The final day of the 2015 Canoecopia Show, was a big success for Rutabaga Paddlesports, as many of the boats on the booth’s shelves had a big sold sticker on them by the end of the day. The first paddling show for many in the US, Canoecopia was filled with spectators looking to buy new boats for the season, getting caught up on the latest trends in the world of paddling and talking with old friends they were worried about over the long winter. Check out the latest offerings that are sure to start a frenzy once spring hits your local waters:
EmberLit Stoves
Having a lightweight camp stove at the end of a long, cold paddle can be a life saver. EmberLit Stoves take the words “lightweight” and “packable” to a whole new level. With these stoves, all you need is a few inches of space to slide the un-assembled stoves into a crack. Not only do these stoves fold down flat in secods, they’re also so strong when assembled that you could stand on them.
The stainless steel stove, $45 weighs only 11.5 ounces, while the titanium version, $85, weighs only 2.8 ounces. The true benefit of these stoves though, is the abillity to find fuel at camp, instead of packing in a propane tank. Fuel can be just a handful of sticks, or any other fuel source you can find. EmberLit Stoves also offers a smaller version, the FireAnt Pocket Stove, (below), which is a 1-2 person, personal camping stove, also designed to accept any fuel source. The FireAnt weighs 2.8 ounces and only comes in a titanium version. All Ember Lit Stoves are made in the US.
Farm to Feet
it was very fitting for me to check out Farm to Feet’s “Madison” socks, at Canoecopia, which was located in Madison, Wisconsin. Fully cushioned from toe to top, the socks felt plush and comfortable.
Made from 74% Merino wool, these crew length socks also have an air vent that runs the entire length of sock, so your feet won’t overheat on the long days on the water. All materials are made in the US and the socks have a lifetime garuntee.
Squid Anchor
Need a lightweight, packable anchor system? Check out the Squid Anchor, an anchor that uses a durable mesh bag that you can fill with rocks or gravel to stop your kayak. Hard flukes hold the anchor in place, but if the anchor gets stuck, the mesh bag can flex and it will pull loose.
There are three models available: Squid (largest, holds 15lbs), Urchin (holds 10lbs) and Shrimp (holds 6lbs). All the anchors are adjustable and fold inside themselves to make their own storage bags.
Torch Paddles
Paddle all night long with the light-up SUP paddle and canoe paddles from Torch Paddles. The paddles, which have a carbon fiber shaft, have an “integrated lighting system” on the paddle blade, which are LED lights inset and epoxied over to provide protection to the lights. “You could smash the lights on a rock and they wouldn’t break,” said the folks in the Torch booth.
A recessed on/off button at the top of the handle lets you paddle without accidently hitting the button. 8 AAA batteries, located inside the top of the shaft, provide up to 40 hours of continous use. Torch Paddles also said they are coming out with a kayak paddle sometime late this year.
Malone Auto Racks
The latest offering from Malone Auto Racks, is the Versa Rail, a universal rack system that will give any flat car roof a set of capable kayak racks. The racks attach via suction cups and are secured with a strap that runs underneath the roof, through the car. Pricing for the Versa Rail system starts at $129.95, and has a capacity of 150lbs.
For more information about Canoecopia, or Rutabaga Paddlesports, check out canoecopia.com.
