Hudson River Paddler

Saltwood Paddles – A Review

marshall — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:49:54 +0000

Saltwood Paddles : Reggie and Habit

Click to view slideshow.

Introduction:

Saltwood paddles is a novel take on carbon/wood laminate hybrid paddles to grant the paddler the warmth and lively feel of wood with the light swing weight of carbon blades. The result is a very attractive paddle that weighs in at about the same as the Premium Fiberglass paddles by Werner with a toughness that allows for use in rock gardens or Class III whitewater but with a swing weight and blade feel that is on par with the Performance Foam Core Werner line. I will make frequent comparisons with Werner as that manufacturer is more commonly known than the closest cousin to the Saltwood paddles which would be the long time elegant design of The Black Magic by Mitchell Paddles.

Construction:

Shaft: Sustainably grown Maple is used in computer milled hollow shafts. Yes, this paddle is a tubular one section shaft design that reduces weight without reducing the strength. Significant indexing is milled into the powerface side of the shaft in right/left positions of whichever degree of offset you wish (in 15 degree increments). The two halves of the shaft are then laminated together and covered is an ultra-thin scrim of fiberglass again adding strength but also surface durability.

Blades: The blades are significantly stiff with noticeable additional carbon cloth at the tips to eliminate blade flex and add enough strength for whitewater use. The powerfaces of the blades are a smooth curve in a high angle design. The blades do not have a spine as on more typical fiberglass design. Rather they have a buoyant core in the center of the blade filled with sustainably grown laminated cork oriented cord wise to the blade rather then span or length wise. This adds a nice lift on the blade when exiting the water but as the buoyant core does not extend to the edges of the blade the buoyancy does not fight the paddler on the catch when inserting the blade into the water as I’ve found on the Werner Ikelos.

Performance and Feel:

This is a tremendously subjective category so individual opinions will vary.

A quick backtrack note; Indexing – coming from having always used a feathered paddle (be it my Black Magic or any number of Werner Paddles) this has been the first euro blade paddle that I’ve been able to use unfeathered without the habitual slice on my left side when my muscle memory wants to cant the paddle for entry on the left. I’m going to attribute this to the significant areas of indexing at the grip zones on the paddle shaft. While initially large feeling compared to other more common paddle shafts in the world, the shape quickly feels comfortable for a wide range of hand sizes and provides such easy feedback of blade position that adapting to unfeathered from my usual 60 degree right happened almost unconsciously.

Reggie – A bit more powerful bite on the water in the catch than a Werner Shuna or Cyprus but not so much as to be fatiguing over distance. Transitions from active to static to planing strokes are as effortless as with a blade that has depth of cross section like a wood blade or a foam core model like the Werner Cyprus. The shaft has a wonderfully live feel as it has just a touch of flex and power release on the catch and as you take tension off just before the exit. The indexing makes precise blade placement for strokes or rolling second nature.

Habit – Whitewater and Surf Kayakers, here’s your paddle blade! This blade shape and size makes for a rock solid platform to launch your propulsion strokes, turns or cartwheels from. More bite than the Werner Corryvrecken and similar stiffness as the Ikelos but with the durability more of the Powerhouse. The cork core design still makes finesse a snap for side slips while ferrying and moving the leading edge to catch current, etc. Considering the bite of this blade the bit of flex in the shaft is welcome on the joints as it definitely helps for a day long playboating trip or surf session.

Bent Shaft – Most of my earlier observations have been using a straight shaft. I have used the bent shaft on a Reggie model and the general feel is that the indexed grip shape naturally nests into your hands. The upper and lower surfaces are hollowed a bit more than on the straight shaft as it does say on the Werner Performance Core straight and bent carbon shafts. Bent shafts do add a few more ounces which is to be expected and while I usually do not use a bent shaft this allowed me to feel more of what the blade was doing rather than holding a paddle shaft. So in this case not to notice the paddle shaft I would consider to be a good thing.

