open for a day or so in a dry area to make sure there’s no moisture left before rolling it up for storage. It’s really not that much time and effort and the process will keep your folding kayak, inflatable kayak, inflatable pontoon or float tube in good condition for many years.

We live in Indiana and since Indiana is not one of the most noted states for great kayaking, we’re always on the lookout for a paddling destination that’s somewhat close to home. One area north of Indianapolis is the Fall Creek/Geist Reservoir. The reservoir is considered an “idle” area that’s not overly crowded with motorboats so it is ideal for paddling. It offers easy access points along the river and the stream is slow moving which is something we like, since our style of paddling is mostly casual for sightseeing and photography. The countryside varies from farmland to vacation cottages to mansions along the route and there is a nature section with waterfowl and deer. The canals that allow access to the mansions are along the east end of the reservoir. A couple miles downstream there is a beautiful park, shelter house, picnic tables and nice clean restrooms with flush toilets, as well as a large play area for children. Sounds like a good place to pull the inflatable kayak up on land for a nice paddling break. We’ll have to check this area out sometime and maybe plan an overnight stay to get in some kayaking close to home.

Just wanted to drop a quick note to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July. Hopefully you’ll enjoy some paddling today and while you do be careful. Don’t enjoy too many ‘beverages’ while paddling, if you know what I mean. Paddling responsibly is just important as driving (or ‘not’ driving responsibly). Hey, that gives me an idea … I wonder if I could find a designated paddler, so I could just enjoy the ride … not likely! A little humor there, after all it should be a fun day, today. Paddle safely and remember to wear your paddling vest.

Have a wonderful 4th weekend as we celebrate the birth of our countries freedom and remember those who have given their lives so that we can enjoy all the freedoms we share throughout this beautiful, free country.