The halls were buzzing on opening day of the 2015 Canoecopia Show, presented by Rutabaga Paddlesports. The first paddling show for many in the US, Canoecopia was filled with spectators looking to buy new boats for the season, getting caught up on the latest trends in the world of paddling and whitewater and talking with old friends they were worried about over the long winter. Check out the latest offerings of gear that are sure to start a frenzy once spring hits your local waters:
Jackson Kayak
Jackson Kayak has released new versions of two of their popular boats: the Fun and the Zen. Each model will have three different sizes, small, medium and large, (rather than numbered sizes) and are both redesigned to offer great fun for both the beginner and more experienced paddler.
With the 2007 models of the Fun being so popular, Jackson has made the new version of the popular boat more of a river running boat, like it’s aforementioned predecessor. The boat is designed to have solid initial stability and a greater ease of use. With more volume in the body and a longer length, the Fun is designed to be more user friendly.
The Zen retains its “zippy and quick speed,” while gaining increased volume in both the bow and stern and a higher parting line. With the intent to make the boat more user friendly, the Zen has more “creekable volume” but Jackson says the boat is a capable enough to handle nearly anything.
Nova Craft Canoe
When Nova Craft Canoe released a video of a brutal beatdown of their new material TuffStuff, many were convinced, including me. I couldn’t wait to check out the new boats made from the new material and they didn’t disappoint. Available in any of the composite boats in the Nova Craft lineup, the TuffStuff boats have a large array of benefits over simliar materials, like Royalex. The boats made from the material are stiffer, thus making them perform better on the water and are also lighter, making portages easier. Stay tuned for a full review of the new material from a future issue ofCanoeroots, coming soon!
For more information about Canoecopia, or Rutabaga Paddlesports, check out canoecopia.com.
