2022-08-01 Paddling Magazine

T H E W O R L D ’ S L A RG E S T C A N O E , K A Y A K , S U P A N D K A Y A K F IS H I N G G E A R G U I D E




























PADDLING
BUYER’S
GUIDE

» CANOES
» SEA KAYAKS
» STANDUP PADDLEBOARDS
» FISHING KAYAKS
» WHITEWATER BOATS
» RECREATIONAL KAYAKS
» PADDLES & PFDS
» OUTERWEAR & APPAREL
» ACCESSORIES & MORE






























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I S SUE 6 6 | E S T . 2 016












30


WHEN GOOD GEAR KILLS
What you need to know
about the most controversial
piece of kit on the river.
74


THE FUTURE OF RESCUE
The new tech revolutionizing
the search for missing paddlers.

118

DEBUNKED
Pro boaters on whitewater’s biggest myths.

147


SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS
The perils of getting a real
education in risk management.

COVER PHOTO: ATHLETE: ADRIAN MATTERN //
LOCATION: NYAMINDI RIVER, KENYA. 5 10
PHOTO: DAVID SODOMKA
Off The Tongue Watercolors
THIS PAGE: CHASING THE LIGHT ON BUCCANEER 6 226
BAY NEAR THORMANBY ISLAND, BRITISH
COLUMBIA. PHOTO: TAYLOR BURK Campfire Recirculation




19 47 71 111 137 208


GENERAL
PADDLEBOARDING KAYAK FISHING CANOEING WHITEWATER KAYAKING PADDLESPORTS




PHOTO: RYAN OSMAN PHOTO: HALICONIA PRESS/PADDLE TALES PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL PHOTO: DAN SUTHERLAND PHOTO: ELIZABETH GADD PHOTO: TAYLOR BURK








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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PHOTO: KAYDI PYETTE







PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | SCOTT MACGREGOR
MANAGING EDITOR | KAYDI PYETTE
SUBSCRIPTIONS | JENNIFER QUADE
KAYAK ANGLER EDITOR | RIC BURNLEY
MEDIA SALES | BRENNA SHULTZ
MEDIA SALES | SCOTT MACGREGOR
MEDIA SALES COORDINATOR | CLAIRE MAHAFFY
MARKETING | CRISTIN PLAICE
DIGITAL EDITOR | MARISSA EVANS
CONTENT MARKETING | LOUISE STANWAY
PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL TOUR | AMY STENNER
PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR | RAY BRETZLOFF
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION | MICHAEL HEWIS
DIGITAL PRODUCTION | JEFF PRIEST
FINANCE | ROBYN PLANTINGA
CONTRIBUTORS
ALISON KARLENE HODGINS, ANDREW STRAIN, ASHLEY VOYKIN, BEN HAGGAR, BRENDAN KOWTECKY, BRIAN DAY, CHRIS
CASTRO, CONOR MIHELL, DAN SUTHERLAND, DANIEL STEWART, DAVID JACKSON, DIANA LEE, ELIZABETH GADD, ERIC
BERGER, ERIK BOOMER, FIONA HOUGH, FRANK WOLF, GEOFF ORTIZ, JAIME SHARP, JAMES RAFFAN, JESSICA WYNNE
LOCKHART, JOE POTOCZAK, KEVIN CALLAN, KEVIN LIGHT, KONRAD VAN VARSEVELD, MARISSA TIEL, MICHAEL CONNOR,
NEIL SCHULMAN, NICHOLAS SPOONER, NICK GOTTLIEB, NICK MOIR, NOAH BOOTH, PAUL MASON, PETER HOLCOMBE,
ROB FAUBERT, ROB MCCULLOUGH, ROLAND JIMENEZ, RYAN OSMAN, SARAH MCNAIR-LANDRY, SHANE DURRANCE, TASHA
VAN ZANDT, TAYLOR BURK, TERESA O'BRIEN, TIM SHUFF, TOMMY SIMONSEN, VIRGINIA MARSHALL, WEST HANSEN, WILL
REDDAWAY, YAN KACZYNSKI
COOPED UP AND STRESSED OUT? SUBSCRIPTIONS

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(613) 706-0677 | [email protected]
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WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA.

WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?
PHOTO: YAN KACZYNSKI







OFF THE TONGUE
Breaking Bad



by scott macgregor

NO ONE KNEW IT AT THE TIME, but October 16, Firestone suggests first making a list of routines Revelstoke are quieter. There are fewer boats on fewer
2019, would be the last time for more than two years we’re willing to switch up. Only then can we start to cars. There’s now more online chatter throughout the
that members of the Revelstoke Paddlesport Association take action. The secret, she suggests, is baby steps. day about what rivers. Who’s going? What levels?
would officially meet for the Wednesday night paddle. Nothing monumental at first. Just mix things up a Who’s driving?
No doubt it was raining. It starts raining here in October. little, like trying a new restaurant or taking a differ- Who cares, I say.
And no doubt it was in the public parking lot at the ent route to work. Eventually, we may explore what We’re stuck in these new hand-wringing routines
corner of First and Orton. It’s where they’ve always met. it would mean to break out of a fixed identity or a of concern, guilt and indecision developed during
Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., cars and trucks role we impose upon ourselves. Covid. Firestone says it’s important to check in with
arrive with kayaks strapped to them. There are hand- Okay, sure. But what if our Wednesday paddle ourselves and see how these new routines make us feel.
shakes and high fives. Water levels are discussed. Then drop-in dirtbag crew is part of our fixed identity and The old way was better.
boats are untied and stacked on fewer cars heading self-imposed role in life? What if we like it? And what Wednesday nights were a sure thing. You could
toward rivers best matching the skills of whoever if a global pandemic causes the world to lockdown, plan your life around it. Rain or shine. You knew at
showed up. Newer paddlers are mentored. Nobody almost overnight? No baby steps. Cold turkey. least one other person would show up. It didn’t matter
I know remembers who started the Wednesday night Canoeists, kayakers and paddleboaders everywhere who. And that was enough. There was no need for
paddle. All they know is that it used to be on Tuesdays, were tossed out of their routines. Most of us struggled to Facebook groups. That’s what tailgates are for. “What
but it got moved for some reason no one remembers. find new things to fill our weekly club paddling nights. do y’all wanna paddle tonight?”
The Corona virus surged around the globe before Two years is a long time. Long enough to forget Maybe it will take another two years to get back to
the snow in the mountains began to drip into our river fun. Regulars left town, board members retired, and where we once were. I hope someday soon we feel less
valleys. Even after the backcountry ban was officially minute books were lost. I bought a television. Annual anxious about everything. I hope we reconnect with
lifted, nobody was shuttling together. Put-ins and events and races were mothballed. For two years, if each other and who we really are. I hope we will re-
launches were busy with small bubble groups. No anyone paddled it was with family or those whose member what we enjoy, what matters most to us, and
paddling organization wanted to be caught sanction- Instagram handles we already knew. Small bubbles. what makes us come alive. When you’re ready, head
ing anything social, even an event as loosey-goosey I hope we never use the word bubble again. On my down to the corner of First and Orton on any given
as the weekly Wednesday night paddle. first club night this spring, I realized I hadn’t paddled Wednesday. You can figure out the rest from there.
Lisa Firestone is a clinical psychologist and author. with anyone new in two summers.
In Psychology Today, she wrote about why it’s impor- Despite a 30 percent growth in paddlesport par- Scott MacGregor is the founder and publisher of Pad-
tant to break routines. Her self-help advice is about ticipation and sales during pandemic lockdowns, dling Magazine. To find a list of clubs offering weekly
breaking bad habits. Like, say, scrolling endlessly gatherings have been slow to recover. Paddling events paddle nights near you, first visit paddlingmag.com/
through social media or stopping for a bag of Doritos across the country are coming back online but with clubs. Then just show up.
at the corner store. But her advice works both ways. lower registrations than before. Wednesday nights in


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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

CAMPFIRE









READER PHOTOS
#PaddleForever


Where’s your favorite place
to paddle close to home?


LIFE AQUATIC
The clear water creates a fabulous effect, like a
forest in the lake. This photo was taken in the
Matese Mountains in Italy, while guiding for the
Matese Discovery Company.
PHOTO: AMEDEO SANTOMASSIMO




THE PROBLEM WITH EXPLORERS TODAY




In an opinion essay for Paddling Magazine, Bob Henderson wrote about why the glorification of punishing expeditions
is a disservice to all paddlers [Summer 2021, paddlingmag.com/0115]. The article prompted a big response online.

Everyone is out for the Thanks for put- an adventure writer, and even
fastest known time now… ting this out in consumer media jumps on the
Recently I’ve been seeing the world. I believe expert bandwagon with quasi
times measured to the those “bravado- information and misleading
second. For what pur- grunt narratives” tips. We’ve lowered the stan- WILD, WILD HORSES
pose? Is someone who are a relic of our dards and the neophytes out My wife and I started our own eco-educational
did it three seconds faster colonial past, and there are being fed a bogus nar- kayak tours on Chincoteague Island, Virginia,
than me really better than a window into our rative that glorifies the wrong as- where we have the great privilege of guiding
me? Is there some award? European settler pects of these outdoor ventures.  guests through the waterways to see the famous
Of course, we both know they aren’t world view. The concept of man —Tom Watson Chincoteague wild ponies you see swimming in
and there isn’t. But here we are.  versus nature is artificial and the water behind us in this photo.
— James Bonney ridiculous. Nature is not an PHOTO: STEVE HARRISON / ASSATEAGUE ADVENTURES
adversary to be conquered;
Great article. Too many people it’s our life support system! 
want to be an internet star rather —Andy Murray
than enjoy nature. Viral videos
where a human causes an ani- The essence of this en-
mal to act out of character usu- tire issue lies in the one
ally get the animal hunted down short sentence: “Obviously,
and killed for being aggressive. grunt narratives sell.” Social
—Fl Kayaker media makes every person


