Circumnavigation, a documentary about Brendon Prince’s expedition, was released in March 2022. | Feature photo: Will Reddaway/WR Photography
For many adventurers, the idea for major expeditions starts from a tiny seed. From there, it grows into reality through training, sponsorship, and finally, choosing a cause to align with your mission. But Brendon Prince’s story is unusual because it was the message that came first, before his mission to become the first paddleboarder to circumnavigate Great Britain.
A self-proclaimed “water safety crusader,” the 48-year-old standup paddleboarder has been campaigning for greater water safety in Britain for 30 years. His message took on new gravity in 2014 when he tried to rescue a group of swimmers as an off-duty lifeguard. Three drowned. The event prompted him to leave his job as an outdoor education teacher and found a charity, Above Water, to develop a gamified water safety app for schools. Raising the money to do so would require something attention-grabbing.
Circumnavigation, a documentary about Brendon Prince’s expedition, was released in March 2022. | Feature photo: Will Reddaway/WR Photography
“I thought, if I paddle around Britain, more people will want to speak with me, and I can share the water safety message with more platforms,” he says.
After training for four months—where he paddled for up to 300 kilometers at a time—Prince departed in April 2021, heading clockwise.
By the numbers
$27,000 USD — Raised for water safety
14 — Number of times Prince fell in
75 km — Longest day
1.5 km — Shortest day
10.25 hours — Average time on the water daily
525 — Number of “French Francies” sponge cakes consumed
119 — Days spent paddling
4,000 kms — Total distance paddled
2 records broken — Longest SUP journey and fastest paddle around Wales
2 records set — First person to paddleboard around Britain, and first person to paddleboard from Land’s End to John O’Groats by the coast
Setting off on an epic paddle
Each night, he spent hours planning his following day, although some things couldn’t be predicted. Scotland’s mountains create their own weather and on one occasion, he spent six hours just trying to hold his position. A surprise encounter with orcas caused him to fall off his board. But, he says, it was the human elements that were most difficult to contend with: Huge tankers and shipping lanes; harbor walls running three kilometers out into the sea; and military zones, where artillery would hit the water in front of him or submarines would come up from below—despite Prince receiving prior clearances.
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“Whenever you’re doing something that hasn’t been done before, there’s no road map for it,” says Prince. His biggest challenge, though, was spending up to 16 hours a day alone on his board. “The mind can be a dangerous thing,” he says.
Then, 141 days after departing, he arrived back at Torquay, where his legs started to wobble.
Setting records and furthering the cause
“I’ve bottled up the moment my foot touched the sand, and I’ll open the bottle for a dose every now and then,” says the father-of-three. While Guinness World Records is still confirming, Prince is expected to have broken two records and set two more. In addition to being the first person to paddleboard around Britain, he had also completed the longest journey by SUP, as recognized by Guinness.
Others have attempted the feat before Prince. He says it wasn’t his physical strength or stamina that allowed him to complete the trip—it was that his message always took priority over breaking any records.
“With every paddle stroke, I thought, ‘If I can stop a family from going through the catastrophe of their loved ones dying, that’s my motivation,’” he says. “If I’ve helped a child make the right choice near water, then it’s a success.”
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Circumnavigate, a documentary about Brendon Prince’s expedition, was released in March 2022. | Feature photo: Will Reddaway/WR Photography
Paddler Sandy Rinderer has a unique idea for an environmental effort — take a shot at breaking a Guinness World Record while fundraising for New Jersey’s beloved Barnegat Bay.
On Saturday, August 20, 2022, Rinderer and a group of fellow paddlers are hosting “Paddle for the Bay.” The event is a one-mile community paddle to best the standing Guinness World Record for a parade of canoes and kayaks. To do so, Rinderer needs roughly 400 paddlers to hit the water on the Tom’s River in Pine Beach, NJ. This would beat the current standing of 329 boats previously set in Poland.
Feature Image: Pixabay
A Guinness World Record Canoe & Kayak Attempt At The Jersey Shore
In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, Rinderer states how rewarding it would be to have the record right on this Mid-Atlantic waterway. “Honestly, I’ve lived on the river all my life,” Rinderer tells the Inquirer, “and I just thought it would be such a cool thing to see all those colorful canoes and kayaks in one place.”
Considering the sizeable number of paddlers in New Jersey and the surrounding states, Rinderer may be able to pull it off. They just need your help East Coast boaters. Best of all this isn’t a record attempt just for the sake of it. After covering the fees for the Guinness folks and local permits, the remainder of the $10 participation fee will be donated to Save Barnegat Bay. The organization is tasked with efforts to restore the namesake body of water.
Something For Every Paddler On Barnegat Bay
New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay watershed is home to diverse opportunities for paddlers. There is the annual open water race on the Tom’s River. An archipelago of sedge islands to tour off Island Beach State Park. And popular canoe reaches of the Pine Barrens, such as Cedar Creek. Within the last few decades, development surrounding this watershed has led to increasing nutrients and decreasing water quality for the aquatic life that calls the bay home. As well as make it an exciting place for paddlers like Rinderer to enjoy.
[ Find Your Next Destination in the Paddling Trip Guide ]
According to the Inquirer and Rinderer, there are a few rules to clinch the spot in Guinness. First off, to beat the standing record for a parade of canoes and kayaks, paddle boards are not permitted. Also, everyone must be wearing a PFD, and no motorized vessels are allowed.
A little bit more than six weeks have passed since the departure, early morning of June 21st, the kayaker Cyril Derreumaux launched solo and without assistance from Monterey Bay, CA for his second attempt at crossing the Pacific Ocean though 2,700 miles towards Hawaii.
