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ICF Paves the way for a Revolution in American Paddle Sports with the ACA and RIVERSPORT

By
ACA Press Release, RIVERSPORT Press Release, ICF Press Release
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Oklahoma City (October 13) – A landmark agreement between the International Canoe Federation (ICF), the American Canoe Association (ACA) and Oklahoma City’s Riversport Foundation is set to reshape the landscape of canoe sports in the United States and beyond.

RIVERSPORT Executive Director Mike Knopp traveled to Columbus, GA, to sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday. The agreement is an historic milestone for the sport, solidifying a partnership that seeks to unify the paddling community, expand the sport’s following, and elevate the level of elite competition, all with a focus on the world-class venue in Oklahoma City.

The ambitious shared vision of this partnership is to elevate canoe sports, not just nationally but on the global stage. At its core is the transformation of the RIVERSPORT OKC National High Performance Center into a global epicenter for elite athletes and a premier venue for international competitions.

Lluis Rabaneda, Vice President of the ICF, stressed the significance of this collaboration.

“Collaborating with venue owners, local authorities, and our national federation is a critical move to take our sport to new heights in a nation where millions participate in paddling every day,” Rabaneda said.

“This partnership underscores our resolute commitment to the promotion of canoe sports through world-class venues. Oklahoma’s track record as a top-tier host for ICF competitions is undeniable, and this agreement is set to further strengthen its standing on the international stage.”

The newly announced partnership is centered around specific high-performance objectives, including amplifying high-performance activities in the United States, attracting international communities for high-performance training camps, and seamlessly hosting world-class events. The RIVERSPORT venue, with its cutting-edge facilities and unwavering dedication to excellence, is poised to become the premier training facility and a highly sought-after host for major international competitions.

RIVERSPORT will host ICF Sprint and Slalom Super Cups and the Freestyle World Cup in coming years and will be the site for the 2026 ICF Slalom World Championships in 2026.

“We have enjoyed a close cooperation with the ICF and ACA in recent years, with major events such as the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup and ICF Marathon World Championships coming to the city,” Mike Knopp, Executive Director of the RIVERSPORT Foundation, said.

“However, this agreement will allow us stand out on the international stage and elevate our position within the world of canoe sport to the very top level.”

——————–

About RIVERSPORT

RIVERSPORT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers Olympic and adventure sports including rowing, kayaking, dragon boating, whitewater rafting, skiing, climbing, cycling, adventure courses, high speed slides and zip lining in the Boathouse District in downtown Oklahoma City and at Lake Overholser. As an official US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site, RIVERSPORT develops Olympic Hopefuls in both rowing and canoe/kayak and regularly hosts national and international competitions. The organization’s outreach programs ensure that people from all walks of life, especially those in underserved communities, have access to outdoor sports and recreation. To learn more about RIVERSPORT, visit riversportokc.org or call (405) 552-4040.

About ICF

As the global governing body for canoe and kayak sports, ICF oversees ten paddling disciplines and organises international competitions, including world championships and Olympic events. Its mission is to ensure fair and safe competition, promote the sport worldwide, and support grassroots programmes, coaching, and educational efforts. ICF’s commitment to inclusivity includes overseeing paracanoe competitions for athletes with physical disabilities.

About ACA

Founded in 1880, ACA is a respected nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting and advancing paddle sports across the United States. They focus on safety, education, and advocacy, providing comprehensive educational programmes and advocating for paddlers’ rights. ACA creates a close-knit community through organised events and affiliated clubs.

 

Paddling Business’ Jeff Moag Wins Prestigious Award

By
Joe Potoczak
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Jeff Moag poses with his award
Feature photo: Courtesy Outdoor Media Summit

What does the outdoor industry have to learn from the first half-century of paddlesports? According to the judges, an award-worthy amount. On September 26, 2023, Paddling Business editor Jeff Moag was honored with the Outdoor Media Summit’s Judges’ Choice award for the best B2B Story Of The Year. The award-winning story was the 2023 Paddling Business feature, “Looking Back at 50 Years of Paddlesports.”

a collage of photos from the last 50 years of paddlesports Looking Back At 50 Years Of Paddlesports

Paddling Business’ Jeff Moag wins prestigious award

Jeff Moag’s 3,000-word feature recounts how an upstream battle driven by passionate and stubborn characters evolved recreational and commercial paddling from the 1970s to the industry we know today.

It’s an industry Moag knows well, serving as a venerable chronicler of paddling at large for nearly two decades. In 2004, Moag became the managing editor at Paddler. He then served as editor-in-chief of Canoe & Kayak from 2006 to 2016. Today, Moag is the content director of the Water Sports Foundation and editor of Paddling Business—Rapid Media’s annual industry publication.

The Outdoor Media Summit announced Moag’s story as the B2B Story of the Year winner on August 29 and presented Moag with the award in Boise, Idaho, in late September.

Jeff Moag accepts his award
Photo: Courtesy Outdoor Media Summit

“This award belongs to the people who built this industry, the folks who started making boats and gear in their garages and kept at it for 50 years without ever forgetting why they started in the first place. I just got to share a few of their stories,” said Moag.

The Outdoor Media Summit is an annual gathering of storytellers and brands in the outdoors. The conference seeks to converse on the state of the industry’s media and what moves it forward. Thought leaders within outdoor media attend and speak at the event. The 2023 Outdoor Media Summit in Boise was the seventh iteration; the first was held in 2015.

