December - January 2005 
This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
WaveLength is printed on gloss, recycled, ancient rainforest-free paper


What's New Directory

ATLANTIS KAYAKS
Atlantis Kayaks Inc. has introduced an Integrated GPS cradle, available as a $295 Cdn option on the Titan and the new Titan VI models. Features include: front deck mounting, convenient viewing, flip up/flip down, and easy accessibility. Supports any of the Magellan SporTrak series GPS units with IPX-7 standard—just clips right in. 250-722-020,  Web: www.atlantiskayaks.com  Email: sales@atlantiskayaks.com 

BOREALDESIGN
• Aloonaq Paddle
The Aloonaq paddle from BoréalDesign features a long and narrow blade, with an arched surface. This arch provides grip and reduces the potential for slicing. It will appeal to those who travel long distances as it permits a high cadence to low strain ratio. Available in Fiberglass or Carbon.

• Ellesmere Kayak
With the Ellesmere 2005 model, BoréalDesign is innovating in two ways: the Ellesmere now features an integral paddle rest on the front deck, as well as our new revolutionary skeg control system. The Ellesmere is still offered with a choice of regular or ocean cockpit.

• Pakesso Kayak
BoréalDesign now offers a skeg version of our highly popular Pakesso kayak. This addition to our kayak line features as standard our new revolutionary skeg control system, a contoured seat with back band, aluminium footrest, rubber hatches, recessed fittings, life lines and an optional day hatch.

• Fjord Kayak
The plastic Fjord by BoréalDesign is designed for the intermediate paddler, featuring reverse hard chines, a long waterline and a semi-arched hull. The skeg version has a back band seat, aluminum footrests, thigh braces, rubber hatches, recessed fittings, lifelines, and optional day hatch. The rudder version features the Ergonomic seat. With skeg or rudder, MSR $1825 Cdn; with skeg or rudder and dayhatch, MSR $1975 Cdn.

Web: www.borealdesign.com, Email: info@borealdesign.com.

BRITTLESTAR PADDLESEAT
The Brittlestar Paddleseat serves as a sturdy and comfortable beach chair, as well as a paddlefloat. The seat is made of high density foam covered in tough Cordura® fabric and supported with fiberglass rods. A great product for which your paddling friends will envy you! MSR $95 Cdn. Web: www.brittlestardesigns.com 

BROOKS ATTACK SPRAYSKIRT
The new Attack from Brooks features a rim-stitched bungee for exceptional cockpit fit, heavy undercoating for dryness and abrasion resistance, interior seam taping, beefy 3.5mm 4-way stretch neoprene construction, tough duratex exterior laminate, adjustable tunnel for one-size-fits-most fit, and three cockpit sizes. A whitewater version of this skirt is also available. This skirt was designed for the budget-minded, performance-oriented paddler. MSR $99 Cdn. Web: www.brookspaddlegear.com 

BUFFER ZONE WILDERNESS RESORT
The McMorrans are re-establishing the Buffer Zone, their remote, oceanside facility, located in the heart of the Broughton Archipelago, an area known for beautiful paddling, countless islands and abundant wildlife. Family and group holiday packages and wilderness workshops are available, as well as cabin, room, shower and kayak rentals. Professional massage and acupressure is available onsite, and water taxi service. 250-935-0055,  Web: www.bufferzoneresort.com 

DAMSEL WEAR PONCHA
Damsel Wear has created the Poncha—a ‘change room’ you can take and use anywhere. While drying off or changing, your hands are free to pull off or put on the wetsuit or bathing suit. It’s a luxurious 12 ounce terry cotton, or 100% polyester suede that dries in a snap. MSR (cotton) $79.95 Cdn, (poly) $89.95 Cdn., 1-866-3-DAMSEL  Web: www. damselwear.com 

ECHO BAY RESORT
Echo Bay Resort, in the heart of the Broughton Archilpelago, has recognized that paddlers are looking for alternatives to tenting, and is now offering accommodations for groups and individual paddlers. For more information, contact 250-956-2121,  Web: www.echobayresort.com 