Born in the North of France, Cyril Derreumaux, naturalized American—and world citizen as he likes to call it—has been able to manage during the first few weeks the difficulties that pushed him to give up the adventure last year during his first attempt. Sea sickness for the first few days, lack of sleep, change of rhythm, physical efforts, new diet… Thanks to his previous experience and his patience to pick the optimal weather window the week following his departure, the kayaker has managed with success to take his distances with the California coast. Two steps forward while paddling during the day, one step back at night because of the currents, he had to work with great determination to beat the strong currents and dominating winds pushing him toward the American and Mexican coasts.
The coming weeks were as difficult with the installation of great fatigue, several damages that he had to manage: a leak at the back of his boat started to flood a compartiment that had to be sealed, cabling issues with his battery that had trouble charging, a close encounter with the tropical storm “Estelle” which, thankfully, lost intensity just before crossing path with the kayak, but still required the navigator to stay sheltered in is cabin for 2 days while waves were bashing his boat and winds of 25 knots.
Photo: Tom Gomes
Leaning on his great logistical preparation and a supporting land crew as determined as he is, resolving issues one after the other, Cyril Derreumaux continued his way with a 9-9.5 hours of rowing per day towards the Hawaiian islands while sharing his experience daily the highs and lows of his adventure through a public diary translated in French and English published on Facebook and Instagram. Through the stories of the differents events happening on board, reflecting on his project, life lessons that he retains, and sharing his emotions, it’s an international collectif, built over the years around the various adventures around the world (Cyril can speaks 6 languages), that lives the adventure day after day through the writings and pictures from the navigator.
Photo: Cyril Derreumaux
Photo: Tom Gomes
Arriving halfway after 49 days at sea, the kayaker who is a member of the famous “The Explorer Club” obviously knows that he still has more than 1,200 miles to complete and many more weather challenges, technical, health, that he’ll have to manage. He still wants to enjoy fully the joy from crossing this symbolic halfway point! As he likes to say: “There is no adventurer that has crossed halfway and could complete later on!”
The weather toward the end of the crossing still needs to be checked for logistical purposes. According to Michel Meulnet – the weather router part of the land crew – the end of the crossing will most likely be faster with winds and mainstreams will help the kayak. Moreover, the kayak is much lighter because a good part of the food stored onboard at the start has been consumed. But we still have to be careful, even if the initial time estimation was set at 70 days, and that the navigator left with an extra 10 days of supplies, now at halfway more than half of the supplies has been consumed, so Cyril’s rhythm on those next few days is going to be determinant to identify if he will have to start to ration his food to extend his supplies for a few days if necessary. Long story short, a lot could happen during the coming weeks before Cyril Derreumaux can arrive. The adventure is going to be exciting to follow!
The Nahʔą Dehé or South Nahanni River is so storied within canoeing lore—staking out its rightful claim on many paddler’s wish lists—that it almost needs no introduction.
For those not already familiar with this northern river, it flows for 580 kilometers through Canada’s Northwest Territories, cutting between mountains and canyons and dropping dramatically at a waterfall that puts Niagara Falls to shame. As it charts its course southwest from the Yukon’s border through the traditional territories of the Deh Cho and Sahtu First Nations, it passes caves and hot springs, before joining the Liard River.
Part of the lure of the South Nahanni River is its remote location—but it also draws in adventure enthusiasts of all skill levels thanks to its whitewater and epic scenery.
Here are nine more reasons a Nahanni River canoe trip is a must-have experience, plus some tips on how to make one happen.
[ View all paddling adventures in the Northwest Territories in the Paddling Trip Guide ]
Experience the magic of the Nahanni for yourself. | Photo: Angela Gzowski
You’ll see scenery and geological formations unlike anywhere else in Canada
The landscape the South Nahanni River flows through is home to mountain ranges, towering canyons, deep gorges and alpine tundra. It’s no surprise that Nahanni National Park Reserve was the first site in the world to be granted UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1978.
But beauty alone doesn’t get you onto that list—unique geology does. In addition to four separate canyons up to 1,200 meters deep, the region’s noteworthy sites include the largest tufa mound in Canada, estimated to be 10,000 years old. The hardened calcium carbonate formed by thermal springs can be reached by barefoot hike up to its 30-meter-high summit.
Enter the wild. | Photo: Angela Gzowski
You’ll be rewarded with riverside hot springs after long days of paddling on the Nahanni River
While the ecologically sensitive tufa mound is off-limits for bathing, there are other hot springs made for weary bones, including Kraus Hot Spring. You’ll find this natural spa riverside after a 30-km paddle through First Canyon, where its sulphuric cue will let you know you’ve arrived. It may be smelly, but chances are you are too by this point. There’s no judgment here; just a place to rest your sore shoulders and arms.
You’ll witness the power of a waterfall taller than Niagara Falls
Virginia Falls or Náįlįcho is consistently described as “the continent’s most spectacular undeveloped waterfall.” And spectacular really is the word of choice for this drop in the Nahanni River. The waterfall is twice the height of Niagara Falls and responsible for the class II and III rapids directly downstream.
Needless to say, a 2-km mandatory portage around the falls is necessary for both rafters and kayakers. It’s a long haul with conveniently placed canoe stands along the way. If you want to break up the portage even further, you can opt to camp at the Parks Canada site here for up to two nights. Worthwhile excursions from the campsite include the 8-km hike to Sunblood Mountain and a chance to swim in the river.
Go with a guide for an even better experience. | Photo: Angela Gzowski
You’ll get to paddle with world-class outfitters and expert Nahanni River guides
Experienced whitewater paddlers with remote camping skills can safely navigate the river on their own between the months of June and September. But even if you fit into that category, signing up for a tour with one of the experienced Nahanni River outfitters will only enhance your experience.
After all, paddling here is as much about the river’s cultural heritage as it is about the scenery. For at least 10,000 years, this has been the traditional hunting grounds for the Dene people, who still use it for this purpose today. Nahanni River tours are led by knowledgeable guides, who will be able to share some of the stories and traditions that demonstrate how the Dene’s connection to the river runs deep.
