SylvanSport in for the Haul!

Partners in Paddle Travel

Based out of Cedar Mountain in North Carolina, SylanSport, the leader in adventure sport toy hauling has decided to come on board with Paddletravel.com in delivering their flagship product, the "GO" to Western Canada.


CEO and founder Thomas Dempsey has designated Paddletravel.com's owner Eric Albert as the Western Canada representative for SylvanSport. "We hope to bring a new product to the environmentally conscious consumer wanting to get out with their toys to explore without having to haul a large trailer or RV", as stated by Paddletravel.com's CEO Eric Albert.


SylvanSport was founded in 2004 to develop great gear to support their evolving sense of adventure. The SylvanSport team brings decades of experience designing and making outdoor products from the most respected companies. They offer products that blend utility, quality, and value while respecting the purity of nature. Your never ending pursuit of adventure drives their passion to make cool stuff.


The GO was designed from the frame out to be a one-of-a-kind mobile adventure trailer which allows the user to bring an ATV, motorcycle, kayaks, canoe, or anything for that matter, with the added bonus of converting the trailer into a lightweight tent accomodation big enough for 4 adults. The tent sets up in minutes and stows cleanly into the roof's storage box. It also comes equipped with a weather-tight gear box that locks to keep your weekend camping essentials, like a generator, secure and ready for whenever you GO. So whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment mini vacation or a trip to the home improvement megastore to pick up 4X8 plywood and drywall, GO works. And it’s smart!


At 800 lbs. the GO can be towed by almost any vehicle out there. This efficient ‘backpack on wheels’ allows you to have the benefits of an RV without the gas credit card. From GO’s hyper-engineered™ all-aluminum frame, to its Thule-compatible rack system, to its Kelty tent structure, GO is the most refined small towable ever.


Contact Paddletravel.com if you are interested in learning more about the GO, and how to obtain one!

Level Six On Board with Paddletavel.com!

Level Six Line

Paddletravel.com is absolutely pleased to be working with Level Six in helping promote their complete line of paddle apparel. Paddletravel.com will promote Level Six's line of dry suits, wet suits, spray skirts, casual and competition apparel within its pages.


"We believe that through cooperative advertising we promote not only our individual companies, but the industry and activity as a whole" quoted by Eric Albert CEO of Paddletravel.com. 

Level Six is based out of Ottawa Canada, which was a huge draw for Paddletravel.com. Supporting Canadian companies and athletes is of course an important aspect to paddling in Canada, a philosophy Paddletravel.com takes quite seriously. 


We are proud of this new found relationship, and look forward to many years promoting for Level Six. Check out Level Six's complete line of gear at www.levelsix.com.

Cabin Fever Project: The GoPro Creeker Stern Mount

A Home Project for Under $50

Winter doldrums, bring on some unique thoughts on how to get that kick ass image, or that sick stomp video on the big drop with your GoPro camera. 

After viewing some of Nick Troutman's YouTube videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G63TOHluqno) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_kafBg_Evk) I wanted to find out how he managed to get the great POV shots positioned from the stern of the Jackson Villain. 

I then found this article from Darin McQuoid (http://worldkayakblogs.com/jscreekin/2010/10/06/gopro-kayak-mount/) describing how he managed to fabricate the mount from ABS. I liked the idea, however, I felt that it really exposed the end of the mount (where the camera sits) to being snapped off. I wanted to do something similar, while providing some protection to the camera in the event of it being snapped off. Here is what I managed to put together.


Step 1. Get the following supplies from your local hardware store

• ABS 2" 5'
• 3X2" flexible coupling
• 3" Toilet flange
• ABS glue4 1" double sided velcro
• 2" ABS 90 degree elbow
• 2.5 pipe clamp
• 1/4  2 1/2" eye bolt
• 1/4  1/1/2" bolt
• 1/4 " Bonded seal washers
• 2" T threaded cleanout
• 2" ABS caps
• 2" threaded male adapter
• Gopro  tripod mount
• 1/4" bolt 1" - washer - teflon lock bolt
• 24" parachute cord
• small carabeiner
• spare foam (pool noodle)
• GoPro tripod mount (from camera shop)

Step 2. Gather the following tools to start the project

• Recip saw (or hack saw)
• rubber mallet
• screwdriver - various bits
• drill 1/4 drill bit
• socket set

Step 3.  Remove the grab handle from back of Villain

Step 4. Cut 4 1" sections of double sided adhesive velcro and place on underside of toilet flange while lining up the holes which coincide with holes on Villain. Press firmly. Please note: The flange lines up perfectly with the holes on the Villain, please be sure it does so on your creeker. If not, you may have to modify the flange by drilling new holes to line up, or creating a shim template to meet the holes on your creeker.