Prices:

Straight Shaft = $350

Bent Shaft = $400

More pictures and in stock models available at our eBay! Storefront

http://stores.ebay.com/The-River-Connection?_rdc=1

Capella now by Venture Kayaks

marshall — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:20:15 +0000

Capella 166 RM now by Venture Kayaks

The renowned Capella 166 RM of P&H has moved over to the Venture Kayaks side of the Family.

Now in a stout single layer plastic the classic Capella gains the cord controlled skeg of the Cetus/Delphin line with thighbraces and seats from the Pyrahna whitewater kayaks. Other than a material change the hull is identical to the Corelite version but at several hundred dollars less at $1500.

ACA Instructor Certification Workshop and Exam

marshall — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:05:53 +0000

This just in;

We have had a few paddlers ask us to schedule an American Canoe Association Level 1 – Level 2 Instructor Development Workshop and Certification Exam for Coastal Kayaking. We need several more paddlers to make this fly.

What: ACA L1-L2 IDW/ICE Coastal Kayaking

Who: The reknowned Ben Lawry will be the Instructor Trainer

When: All Day May 18, 19, 20, 2012

Where: All three days on the Hudson River here at our Boathouse/Harbor in Hyde Park, NY

How much: $420 per person. 5 Participant minimum, 10 Participant max.

Specifics: and Reservations Call 845-229-0595 / 845-242-4731

See you on the water,

Marshall

New Model Drysuit: Stohlquist EZ – Quick Review

marshall — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:17:07 +0000

New as of 11/30/11!

The next evolution of the Stohlquist Drysuit Line!!!!

The EZ!

Black, which goes with everything, right?!

Click to view slideshow.

As this is immersion garment is so new, information and pictures are not yet on the manufacturers website (www.stohlquist.com) so I will try to give a bit of insight into the changes that have been thoughtfully worked into this new Drysuit. This being such a new product also is the reason for my amateur photography in the slideshow above.

Drysuit Description as it appears on our eBay! Storefront – A bit of a blend of the manufacturer’s description and my own observations.

This is a Super New drysuit evolution from the popular Stohlquist Body Pod series with some refined upgrades.

4 Layer Twin Sensor Waterproof Breathable Fabric throughout
Superstretch Neoprene neck gasket
Masterseal waterproof cross chest entry & relief zippers (more of a toothed pinch seal than an abutting seal of the Body Pod-easier and more effective)
Softer Duraseal latex wrist gaskets; more UV resisitant and greater durability
Roomy athletic cut for full mobility
Slightly relaxed fit for easier entry fits a wider range of paddlers. Sizing is more true than it’s predecessor (Body Pod).
Cordura reinforced seat and knees with mesh drainers (knees are especially well designed for kayak thigh brace)
Decorative red piping. Reflective logos.
Adjustable neoprene wrist and ankle covers
Fabric socks (well tailored with adequate warm sock room for my size 11 feet

Some more observations having been in a kayak today with the drysuit.