Local outfitter Black Feather, for example, runs a cultural rafting tour alongside its classic Nahanni River expeditions by canoe. Likewise, Nahanni River Adventures and Canoe North Adventures offer Nahanni River guided canoe trips and rafting trips, with options for all skill levels.
Of course, if self-guided is more your style, Jackpine Paddle offers custom canoe training, food packing, canoe and gear rentals, and shuttles to get you to your adventure.
Rafting trips are also an option. | Photo: Angela Gzowski
You’ll have an exclusive and brag-worthy experience
Despite being Canada’s most well-known northern park, only between 800 and 1,300 visitors manage to make their way to Nahanni National Park Reserve annually, many of which are day-trippers. In fact, only about 600 people paddle down the river every year, meaning you’re not only unlikely to encounter other people—you’ll also be among the few who are able to say they’ve done the trip.
A word of advice: Despite low visitor numbers, the park is popular relative to the number of people able to be accommodated. Visitation on the river is limited by the infrastructure at the Náįlįcho campsite, which can accommodate a maximum of 54 people nightly. Parks Canada reservations are required for trips down the river and must be made well in advance.
Be one of the few to experience this river. | Feature photo: Colin Field
You’ll get a bonus sightseeing tour by plane
Since there are no roads leading into the park, you’ll need to access the Nahanni by bush plane, typically departing from nearby Fort Simpson and Yellowknife. In other words, every canoe trip here comes with a bonus—albeit mandatory—sightseeing tour by air.
The area’s floatplane operators—including Air Tindi and Simpson Air—are experts at transporting canoes, with the most popular put-in spots of Virginia Falls, Rabbitkettle Lake and Island Lakes being designated aircraft landing sites. For Nahanni River rafting, you’ll have no problem coordinating with a local outfitter, while kayakers might find they have to pay extra fees since kayaks are more difficult to strap to the outside of a float plane.
Paddle through canyons. | Photo: Lindsay Vician
You’ll feel like you’re on a Canadian safari
Despite its relatively high latitude, Nahanni National Park Reserve’s wildlife is surprisingly diverse. Along the banks of the Nahanni River, you may spot grizzlies, black bears, moose, Dall’s sheep, white tailed deer, beavers, otters, red fox and some 180 species of birds, including rare trumpeter swans. And, although they’re more elusive, the park is also home to lynx, wolverines and a year-round population of woodland caribou.
Nahanni River fishing is also possible, with arctic grayling, lake trout, whitefish and northern pike able to be caught with a fishing permit. But the water here tends to be silty, so if you’re looking to lighten your load, leave the rod at home.
You’ll have a chance to watch the northern lights dance
While many people associate the aurora borealis’ colorful nighttime displays with sub-zero temperatures, the truth is that solar storms happen year-round. Its location under the auroral oval means the Northwest Territories is one of the best places in the world to watch them.
Although the midnight sun makes them nearly impossible to see between mid-April and late July, if you’re paddling on the Nahanni in August or the shoulder season of September, you could be in for a show. Historically, the greatest levels of solar activity occur around the autumn equinox; this is also when the skies are most likely to be clear of clouds. Some operators—including Indigenous-owned NARWAL—even offer dedicated nighttime aurora tours by voyageur canoe up the Yellowknife River in August and September.
Sometimes it’s nice to feel small. | Photo: Angela Gzowski
You’ll bond in a next-level way with your trip mates—and leave with memories that will last a lifetime
One of the most common complaints from outdoor enthusiasts is their trip wasn’t nearly long enough to truly disconnect. Trips down the Nahanni River, however, aren’t for the faint of heart or for the short of time: From Virginia Falls, it will take you between seven and 10 days to paddle the 212 km to Nahanni Butte. Starting from Rabbitkettle Lake is an additional 118 km, which will take you up to 14 days.
In other words, you’ll have plenty of time to disconnect, reconnect with your loved ones and form lasting new friendships.
Buy the best and you’ll only cry once. | Feature photo: Ben Haggar
I admit it. I’m a gearhead. I’ve spent the last 30 years working in the outdoor industry selling paddlesports clothing and equipment. I have a basement full of tried and tested gear and a long list of things that would be nice to have as soon as my budget will allow.
I’m enough of a nerd about this stuff that a few years back, I went through my closet and set to work devising a universal system of outdoor clothing for all environments and wrote a long series of articles about it.
Yeah, I’m that guy.
So, when it comes to the question of whether quality equipment is worth the price, I say yes. I’ve been at this long enough and seen enough junk wear out along the way to know it pays to buy the good stuff. While it may cost more out of the gate, you’ll likely have more fun and save money in the long run. Here are my top six reasons why.
Buy the best and you’ll only cry once. | Feature photo: Ben Haggar
6 reasons why it pays to buy better gear
1 Higher performance
Good gear works better. Quality equipment outperforms budget alternatives almost every time. Consider the breathable fabrics waterproof paddling clothing is made from. Premium waterproof/breathable fabrics breath better over low-cost alternatives. It’s a difference you can actually feel. The same is true of an ultralight carbon paddle or a quality composite board. Premium construction, design and material in outdoor equipment give you an enhanced experience on the water. Good gear is more fun.
Attaching a price tag to the peace of mind synonymous with higher quality gear might be hard to quantify but cost per use is not. You might not feel like you’re saving money at the register, but since well-made products generally last longer, cost savings can be substantial. Especially with items you use frequently. Not having to replace the product means you’re getting a better return on your investment. And, since you’re more likely to get on the water even more often with gear that performs better, you may get an even higher return than expected.
3 Fresh features
It costs money to add features to equipment. A kayak without bulkheads is less expensive than one with them, but harder to rescue if you dump. Quality outfitting is expensive but lets you easily customize your fit in your gear. Skip the relief zip in a drysuit and you’ll save some serious green. But some features pay for themselves the first time you need them.