Step 5. Take one 1/1/2" (1/4") bolt with two 1/4 " bonded seal washers and secure the toilet flange into one of the grab handle holes. In the other hole, use the 2 1/2" (1/4) eye bolt with two 1/4 " bonded seal washers. This eye bolt will be used as a tether anchor in the event the mount breaks off.

Step 6. Loosen hose clamps and take rubber mallet to seat the 3" X 2" flexible reducer onto the toilet flange.

Step 7. Cut the following lengths off of the 5" ABS pipe with reciprocating saw or hacksaw.

• 26" ABS length
• 2 2" ABS length
• 1 3" ABS length

Step 8. Dry fit the following pieces in this fashion.

•     Take 2" T threaded cleanout and place the cut 3" ABS length onto the top (non threaded) of the cleanout
•     Take 2" ABS 90 degree elbow and place on top of this piece
•     Take the 2" threaded male adapter and thread into the threaded portion of the cleanout
•     Place the 2" section of ABS pipe (cut previously) into the female end of the male adapter and place a 2" ABS cap on the end
•     Place the other 2" section of ABS onto the 90 degree elbow and place a 2" ABS cap on the end

Step 9. Hand tighten the 2" threaded male adapter in place with all the pieces on place. Mark with a pencil the level point on top. Take the threaded male adapter and loosen 1/4 turn so that you can now drill a 1/4" hole into the threaded portion of the adapter (about mid way from the end of the section)

Step 10. Remove the 2" threaded male adapter. Take 1" 1/4" bolt, and place inside of hole. Place washer on outer side, and tighten with socket set a teflon lock nut leaving approximately 1/3 of the bolt end exposed for the tripod mount. Screw the 2" threaded male adapter back to hand tight (which will have the bolt end facing upwards)

Step 11. Place GoPro tripod mount http://gopro.com/camera-mounts/tripod-mount onto exposed bolt and adjust the thread depth so that the tripod mount lines up. You might have to tighten / loosen the teflon lock nut to achieve the right alignment of the tripod mount. You really only need about 3-4 threads exposed off the top to have the mount seat in nicely. It takes a bit of playing around to find the right combo of shimming washers to achieve the right depth. Place GoPro camera onto tripod mount.

Step 12. Once all is positioned and you are getting the appropriate positioning for the camera achieved, take ABS glue and adhere all the pieces (except for where the ABS goes to the flexible reducer). Do not glue the threaded portion of the male adapter, in the event you need to gain access to the bolt.

Step 13. Take some spare foam, a pool noodle is the best, and stuff it in the hollow of the long ABS section. This will give you some added flotation in the event the mount breaks off, and becomes separated from your boat. It makes retrieving your camera a tad bit easier.

Step 14. Take the 2' section of bungee cord and attach it to your GoPro tether, down to the 1/4" eye bolt on the flange. Secure it to the eye bolt with the small carabeiner. 

In Darin's article he makes mention to having a solid reducer instead of a flexible one, as he wanted to avoid the swing the flexible reducer has. In doing so, he would have to glue this piece in place. Personally, I like the flexible reducer better, as it does allow you to take the arm of the mount off for loading onto your vehicle. (perhaps with other boats being stacked). Personally, a little swing back and forth in the mount is hard to notice when you are hitting rapids, as it is hard to distinguish what is mount sway, and what is rapid action onto the boat. I'm staying with the flexible reducer.

Again, a disclaimer. You are altering the safety aspect of your kayak by removing a grab handle, so please be aware that by doing so you are impeding your ability to extricate yourself in a pin, or helping a swimmer in need. If you choose to mount this onto your boat, you do so at your own risk.

Total cost for all of the supplies and GoPro Tripod Mount will come close to $50.

Stay tuned to some GoPro video footage from my new mount.

