The final day of the 2015 Canoecopia Show, was a big success for Rutabaga Paddlesports, as many of the boats on the booth’s shelves had a big sold sticker on them by the end of the day. The first paddling show for many in the US, Canoecopia was filled with spectators looking to buy new boats for the season, getting caught up on the latest trends in the world of paddling and talking with old friends they were worried about over the long winter. Check out the latest offerings that are sure to start a frenzy once spring hits your local waters:
Werner Paddles
The new kids SUP paddle from Werner Paddles is designed to get kids into the next level of standup paddle boarding. The Prodigy SUP paddle has a smaller shaft and smaller handle for a better fit for smaller hands. “It’s not just a smaller version of an adult SUP paddle,” said the folks in the Werner booth. The 60” adjustable paddle has two different blade colors and retails for $250.
Stellar Kayaks
Makers of super-fast surfskis, Stellar Kayaks has redesigned their Stellar Racer (SR) surfski by tightening up the cockpit volume and by making the catch a little narrower. New, improved handles have also been added and a double venturi skupper system is now standard. The boat comes in at 19 feet in length and weight ranges from 24 lbs-33lbs. There are four different layouts available for the SR.
Squid Anchor
Need a lightweight, packable anchor system? Check out the Squid Anchor, an anchor that uses a durable mesh bag that you can fill with rocks or gravel to stop your kayak. Hard flukes hold the anchor in place, but if the anchor gets stuck, the mesh bag can flex and it will pull loose.
There are three models available: Squid (largest, holds 15lbs), Urchin (holds 10lbs) and Shrimp (holds 6lbs). All the anchors are adjustable and fold inside themselves to make their own storage bags.
Malone Auto Racks
The latest offering from Malone Auto Racks, is the Versa Rail, a universal rack system that will give any flat car roof a set of capable kayak racks. The racks attach via suction cups and are secured with a strap that runs underneath the roof, through the car. Pricing for the Versa Rail system starts at $129.95, and has a capacity of 150lbs.
Kialoa Paddles
A good SUP paddle is one that can take a beating and adjust to your needs throughout the day. The Insanity SUP paddle, from Kialoa Paddles, has a blade made from lond strang fiberglass and polypropelyne to make it super durable. Even if you were to smoke a rock with the blade, it woouldn’t crack or shatter, but would at most just get a little dent.
The fiberglass shaft has Kialoa’s “LeverLock system,” which allows the shaft 16” of adjustment, without the need for a collar or any tension buttons on the shaft. Simply lift a lever in the paddle’s handle and adjust the length to your liking. The paddle is suitable for paddlers from 5’2” to 6’6”. All Kialoa Paddles are made from 50% recycled materials and they’re trying to increase that percentage with every product.
For more information about Canoecopia, or Rutabaga Paddlesports, check out canoecopia.com.