EDDYLINE SKYLARK
The Skylark’s classy lines, hard chines and fully rockered hull offer high primary and incredible secondary stability, easy maneuvering and good speed. It responds instantly to sweeps and back strokes, and accelerates with ease. Skylark sports a rear bulkhead and hatch with a foam pillar in the bow, retractable carry handles, and bow and stern deck bungies. MSR $1199 US., 360-757-2300,  Web: www.eddyline.com 

EXTREME INTERFACE ONDA
The Onda Sailski has foot-pedal rudder controls, daggerboard, back support and ample sail. Sail upwind, tack and jibe, or just paddle home if the wind drops. Weighs approx. 13 kilos (30 lbs). Great family fun, easily portable (11’2”). MSR Composite $2395 Cdn, Thermalform $1895 Cdn., 250-752-8432,  Web: www.extremeinterface.com 

FIRST LIGHT KAYAKS
Finally, a high tech folding kayak that has a small packed volume and weighs less than 20 lbs. Get all the performance of a true ‘skin on frame’ kayak and still easily meet the new airline checked baggage requirements for travel to your favorite places on earth—limited only by your imagination! MSR $2050 – $2950 US. Contact SOLAS Distributing: 360-758-4258 or email: info@solasgroup.net  Web: www.firstlightkayaks.com 

FOLBOT COOPER KAYAK
31.5 lb single seater folding kayak, 16 feet long and 24 inch beam, is making waves! Carried in one bag either backpack or suitcase style, it travels well internationally or to the family cottage. Assembly completely outside the skin and new skin tensioning system exclusive to Folbot. Cooper and all other Folbot folding kayaks are currently available at the Winter Sale price, up to 15% off. Visit the little folding kayak company at www.folbot.ca for details.

GLOVES IN A BOTTLE
Gloves In A Bottle is a lotion that bonds with the outer layer of skin to form an invisible pair of gloves to keep moisture-robbing irritants out, while retaining your own natural moisture. Gloves In A Bottle is virtually undetectable once dry, lasts four hours or more, and comes off naturally with exfoliated skin cells. Wear Gloves In A Bottle to prevent blisters. For more information call 800-600-1881  Web: www.glovesinabottle.com 

KAYAKING GUIDE BOOKS
Three new kayaking guide books from Heritage House, Sea Kayak Around Vancouver Island by Doug Alderson, Sea Kayak the Gulf Islands by Mary Ann Snowden, and Sea Kayak Nootka & Kyuquot Sounds by Heather Harbord are filled with useful information and their small paperback format makes them perfect for taking on a trip. Partial proceeds from books sold online go to Georgia Strait Alliance for its marine conservation work. The cost is $16.95 Cdn plus taxes and shipping when purchased on-line through www.bcbooks.com/fishkayaking.html. Or you can pick up a copy at any GSA office. Buying directly from GSA doubles the amount of the contribution from the publisher. (Note: GSA does not receive proceeds from books purchased at other bookstores or outlets).  Web: www.GeorgiaStrait.org  Email: gsa@GeorgiaStrait.org 

KAYAKING VIDEO: KAYAKING IN SOUTHWESTERN BC
What can you expect when you take an introductory paddle course? What types of skills do you need before heading off on a kayak trip? This video is a primer for anyone who has never been in a kayak but is thinking about trying it. Directed by Edward Homer, 2004, 28 minutes, DVD format, $24.95 Cdn (plus $5 shipping). For each copy ordered directly through the producer’s website, $5 will be donated to the Georgia Strait Alliance. You can buy the DVD online using Pay Pal or you can send a cheque or money order to EcoFilms. For information or to order, go to www.ecofilms.bc.ca (click on “Private Home Use”).