4 Better fit
Good gear fits better. And I’m not just talking about clothing. You’re far more likely to find a boat or board that fits you just right at the top end of the quality spectrum. This is partly because of premium outfitting options and also the cost of development and demand for performance. It’s expensive to develop a new product, and the safest bet is to aim it at the largest number of potential customers. This means big paddlers and small paddlers may be left out in the cold. The extra cost of premium gear gives manufacturers more leeway to develop products fitting at the tails of the curve, rather than the average paddler.
The best gear comes with great customer support. Quality gear is sold through specialty dealers who know their stuff and can help connect you with exactly the right equipment. Premium brands partner with retailers who offer test paddling, so you’ll know you’re purchasing the right ride. Top-tier manufacturers offer warranty support and repair services for lengthier periods as part of their customer care—some even offer lifetime warranties. Often you can get them on the phone or an online chat to answer questions about maintenance and use of your equipment. If you’re serious about getting out on the water, you’ll appreciate the support accompanying quality equipment.
6 Niche specialty products
Last, but not least, is one for all you other gearheads out there. The super tweaky stuff. Whitewater SUPs, specialized tow systems, drybags that fit in the corners of your boat, saddles, thigh straps, rescue PFDs with big pockets and strong swimmer harnesses, featherlight graphite racing paddles, bombproof water boots, and more. All the niche stuff performing just right on the river or the sea. These products don’t exist outside of the top tier. They’re either made by specialized small companies or by premium manufacturers who have a large enough range of products to support specialty items that wouldn’t otherwise be profitable. If you love to get out on the water, chances are there’s a piece of specialized gear with your name on it. And you won’t find it in a big box store.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Buy the best and you’ll only cry once. | Feature photo: Ben Haggar
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak is a budget- and user-friendly option for anyone looking to enter the world of kayaking. Making the most of hot, still summer days is easy in this beginner-friendly recreational sit-inside kayak.
With its stable hull design, comfortable seating and spacious cockpit, the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak is ideal for day tripping on small lakes, ponds and meandering rivers. This kayak is perfect for anyone who wants to get out for a relaxing afternoon on sheltered waters without worrying about tipping over. Paddling the Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak is intuitive even for total newbies. The short length makes it responsive and lightweight, but means the Swifty Deluxe 9.5 isn’t as fast as longer rec touring boats.
Built-in rod holders add to the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak’s versatility as an entry-level kayak fishing rig. The simple design and durable rotomolded plastic hull also ensure this kayak is nearly maintenance free, maximizing the time you spend on the water.
Wear A Life Jacket
Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
If you are looking at this versatile recreational kayak, you may also encounter a sister version of the Swifty Deluxe 9.5, known as the Perception Drift 9.5. The specs of this model are nearly identical to the Swifty Deluxe 9.5, with the main difference being that the Swifty is available exclusively from Dick’s Sporting Goods, while the Drift 9.5 can be purchased from Perception dealers across North America.
For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5. If you’re looking for a Drift 9.5 review, this article will answer all your questions regarding that boat’s performance and handling on the water.
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 offers comparable performance to similar recreational kayaks like the Pelican Mustang 100x or Wilderness Systems Aspire 105. Remember, if you’re paddling any of these shorter kayaks, you are out to enjoy the day, not win any races. Look to the longer waterline of the Swifty Deluxe 11.5 for faster glide and cruising speed.
Generally, shorter boats turn more readily than longer ones; while longer kayaks offer better tracking, or the ability to travel in a straight line. The 9.5-foot Perception Swifty Deluxe offers the best of both worlds in a compact package, combining quick turning and easy maneuverability with decent tracking on calm waters.
Excellent stability means new paddlers will immediately feel confident in the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5. The low paddling position of the sit-inside design keeps the paddler’s center of gravity close to the water for reassuring side-to-side stability. Compared to a sit-on-top, this style also provides additional control over the boat by enabling the paddler to engage their legs against the sides of the kayak.
Market and demographics
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is an excellent first kayak for exploring slow-moving rivers or sheltered lakes, with value- and comfort-focused outfitting and enough performance to advance your skills. It fits nicely into the entry-level recreational kayak category, landing at a reasonable price without sacrificing important features like a supportive back rest and adjustable foot pegs. The generously sized cockpit is designed to fit a range of body types well.
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is not a dedicated fishing kayak, but the built-in rod holders make it a versatile choice for aspiring kayak anglers. At just 44 pounds, it’s also a good option for paddlers looking for a lightweight kayak that’s easy to car-top and carry to the launch.
Comfort
It’s clear that the designers of the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 were thinking a lot about comfort when they designed this boat. Recreational kayaks are comfort-oriented for one very good reason: it’s hard to have fun if you are feeling cramped or stiff. That’s why attention to details like back support and padded seats are so important. These are the spots where your body connects with the kayak; getting that connection just right means reducing fatigue, increasing performance and maximizing enjoyment.
Know The Local Hazards
Check navigation charts before you launch.
Check with those who have local knowledge of man-made and natural hazards, e.g. low-head dams; sweepers, strainers and undercuts; tides and currents; and rocks and shoals.
The seat design is the shining star of the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5. The high back pad provides superior comfort and critical lower back support—often an area of discomfort in less refined box store kayaks. Adjustable straps along the sides move the back rest forward and back, allowing each paddler to tailor the fit.
Foot braces are an important feature of any kayak, as they enable the paddler to make a solid connection to the boat and use the body’s larger muscle groups—including the core and legs—for stronger paddling over longer distances. The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is outfitted with foot braces on adjustable sliders to fit a wide range of leg lengths and paddler heights, although users over 6’4” (192 cm) may feel cramped.
