Georgian Bay Paddlepalooza Only One Week Away
The first annual Paddlepalooza Kayak Festival splashes down into Georgian Bay near Parry Sound, Ontario, May 31–June 2, 2013. Featuring top coaches, superb scenery, great camping and an awesome Saturday night party with live music, the event will include on-water clinics in strokes, rescues, rolling and more, plus dry land lessons on risk management, cooking, campcraft and navigation. “This weekend is a spring tune-up with more advanced clinics for novice and intermediate paddlers,” says Dympna Hayes, co-owner of event host, Ontario Sea Kayak Centre. Read a full story about the event in the May issue of Paddling This Month, and sign up and learn more at http://www.ontarioseakayakcentre.com/paddlepalooza-kayak-festival.html
A Better SPOT
SPOT, makers of the ubiquitous orange satellite messenger, and parent company Globalstar announced this month the release of the new SPOT Global Phone, a portable, easy-to-use and data-enabled satellite phone. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want to remain connected when travelling in areas beyond the reach of cellular coverage, the SPOT Global Phone provides affordable and reliable satellite connectivity with crystal clear voice quality. Earlier this year, Globalstar deployed a second generation satellite constellation, bringing significant network connectivity improvements including reliability and superior voice clarity. The SPOT Global Phone is the first satellite phone to be offered in major retail outlets including London Drugs and Mountain Equipment Co-op. The phone retails at $499 CDN plus a required subscription service starting at $24.99 monthly or 25 cents per minute. For more information, visit FindMeSPOT.com
California’s First 100-Mile Paddle Race—Saturday, May 25
California¹s first ultra-marathon paddle race, the California 100, will churn down the Sacramento River on May 25, from Redding to Chico. Expected to compete will be nearly 100 people on over 50 kayaks, surf skis and outrigger canoes. Race organizers predict the boats will cover the 100-mile distance in eight to 20 hours of hard paddling. “Cal 100 benefits Rivers for Change, a non-profit that promotes conservation through source to sea educational river adventures,” says Race Director Haven Livingston. California 100 will include paddlers at all levels. The race is described by Rivers for Change as offering, “adventure, competition and relay divisions, with many paddlers of intermediate ability out for the fun of it.” The entry fee is $200. Learn more at www.riversforchange.org/california-100.