The 2023 Outdoor Media Summit Awards included a Sponsor’s Choice and four categories in the People’s Choice voted on by peers within the media. The Judge’s Choice awards comprise 10 categories, including the B2B Story of the Year.

“There were some good B2B pieces out there but not a lot of longform or depth. And for a B2B piece to be good, it should have some sort of emotional reaction,” shares Outdoor Media Summit founder Yoon Kim. “This one just had the most depth, the most research. I haven’t been in the paddling industry for 50 years, but reading the story, I felt nostalgic.”

Each January, the Summit sends out its call for awards nominations. According to Kim, they receive thousands of nominations, and even after that, their steering committee seeks out more to be sure they are seeing the best of the best.

“In this case, it was a print story. I happen to get Paddling Business. I’ve got it sitting on my desk now,” Kim adds of Moag’s B2B feature rising to the top and his respect for the work of Paddling Business in the industry landscape. “People in the industry can say the magazine is a rallying point. Everyone is reading it and everyone is exposed to it.”

The 2024 Outdoor Media Summit will be held October 13–15 in Missoula, Montana.

Read Jeff Moag’s story “Looking Back at 50 Years of Paddlesports” in the 2023 issue of Paddling Business.

 

2 Top Whitewater Paddles Go Head-To-Head

By
Paddling Magazine Staff
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Sure, the kayak is the main attraction, but for whitewater kayakers, the paddle is doing all the work. And that means it is a piece of equipment paddlers are incredibly picky about.

Two of the most trusted names in paddle construction are Galasport and Werner. Galasport, with its racing pedigree, has been trusted by Olympians and is gaining popularity in the whitewater world. While Werner, with their roots in the Pacific Northwest, has been a whitewater heavyweight for decades. Simon Coward, owner of AQ Outdoors (AQ Outdoors is a paddling shop and school with locations in Calgary and Edmonton), is here to share his thoughts on two of the top whitewater paddles of today. The following is a transcript of his video review.

Top whitewater paddles go head-to-head

Simon here from AQ Outdoors checking in with a comparison between the Werner Sho-gun and the Galasport Manic bent shaft paddles.

The Galasport is new to me. I’ve only used it a dozen times or so. As you can see with the Werner, I’ve been using this one for many years, and it’s a paddle I really love.

comparing the Galasport Manic and Werner Sho-gun
Image: AQ Outdoors

Galasport Manic vs Werner Sho-gun

The main difference between these two paddles is the offset blade.

Galasport here has built-in 10 or 15 degrees of forward offset on the blade, which helps with the catch part of the paddle stroke. It gives you a little bit more reach on the stroke and, in turn, a little bit more power.

Side-by-side-by-side creekboat comparison from AQ Outdoors. 3 Top Creekboats Go Head-To-Head

In a lot of ways, it’s more similar to the Werner Odachi than the Sho-gun. Comparing these two other than that, performance-wise, I think they’re very similar. Both provide a very smooth forward, reverse and sweep paddle stroke. There’s not a lot of flutter in either. They’re both fairly large blades that provide a very powerful stroke and are best suited for well-conditioned or very strong paddlers.

The cost difference between the Galasport Manic and Werner Sho-gun

The biggest difference between the two, realistically, is the price. The Galasport’s going to come in somewhere between $800 and $900 (CAD). The Werner is under $700. So, value-wise, the Sho-gun is winning there. But what you do get in the Galasport is this adjustable two-piece paddle. It’s much easier to travel with, and you can also adjust the length based on the boat you’re paddling.

Comparison of the Pyranha Ripper 2, Jackson Antix 2.0 and Dagger Rewind half-slice kayaks. Comparing Three Of The Best Half Slice Kayaks On The Water Today (Video)

So, between the two, I have to say I really like the feel of the Galasport bent shaft more than I do the Werner. But that’s just personal preference.

I really enjoy the offset blade and getting that additional power and length of stroke in the Galasport paddle. If you’re looking for the Werner version of that, the Odachi is going to be a more comparable paddle, but I haven’t really used the Odachi much. Just using these two as a comparison, that is the Galasport Manic versus the Werner Sho-gun.

AQ Outdoors offers retail and kayak instruction in Calgary and Edmonton. Learn more about their school and stores at AQOutdoors.com.

Feature image: Courtesy AQ Outdoors

 

Missouri Paddler Breaks Record For Longest Journey By Pumpkin (Video)

By
Paddling Magazine Staff
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Forget circumnavigations and ocean crossings; the most hotly contested field in the paddling record books is based around floating in a gourd. On October 9, 2023, Steve Kueny of Missouri set a new record for the “longest journey by pumpkin.” Kueny completed the 39-mile voyage down the Missouri in his 1,293-pound gourd named Huckle Berry.

Steve Kueny Paddles To A New Record For “Longest Journey In A Pumpkin”

Kueny launched from Kansas City on a Monday at 7:30 a.m. and paddled the pumpkin 11 hours down the Missouri River. In the end, Kueny traveled 39 miles. A distance besting the previous record set just last year by another Missouri man, Duane Hansen, who paddled his 846-pound pumpkin 37.5 miles down the Missouri. Prior to Hansen, Rick Swenson made a 25-mile trip on the North Dakota and Minnesota border just in 2016.