About Perception’s Swifty Deluxe 9.5
Design
Design features and details
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak is stable and easy to maneuver, making it a good choice for first-time paddlers. Key design features include a 28.5-inch-wide hull with a flat bottom for excellent stability on calm waters; a relatively short 9.5-foot length for nimble turning; and light weight for easy handling on and off the water. The Swifty Deluxe 9.5 has a maximum capacity of 325lbs (147.4 kg), which is about average for recreational kayaks of this size.
When choosing a kayak, consider how easy it is to enter and exit. A good indicator of this for a sit-inside kayak like the Perception Swifty Deluxe is cockpit size. The longer and wider a cockpit is, the easier it will be to climb in and out of. The tradeoff is fit and support—larger cockpits offer less contact points along the hips, thighs and knees for the paddler to create a solid connection to the kayak.
A good connection is a critical foundation for efficient paddling and more refined boat control. The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak cockpit size measures a spacious 42.25 × 22 inches (107 × 56 cm)—privileging easy entry and exit, without being too oversized for most paddlers.
Paddlers will appreciate the convenience of a 10-inch hatch in the stern of the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5, which provides access to ample storage room inside the kayak. It’s important to note that the storage hatch on the Swifty Deluxe does not have a bulkhead like those found on touring kayaks and even some recreational kayaks. In other words, the hatch on the Perception Swifty Deluxe does not contain a watertight compartment—an imperative feature on kayaks designed for open and exposed waters. This means that if the kayak fills with water, it will not have an airtight space to stay afloat. For safety, the Swifty Deluxe 9.5 does come with foam to add flotation.
Other handy design features include a drain plug to empty any water inside the kayak, and a molded-in “dashboard” integrated into the bow deck. This recessed area just in front of the cockpit is a welcome addition; it’s an ideal catch-all for sunscreen, snacks or anything else you want to be able to grab quickly.
Material and construction
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak is constructed from robust rotomolded polyethylene plastic. Rotomolded kayaks are made from casting plastic pellets into a mold, which is slowly rotated while heated. Rotomolded polyethylene is a tried-and-true material for recreational, light touring and even whitewater kayaks designed to withstand years of abuse and hard impacts on rocky rivers.
In addition to being long-lasting and nearly indestructible, this plastic is also inexpensive to make, reflected by the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5’s budget-friendly $399.99 price.
As with any material, there is always a tradeoff. The disadvantage of rotomolded polyethylene is that it’s heavier than space-age composites or mid-range thermoformed plastic. The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 weighs 44 pounds (20 kg); for comparison, a 10-foot carbon fiber kayak would weigh just 22 pounds but cost over $3,000!
Most Perception Swifty buyers are happy with the price to weight ratio, and at 44 pounds it is still manageable to carry on your shoulder from parking lot to put-in. Better yet, the integrated handles on the bow and stern make for effortless carrying with a friend.
Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 kayak outfitting and accessories
The outfitting on the Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort on the water. The padded seat features a high back rest that is easily adjustable forward and back, allowing each paddler to fine-tune the fit. Adjustable foot braces offer good support for paddlers of varying heights, improving posture and paddling efficiency.
Bungees on the stern deck are handy for stashing your paddling jacket within easy reach, while a bungee “paddle park” on the bow is useful for tucking your paddle under when you need your hands free for fishing, snacking or photography.
Paddle Sober And Smart
Never mix alcohol and paddling. Coast Guard and state BUI (boating under the influence) laws apply to all vessels. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and rafts.
Casual kayak anglers will appreciate the two rod holders molded in on either side of the Perception Swifty Deluxe cockpit. For more dedicated kayak fishing, add Perception’s Rod X Pro accessory, which slips into the existing rod holder and has a bungee to secure the reel when paddling.
Also handy is a molded-in “dashboard” just in front of the cockpit. This recessed area is an ideal catch-all for tackle, snacks or anything else you want to be able to grab quickly.
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is compatible with Perception’s TrueFit Sun Shield, a thin nylon sprayskirt which stretches over the cockpit while paddling to keep splashes and paddle drips out of the kayak and provide protection from the elements. Pick up Perception’s TrueFit cockpit cover to keep creepy crawlies out of your kayak when it’s in storage.
Opportunity for modifications
Like any kayak, there are countless ways you can personalize the fit and function of a Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5. Glue a thin layer of foam under the cockpit where your knees make contact with the boat, or beneath your heels to keep your feet comfortable. Closed-cell foam, like the type used for old-school sleeping pads, makes good padding that can be trimmed to shape.
Anglers can add a paddle park beside the cockpit, and improve the existing rod holders with Perception’s Rod X Pro accessory for more secure rod storage.
Warranty
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty for the hull and deck and a one-year limited warranty on accessories, outfitting and parts.
How it compares
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is available exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods; however a nearly identical model called the Drift 9.5 is widely available across North America. These twin kayaks fall within Perception’s line of recreational sit-inside kayaks.
The Swifty 9.5 / Drift 9.5 is slightly sportier than Perception’s square-sterned Sound 9.5. The tapered stern makes for more agile turning in the Swifty 9.5, whereas the Sound 9.5’s square stern gives dedicated kayak anglers the option to add a trolling motor.
The Perception Swifty 9.5 is slightly more stable than the faster and pricier JoyRide 10.0, but the latter offers more premium features. Choose the JoyRide if you’re looking to invest a bit more in on-water comfort and convenience, like upgraded seating and a larger, easy-open stern hatch.
There are many similar kayaks from competing brands in the recreational market for paddlers who wish to enter the sport on calm, slow-moving waters. Field and Stream’s Blade 97 Elite is a comparable model, with more features directed to the avid fisherman.
Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 Kayak vs Pelican Mustang 100x Kayak
Pelican’s Mustang 100x is another popular sit-inside kayak option, and prospective paddlers may find themselves deciding between the two kayaks. The Mustang 100x comes in at a slightly higher price point, but includes a front hatch and large, open tank well in the stern. Along with dual rod holders, this makes the Mustang 100x a better choice for dedicated kayak fishing.