Non Commercial Permit Application for The Colorado River - "The Grand"

Weighted Lottery System (2012 Lottery - Feb 1-23 / 2011)


After waiting for 14 years on the old "get in line" permit application process, I was fortunate to get a permit for a 2008 launch down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This expedition was shared amongst 7 other mates, and it still is one of the biggest highlights of my life. The whitewater was excellent, and at times quite scary, especially going through a flooded Lava Falls section! However the highlight of the trip was simply being there. The silence, solitude, and feeling very insignificant all made for a very memorable trip. Our group was solid and the food was exceptional. We used Canyon REO for our additional equipment, shuttle, and food services. By far, the key highlight of my paddling career. Fortunately now, the NPS has revamped the permit application process into a weighted lottery system in attempts to streamline the application process as well as to rid the system of the stragglers who tie up launches and never follow through with their intentions...which bogs the system. They have also increased the amount of launches per year as well. 

So what is a weighted lottery system?

Well in a nutshell, in your first year you will get a single draw, and each subsequent year thereafter up to 5 years, you will receive an additional draw. So, by year 5, and there after you will have 5 chances of getting a draw. That's the short and sweet of it. There are plenty of other questions which can be asked, so reference the NPS FAQ page, to learn more about what it is all about.

How do I sign up?

Well, click here to go to the NPS secure profile / login page. Here you will need to make a profile (see picture below). Once you have created your profile, you will be sent an e-mail by the NPS granting you a password (which you can change later). Once you log in, you can change your profile, and access the process of purchasing a permit application, just like you would for any other form of online banking. You will be able to select 5 potential dates for when you would like to go. Once you have paid the $25 application fee, you are entered in for the draw. It is really that easy. Cancellation dates are made available during the draw year, however it does give you limited time to plan for such a trip. Good Luck!

Sweet Protection - Partners in Paddling with Paddletravel.com

Sweet Connection

Gøran Langgård from Norway's Sweet Protection has confirmed today that they are excited to be a part of Paddletravel.com's move in bringing an innovate approach to the adventure travel marketplace. 


Sweet Protection based out of Trysil Norway, was a small company put together by some crazy skaters with inspirational vision. With hard work, and determination, Sweet Protection has now become one of the world's leading designers in ski and paddle apparel and helmets. Their design of helmets are not only stylish, but of course meet stringent safety standards for protection of ye ol' coconut! 


Paddletravel.com's owner Eric Albert has worn a Sweet Helmet for the past 5 years, and has been thoroughly pleased with the fit, and design for freestyle kayaking. Sweet Protection has a very innovative line of paddling helmets for all levels of paddler, check out their website to view their line, and to learn more about the company: http://www.sweetprotection.com/whitewater/

TripSpinner "Sweet Search"

Paddletravel.com, in appreciation for this new found relationship with Sweet Protection has created the "Sweet Search" for its upcoming TripSpinner Smartphone Application. 

One of the functions on the upcoming TripSpinner (scheduled for release in Spring 2012) will be an application search engine. The user can simply search for a river, trip, or expedition within the application's data base of excursions. The search engine will then provide a list of matches which fall within the search profile. Sweet Protection has sponsored this page, which has been dubbed the "Sweet Search". 


Paddletravel.com, is extremely excited to solidify this relationship with Sweet Protection, and hopes to improve exposure for both organizations over the indefinite future. 


Paddle safe with Sweet Protection and Paddletravel.com!

Paddletravel.com TripSpinner

What is the TripSpinner?

We at Paddletravel.com understand that in order to reach the new generation of consumer, we need to keep up with the ongoing trnasforamtion in technology. With the advent of the iPhones, and the Blackberry's, more an more people are preferring to browse online while on the move. The new generation "the Millennials" are very technologically savvy, and as such very educated witht he marketplace. They shop, pay bills, browse, and interact primarily through their phones. In order to attract this generation into travel, we have designed a very fun application which will provide hundreds of different travel combinations. This application will be designed initially for the iPhone consumer, however will be modified to work on Blackberry and Android platforms shortly thereafter.

TripSpinner Fun

TripSpinner will start off with an interactive 'slot machine' display. The user can manually drag their finger across the screen and isolate the fields they are searching for. 

For example, the first slot field is the activity field. The user can choose from Sea kayaking, to Rafting, to Canoeing, to Whitewater Kayaking, to Combination Excursions. The second slot field will isolate the country desired. Lastly, the last slot field identifies the duration of the trip.


Once the fields have been selected, the application will identify all the trips which fall within the categories selected. For the adventurous, who wish to "let it ride", the user can "shake" the phone, and the slots slide just like a slot machine!