New toothed T-Zip zipper seals differently than the abutting seal of it’s predeccessor Body Pod Drysuit. This zipper pinches the gasket more between the teeth than pressing the gasket edges edge to edge. The result is an easier pull to open/close and an effective seal that will be harder to pass water by.
Standard size bootie socks fit my size 11 feet with a medium wool socks quite comfortably both in length (probably accomodating up to a size 12 with medium sock) and just the right amount of fabric around the width of my regular sized foot. Extra wide footed size 12+ paddlers may want to have larger booties sewn on which is a modification that Stohlquist can do at their facilities in Colorado. (1/31/12 – Just a bit of perhaps obvious trivia; I tried on the XL EZ Drysuit to check the bootie sizing and yes the bootie sizing runs up to a size 13 with a light sock underneath.)
Wrist gaskets have been upgraded with a super stretchy latex gasket which is much easier to get large hands in/out of. No more inverting the entire sleeve to extract my hand. Hook/loop closures are now on a semi-ridgid rubber tab which is much easier to adjust with gloves on.
Tailoring of the shoulder area allows for a my size 42 regular torso to have enough space for a 200 weight fleece sweater underneath the drysuit without feeling constricted and generous enough to allow me to pass my head under the main zipper to get my head through the neck gasket without contortions. The new neck gasket is a super stretchy smooth skin neoprene which makes an excellent seal but does not feel strangling on me in the slightest.
Zipper pull is a rigid plastic T handle which makes closure simple but still small enough so it stays out of the way. This toothed zipper is also easy enough to unzip with my left hand without playing leverage twister in order to get it open.
Waist elastics are snugger than the previous Body Pod drysuit so it keeps the pants portion of the drysuit noticeably more up than in the past.
Storm flap over the relief zipper (same style as on main seal) is a simple flap that works well to protect the zipper but gets out of your way when opening/closing. This is especially appreciated when after you’ve leaked you don’t develop a leak because you missed the last cm of closure.
Range of motion on legs is terrific as I can fully contract and bend my legs with no constriction of the fabric against my big toes.
The reinforced knees are thoughtfully done. Instead of just a heavy Cordura pad with some foam under it the knee is articulated so it somewhat resembles the pattern of a volleyball knee pad which is not centered on the knee cap but more medially so it puts much more of the reinforced area in contact with the thighbrace areas of the kayak or provides better coverage when kneeling in a canoe. Mesh drains are a welcome detail at the bottom of the knee reinforcements.
Pockets on the sleeve and chest have been done away with as their functionality has been questionable as most quality pfds have easier to access pockets and compartments for gear ( Trying to deal with a sleeve pocket one handed has never been fun.)
Currently available in Black non-Tunnel with small reflective logos and decorative red nylon piping.
Made in USA!!!!
Sizing is XSmall through XLarge and runs to a true size.
Pricing is $699.00 This is impressive as a similarly featured Kokatat GFER is $915.00

Follow Up Report 1/3/12

This past Sunday while the weather was nice I went with a group of about 20 paddlers for a New Year’s Day whitewater paddle on the Farmington in CT. Light Class II. 50 degree air temps, 40 degree water (at best). Excellent run to beat the rust off some playboating skills so I mostly hung out with the 13 year olds looking for eddylines to stern squirt on and deep enough pourover shoulders to initiate cartwheels in.

The EZ breathed wonderfully well. This was especially the case in the socks and in areas of contact such as the thigh braces, mid torso at sprayskirt tunnel level etc. My baselayers on all these areas were completely dry. Any perspiration had been moved off and out. Impressive in the below decks area which isn’t subject to moving air as much as the upper shoulders and arms.

The neck gasket is stretchier than the previous Body Pod version. A note on donning I discovered; once the sprayskirt and pfd are on pull some fabric back up between the shoulder straps and neck so as to allow the gasket to relax against the neck rather than be tensioned. Makes a better seal when doing a faceplant.

A Day Underway with Karen Knight

marshall — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:00:42 +0000

So what do you do on a Day Underway Class? Everything that you would do while underway, of course.

With weather that turned absolutely summer like, 8 paddlers of all skill levels we got to cover a gamut of topics.

+Group Management
+Forward Stroke Clinic – very effective as rotating small group work stations.
+Biomechanics of paddling – worked into maneuvering
+Draws and sideslips
+Rescue Skills – on Marshall the dunkage dummy.(who got to work on his hang time)

KR even did the entire day with a shorty canoe paddle as a follow up from her Freestyle Canoe class the day before.

All in all, a lot was packed into 5-6 hours on the water but in a varied enough of a format to prevent mental sludge from taking over. We even got to do some yoga to counter lunch coma before putting on for the PM session.

Definitely look for this program again come in 2012 as well as Karen Knight at our PowerUP Symposium the first weekend of June 2012.