FROM OUR CONTRIBUTORS RIVER OF DREAMS
Renowned expedition kayaker Jon Turk takes readers to the parched “This is a photo my friend Jill Makins took of me at
savannah of Kenya and deep into human history and mythology in his Paresseux Falls when we paddled a section of the
newest—and allegedly last—book. In his signature storytelling style, Turk Mattawa River last summer,” writes Josie Dinsmore.
mixes philosophy, anthropology and adventure into a mind-expanding “I had never paddled this section of the river, and it
read while exploring the cultural myths we live and die for. jonturk.net was beautiful. It was quiet, peaceful and rugged.”
PHOTO: JILL MAKINS
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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

WE ASKED, YOU ANSWERED


HOW OFTEN DO YOU FALLING OUT OF A KAYAK OR
BRING A SPARE PADDLE? CANOE ON ENTRY/EXIT—DOES
IT COUNT AS A SWIM?
7%

Never
17%

Only on 40%
Only if
CITY SECRETS remote trips someone 43%
A shipwreck right in the heart of Toronto! One saw it Yes
of the many benefits of paddling year-round is 17%
seeing changes in the environment—this ship- 65%
wreck is covered in algae and aquatic plants in Only on
the summer. The wildlife, stunning city skyline overnight Always, even 17%
views, and secrets of this magical spot are why trips on day trips No
it’s my favorite place to paddle.
PHOTO: DIANA LEE







IODINE: NOT FOR SALTWATER?

“I’m loving this issue, but I noticed something the organization’s medical director, Rowe re-
in the first aid kit article where it says to use ports: “Although we too have heard anecdotal
iodine [Fall 2021, paddlingmag.com/0116],” claims that povidone-iodine (PI) can interact
emailed a reader who preferred to remain negatively with coral or inhibit wound heal-
anonymous. “Iodine is not recommended ing in any wound contaminated by a saltwater
for saltwater environments because certain organism, we have not found any published
saltwater microbes use it as food… It might evidence that supports this claim.”
SHADES OF AQUAMARINE be best to mention this to your readers and “Full-strength PI solution or PI scrub on
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are by far my suggest hydrogen peroxide as an alternative for an open wound can interfere with healing,”
favorite paddle experiences. The color of the ocean and brackish water paddling. I learned she adds. “For irrigation of wounds, we rec-
water surrounded by beautiful mountains in Banff, this the hard way.” ommend using clean drinking-quality water
Canada, was just spectacular. We asked Wilderness Medical Associates or bottled saline, a one percent PI solution
PHOTO: BILLIE MACDONALD International president Abby Rowe to weigh (provided there are no contraindications
in on using iodine to disinfect wounds in salt- such as allergies), or a product specifically
water environments. After consulting with formulated for use in open wounds.”



SOCK IT TO ‘EM

Responses were divided when we ran this image featuring sassy PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
socks tucked on top of the masthead in the Summer 2021 issue of
Paddling Magazine [paddlingmag.com/0117].
“You got to be kidding me. I “Dear Editor, where can I get a pair
BETTER THAN BANFF? love it when I am out in my of the socks like those in the attached
The glacier lakes of western Canada come to
mind when we think of picturesque lakes boast- ‘yak, but using the F word… I picture???? I love it!!!!!”
ing that sought-after blue-green hue. Little Lime- thought you’al [sic] had some —John Scanlan,
stone Lake in northern Manitoba offers views class. I am so disappointed.” Hilton Head Island, SC
rivaling its western counterparts. Not to mention,
the water is much warmer! —Geno
PHOTO: ROBYN BOOTH
7
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

CAMPFIRE





WHERE THE PAVEMENT ENDS,
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS.
PHOTO: SCOTT MACGREGOR



IN MEMORY OF
Here my dad catches me with our canoe next to
one of the freighters going from the Port of New
Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico. We paddled the
Mississippi River in 100 days, commemorating the
victims of Covid-19 with sunset performances of
Taps, played on the trumpet by my father.
PHOTO: SAMANTHA ARMACOST
