TripSpinner Content

When the matches are identified, the user can view the possible matches. A highlighted expedition or trip will be at the top of the other matches identified. The trips at the top of the matches are reserved for the SuperStar and Exclusive Star Outfitters. 


The user can choose a trip, and view the description of that trip. Prices are not placed on the application, as prices change very rapidly, however, a requisition can be made from this point to receive a quote.


Favorites can be made once viewed, as well as trips can be searched for using the search engine, which is sponsored by Sweet Protection out of Norway.

We hope that with this smart phone application we can help the mobile user browse easily, conveniently, and interactively for a trip which suits their interest.

When can I download this Application?

TripSpinner is scheduled to be available for download through the Apple App Store for the Spring of 2012. We are refining the functionality of the application, and continue to implement content for the application. Stay tuned for developments in the application.


Cheers, Eric Albert

New Eco-Friendly T-Shirt Company - AlterEco Apparel

Not Your Ordinary T-Shirt Company!

Paddler Ty Chapman and his wife Ginny have created a T-shirt company with a unique twist. I'll let them tell you about it!

AlterEco Apparel

Our mission at Alter Eco is to provide to our subscribers an environmentally friendly, uniquely designed, limited edition t-shirt that is inspired by positive events across the globe.

Why is Alter Eco so unique?

• Our shirt designs are based on only GOOD NEWS that you should be aware of!
• All designs are created by unique, independent artists who share a passion about creating positive awareness. 
• Only subscribers of Alter Eco will receive a shirt every eighth week.  Our shirts are not sold in stores, giving you a limited edition print.

How are we environmentally friendly?

• Our shirts are designed using only American Apparel sweatshop free cotton shirts or American Apparel 100% certified organic shirts, the choice is yours!
• All designs are printed with water based ink on a digital print process so absolutely no harmful chemicals are touching your skin.
• Shirts are shipped to you in 100% biodegradable, compostable, earth friendly packaging.
• Alter Eco does not use any form of paper print advertising.  Only word-of-mouth and online advertisements are used.
• We donate 5% of all profits to a charitable cause each issue.

What inspires us?

• Alter Eco believes that by creating awareness we all help create change.  We want everyone to be aware of the people, parties, cities, countries and businesses that are making a positive impact.  Wearing our limited edition apparel makes you a part of the change! 

 To learn more about AlterEco Apparel, check out their website at: http://www.alterecoapparel.com/

Lightweight Alternative to Carrying Kayaks

D.I.Y. Kayak Backpack for under $25

How often do we find ourselves shouldering our creekers up some long, crappy river access trail, or worse, up and out of some steep canyon followed by some great distance back to a shuttle vehicle. In spite of every one's battered and blistered shoulders, THIS ALMOST ALWAYS SUCKS!

Last fall a few friends and I met with some Vancouver locals who were heading out to paddle North Van's short but infamous Seymour Canyon run. While the unseasonably low water levels failed to provide any sort of sheer excitement, I at least ended the day feeling intrigued about a contraption that was being implemented by some locals during the 30+min trail crawl up to the Canyon's put-in.

Having seen and heard nothing but negative stories about most other Sherpa pack inspired, kayak carrying designs, my once kindled interest in owning such a device has long since flush drowned in some dark and dirty back eddy here in the Kootenays. Instead, many of us continue to opt for the standard 'alternating shoulder' kayak carry method. And why not? It's easy and free to own, and when one shoulder gets tired, we switch to the other... Ain't that reasonable? Naw really, If our shoulders could speak they would certainly tell us to f-off after a few minutes of this general abuse. 

Now, if the pictures haven't already clued you in, here then is the skinny on how to build yourself one of these handy-dandy 'DIY kayak-backpacks' that have more or less redefined how I am going to carry my boat over those long, steep portages where low overhead brush is at a minimum.

Your shopping list: 

• 2x Replacement Duffel Bag Straps from MEC/REI ($6 ea.)
• 4x Black Diamond 'Mini Micron' luggage carabiners ($3 ea.)
• 1x Section of scrap throw rope

(JK and a few other manf.'s do not currently come with any rear seat loops leaving us to get out a cordless drill and a coat hanger for rope guiding). ~Notice the dried blood left in my boat after I tore my knuckle off while reaching under the seat to feed rope through the holes I had drilled. Obviously, your kayak MUST also have 2 grab loops on the back-deck in order for this system to work successfully. 