Material-wise, both kayaks are constructed from durable rotomolded polyethylene plastic. Pelican’s Mustang 100x is slightly lighter at 39 lbs, versus the Perception Swifty’s 44 lbs. If you’re torn between the two, test paddle both and see if one fits or performs better for your needs.
Photo: Courtesy Perception
Where to buy the Swifty Deluxe 9.5
The Perception Swifty Deluxe 9.5 is available exclusively at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Outside of Dick’s, look for the Perception Drift 9.5—the Swifty’s nearly identical twin, sharing the same design, construction and intended use. Find the Drift 9.5 at paddlesports retailers across North America, or use Perception’s dealer locator.
Pros and cons
Pros
Intuitive, stable and responsive design is perfect for beginner and intermediate kayakers looking to explore calm waters
Competitive price point
Sturdy, rotomolded polyethylene construction with 5-year warranty
Relatively lightweight for easy carrying to the water and loading onto a vehicle
Comfortable seat with high back rest for lumbar support
Large, open cockpit for easy entry and exit
Cons
Taller paddlers may feel cramped in a 9.5-foot kayak; opt instead for a boat longer than 10 feet
No padding where knees meet the cockpit
No bulkhead/watertight chamber for flotation—a critical safety feature if paddling on more exposed waters
To leash or not to leash? Either way, river paddleboarders also need to wear all the essentials of whitewater paddling, including helmet and inherently buoyant PFD. | Feature photo: Ashley Voykin
ASUP leash is a plastic cord connecting paddleboard to paddler. It’s an essential piece of safety equipment for flatwater paddling and ocean surfing, ensuring the paddler doesn’t become separated from their board in an upset. However, using a leash in the river environment is a contentious topic.
That’s because any line in moving water is an entrapment hazard. If a leash catches on a rock or strainer, even a relatively minimal current can anchor a paddler underwater. American Whitewater’s accident database reports seven board-related fatalities on moving water in the U.S. within the past five years. Of those, four involved leashes. Anecdotally, there are many more near misses.
[ Find a swiftwater rescue course near you in the Paddling Trip Guide ]
SUP leashes on the river—yea or nay?
“Avoiding entrapment is a key concept for whitewater paddling, and a long, dangling rope carries that risk, even when on a quick-release,” cautions Danny Peled, director of Boreal River Rescue. “There are a lot of times where river paddleboarders shouldn’t be wearing leashes, but they saw other people doing it, or it seems acceptable. There’s no other situation where whitewater paddlers would have a long, dangly thing hanging. In many cases, the risks outweigh the benefits.”
The ACA also takes a conservative approach to leash use in moving water. It recommends leashes might be appropriate on large-volume rivers with deep rapids and swift currents free of obstructions. A swiftwater safety course is the best way to get educated to judge the appropriateness of using a leash based on the river in question and its current conditions.
To leash or not to leash? Either way, river paddleboarders also need to wear all the essentials of whitewater paddling, including helmet and inherently buoyant PFD. | Feature photo: Ashley Voykin
Those who use leashes on the river argue they’re potentially a lifeline, keeping a paddler connected to their gear and board—which is an additional flotation device—and that a leash allows the paddler to swim without worrying about board management. In some high flow situations or on remote trips, the risk of losing a board may also outweigh the risk of entrapment.
“I always wear a leash. I see value in using it, and I respect it and am aware of its dangers,” says Melanie Seiler, a SUP instructor, former state director for the American Canoe Association (ACA), and current executive director of Active Southern West Virginia. Seiler grew up on Appalachian whitewater and views leashes as essential gear allowing paddlers to quickly get back on their boards where they’re safest.
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all SUP leashes ]
River versus flatwater SUP leash usage
When using a leash on the river, it should never be attached to the ankle or leg, as is typical in flatwater SUP. This is because it may be impossible for the paddler to bend against the current and reach upstream to release the leash in an entrapment scenario. A leash used in moving water must instead be attached at or above the waist, reachable by both hands, and on a quick-release system. Coiled leashes are preferred for river use to keep the leash out of the water and prevent snagging.
Seiler encourages regular practice with the quick-release system for extreme situations. “There has to become some muscle memory to make it happen in a situation it’s designed for: You’re in rushing water and pinned. Your eyes are closed, and your hand is finding the release mechanism and feeling how hard you have to pull it and in what direction to get it to come loose. All at a time you’d be freaking out.”
There are also a few circumstances where Seiler doesn’t promote leashes, such as when she teaches beginner classes on flat rivers, or when the leash poses a significant risk of entanglement with others, as at mass start races.
Standup paddleboarding isn’t the only board sport making its way from the coast to interior whitewater over the past decade. River surfing continues to gain popularity, especially as stationary waves take shape in outdoor towns globally. The risks of leashes are also discussed in the fledgling river surf community, according to Neil Egsgard, president of the Alberta River Surfing Association and founder of the Calgary-based stationary wave design firm, Surf Anywhere.
At the waves Surf Anywhere has designed, Egsgard’s company places signage reading: “Danger. All leashes can drown river surfers. Current will not let go. Surfer cannot release. Do not wear a leash or do have a leash auto-fail point at the body.”
“A common misconception is [quick-release] leashes are always releasable,” says Egsgard. “Taking a whitewater safety course with professionals quickly reveals releasing leashes under tension can be very challenging.”
Egsgard argues manual quick-release systems can fail and recommends river surfers and paddleboarders wear leashes that also have an auto-fail point. This component, such as a low-strength cord or a plastic strap, is manufactured to break under tension. If a paddler becomes trapped and cannot activate their quick release, this component will break and the paddler will float free.
