Kokatat’s New Dry Top Lineup

Gear

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July 29, 2017

Kokatat introduced their new Session dry top at Outdoor Retailer 2017. It includes a neo-sinch adjustable collar, latex gaskets and a double tunnel. It is made from Kokatat’s proprietary Hydras 2.5 layer fabric to keep you nice and dry.

On top of the awesome new Session dry top, Kokatat has introduced a ton of new colors to their goretex fabric lines. The colors have cool names like Mantis, Ocean and Ice, but the look even cooler in person. Kokatat is bringing the 1980’s color scheme back with style.

This will all be available January 2018.

For more, check out the video below:

Hobie Shows Off New SUPs

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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July 28, 2017

Hobie brought their 2017-18 line of standup paddleboards to Outdoor Retailer 2017. First, they have a 10-foot inflatable paddleboard named the Adventure. This is the most versatile board that Hobie offers, and it comes with a paddle, air pump, and a fin. It also comes with a backpack so you can easily carry your SUP to the water and inflate it in minutes.

Hobie also introduced the Evolution SUP. The Evolution is an all-around recreational board that is 11-foot long, and has a customized deck pad that stands apart from other boards on the market.

A great transition board that Hobie introduced is the Venture. The nose of the venture is pulled in more, like the nose of a surf board. The pulled-in nose gives you a little more glide, but doesn’t sacrifice stability.

The last board that Hobie introduced is the ATR-3. This is a reimagining of the ATR series of SUPs that Hobie first introduced in 2005. The board is excellent for both recreational paddling and well as paddle surfing.

All of these products are available at your nearest Hobie dealer.

Check out the video below:

Fresh Look: New MTI Adventure Wear PFDs

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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July 27, 2017

MTI believes that lifejackets should be more affordable, so they have introduced a lot of great new products for 2018 that come in at a lower price point. First there is an inflatable belt pack, the 16g. It comes in at only 16-grams (hence the name) and has two different print styles.

They also redesigned the already-excellent Solaris PFD to give you more room to carry your extra gear. The front two pockets are expanded so you have tons of room. They also added a cell-phone pocket, because no one wants to leave their phone in the car.

MTI has also redesigned their entire fishing line of PFDs. They have taken the guesswork out of picking and choosing features. The Calcutta and Solaris FSPEC PFDs have drop down pockets, and tons of attachment points to tie down your small items.

Level Six’s New Dry Top Lineup

Gear

By

Paddling Magazine Staff

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July 26, 2017

Level Six previewed their new 2018 lineup of dry tops at Outdoor Retailer 2017. The new line has a lighter-weight fabric while keeping the same strength and durability. The new material is also much more packable and compressible, so you can save room in your duffel.

Level Six also announced that they have redesigned the iconic “Mack” dry top, into the new “Nebula.” The most interesting feature of the “Nebula” is that the color has a “Rasta” spin in honor of the legalization of Marijuana next year.

These new products will be available in the spring of 2018.

Check out the video below:

How To Paddle A SUP Safer: The Buddy System

By

The Safer Paddling Campaign

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July 25, 2017

It may seem adventurous to go out on the water alone, but this leaves you without help when something does go wrong. Having a paddling buddy allows you both to enjoy a safe trip, and gives you the support you need should something happen.

“This is Dale. Dale is a standup paddling enthusiast. But Dale is a lone wolf who enjoys his freedoms.”

“Dale does have a friend, but no patience for company, leaving Dale unprepared for his recreational paddling experience. For Dale, one choice makes all the difference.”

“Excellent choice, Dale. Always have a partner and a plan.”

When you are out paddling a SUP, try to bring a friend for safety. Practice safe SUP techniques and enjoy your day on the water.

How to Pick a Kayak Series – Part 1 – Whitewater vs Crossover

By

Aquabatics Calgary

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July 18, 2017

The Aquabatics Calgary ‘What type of paddler am I series’ is an online information source to try and help you decide what kind of kayaking is right for you. In this episode we tackle the often asked question for newer paddlers, should I get a pure whitewater boat or a crossover boat. In this video we ask a few questions to help you decide what works best for you.

Thanks for checking out this instructional video, we hope it is useful and helps get you looping at your local play hole and beyond. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at courses@aquabatics.com.

For more great instructional videos check out our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/aquabaticscalgary or our website at www.aquabaticscalgary.com.

Video: How to Choose a Recreational Paddling Style

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Aquabatics Calgary

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July 18, 2017

In this video, the Aquabatics Calgary crew help new recreational paddlers determine their preferred paddling style, High Angle or Low Angle. Each style has its own application, pros and cons. This tutorial will help you determine which style works for you and, in turn, which type of paddle would be best.

Thanks for checking out this instructional video, we hope it is useful and helps get you looping at your local play hole and beyond. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at courses@aquabatics.com.

For more great instructional videos check out our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/aquabaticscalgary or our website at www.aquabaticscalgary.com.

Video: Beginners Guide to Whitewater Kayaking Gear

By

Aquabatics Calgary

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July 18, 2017

This video is to help those new to the sport of whitewater kayaking figure out the gear they need to get started. It is shot and edited from the standpoint of knowing little to nothing about what is required to safely and comfortably get into whitewater paddling.

There is so much stuff that you ‘can’ get for paddling, this tutorial aims to break it down into the NEEDS, WANTS and more LUXURY items that will all end up competing for space in your garage once you get into paddling.

Thanks for checking out this instructional video, we hope it is useful and helps get you looping at your local play hole and beyond. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at courses@aquabatics.com.

For more great instructional videos check out our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/aquabaticscalgary or our website at www.aquabaticscalgary.com.

How To Paddle A SUP Safer: Don’t Paddle Impaired

By

The Safer Paddling Campaign

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June 29, 2017

There are few things better than relaxing after a long day and having a few drinks with friends. But paddling impaired is dangerous. Take this video, for instance, where a SUP enthusiast crumbles under peer pressure.

“This is Jeffrey. Jeffrey is a standup paddling enthusiast. Sometimes Jeffrey can be easily persuaded.

Jeffrey’s thirst for inclusion can never be quenched, often leading to questionable decisions, leaving Jeffrey unprepared for his recreational paddling experience.

For Jeffrey, one choice makes all the difference. Excellent choice, Jeffrey. Always remember, never paddle impaired.”

Don’t paddle your SUP after a long day drinking. Being impaired will kill your reaction time. When paddling a SUP, safety always comes first. Never paddle impaired.

How To Paddle A SUP Safer: Dress For Immersion

By

The Safer Paddling Campaign

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June 21, 2017

Everyone likes to look cool. But don’t let your desire to be cool outweigh your need to be safe. When paddling a SUP, be sure to dress for immersion.

“This is Philip. Philip is a standup paddling enthusiast. Philip knows fashion.

For Philip, style should never be sacrificed for function, leaving Philip unprepared for his recreational paddling experience.

For Philip, one choice makes all the difference. Excellent choice, Philip! Always dress for immersion.”

Looking cool is not near as important as staying dry when you inevitable fall off your standup paddleboard. Practice safe SUP techniques and enjoy your day on the water.