TOTAL COST: ~$24.00

You may find that most duffel replacement straps come with heavy swiveling, latching mount mechanisms that I.M.O are the weakest part of the entire system... so bye-bye they go...

However, these mechanisms also conform to the strap's general flat shape, thus you may want to do some work to 'reform' the webbing so that it seats appropriately on each carabiner. In my case, the BD Microns each came with a 1" key ring that I was able to slip over the folded and biner'ed strap ends. This helps hold the freshly folded over webbing loops in place at each carabiner... Dammit, just look closely at the pic's and you should get the idea. Each folded strap mount will eventually 'break in' to their new shape after a simple portage or two.

Next, clip in to your seat and back deck grab-loops and adjust the straps to your torso and shoulders prior to putting the whole thing on your back. 

And, there you have it! Once sorted out, you will notice how balanced the boat feels while portaging, especially when the stern is slightly loaded with one's trusty safety gear, breakdown paddle, a chainsaw and a six pack of PBR.

"Hey, now where's that beer I put down?"

Carl.

2011 Whitewater Grand Prix

Prepare for the World's Best!!

At the start of May, twenty-eight of the world's most talented, most versatile, and most progressive kayakers will compete in a multi-disciplined, 6-stage competition on spectacular whitewater across Quebec . The Whitewater Grand Prix brings together this All-Star group in a unique event whose images and coverage we hope can help kayaking gain more mainstream exposure.


The event includes past and present World Champions of whitewater racing and freestyle, as well as many other present and future stars.  With 10 countries represented and many rivalries between the competitors, we all look forward to seeing how each stage plays out.

The races include a Time-Trial down a steep section of slides and waterfalls, a Giant Slalom which will challenge the competitors with the worlds first 18 gate course on class 4/5 whitewater, and an intense head to head down one of Quebec's infamous big volume rapids. The freestyle events will highlight the worlds best wave surfers with events on both mid-sized waves that will allow for tricks to be linked in sequence, and big dynamic waves that will show those with the most control, style, and wave awareness.

After three races and three freestyle contests the Grand Prix World Champion will be crowned.

We are obviously hoping for the normal spring levels that produce the waves Quebec is famous for, but we are running the event with great contingencies in chance of low, medium, or high water.

The Whitewater Grand Prix is supported by the Association of Whitewater Professionals (AWP) and aims to showcase the sport of whitewater kayaking and some of it's most talented athletes.

To learn more about the event, to vote for your favorite paddler, and to see what's expected at each event, check out: http://www.whitewatergrandprix.com/

Frontier - A Film by Rush Sturges

Hold on to Your Hats Boys and Girls!

Rush Sturges along with Logan Grayling, Steve Fisher, Tyler Bradt and other world acclaimed extreme kayakers have put together a film which will boggle your mind. This crew has traveled all around the world seeking the most extreme drops and remote locations to bring together a heart stopping, visually stimulating experience to the film screen. Learn more about this wicked movie at: http://www.river-roots.com/home.html

Jackson Crew In Veracruz Mexico

Jackson Kayak Pro Boaters Test Out the New 2011 Jackson Hero

Nick Troutman, Dane Jackson and the Jackson Kayak gang hucking huge drops in Veracruz Mexico, testing out the new 2011 Jackson Hero. It seems the Hero negotiates the tight lines and stomps the drops quite nicely. Great footage and excellent editing, really makes you want to get out and start paddling...too bad it's still January in Canada!! Enjoy the link, and go to www.jacksonkayak.com to view the details about this great new boat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCNHz2apdWw&feature=player_embedded 

Small Hydro Dams

Run of the River Parody

Paddletravel.com believes that as a paddling community, we can make a difference for generations to come. Preserving our natural resources and focusing on alternative energy sources should be the motivation for a sustainable earth. A student once told me, "the rivers are like the earth's veins and arteries, they are required to bring life to the land. Dams are the blockages in those vessels and everything will eventually be altered or die downstream". Very philosophical for a 16 year old I thought! 

Here is a little parody on Small Hydro Dams

http://hydroreform.org/news/2011/01/06/small-hydro-animated-parody

International Driving Permit

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

 

 An IDP is a special driving licence for tourists. Authorized by a UN treaty among nations of the world, an IDP allows licensed motorists to drive in international traffic without further tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driving licence, issued by a competent authority, in his or her country of residence. 

 

Where is the IDP valid?