KAYAKPRO SPEEDSTROKE ERGOMETER
Designed by five-time Olympian and World Champion sprint kayaker, Grayson Bourne,
SpeedStroke by KayakPro was chosen as the official kayaking ergometer to the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. A downloadable program (available on the KayakPro website) can be linked to Speedstroke to show a graph displaying real-time distance covered, speed and time. Sports Physiologists have discovered that it is essential to replicate sports-specific movements while training in the off-season to maintain performance levels. SpeedStroke gives this opportunity year round.  Web: www.kayakpro.com or www.speedstroke.com 

KOKATAT
• Rogue Dry Top
New at Mountain Equipment Co-op across Canada is the Kokatat Rogue Dry Top, for both men and women, which cunningly combines three types of Gore-Tex for a paddling jacket that is rugged, light, flexible, and durable. Add in Kokatat’s renowned features and fit, and you have one of the most technologically advanced dry tops on the market. Price: $430 Cdn. www.mec.ca, www.kokatat.com.

• SEAO2 PFD
New for March, 2005 – just in time for Spring paddling! Offering easy-to-swim-in, lightweight design, Kokatat’s SeaO2 is the first UL approved hybrid inflatable designed for paddlesports — 7.5 to 22.5 lbs of inflation in three seconds! Paddles comfortably even while inflated. $169 US S-XL. 800-225-9749, www.kokatat.com.

• Super Nova Semi-dry Suit
Full-featured semi-drysuit available in January, 2005. The waterproof/breathable TROPOS Super Nova sports wrist gaskets, socks and a neoprene neck closure for comfortable, safe paddling in all but the coldest conditions. A relief zipper or drop seat are also standard. Men’s $429 US S-XXL/Women’s $485 US S-XLS. 800-225-9749, www.kokatat.com.

LOKI HIGH PERFORMANCE KAYAKS
Loki High Performance Kayaks continues to produce the Loki R as their flagship model. The "R" is an Ultalight Carbon Fiber touring kayak with a technologically advanced hull design that benefits the paddler with better speed, maneuverability and rough water capability. 3 new models, the Pilot, the Searacer and the Syncro will be available by next summer. All Loki kayaks are hand made in Canada. Tel: 604-908-6590  Web: www.lokikayak.com  Email: info@lokikayak.com 

MARTIN CREEK KAYAK STORAGE SYSTEM
Martin Creek has made kayak storage simple, safe, and convenient! The KSR-1600 is made from powder-coated aluminum and holds most kayaks on the market, while giving you easy access anytime. The side storage of the KSR-1600 eliminates hull distortion! Get your kayak out of harms way and stored safely! $59.00 US. For more information: Martin Creek – Kayak Storage Solutions 7015 Wells Hwy Seneca, SC 29678. 1-888-9851031,  Web: www.MartinCreek.com 

NAVARRO COMP LONG SLEEVE
This lightweight performance-based garment utilizes Toray’s 2 Ply Waterproof Breathable fabric. The articulated body provides a full range of movement, which is complimented with fully adjustable, lightweight, coated neoprene neck and wrist seals. The low profile shock cord waist provides quick adjustment, greater packability and lower weight. MSRP $140 Cdn.  Web: www.navarrogear.com 

NIMBUS QUINSAM PADDLE
Nimbus has retooled all of their top end compression moulded paddles. The Quinsam is 6.5” wide, available in lengths from 215 cm to 255 cm, weighs 29 ounces in fibreglass, 24.5 ounces in graphite (at 220 cm length). MSRP $260 Cdn ($210 US). “We are finding that paddlers with a low stroke angle like this paddle.” Tel: 250-862-8049  Web: www.nimbuspaddles.com  Email: info@nimbuspaddles.com 

PACIFIC KAYAKS RENEGADE KAYAK
Pacific Kayaks is proud to announce their latest model, a center hatch double, the "Renegade." With a length of 22' 6" and a width of 25 1/2", the Renegade has been designed for the needs of outfitters and adventure racers. It incorporates flush hatches, deck fittings and concealed rudder controls as well as the innovations found on previous PK models such as vinyl rub rails, bow and stern keel guards and conveniently located day hatches. The Renegade will be available in spring 2005. For more information contact Pacific Kayaks. Tel: 1-250-754-2400  Web: www.pacifickayaks.com  Email: info@pacifickayaks.com 