39 Halloween Costumes for Paddlers We Love

Kueny was joined on the water for the record-setting pumpkin paddle by the Paddle KC Paddling Club. For those curious how Kueny kept the pumpkin from tipping on the trip, a couple of sandbags were placed within the carved-out pumpkin to increase stability in his bobbing and nearly round paddle craft. Kueny also took another smart step in deciding how best to prepare Huckle Berry for the river journey.

 “We test floated it before we carved it so we would know which end wanted to be up. Once we figured that out, we marked it, made the hole at the center,” Kueny told NPR affiliate KCUR-FM.

Perhaps even more impressive than paddling a half-ton pumpkin 39 miles is the fact that Kueny grew Huckle Berry himself. And according to USA Today, Kueny just started growing pumpkins in 2020 as a pandemic hobby. For only growing pumpkins a few years, Kueny certainly has a knack for gourd farming.

[ No pumpkin patch? Check out these recreational kayaks in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide. ]

For now, Kueny and Huckle Berry hold the title for the longest journey traveled in a pumpkin. But with the pace of the records being set, it’s just a matter of time before another pumpkin paddler breaks the 40-mile barrier.

Feature Image: Warson Media / KOLR10 & Fox49 YouTube

 

How To Beat The Box

By
Joe Potoczak
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a salesman assists a woman purchasing a kayak
Can’t box this: Western Canoeing & Kayaking has found success matching specialty service with price-point kayaks. | Feature photo: Western Canoeing & Kayaking

During the height of the pandemic two years ago, Western Canoeing & Kayaking found itself in a conundrum familiar to specialty retailers all over the planet. Demand for boats and gear was off the charts, and supply channels were tapped out. It was nearly impossible for Western’s regular suppliers, including Confluence Outdoor, to fulfill their orders.

That’s when Confluence floated an intriguing proposition, says Western co-owner Ryan Bayes. Confluence had been the big fish of specialty paddlesports for more than two decades, hosting storied brands like Wilderness Systems and Dagger under its broad umbrella. But in 2019, recreational kayak giant Pelican International swallowed Confluence whole, making it the world’s biggest paddlesports manufacturer and a driving force in both specialty and big-box retail.

a group of paddlesports leaders pose for a photo at the meeting that birthed their new trade coalition Building The Coalition: Arkansas Summit Births New National Trade Association

How to beat the box

Western’s Confluence sales rep told Bayes the company’s specialty brands couldn’t keep pace with Pandemic demand, but Pelican—a brand synonymous with mass retailers and one Western would never have carried under normal circumstances—could put a truckload of boats on the road to British Columbia the next day.

a salesman assists a woman purchasing a kayak
Can’t box this: Western Canoeing & Kayaking has found success matching specialty service with price-point kayaks. | Feature photo: Western Canoeing & Kayaking

Bayes decided to go for it, a decision that helped float Western through the supply crunch when nearby stores, including the local Costco, had no boats to sell. The choice also cast new light on an evolving retail landscape—one in which specialty shops can beat kayak-slinging chain stores at their own game.

“We brought in most of Pelican’s premium line with nicer outfitting and better seats that are not distributed quite as broadly,” says Bayes, adding that the build quality of the Pelican models he chose to sell was much improved from those he’d seen in earlier years.

The local online paddling message boards at the time were full of comments about which stores had boats to sell. When Western received their shipment, one post was all it took to conjure a mad dash of buyers.

“We put a post up with pictures of us unloading a truck full of Pelican kayaks and a couple of hours later we had people here looking to buy them,” Bayes says. “Pelican probably has the strongest brand recognition. We know they aren’t top-of-the-line, but there are more Pelicans on the water than anything else.”

Two years on, Western is still carrying the brand, and by venturing into the Pelican catalog the store has revealed a successful strategy that many paddling shop owners may be loathe to acknowledge: Having these massively popular boats in your shop gets customers in the door.

Spending time with Western’s knowledgeable sales staff is a wildly different experience from grabbing a kayak while shopping for bulk cheese.

In the United States alone, the online search volume for Pelican Kayaks is in the realm of 15,000 inquiries per month according to online keyword research tools. Wilderness Systems, also owned by Pelican, pulls around 4,400 inquiries monthly. That’s more than 127,000 more queries for Pelican every year, and those online searches bring customers to brick-and-mortar stores.

Are all the customers who walk through Western’s doors going to leave with a Pelican? Of course not. But the difference between grabbing a kayak while out shopping for bulk cheese, or spending time with with Bayes and his knowledgeable sales staff are two wildly
different experiences.

A customer leaves Western Canoeing & Kayaking with a Pelican kayak and accessories
A customer leaves Western Canoeing & Kayaking with a Pelican kayak and accessories. | Photo: Western Canoeing & Kayaking

“Having Pelican in the store brings customers in that you get a chance to educate and steer in a direction that might suit them better. It’s a loss leader in a way,” Bayes says. “I had somebody come in and they were specifically looking for the cheapest Pelican Argo. After spending an hour with them looking at that boat and others they left with two Delta touring kayaks. That’s a $6,000 sale that came from having a price point that got someone through the door.”

Appealing to a broader market

Western isn’t the only specialty store selling Pelican. In Connecticut, Chris Burke at Indian River Marina and Kayak embraced the price-point brand after Pelican acquired Confluence.