 

The IDP is valid in all countries that have signed the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. It is also recognized in many countries that are not signatories to the Convention. A Canadian IDP is valid only outside Canada. 

 

What are the other advantages of the IDP?

 

The IDP provides you with additional photo identification. It includes a multilingual translation of your valid Canadian driver’s licence. Most car rental agencies will request an IDP, even though it may not be required to drive in their country. 

 

Can an IDP be postdated, extended, or renewed?

 

The IDP must be issued at a CAA office in Canada and cannot be obtained or renewed elsewhere. Once issued, the IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue, providing your Canadian licence is valid for the duration of your trip. Your valid Canadian provincial driver's licence must accompany the IDP at all times. An IDP cannot be post-dated, extended or renewed and a new application form must be completed each time a new IDP is required. 

 

How do I obtain an IDP?

 

Consult the Canadian Automobile Association website for complete details on how to apply for an IDP. You can fill out the following application form from the CAA to expediate the process prior to arriving at your local CAA office. 

 

What you'll need to get an IDP?

 

You can only receive an IDP if you are: 

• 18 years of age or older, and hold a valid Canadian provincial driver's licence. (An IDP cannot be issued for provisional, learner's or suspended licences, or for any category of vehicle which is not presently covered by that same provincial driver's licence.)
• Two passport type photos. One picture is attached to the IDP; the other is attached to the application form.
• This fee can be paid by cash, Visa or MasterCard. 

 

How long does it take to get an IDP?

 

Once an application for an IDP has been processed by the local CAA registry, it may take up to 2-3 weeks to obtain. You must allow some time buffer in order to get this document prior to your departure. 

What do I need to know about re-applying for an IDP?

 

If you have a current IDP and are re-applying, please remember to allow sufficient time for you to receive your IDP to ensure that your current one will not expire.

YouTube Channel Updated and Online!

Staying Connected

Paddletravel.com, over the course of 2011 will be going through an extensive amount of change in preparation for the launch of the new website. Not only are we securing contracts with target outfitters, but we are also securing ad space with leading manufacturers and retailers all over the world. The site is in a major evolution, and will be ready for official launch in 2012.

We are in the midst of developing our iPhone app, dubbed the "TripSpinner". This interactive application will help mobile Apple users navigate to destinations around the world. The development and finalization of the application is slated for the Spring of 2012. No doubt, a lot on our plates!! 

In the meantime, we are doing little things like developing the Blog, and of course our YouTube channel. You can view the YouTube channel by either clicking onto the photo, or checking out the following link: http://www.youtube.com/user/paddletravelcom . We hope that you enjoy the changes, and of course new videos will be added here soon. Stay tuned, and stay connected!

What to Expect on a Paddling Trip

Introduction 

 

Whitewater river rafting, canoeing, sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking are some of the most exciting outdoor activities available to the weekend warrior or to the avid enthusiuast. It’s the kind of adventure that is great to share with friends and often people gravitate back to these sports if they had a positive experience. In order to have a positive experience, one needs to expect that there are dynamics to every experience. Having expectations, and abiding by the expectations set by the outfitters will help solidify a life enhancing experience.

 

Most people have their own ideas or impressions about what a paddling trip entails. Here are some points and questions about paddling you may not have considered. 

Expect to Get Wet 

 

I know that getting wet on a paddling trip sounds like it should go without saying, but you would actually be surprised as to how many people expect to stay dry!. Some people think that by sitting in the back of the boat, or cringing when the wave comes that it will some how create an impenetrable force field which will shun the water away. On the contrary, those who avoid the water, often get the wettest! This means that you should dress for the occasion and only bring things that can, in fact, get wet. 

 

Getting wet while enjoying watersports is a welcome reprieve from the heat on a hot summer day. It also adds to the thrill and excitement of the whole experience even in cold weather and water. Furthermore, the guides will usually let you jump in and swim at some point during the trip so you’ll want to be ready for that. Of course, there is always the chance of getting thrown out of a raft or flip your kayak and as such it is imperative a person know how to swim. So the bottom line is to count on getting wet. Remember, if you don’t get wet while on the river or ocean then you’re probably doing something wrong. 