A Day of Freestyle Canoe : Karen Knight

marshall — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 14:12:59 +0000

In keeping with tradition of doing more things off the cuff rather than on the calendar today we have Karen Knight and a all level Freestyle Canoe Clinic. Two sessions even!

Morning Session – No Rain!!!!

Fleet Needs Homes

marshall — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:08:39 +0000

It’s time to start searching for good homes on happy waters for kayaks and canoes from our Fleet as well as some Showroom Specials.

All of the craft can be viewed in person at The River connection Showroom as well as test paddled at The River Connection Boathouse here in Hyde Park, NY 12538. Please call ahead to set up Test Paddle times. 845-229-0595

Shipping : Yes we can ship via KAS Shipping (San Francisco, CA = $400, Chicago, IL = $275). Some regional and occasional travel along the I-95 corridor from NY to GA is possible too. Please call for more details and dates. 845-229-0595

Our Fleet/Instructional Kayaks are 8 months to 2 years of age and have been very well cared for as they are our tools and never part of a typical rental fleet.

Fleet Kayaks & Canoes

P&H Sea Kayak

~~$3668~~ Now $3200 Aries 155 – Fiberglass with Kevlar Keel Strip; White/Orange/White

~~$3968~~ Now $3200 Cetus HV – Fiberglass with Kevlar Keel Strip; White/Md.Green/White

~~$3168~~ Now $2400 Capella 167 – Fiberglass with Kevlar Keel Strip; White/Orange/White

~~$1900~~ Now $1300 Delphin 155 – Corelite – Emerald

Consignment – P&H SEA KAYAK

~~$3968~~ Now $2725 Cetus LV – Fiberglass with Kevlar Keel Strip; White/Lt.Green/White (Posted 1/7/12) This was a 2010 model kayak from our instructional fleet that a local paddler had purchased for laid back freshwater paddling through the winter of 2010 and the 2011 season. Please email me for pictures. Excellent Condition!

~~$4468~~ Now $3300 Cetus MV – Carbon Kevlar with Kevlar Keel Strip; Signal Red Deck/White Seam/White Hull/White colored Kevlar Keel Strip. (Posted 1/7/12 – I never thought I’d have to repo a kayak but after a long story this is back in Hyde Park, NY with some gel coat cracking that I need to attend to. The repaired areas will be effected once I receive gel coat supplies from England. The expected repair will be a color match obviously but perhaps not factory mirror smooth. I’ve gotten good but not perfect. If you can give this kayak a good home and change it’s karma then you can also enjoy the $1168.00 in savings!) Please email me for pictures.

North Shore Sea Kayaks

~~$3300~~ Now $2400 Atlantic – Fiberglass – White/Black/White

~~$3300~~ Now $2400 Atlantic LV – Fiberglass – White/Black/White

~~$3300~~ Now $2400 Polar – Fiberglass – White/Black/White

~~$1325~~ Now $900 Aspect RM – Poly – Yellow

~~$1325~~ Now $1100 Atlantic RM – Poly – Red

Showroom Specials

20% Off In Stock

North Shore Poly Kayaks

Feel Free Sit On Top Kayaks

Select Composite Sea Kayaks – Please call or email for specifics.

See you on the water,

Marshall

The River Connection, Inc.

Hyde Park, NY

www.the-river-connection.com

845-229-0595

Northern Light Carbon Greenland Paddles

marshall — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:09:25 +0000

These super stiff sectional three piece carbon fiber Greenland Paddles have been gaining in popularity here at The River Connection as well as around the world as seen here in this YouTube clip sent to me by Paul (co-founder and designer of Northern Light Paddles)

Lots of rolling obviously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSD_WSwGa7k

Or for a little Northern Light Surfing Action;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k7P6vMC–Q

You can also find pictures of these paddles at our eBay! Storefront;

http://stores.ebay.com/The-River-Connection/Kayak-Paddles-/_i.html?_fsub=5&_sid=160909317&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

See you on the water,

Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
www.the-river-connection.com

PS: Coming very soon! Saltwood Paddles! www.saltwoodpaddles.com

2011 Blackburn Challenge in a P & H Cetus MV

marshall — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:47:26 +0000

In part of a 2011 resolution I made for myself, racing was something I wanted to give a try this year. Of course I picked a super heat wave summer to do it in.