“It’s a new endeavor for us, but it’s worked out well because we always have kayaks that range from $200 to $5,000,” Burke says. “We have to appeal to purchasers across the whole spectrum. Otherwise, you won’t have the sales volume you need to survive.”

Burke is now seeing return customers trade their price-point rec boats for mid-range models such as the Wilderness Systems Tsunami or Pungo. Some have even stepped up to composite Stellar touring kayaks. Both Burke and Bayes see any customer who comes to their shop in search of a Pelican represents an opportunity.

“We have the water right here,” Burke says, and that’s something the surrounding box stores simply can’t match. “Customers have the ability to demo any kayak we have in stock, and our level of knowledge across all of our product lines is far deeper than you’d ever get, at the likes of Dick’s or Costco,” he says.

[ Browse the widest selection of boats and gear in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

One caveat both Burke and Bayes point to that would deter smaller shops from carrying low-price-point boats is the slim profit margin, especially once you factor in the shipping costs. Burke has the benefit of being within a day’s drive of Pelican’s Quebec factories, but even so, he says the shipping costs don’t pencil out for a mere 10 or 15 boats. Both he and Western are filling tractor trailers, receiving about 100 boats at a time from Pelican.

two people look at paddleboards in a paddle shop How Accessories Can Add Up To Big Profits For Retailers

When it comes to volume and close margins, it’s tough to compete with the box stores Pelican is pumping full of low-priced product. At Indian River, though, Burke says they try to focus on what is within their control, not what isn’t.

“At the end of the day, everyone works for themselves,” he says. “Pelican’s doing what’s best for their business. We have to do what’s best for our business, and specialty retailers have to adapt. It’s up to us as small business owners to figure out how to differentiate
ourselves from other retailers and keep moving forward.”

Does keeping afloat as a paddle shop among mass retailers mean purchasing a truckload of cheap kayaks? Maybe. Maybe not. But in today’s market, landing a punch against retail giants may come down to fighting them at their own game.

Paddling Business cover mockupThis article was first published in the 2024 issue of Paddling Business. With next year’s hottest gear for canoeing, kayaking, whitewater, fishing and paddleboarding. Plus: The best and worst idea ever in kayak rentals; and 28 industry experts on inflation, interest rates, consolidation and the future of trade shows.
READ IT NOW »

Can’t box this: Western Canoeing & Kayaking has found success matching specialty service with price-point kayaks. | Feature photo: Western Canoeing & Kayaking

 

Mountain Biker Drops Red Bull Rampage Course In A Kayak (Video)

By
Paddling Magazine Staff
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The Red Bull Rampage is known as one of the most full-on free-ride mountain biking events in the world. KHS pro-team rider Bradon Sweeney decided his full-suspension bike just wasn’t extreme enough for the course. Before the 2023 event, the mountain biker dropped the Red Bull Rampage course in a kayak.

The Red Bull Rampage course drops as much as 600 feet within three-tenths of a mile. To put that in comparison to some of the steepest whitewater paddled in North America, the South Branch of the Feather in California plummets around 600 feet in a little over a half-mile.

@bradon_sweeney Couldn’t find any water 😢 #fyp #kayaking #sports ♬ Toxicity – System Of A Down


Sweeney opted for what looks to be a Sun Dolphin Aruba recreational kayak as his boat of choice for the steep, no-flow run down the face of ochre cliffs in Virgin, Utah. The Sun Dolphin sports plenty of volume to create a large surface area and ride high on the sand. It also looks to have some round, forgiving edges. But it was an interesting kayak choice for the Red Bull Rampage course, considering the lack of rocker.

[ Find steep-creeking machines in the Paddling Buyer’s Guide ]

We would have recommended a boat design utilizing a rounded bow shape and tons of rocker for these steeps. We’d also encourage Sweeney to wear a life jacket, as we do for any paddling endeavor. In this case, for some padding as he’s rag-dolled across the desert rock.

 

7 Best Kayak Lights To See & Be Seen

By
Paddling Magazine Staff
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a selection of kayak lights laid out on a yellow backdrop
Be prepared for paddling after dark with these illuminating products. | Feature photo: Michael Hewis

Lights serve many purposes on a kayak. If you’re a kayak angler and enjoy night fishing, a light can be helpful when changing tackle or unhooking a fish. If you’re paddling on a moonless night, a light will be indispensable in helping you find the take-out that you swore was just on the shoreline over there. More importantly, when paddling at night in areas trafficked by motorboats, a light can prevent a collision, alerting surrounding boaters to your presence. A light will also aid emergency services in locating you should you need rescuing.

A paddler kayaks towards a mountain under a starry sky at night. The Ultimate Guide To Kayaking At Night

Types of kayak lights

In case the reasons above haven’t convinced you to carry a light, here’s another one: in many cases, it’s required by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). There are two lighting requirements “vessels under oars”—that’s you, kayakers—must abide by.

1 Navigation Lights

The Coast Guard requires kayaks out on the water between sunset and sunrise—and when paddling during times of restricted visibility, such as in fog or rain—to at minimum have an electric torch or lighted lantern with a white light on board which, in the Coast Guard’s own words, “shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.” A flashlight will do in a pinch to fulfill this requirement, but having a light that can be affixed to your kayak and is meant for use on the water is a safer way to go.