SAGEBRUSH DECKBAG / HIP PACK
Sagebrush makes a variety of waterproof pack and bags. This submersible Hip & Deck Pack is designed with a lumbar suspension system and single shoulder strap making it a comfortable hip pack. The waistbelt is removable, allowing for use as a deck bag. $140 US. 406-683-2329,  Web: www.sagebrushdrygoods.com 

SALUS KIWI PFD
With six points of adjustment and unisex styling, the Kiwi delivers fantastic fit to both men and women. Low-profile padding provides unrestricted movement and makes ride-up a thing of the past, while centralized vertical pockets allow complete range of motion even when fully stuffed. Special features: 3M reflective trim for greater visibility; advanced Dry-lex Aero-spacer lining for breathability; 500 denier Cordura for durability; Salus’ patented round-edge design for superior comfort. $159 Cdn. Tel: 877-418-9998. Web: www.salusmarine.com 

SEAWARD TYEE 2005
The Tyee 2005 features the distinctive Seaward clipper bow, recessed hatches and fittings. New is a hard chine with a slight ‘V’. The result is a fast kayak that tracks well, with good initial stability and superb secondary. Enough volume for an extended trip, and a roomy, comfy cockpit. Features a stern rubbing strip, reflective deck lines, a seat base / emergency paddle float, rescue straps, Seaward’s SmartRUDDERTM system, and stainless steel rudder cables. Length 17’. Beam 24”. Depth 14.5”. Weight 56 lbs. MSRP $2750 US.  Web: www.seawardkayaks.com 

SPORT GLO GLOV™
A retro-reflective half fingered glove called the Sport Glo Glov is the cutting edge for personal safety. Visible at night for up to 1/4 mile. This glove is worn alone or over your gloves. A must for activities such as cycling and kayaking. $19.95 US.  Web: www.gloglov.com 

TALIC SEAHORSE
The Talic Seahorse is a great working platform to wash your boat or to fix the foam padding in your cockpit. Take it with you on trips—flip your boat upside down and you have an instant table. Great for long term storage too. Two heights: 21” ($69.95 US) and 31” ($78.95 US).  Web: www.talic.com 

WATERS DANCING SOLACE KAYAK
New Solace 16xl multi-chine stitch & glue kayak. Is there a better way of experiencing paddling and the great outdoors than in a beautiful mahogany kayak that you build yourself from Waters Dancing? Kit comes complete with pre-cut panels, all accessories and a 150 page manual. L.O.A. 16', Beam 23.75", weight 40 lbs, $1205 Cdn., $935 US. 780-437-4919,  Web: www.watersdancing.com 

WENONAH / CURRENT DESIGNS CANOES & KAYAKS
Wenonah Canoe proudly introduces their newest models for 2005. For canoes, the Argosy features more rocker, depth amidships, bow flare and deeper ends to keep the canoe dry in moderate whitewater. For Current Designs kayaks, the Kestrel 140 is a longer version of the very popular Kestrel 120; the Stratus is a Swede form kayak with less rocker and a longer waterline; and the Solstice GTXL is designed to comfortably accommodate larger paddlers and enable easier stowage of bulky equipment.  Web: www.wenonah.com 

WERNER NEUTRAL BENT SHAFT
The Neutral Bent Shaft has a relaxed neutral bend that enhances ergonomic comfort, is affordable, and makes transition from straight to bent shaft easy. Our winning ingredients are Werner durability, and neutral hand position to offer you the best balance, comfort, and control. MSRP $225–$300 US. Available on all Premium Glass models and Cascadia.  Web: www.wernerpaddles.com 

WESTERN CANADA WILDERNESS COMMITTEE 2005 CALENDARS
Endangered Wilderness and Endangered Species calendars only $12.95 Cdn each for single copies, discounts for multiple copies. The Wilderness Committee Calendars allow you to witness the beauty of Canada’s unprotected areas and the majesty of Canadian Endangered Wildlife as you move through your year. All proceeds go directly towards wilderness-saving campaigns. Buy at the WCWC store, 651 Johnson St., Victoria, BC or call 250-388-9292 to place an order, or visit the online store:  Web: www.wildernesscommitteevictoria.org/store/ 

 

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