First off, the Blackburn Challenge is a 20 mile open ocean circumnavigation of Cape Ann, Massachusetts.

www.blackburnchallenge.com

Blackburn Challenge Race Course

This year was the 25th year that the race has been run with a record entry of 236 craft ranging from Touring Kayaks, Rowing Shells, Outrigger Canoes, Traditional Dories to Paddleboards. In short, quite the on-water spectacle.

This is a lot to take in at 6AM as the mandatory Captain’s Meeting at the Gloucester High School is at 7AM.

Each Class of craft got their own separate start times with the fastest going last.

Off go the Paddleboarders

Initially overcast skies and light rain were in order which was a blessing as with no wind or swells to speak of another blast of 100 degree temps would have made the day an endurance march rather than a race.

At about mile 14 my hydration bladder ran dry so I went to my secondary which the P&H Cetus has a handy front deck hatch that if you pop a hole in the hatch cover becomes an integral canteen/bladder holder that works beatifully. I had ice loaded in with my sports drink but next time will also line the cavity with some 1/4 inch minicell foam so cold condensation doesn’t drip on my legs in the cockpit.

For my first real distance race I finished the day at 3 hours 49 minutes for an average of 10 minute 45 second mile. Not bad, but I know that the later quarter of the race I let my form go and could feel it in my lats. Good lesson; Rotate!

Rounding the Dog Bar (breakwater) into Gloucester Harbor NSPN.org cheerleaders were providing encouragement for all the racers. Very much appreciated as the sun had just come out in full force.

From the confusing shores of the harbor the finish line at the Greasy Pole (there’s more history to this than I’m going to go into) wasn’t hard to pick out. It was the beach with the party!

The Finish Line

More of the Finish Line

The Prize

Beach fills as the racers come in

And More......

The Cetus MV taking a break

For complete race results for all the classes;

http://blackburnchallenge.com/Downloads/BlackburnChallenge2011PreliminaryResults%20(1).xls

Perhaps next time I’ll bring along more of The River Connection Racers………. :)

See you on the water,

Marshall – The River Connection, Inc.

www.the-river-connection.com

2011 PowerUP Symposium

marshall — Tue, 17 May 2011 21:22:07 +0000

Still playing catch up from this past weekend 5/14-5/15 so I thought I would take a few moments to give a brief description of all the happenings at this years Symposium.

Friday Night Waterside Workshop of Boat Body & Blade by Brian Day of P&H Kayaks, Ben Lawry and Karen Knight was a fun improv session of teaching that I don’t think enough presenters and instructors get to do. About 20 attendees came out for this sunset workshop and all had fun with the on land and Karens Freestyle Canoe on water portions of the evening.

Saturday was a busy day for Dr. Gel and Mr. Fiberglass (aka Brian Day – intentional play on the Dr. Jeckyl Mr. Hyde bit) as one of Bens students had quite an event happen to his kayak on his drive over to The River Connection Boathouse. Something to do with a flying Cetus which upon landing then was bent 90 degrees at the rear hatch. I’m not exaggerating much as you’ll see in the photos. This provided for a perfect patient for the Dr. and his team to resurrect what I thought was a dead kayak back to a floatable boat.

Towing 101 exposed all the paddlers to gear design, team tows, hooking in and unclipping first on land and then moving out to practice the skills on water.

Forward Stroke Clinic with Ben Lawry was quite full and quite intense but also flat out silly at times. I could hear the on water grunting drill 3/4 of a mile upriver. Cool pic of the crew taking the class out on the water to follow.

Karen Knight had more students in her AM & PM Freestyle Canoe Classes.