VIEW ALL NAVIGATION LIGHTS

2 Visual Distress Signals

If you’re paddling between sunset and sunrise on U.S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes or territorial seas, you must also carry a USCG-approved nighttime visual distress signal (VDS). This requirement can be fulfilled by carrying three USCG-approved flares or a USCG-approved electric distress light that automatically flashes the international SOS distress signal.

Even if you don’t do a lot of paddling at night, it’s a good idea to bring a light source with you any time you go out for a paddle. Let’s say, for example, you head out on a paddle down a river and misjudge the distance, ending up at the take-out just as darkness is falling. In such a circumstance you’d probably be glad you brought a light with you, even though you hadn’t planned to be out after sunset. Not that this has happened to me before…

There are many kayak lights on the market suited to a variety of purposes, that are a range of sizes, and that have many different mounting options. Find our favorite lights for fulfilling Coast Guard requirements, lighting your way and having fun below.

VIEW ALL SAFETY LIGHTS & BEACONS

7 best kayak lights to see & be seen

Sirius Signal C-1004 SOS Distress Light, Storage Mount, Flag & WhistleSirius Signal

C-1004 SOS Distress Light, Storage Mount, Flag & Whistle

$149.95 | siriussignal.com

Many people still use flares to meet the USCG nighttime VDS requirement. But flares expire, making them wasteful both environmentally and financially. They also release harmful toxins into the waters we love. And how many videos titled “Flare Accident” have you seen? Sirius Signal offers a better way, an electronic visual distress signal that is Coast Guard compliant.

The C-1004 SOS eVDSD is easy to use—simply twist to begin transmitting the blindingly bright SOS signal—and stows easily in a drybag or hatch. Although light from the C-1004 doesn’t transmit as far as the light from most flares, a flare only emits light for minutes at most, while the C-1004 will transmit the SOS signal for hours. This kit from Sirius Signal also includes a storage mount that installs with a single screw, an orange distress flag and a whistle.

LEARN MORE VIEW ALL SIRIUS SIGNAL PRODUCTS

Buy from:

AMAZON

Basin Boat Lighting paddleBird (Kayak) – Fully Loaded brightBird + NAVBasin Boat Lighting

paddleBird (Kayak) – Fully Loaded brightBird + NAV

$194.95 | basinboatlighting.com

Basin Boat Lighting’s top priority is the safety of paddlers on the water and it shows in their feature-packed, no-nonsense lighting systems. The paddleBird is designed for kayaks and comes with either a one-inch RAM ball mount, or a seven- or 13-inch pole mount.

First up among its features is the 120-watt flood light—turn it on even during the day and you’ll have no doubt in its ability to light your way and alert boaters to your presence at night. Press another button to make the light flash—fulfilling USCG nighttime VDS requirements—and another to turn on the red/green navigation lights. Beware when pressing the fourth button, letting loose the 105-decibel horn, which is the same noise level as some rock concerts. We made the mistake of first testing the horn in the office, and everyone’s ears were ringing for the rest of the day.

The system can be operated using buttons on the paddleBird, a key fob—or a Bluetooth app, for an additional $8.99. The appBird gives you access to weather forecasts and, more importantly, an SOS mode that automatically flashes the light, blares the horn, and sends an alert to Basin Boat Lighting, who will then contact authorities and provide your exact GPS location.

LEARN MORE VIEW ALL BASIN BOAT LIGHTING PRODUCTS

Buy from:

AMAZON

NOCQUA Spectrum P2 Lighting SystemNOCQUA

Spectrum P2 Lighting System

$299.99 | nocqua.com

Paddling at night is already a magical experience, gliding across placid waters beneath a sky studded with stars. The Spectrum P2 Lighting System from NOCQUA makes nighttime outings even more enchanting, lighting up the water beneath your kayak. The lights serve to not only make you more visible and rad-looking, they also attract marine life—probably a cooler experience on ocean waters than on inland lakes, unless you’re really into seeing smallmouth bass and minnows darting beneath your boat.

The light system is easy to set up, with two adjustable harnesses that strap around your kayak. Simply press a button—wired to a rechargeable battery pack—to choose from seven colors or have all the colors flash interchangeably in party mode. You can also select an SOS strobe, but note that the Spectrum P2 does not fulfill any USCG nighttime lighting requirements.

Buy from:

AMAZON

RAILBLAZA Illuminate i360RAILBLAZA

Illuminate i360

$56 | railblaza.com

The RAILBLAZA Illuminate i360 keeps things simple with both its mounting system and light itself so you can easily add a white navigation light to your kayak when you need it. When you order, select the mount option that works best for your boat, whether it’s a rail or track mount.

Carry the pocket-sized light with you and clip it in the mount when needed. Press the button once for the navigation light, the brightest setting that will ensure you are seen on the water; a second time to dim the light, so you can unhook that fish or search your deck for your dropped phone; and a third time to engage flashing and attract attention.

Our hot tip? A strip of glow-in the-dark tape placed just below the on/off button is a great addition to help you locate the tiny button in the dark.

LEARN MORE VIEW ALL RAILBLAZA PRODUCTS

YakAttack VISICarbon ProYakAttack

VISICarbon Pro

$95 | yakattack.us

This collapsible pole and LED light from YakAttack is a great option for kayakers who are short on space but want a highly visible white navigation light. Deployed, the VISICarbon Pro is 48 inches tall, but packs down into a compact 14 inches and fits inside the included flag.