Ultimately, there’s no one correct answer to the question of leashes on the river. Safety equipment needs to be tailored to the specific river environment and it’s each paddler’s responsibility to get the education to make informed decisions about where a leash is appropriate.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
To leash or not to leash? Either way, river paddleboarders also need to wear all the essentials of whitewater paddling, including helmet and inherently buoyant PFD. | Feature photo: Ashley Voykin
George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “Man resolutely progresses in all things by making a fool of himself.” So do canoeists. | Feature photo: Geoff Whitlock
My goal last winter was to become a half-decent Great Lakes surfer. That was my first mistake. Forget that I’d only ever taken one surf lesson. I don’t do any other board sports. And the frigid lake isn’t the most conducive learning environment. I was undeterred, counting on beginner’s luck to make up my gap in experience. What could go wrong?
This is how I found myself bobbing around in Lake Ontario on a frigid December morning, squinting against the sleet pelting my cheeks, clad in six millimeters of neoprene. After 90 minutes of trying and failing to catch the short swells rolling past me, my hands and feet were aching with cold—time to go in.
I paddled closer to shore to time my exit.
“You goin’ in?” one surfer called over. The icicles in his beard hid his smile.
“Oh yeah,” I told him, misunderstanding his question completely.
“Cool,” he said, turning away and paddling hard to catch the big wave I was also—unexpectedly—cresting.
I lost my balance, fell off my board and resurfaced. I turtle rolled to miss the next crashing wave… came back up… got smashed in the face with one wave, two waves… lost grip on my board… got dragged feet-first by my leash towards shore. I tried to get my footing and grab my board before the same receding wave pulled it past me and yanked me off my feet again. Fail.
George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “Man resolutely progresses in all things by making a fool of himself.” So do canoeists. | Feature photo: Geoff Whitlock
Four waves toppled me before I staggered out and stumbled back to my snow-covered car. Inside I sat shivering, heat jacked, wet neoprene dripping onto the seats, my fingertips jammed into the air vents waiting for the feeling in my hands to return enough to wrestle out of the wetsuit.
But the difficulty of awkward beginnings is worth the trouble, according to Tom Vanderbilt, the author of Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning. The book highlights his yearlong experience tackling five new skills: chess, singing, drawing, juggling and surfing.
Vanderbilt begins his journey after noticing how many parents spend the duration of their kids’ extracurricular lessons on their phones. Desperate to shake up his “mid-career competence,” Vanderbilt joins his daughter in chess lessons and takes on learning as a sport.
Never too old to be a beginner
I read Beginners shortly after being chundered in the surf; around the same time, I wondered if I’d missed the window to learn this skill.
Vanderbilt disagrees.
Yes, learning at a young age is easier. That’s partly due to the sponge-like brains of youth. Sure, kids also have more free time. And they have less fear of injury—both to body and ego. Nevertheless, regardless of age or how busy you are, introducing a new skill is one of the most life-enhancing things you can do, Vanderbilt argues. Learning something new and challenging, particularly with a group, has proven benefits for the brain.
“A study that had adults aged 58 to 86 simultaneously take multiple classes—ranging from Spanish to music composition to painting—found that after just a few months, the learners had improved not only at Spanish or painting, but on a battery of cognitive tests. They’d rolled back the odometers in their brains by some 30 years. They’d changed in other ways, too: they felt more confident, they were pleasantly surprised by their work, and they kept getting together after the study ended,” writes Vanderbilt about the findings of neuroscientists.
It scarcely seems to matter what new skills are learned—think surfing, bird watching, astrophotography, Greenland-style kayak rolling, knot tying, juggling, whatever.
“Learning new skills changes the way you see the world,” writes Vanderbilt. “Learning to sing changes the way you listen to music, while learning to draw is a tutorial on the human visual system. Learning to weld is a crash course in physics and metallurgy.”
Buoyed by the encouragement, I kept paddling out. I spent my canoeing off-season captivated by storm systems, water quality data reports and the hydrodynamics of waves, while also connecting with a new community of water lovers.
Learning is a process, and it’s not linear
Vanderbilt’s advice is not to get hung up on goals. My first mistake, remember?
“Focus on the process, not some endpoint of mastery. Make learning itself the goal,” he says. “And remember: Mistakes are okay. Mistakes are where the learning is happening.”
[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: See all surfing paddleboards ]
It’s okay to be bad; we’ll get better—and hey, there are benefits even if we don’t.
Kaydi Pyette is the managing editor of Paddling Magazine. In mid-January, with the air temperature -7°C and water temperature 2°C, she caught her first wave.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “Man resolutely progresses in all things by making a fool of himself.” So do canoeists. | Feature photo: Geoff Whitlock
No one knew it at the time, but October 16, 2019, would be the last time for more than two years that members of the Revelstoke Paddlesport Association would officially meet for the Wednesday night paddle. No doubt it was raining. It starts raining here in October. And no doubt it was in the public parking lot at the corner of First and Orton. It’s where they’ve always met.
Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., cars and trucks arrive with kayaks strapped to them. There are handshakes and high fives. Water levels are discussed. Then boats are untied and stacked on fewer cars heading toward rivers best matching the skills of whoever showed up. Newer paddlers are mentored. Nobody I know remembers who started the Wednesday night paddle. All they know is that it used to be on Tuesdays, but it got moved for some reason no one remembers.
Two years is a long time. Long enough to forget fun. But it’s time to get back on the water, find new routines—and rediscover old ones. | Feature photo: Yan Kaczynski
The Corona virus surged around the globe before the snow in the mountains began to drip into our river valleys. Even after the backcountry ban was officially lifted, nobody was shuttling together. Put-ins and launches were busy with small bubble groups. No paddling organization wanted to be caught sanctioning anything social, even an event as loosey-goosey as the weekly Wednesday night paddle.
