Paddle Sports Gear and Accessories
By Karen Berger
Photographs By John R. Fulton, Jr.
Whether you prefer adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, peaceful canoeing across a silent lake, or kayaking through thrilling Class III rapids, these paddling options can enhance your waterway journeys.
Today personal flotation devices (PFDs) are not the unwieldy orange life jackets of yesteryear. Current models are ergonomic, with plenty of design elements to maximize safety, efficiency, and comfort.
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The NRS Vista PFD is a rugged, basic model designed for multisport use, so it works for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting adventures. Seven adjustment points make for an especially secure fit—important in rough water. Available in four sizes for adults plus youth sizes. $55. www.nrsweb.com. |  |
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The MTI APF (All Person Fit) is a one-size-fits-most PFD—meaning that it can be used by different people. It offers adjustable neoprene shoulders, two pockets, and reflective tape for visibility. Kayakers will appreciate the open-sided design, which provides more arm mobility. $50. www.mtiadventurewear.com. |
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If you are looking for a canoe that can carry two adults and a couple of children or two large adults and a week's worth of heavy gear, Wenonah's Champlain may be a good choice. It is ideal for multiday expeditions. Wenonah's founder, Mike Cichanowski, began paddling as a Boy Scout and turned his hobby into a career of designing and building boats. The Champlain is stable and maneuverable and is especially suited for long trips on lakes and rivers. Prices start at $1,324 and go higher when the boat is constructed with lighter-weight materials. The base price is $2,399 for the 45-pound Kevlar Ultralight model. www.wenonah.com. |
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A rope rescue bag is an essential piece of safety afloat equipment. The NRS Standard Rescue Bag is designed for kayaks or canoes. One end is secured to the boat's D-rings, frame, or thwarts; the other end is thrown to a struggling swimmer. The bag floats on the water, and the swimmer grabs for the easy-to-hold grasp loops. $44.95. www.nrsweb.com. |
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Paddling gloves help prevent blisters and allow you to grip paddles with less force. For warm conditions, try Thunderwear ($28.95), which have cutouts for the thumbs and index fingers. For cold-water paddling, you will want full-fingered Thunderwear Cold Weather Gloves ($32.95), made of neoprene and synthetic leather. Use the "Dealer Finder" link at www.hobiecat.com to find a retailer near you. |  |
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Like any outdoor sport, paddling a canoe, kayak, or raft has its risks. The classic text, Whitewater Rescue Manual: New Techniques for Canoeists, Kayakers, and Rafters, by Charles Walbridge and Wayne A. Sundmacher (International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press, a division of McGraw-Hill, $17.95), covers the essentials of paddling safety and is must reading, especially for beginning trip leaders. |
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Crazy Creek is trying to make paddling a canoe as comfortable as sitting in an armchair. Designed to fit most canoe seats, the chair straps in with quick-release buckles, provides back support, and can be detached for use in camp. Crazy Creek has models for kayaks, too. The Canoe Chair II with a taller backrest is $38. www.crazycreek.com. |  |
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For hassle-free water play, the popular Perception Swifty 9.5 is a good kayak for beginners. This lightweight (39-pound) boat allows almost anyone to become a kayaker. It is maneuverable, stable, easy to use, and easy to transport. It's also easy to get in and out of (a big plus for those new to kayaking). The Swifty is best used on lakes and mild rivers, and it features a backrest, seat-back pad, and foot braces for comfort. Prices start at under $400. Use the "Dealers" link at www.kayaker.com to find a retailer near you. |
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Always a concern outdoors, sunburn is even more dangerous on the water. Clothing blocks sunlight, but harmful rays can penetrate many fabrics. For more complete protection, try HydroSilk tops, which provide SPF 50 protection and wick sweat and water away from your skin. Long- and short-sleeved shirts in men's and women's sizes start at $34.95. Children's sizes are also available. www.nrsweb.com. |  |
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Simple aqua sandals are a practical option for casual paddlers, but those heading into more adventurous territory—rocky riverbeds, slippery portages, and cold water—should consider a more rugged shoe. The NRS All-Terrain Bootie (ATB) Wetshoe combines a work-boot sole that gives traction, protection, and support, with a comfortable and warm zippered wetshoe. $59.95. www.nrsweb.com. |
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Introduced in the 1970's, the classic Bill's Bag solved the problem of dry storage for paddlers. Today, NRS's 3.8 Waterproof Heavy Duty Bill's Bag has a floor that extends three inches up the sides for durability, a vinyl-topped closure to ensure dryness, and a bunch of room. Fully packed and closed, the bag holds a luxurious 3.8 cubic feet worth of gear. $69.95. www.nrsweb.com. |  |
Karen Berger learned to kayak on New York's Hudson River within sight of the Statue of Liberty. Visit her at www.hikerwriter.com.
October 2006 Table of Contents
Copyright © 2006 by the Boy Scouts of America. All rights thereunder reserved; anything appearing in Scouting magazine or on its Web site may not be reprinted either wholly or in part without written permission. Because of freedom given authors, opinions may not reflect official concurrence.