The foam base fits inside a flush mount or tubular rod holder, or can be mounted on track systems by unscrewing a rectangular plate on the bottom of the pole which slips into the track. Simply twist the light to turn on and off.

LEARN MORE VIEW ALL YAKATTACK PRODUCTS

Buy from:

AMAZON WALMART

Scotty 835 SEA-Light with Suction Cup MountScotty

835 SEA-Light with Suction Cup Mount

$43 | scotty.com

If you don’t want to mess around with permanent mounts, it doesn’t get much easier than using a suction cup to affix a light to your kayak. Plus, it’s satisfying to break the seal and pop it off. Or maybe that’s just us…

The Scotty 835 SEA-Light includes a fully removable ACR C-Light that can then be used as a flashlight around camp or when loading and unloading your kayak after sunset. The light turns on and off with a simple twist.

LEARN MORE VIEW ALL SCOTTY PRODUCTS

Buy from:

AMAZON WALMART

Kayalu Kayalite Kayak LightKayalu

Kayalite Kayak Light

$59.95 | kayalu.com

While the Kayalite looks similar to other lights on this list, its unique tension cable mounting system provides it a leg up in both ease of mounting and durability. A carabiner beneath the light attaches to an eyelet, deck loop or whatever you can find on the deck of your kayak. A bungee cord runs from the carabiner up the inside of the mast and out the side, which is then pulled tight and wrapped around a plastic cleat.

This system safely secures the light to your boat, while also allowing enough play that the light won’t snap off if hit with a paddle or when coming in contact with submerged structure during a roll. Twist the light to turn on both LEDs and ensure you’re seen when paddling after dark.

Buy from:

AMAZON

a selection of kayak lights laid out on a yellow backdrop
Be prepared for paddling after dark with these illuminating products. | Feature photo: Michael Hewis

Be prepared for paddling after dark with these illuminating products. | Feature photo: Michael Hewis

 

Watch The 2023 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships

By
Paddling Magazine Staff
-

The 2023 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships are reaching their high-flying conclusion at Good Wave in Columbus, Georgia.

On Saturday, October 14, the world champions of women’s and men’s kayak will be decided. Tune in live at the video above.

See who took the gold in the junior categories as well as canoe, open canoe and squirt boat. View complete results at: canoeicf.com.

Replay Junior Kayak Semi And Finals

Replay Junior Kayak Heats and Canoe Final

Replay Men’s Kayak Heats And Open Canoe

Replay Women’s Kayak Heats And Canoe Semifinal

Replay Full Squirt Boat Competition

 

Sea Kayak Review: Melker Rödlöga HV

By
Tim Shuff
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man paddles the Rodloga kayak from Melker of Sweden
Cruise along on the flats. Then put her on edge and see how much fun you can have. | Feature photo: Colin Field

The Rödlöga, what Melker of Sweden mellifluously calls their “easy to maneuver and playful kayak,” is something of an optical illusion, a curious boat whose characteristics are not what they first appear to be.

woman paddles the Current Designs Karla touring kayak on a calm, somewhat cloudy day Best Touring Kayaks For 2026

Melker Rödlöga: An eco-conscious kayak that can play or trip

Melker Rödlöga HV Specs
Length: 16’7”
Width: 21.25”
Weight: 54 lbs
MSRP: $3,889 USD / $5,289 CAD
melkerofsweden.se

A few years ago, I reviewed the Melker Ulvön, the company’s 17-foot fast touring kayak, which, although built for speed, was remarkably versatile and playful. That’s when I learned Northern Europe has become a hotbed of kayak innovation, where the stubby recreational kayak trend never blitzed the market like it did here and 80 percent of kayaks sold for exploring those brisk boreal coastlines are still serious, full-size touring boats. Now we are seeing that adventurous Scandinavian influence creeping into our kayak shops here. After a pandemic hiatus, Melker is back with a fresh shipment of its long boats for demo and retail in North America, and a new design for us to review, the Rödlöga.

On the water performance

While Melker bills its Ulvön as “a serious expedition boat with a playful character,” the Rödlöga is somewhat the opposite—or more accurately, just a shorter, more maneuverable version of the same clever set of design compromises: a playful kayak that is nonetheless surprisingly spacious and capable for short expeditions. Both kayaks blur the lines between categories in similar ways.

After reading that the Rödlöga was “designed with rougher water, currents, tides and surf waves in mind,” I expected it to paddle like other ocean playboats, twitchy with poor initial stability, just hankering to be put on edge, and skittish like a whitewater kayak, prioritizing fun and maneuverability over speed and tracking.

man paddles the Rodloga kayak from Melker of Sweden
Cruise along on the flats. Then put her on edge and see how much fun you can have. | Feature photo: Colin Field

Yet on the first few strokes I was amazed at the stability, both a relaxing initial solidity and bomber secondary allowing the Rödlöga to be aggressively edged onto its moderately hard chine without ever feeling like it will accidentally go over the limit. I quickly learned the Rödlöga welcomes beginners and intermediates, albeit with some expert moves up its sleeve. Melker aptly calls it “the perfect kayak to help improve your paddling skills.”