How to break out of a rut
Lisa Firestone is a clinical psychologist and author. In Psychology Today, she wrote about why it’s important to break routines. Her self-help advice is about breaking bad habits. Like, say, scrolling endlessly through social media or stopping for a bag of Doritos at the corner store. But her advice works both ways.
Firestone suggests first making a list of routines we’re willing to switch up. Only then can we start to take action. The secret, she suggests, is baby steps. Nothing monumental at first. Just mix things up a little, like trying a new restaurant or taking a different route to work. Eventually, we may explore what it would mean to break out of a fixed identity or a role we impose upon ourselves.
Okay, sure. But what if our Wednesday paddle drop-in dirtbag crew is part of our fixed identity and self-imposed role in life? What if we like it? And what if a global pandemic causes the world to lockdown, almost overnight? No baby steps. Cold turkey.
Canoeists, kayakers and paddleboaders everywhere were tossed out of their routines. Most of us struggled to find new things to fill our weekly club paddling nights.
Two years is a long time. Long enough to forget fun. Regulars left town, board members retired, and minute books were lost. I bought a television. Annual events and races were mothballed. For two years, if anyone paddled it was with family or those whose Instagram handles we already knew. Small bubbles. I hope we never use the word bubble again. On my first club night this spring, I realized I hadn’t paddled with anyone new in two summers.
Despite a 30 percent growth in paddlesport participation and sales during pandemic lockdowns, gatherings have been slow to recover. Paddling events across the country are coming back online but with lower registrations than before. Wednesday nights in Revelstoke are quieter. There are fewer boats on fewer cars. There’s now more online chatter throughout the day about what rivers. Who’s going? What levels? Who’s driving?
Who cares, I say.
We’re stuck in these new hand-wringing routines of concern, guilt and indecision developed during Covid. Firestone says it’s important to check in with ourselves and see how these new routines make us feel.
The old way was better.
Wednesday nights were a sure thing. You could plan your life around it. Rain or shine. You knew at least one other person would show up. It didn’t matter who. And that was enough. There was no need for Facebook groups. That’s what tailgates are for. “What do y’all wanna paddle tonight?”
Maybe it will take another two years to get back to where we once were. I hope someday soon we feel less anxious about everything. I hope we reconnect with each other and who we really are. I hope we will remember what we enjoy, what matters most to us, and what makes us come alive. When you’re ready, head down to the corner of First and Orton on any given Wednesday. You can figure out the rest from there.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Two years is a long time. Long enough to forget fun. But it’s time to get back on the water, find new routines—and rediscover old ones. | Feature photo: Yan Kaczynski
At the edge of twilight, a lone paddleboarder glides among giant orcas on the coast of Norway. Above her, snowy mountains bathed in warm light pierce a pink and violet sky.
Images like this don’t happen by chance in the fjords of Arctic Norway. Capturing elusive orcas amid spellbinding scenery and magical, fleeting light at the top of the world is Tommy Simonsen’s specialty. For the Norwegian landscape, wildlife and documentary photographer, the Arctic’s capricious weather and fickle light hold the key to its enduring appeal.
“Much of November, December and January, the sun simply doesn’t appear above the horizon,” Simonsen explains. “But for a brief time just before the sun disappears in November and after it returns in January, the Arctic light is a gift of pastel colors.” During this time of the year, sunrise and sunset linger for as long as two hours.
Images like this—of a sublime orca encounter—don’t happen by chance in the fjords of Arctic Norway. | Feature photo: Tommy Simonsen
Factor in roaming killer whale pods and marauding winter storms, however, and chasing ephemeral cotton candy skies at 70 degrees north is no simple task.
Around 3,000 orcas live in the Norwegian and Barents seas, spending most of the year in offshore waters. Then, from mid-October through January, they enter the narrow coastal fjords of Arctic Norway, following shoals of herring. The whales move around the fjords, so finding them takes experience and more than a little luck.
Simonsen describes a typical day during a January photoshoot: board a small, open boat in the island fishing village of Skjervøy; depart the harbor around 6 a.m. and speed through the Arctic winter darkness, swaddled in a survival suit and insulating layers of wool and down. Wait for the two-and-a-half-hour window around midday when diffuse, soft-hued daylight illuminates snow-covered mountains and—hopefully—the slick, black backs and towering dorsal fins of an orca pod. Watch, compose and shoot as the sky glows intense yellow and pastel pink. By early afternoon, the sun will dip back below the horizon and darkness will reclaim the fjord.
[ Plan your next Norway paddling adventure with the Paddling Trip Guide ]
Whether he’s traveling by boat, dogsled or skis, Simonsen relies on a network of talented expedition partners for support and safety. Human subjects also lend a more intimate scale to otherwise austere images of vast, frozen landscapes. Many have become close friends—like standup paddleboarder and Schibevaag Adventure founder, Kari Schibevaag, who leads paddling and snorkeling excursions to experience Norway’s orca whales.
Treating whales with caution and respect
Paddling in such close proximity to 26-foot-long, five-ton marine mammals demands respect and an understanding of their behavior.
“When we see a gathering of whale-watching boats in the fjord, we try to go somewhere else to minimize our impact,” Simonsen explains. “Most of the time, we get lucky and the pods pop up around us. They are often curious about Kari in a peaceful way.”
Making images like these, says Simonsen, is all about patience. Including plenty of extra time in any travel plans is essential. During the winter months, Arctic low pressure systems march across the North Atlantic in quick succession, bringing snow, rain and high winds making it impossible to venture out into the fjords. Simonsen’s advice for aspiring photographers and paddlers: be prepared to wait—for the weather, the whales, the sun or, simply, the right moment.
This article was first published in the Early Summer 2022 issue of Paddling Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
Images like this—of a sublime orca encounter—don’t happen by chance in the fjords of Arctic Norway. | Feature photo: Tommy Simonsen
Circumnavigate is an official selection of the 2023 Paddling Film Festival, and available to stream today as part of the Adventure Program.
