The Kayaking Journal News

March 10, 2005 12:13 - Get your kayak--and yourself--ready for the season

With the paddling season fast approaching (at least for us stuck in more northern latitudes), it's time to get out your kayaking and other gear and do some dusting off and spring maintenance. Do flotation checks on all your float bags, bulkheads and hatches. Things have a tendency to dry rot -- especially in drier climates -- and rotted rubber is just not going to seal the way it should.

Another idea is to consider the damage the sun's rays can have on your expensive kayak and other equipment. Consider applying a UV inhibitor to any surface that's exposed to the sun's rays, including the deck, spray skirt, deck lines, and hatch covers. And don't forget your gear -- PFDs, wet and dry suits, and paddle jackets also need to be protected from the sun.

And of course, don't forget the sunscreen for your most important piece of gear -- your exposed skin.

March 14, 2005 12:14 - Great news for kayakers in Colorado!

Hello all. As the headline states, it happens at a great time--at least for those of use who are lucky enough to live in Colorado. It seems that the Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled that Colorado Water Conservation Board overstepped its authority when it failed to consider an application for a whitewater kayak course in Gunnison.

In a ruling that is considered a victory for recreational water rights, the way is now open for a world-class whitewater kayaking course to be constructed in Gunnison. The park will join a dozen or so other whitewater parks in Colorado, including Vail, Golden, Boulder, Aspen, Steamboat Springs and Silverthorne. A half dozen others are either under construction, or are in the planning stages.

This just means that us whitewater kayakers located here in the Rockies will have one more great place to paddle in the coming years. So if you’re planning a trip to the region this summer, great! Or better yet, pack up the station wagon and move out here. We’d love the company!

March 27, 2005 08:21 - Upcoming Events for April 2005

The kayaking season is fast approaching–-at least for us paddlers in colder climates–and here's a list of some upcoming events in April:

When: Apr 2
What: Spring Splash
Where: Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City, NC.
Kick off the paddling season! Gear,demos, rolling pool, and more. Contact: (800) 232-7238. www.noc.com.

When: Apr 2-5, 7-10
What: Gold Medal Kayak Camps
Where: Kern River, CA.
Two 4-day spring whitewater instructional programs designed for all skill levels and taught by National Team Kayaking coach Bob Campbell and other world-class kayakers.
Contact: (800)-427-2082, www.sierrasouth.com/events.htm.

When: Apr 8-10
What: New England Paddlesport Show 2005
Where: Durham, NH.
Boat demos, classes, sales and more. Sponsored by Kittery Trading Post, at the University of New Hampshire.
Contact: (888) KTP-MAINE; www.kitterytradingpost.com.

When: Apr 5-17
What: East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival
Where: James Island County Park, Charleston, SC.
Sponsored by the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission,
Contact: CCPRC.com/kayak.

When: Apr 15-17
What: Kern River Whitewater Festival
Where: Kernville, CA.
Whitewater festival down the Kern River in California
Contact: (760) 376-3745; www.sierrasouth.com/events.htm.

When: Apr 15-17
What: 4th Annual Port Angeles Kayak Symposium
Where: Port Angeles, WA.
Canoe and kayak demonstrations, paddling clinics, and more. Sponsored by Olympic Raft and Kayak
Contact: (888) 452-1443. www.raftandkayak.com.

When: Apr 23
What: Neuse River Rally
Where: Raleigh, NC
3.5-mile down-river canoe and kayak race on the Neuse River followed by musical entertainment, lunch, awards, prize giveaways, and more!
Contact: (919) 831-6855. parks.Raleighnc.gov.

When: Apr 23-24
What: Styrofoam Cup, NOC,
Where: Wessser, NC.
Warren Wilson College hosts the Styrofoam Cup in conjunction with the Southeastern Wildwater Championship. Slalom race, freestyle through a rapid exhibition rodeo competition, wildwater classic race, and Boater-X race through the falls of the Nantahala River.
Contact: www.warren-wilson.edu.

When: Apr 23-24
What: Central California Paddling Festival
Where: Lake Natoma, Rancho Cordova, CA.
Try out over a hundred canoes and kayaks, take classes from experts, talk to local paddling clubs and meet paddlesports guides, retailers and manufacturer representatives.
Contact: www.cencalpaddlingfest.com.

When: 23-24
What: American River Festival
Where: Coloma, CA
The 23rd American River Festival will include a whitewater rodeo, wildwater sprint, slalom race, dinner, dance, auction, raffle, whitewater rescue competition, booths, and other activities. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the American River Conservation Fund.
Contact: www.theamericanriver.com.

When: Apr 28-30
What: Cape Hatteras Splash
Where: Cape Hatteras, NC.
A long weekend inspired by the Outer Banks and the wonders of kayaking, this festival celebrates the outdoors and inspires the soul with a number of expert lectures, concerts, demonstrations and more. Introductory clinics on surf kayaking and kite boarding to an on-site store Kitty Hawk Kites adds a little spice to the usual kayak symposium fare.
Contact: www.kittyhawk.com/Events.

When: Apr 30
What: Northern California Whitewater Expo
Where: San Juan Rapids, Lower American River.
An event sponsored by California Canoe & Kayak
Contact: (916) 353-1880; www.calkayak.com

When: Apr 30
What: 24th Annual Outdoors Inc. Canoe & Kayak Race
Where: Memphis, TN.
A race where more that 500 paddle down the Mississippi River. Coincides with the Beale Street Music Festival.
Contact: www.outdoorsinc.com.

When: 30
What: Paddle for the Border
Where: Chesapeake, VA.
In celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Dismal Swamp Canal, paddle from Chesapeake, VA, to South Mills, NC, a 7.5 mile trip in the Second annual Paddle for the Border. All boats must be pre-registered by April 8.
Contact: (252) 771.9833; www.DismalSwamp.com

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