Melker advertises the Rödlöga as having lots of rocker but the waterline nonetheless extends the full length of the boat, enhancing its speed and giving it a very typical touring kayak compromise between maneuverability and easy tracking. It’s on edge that you notice its exceptional agility. The rest of the time, the Rödlöga tracked so well I hardly bothered to use the skeg or the rudder (the fact that it comes with both indicates just how much this kayak aims to please everyone). It was only in a following sea that the rudder felt like a real advantage. In a crosswind I used the skeg to keep straight, but kept the rudder up so I didn’t have to bother steering with my feet.

Tripping capacity

The Rödlöga promo video undersells its trip-worthiness, claiming capacity for an overnight or maybe a weekend. The Swedes must be more into glamping, because I packed for an overnight and had loads of room to spare. With a fulsome 190 liters of storage, you could easily check out of civilization for a week. Swedish industrial designer Magnus de Brito crafted the deck with a shallow arch that extends right to the edge, where it drops nearly vertically to the chine, and a gradual taper to the bow and stern to maximize interior space. The resulting slightly boxy appearance gives the Rödlöga the look and feel of a classic West Coast expedition kayak. So much so that I forgot I was paddling a 21-inch-wide playboat until I checked the dimensions—and my GPS track, which showed me cruising faster than 7.5 kilometers an hour all day long through every possible condition.

So it was that the Rödlöga perplexed me over and over, revealing characteristics that caused me to do a double-take at its specifications, seeming to be one thing and then turning out to perform well at another: a rockered playboat that’s true and fast on the flats, a lithe and nimble day tripper with loads of capacity for long trips. That’s some kind of shapeshifting magic, Mr. de Brito.

It’s clear by now that the playboat billing is a bit misleading, at least insofar as it suggests “for experts only.” The Rödlöga is more spacious, practical and accessible than most kayaks you’d find in rock gardens or the surf zone, although it would excel there too.

The Rödlöga is better described as an all-arounder, a well-balanced design that’s capable of anything, for enthusiastic paddlers of all levels—a prime candidate for what skiers would call the quiver-of-one. All of the design characteristics of stability, speed, playfulness and capacity are combined like the spices in a dish by a master chef, to the point that it’s hard to pick out any one ingredient.

Eco-conscious materials

In 2015, Melker Kayaks was founded in Hammarö, Sweden by entrepreneur Pelle Stafshede and co-founder Jonas Ernfors. Stafshede set out with the goal of making kayaks as sustainably as possible. Step one was moving kayak production away from the petroleum-based materials that the majority of commercially manufactured kayaks use.

“Our take on this industry is to really game change it,” Stafshede told Paddling Magazine at Canoecopia in spring of 2023. “We’ve been using plastic and fossil-based products for too long. Just look around and you’ll see.”

In search of a material that would accomplish sustainability without sacrificing performance, Stafshede and his kayak company experimented with biocomposite materials ranging from bamboo to coffee bean bags and kayaks spat out of 3D printers made from a mix of wood fiber and recycled plastic.

What has proven the winning regenerative material for Melker is a product close to what you’d find in a healthy serving of fiber in your cereal bowl—flax. In place of carbon or fiberglass, Melker’s composite layups use flax fiber currently sourced from Swiss company Bcomp. Flax is locally grown in Europe and, when used instead of carbon in Melker’s kayak construction, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent, while maintaining a comparable stiffness and weight. With my rudder installed, my boat tipped my bathroom scale at 57 pounds, a shade heavier than the advertised 54, but similar to other kayaks in the category.

Kayaks aren’t the only performance watersport using flax in place of other composite materials. The surf industry has also seen a movement of board shapers building with the plant-based material. Looking at the hull of a Melker kayak, you’ll see the shiny gel-coat finish with little difference from the traditional composite builds of its touring brethren. On the deck however, Melker has no gel coat, showing off the weave of the dark flax fiber.

Stafshede’s bet on plant-based composites is paying out. In 2022, Melker announced the establishment of their first distribution hub in North America, just outside of Chicago. They’ve also begun distributing boats to retailers in Canada. And most recently Melker announced they were moving production from Estonia to Rindö, Sweden.

“When you conduct a life-cycle analysis of our type of products, the location of the manufacturing has a really big impact,” Stafshede explained of the need for the move to meet the goals of their green transition for the kayak industry. “The way we set up our efficient and modular production, it allows us to easily ramp up production in several locations and grow with actual demand. We expect the next location to be in North America as the reception of our kayaks has been very favorable.”

All this virtue and versatility comes at a premium—indeed Melker’s price in Canada has inflated 50 percent since I reviewed the Ulvön in 2019—but it’s still on par with comparable kayaks from other companies; that is, if you can call anything that’s not built out of plants comparable. With Melker, the eco benefits are a bonus, along with the unique “flax appeal” of the teak-colored material visible under the clear coat.

For any paddler looking for a medium-sized composite sea kayak with speedy touring chops and a playful streak under the deck, the winsome and eco-friendly Rödlöga should definitely make the shortlist.

Related articles

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Sea & touring kayak reviews

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Cover of the 2023 Paddling Trip GuideThis article was first published in the 2023 Paddling Trip Guide. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.