Expect to be Cold

 

Not all rivers and oceans are cold. Sea kayaking int he bathtub tempature waters of Belize, or paddling down rivers in Equador will be beautifully warm. However, the majority of the rivers are fed from snow melt, or glacial melt...and thus are cold. Even the Colorado river down the Grand Canyon is brutally cold as the river is fed from the waters at the bottom of Lake Powell. A short swim in mountain or dam fed waters will quickly induce hypothermia if not adequately prepared. It can be cold even in the summer months on river trips and ocean excursions. Add the cold water temperatures with the air coming off of mountain slopes or along shorelines and you can imagine that it does indeed get cold on these trips. 

Wetsuits are recommended to combat the cold during the spring months. Most commercial outfitters provide thermal gear like wetsuits or drysuits however if they don't, you can usually rent them from the rafting company but you may want to arrange for this ahead of time if you do. If you plan to go paddling in chilly conditions more than once in your life, it would pay to buy your own wetsuit and thermal gear. This will save you on rental fees and also spare you from having to wear rental wetsuits. Wool socks, polypropylene long underwear, and windbreakers are also good to combat the cold. An important tip: ***Try booking the morning trip on 1/2 day excursions, as the gear will likely be drier than going in the afternoon, where the gear is still wet from the morning trip. 

 

It may very well be that a bathing suit is fine in the summer but it’s best to ask the outfitter what type of attire is best to wear for the particular time of year and river / ocean you will be paddling on. On a side note, since we are discussing paddling clothing, you should always have on protective footwear which have a closed toe and fit securely on the foot. 

Expect the Shuttle 

 

Most people underestimate the often long bus rides that accompany a whitewater rafting or kayaking trip. Rivers are usually in heavily wooded areas and might have limited road access. This means getting to and from the river could take you some time. Unfortunately, there’s no way around it and the shuttle to get to and from the river is just a part of the whole process. Shuttles need to be planned, and it is not normally experienced by those sea kayaking. 

 

You can make things easier on yourself by taking a few precautions up front which in the long run will make this part of the trip at least bearable. First, go to the bathroom before getting on the bus. Second, bring a snack for the drive and plan on storing a snack and drink for the drive back. Third, see if you can have a towel and dry clothes on the bus that will be picking you up. There’s nothing worse than being cold, wet, hungry, and having to go to the bathroom while being stuck on a bus navigating the windy and steep roads after a whitewater trip. Others will envy you, and likely bribe you for your goodies!  

 

It would be a good idea to ask the question of your rafting or kayaking company as they could tell you exactly how long of a drive it will be to the put-in and from the take-out. Shuttles of 30 minutes or more could get uncomfortable if not prepared.

Expect Limitations

 

Rafts and kayaks generally have very limited space for anything other than people. Guides will usually carry a first aid kit and a small repair / rescue kit may also be teathered into the craft. Believe it or not that’s probably all the craft will hold. What room there is on the floor of the raft won’t hold much of anything for long since you will be going through waves, surfing the holes, and with the possibility of flipping the raft. Kayaks, with the exception of some sea kayaks will only have small amounts of room in the stern (back of the boat). However overloading the boat will dramatically alter the performance of the craft.

 

Remember also that anything you bring on a boat will get wet and is easily damaged. All of this is to say, don’t count on bringing anything with you. Of course, there can be ways around this by carrying small items in your lifejacket, paddling jacket or windbreaker, and any tight fitting pack you can wear on your waist. However, some guides may disallow this for safety reasons.

Expect Training on the Trip

 

It is quite common to wonder if you will receive training on your paddling trip. The answer is yes you will. It is in the outfitter's best interest for you to enjoy your time with them. It is also in their best interest that everything from the unloading and packing of the gear to the trip itself is as safe as it can be. Both mean that you must be trained and it is up to them to do so.

 

The training will usually may consist of a video at the beginning of the day. These videos or pre-river meetings will go over risks involved and you will likely have to sign a liability waiver, waiving your rights to sue if the unexpected were to occur. Of note:*** Waivers usually do not preclude the client for litigation due to improper training, or negligence on behalf of the guide or outfitter. At the launch point the outfitter will go through how to carry the craft on land as well as the signals your guide will use while on the water. Once on the water you will practice basic strokes with the paddle as you follow the guides commands. Of course all of this varies from outfitter to outfitter but it will be covered in some fashion or other.

Expect to Have Fun

 

Being prepared does not mean that it "will take all the fun out of it". On the contrary, being prepared will allow you to continue to have fun when the weather gets cold, or if you go for a swim, or if a minor medial problem arises. Paddlesports brings people together to enjoy the world from a different medium, and it truely an enjoyable experience which draws people back time and time again!