Cruise along on the flats. Then put her on edge and see how much fun you can have. | Feature photo: Colin Field

 

The Great Alabama 650: Record Finishes & Big Wins

By
The Great Alabama 650 Press Release
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Winners of the 2023 Great Alabama 650: (L-R) Salli O’Donnell, Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin & Trey Reaves
Winners of the 2023 Great Alabama 650: (L-R) Salli O’Donnell, Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin & Trey Reaves

Fort MORGAN, ALABAMA (October 13, 2023) — After an exhilarating and challenging nonstop 650-mile paddle race across the waterways of Alabama, the Great Alabama 650 reached its conclusion.

Over ten days, 11 boats from all over the world have completed the race after pushing their limits and showcasing remarkable determination. The Alabama Scenic River Trail organization sincerely congratulates all the participants for their remarkable achievements. Their incredible skill has inspired us all and shown off Alabama’s great water recreation opportunities to the world.

Overall Winner

Trey Reaves – 6 days 1 hour 31 minutes, Florence, AL, USA

Male Solo Winners

Trey Reaves – 6 days 1 hour 31 minutes, Florence, AL, USA
Bobby Johnson – 6 days 5 hours 50 minutes, Dunedin, FL, USA
Mirko Pruefer – 7 days 23 hours 12 minutes, Krauschwitz, Germany

Winners of the 2023 Great Alabama 650:(L-R) Salli O’Donnell, Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin & Trey Reaves
Winners of the 2023 Great Alabama 650:
(L-R) Salli O’Donnell, Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin & Trey Reaves

Finishers in the Male Solo Category

Chuck Scheidt – 7 days 23 hours 56 minutes, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
Brendan Forshee – 8 days, 3 hours, 11 minutes, Missouri, MO, USA
John Knippers – 8 days, 9 hours, 16 minutes, Langley, OK, USA
Brad Friesen – 9 days, 3 hours, 17 minutes, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Christian Logan – 9 days 23 hours 40 minutes, Washington, MO, USA

Female Solo Winner

Salli O’Donnell – 6 days 6 hours 40 minutes, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA

Tandem Category Winners

Matt Taylor, Myles Sumerlin – 7 days, 3 hours, 9 minutes, Brantley, AL, USA and Moss Point, MS, USA
Ryan Gillikin, Rod Price – 7 days 23 hours 39 minutes, Orlando, FL, USA and Bay Minette, AL, USA

3250 Club Achievement Award- Five-Time Finishers

Bobby Johnson – 6 days 5 hours 50 minutes, Dunedin, FL, USA
Salli O’Donnell – 6 days 6 hours 40 minutes, Fort Walton Beach, FL, USA

Paddleboard Finishes (Non-place finish, but 1st time ever record on the 650)

John Knippers – 8 days 8 hours 16 minutes, Langley, OK, USA
Brad Friesen – 9 days 2 hours 17 minutes, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Alabama Scenic River Trail International Paddle Athletes Buzz About New Alabama Race

The Alabama Scenic River Trail, which runs the event, would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the seamless execution of this unforgettable race. Their dedication and hard work made the Great Alabama 650 a remarkable experience for all participants. Race Director Greg Wingo and his company ROAM Projects exceptional leadership played a pivotal role in the event’s success. Under his guidance, the Great Alabama 650 saw record performances and commanded the attention of paddlers worldwide. Sponsors of the event, stories and highlights from the course, as well as the official announcement of the 2024 Great Alabama 650 dates are listed below.

Stories of the 2023 Great Alabama 650

1st time an Alabamian Wins

Trey Reaves a native of Florence, AL finished in 6 days 1 hour 31 minutes on Friday, October 6th. Trey is the first Alabamian to win the race.

3,250 Club Achievement Award

3250 is the accumulated distance of 5 completions of The Great Alabama Race. The award is made out of Coosa River Clay and was presented to Bobby Johnson and Salli O’Donnell upon their 2023 5th time finish.

Two 1st Ever Paddleboard Finishers

John Knippers (pictured right) from Langley, OK was the first to ever complete the 650 on a Stand-Up Paddleboard. Knippers was followed later by Brad Friesen (pictured above) from Winnipeg, MB, Canada who was the second.

Mirko Pruefer from Krauschwitz, Germany
Brad Friesen from Winnipeg, MB, Canada

International Competitors on the AL650

Mirko Pruefer from Krauschwitz, Germany and Brad Friesen from Winnipeg, MB, Canada both finished this year bringing international attention to the annual race.

Finishing: 20 Mins to Spare

Christian Logan of Washington, MO made it to Ft. Morgan with just 20 minutes to spare and was the final finisher of the 2023 Great Alabama 650.

Cat ‘Logan’ Rescued by Crew

Blaine Forshee, crew member and son for racer Brendan Forshee, found the kitten under his truck and the little guy stowed away for over 100 miles before Blaine was able to coax him out! Logan is now a member of the Forshee Family.

About The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT)

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) uses a network of members and outfitters to create, improve, and promote more than 6,500 miles of river trails.

Alabama Scenic River Trail Eight reasons to paddle the longest single-state river trail system in the U.S. 

ASRT connects adventurers with opportunities to explore and appreciate Alabama’s great waterways through unique experiences. Working primarily through community partnerships, ASRT promotes safe, fun, and welcoming paddling experiences across the state for people of all skill levels. Today we continue to grow our network and share the state’s unparalleled water recreation opportunities.

To learn more about the Great Alabama 650 and all of ASRT’s programs, please visit the Alabama Scenic River Trail’s website at www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com.

 

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