REAL CREEKIN’ MAD

I am very upset that your article “Ultimate Guide to Driving Shuttle” (Fall 2021, paddlingmag.com/0118)  LOCAL TREASURE
has a vehicle driving along a creek bed. Really? It’s 2021 and we should know better than to promote the We ordered a new inflatable canoe for whitewater
destruction of any waterway. How is that ok? Please take corrective action because you know better. family paddling, and we tested it on the Danube
Most Sincerely, River between Slovakia and Hungary. The river’s
Wildflowerboats dozens of beaches are habitats for birds, beavers,
wild pigs and deer. And it’s located only 30 kilome-
“Not a creek bed. It’s the old railway line—tracks removed Mad with then Canadian freestyle team members Billy ters from the city of Bratislava, where we live.
years before, and now a multi-use trail—bordering the Harris and Tiffany Manchester for a photoshoot on rock PHOTO: TOMAS VELECKY
Madawaska River between the villages of Madawaska and moves, like spins and splats and rock wheels. My Trooper
Whitney. A beaver had dammed a little creek, flooding the was towed away from the office parking lot in the fall of
railway trail with the resulting pond. Although the water 2001. I got more for the stereo than I did for scrap metal.” SHOW US YOUR BEST SHOTS!
was pushing either over the hood if we went too quickly —Scott MacGregor,
or seeping in the doors if we went too slowly, we knew the Paddling Magazine DREAM JOBS For a chance to be featured in a future issue
Publisher,
bottom was solid railway rock. We were accessing the Upper of Paddling Magazine, share your paddling
Paddling Magazine has pictures from around the world and tag us on
launched a Paddling Industry Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Job Board. So whether you’re
looking to push rubber on
the iconic Snake River or
teach youth how to form Follow Us Everywhere
#PADDLEFOREVER their first J stroke on a
backcountry canoe trip, you’ll
Write letters to [email protected] or old school it to Paddling find the best opportunities in
Magazine, 55 Red Pine Drive, Palmer Rapids, Ontario, K0J 2E0. We read the paddling industry at pad-
each one. The best, and probably the worst, will be showcased here. dlingmag.com/job-board. paddlingmagazine @paddlingmagazine @paddlingmag


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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

36 42
WINNER INDEX

















55 66 90



















126 166 194


















198 210 212






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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

WATERCOLORS
























































































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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

Busy day at The Lorne
with kayakers and rafters
enjoying the summer beauty
of the mighty Ottawa River.

PHOTO: ROB FAUBERT


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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

“We do not remember days... We remember moments.

LOCATION: DEVASTATION CHANNEL, INSIDE PASSAGE, LOCATION: ALGONQUIN PARK, ONTARIO // PHOTO: VIRGINIA MARSHALL
BRITISH COLUMBIA // PHOTO: YAN KACZYNSKI
















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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten.”
—Cesare Pavese, Italian poet

LOCATION: DESOLATION SOUND, VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA //
PHOTO: ROB MCCOLLOUGH














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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

"The run is mainly for this triple
drop, but even though the rest was
bony, it's still a damn good time.
I think climbing up to take the
photo was significantly scarier than
kayaking the waterfalls."


LOCATION: ROGERS CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA //
PADDLER: ARCHER MCLEAY //
PHOTO: DAN SUTHERLAND


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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

Packrafting through a remote canyon with a massive
waterfall on an eight-day trip along the Rio La Venta.

LOCATION: CHIAPAS, MEXICO // PADDLER: HAYLEY GENDRON //
PHOTO: TAYLOR BURK














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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

Wind, not the moon, is the key ingredient for surf on
the Great Lakes—30 kilometer an hour winds sustained
for at least four hours will generate swell.

LOCATION: LAKE HURON // SURFER: JOSH GORDON // PHOTO: RYAN OSMAN














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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

St. Andrews Bay on South Georgia Island is home to
one of the largest king penguin colonies in the world.
South Georgia and the nearby Sandwich Islands are
home to one-quarter of the penguins on the planet,
as well as tens of millions of breeding pairs of other
seabirds and an abundance of seals and whales. Also,
it's the best place to play Where’s Waldo.

LOCATION: SOUTH GEORGIA ISLAND // PHOTO: BRENDAN KOWTECKY












































































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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

SHIPWRECK EXPLORATION ON
GAMBIER ISLAND, IN HOWE SOUND,
BRITISH COLUMBIA.
PHOTO: ERIC BERGER


















































































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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDER


M AG A Z I N E
E S T . 2 012

22





ORCAS OF NORWAY
Tommy Simonsen’s sublime
encounters at the edge of the world.

24

THE BLOODY LONG PADDLE
Inside Brendon Prince’s
record-breaking circumnavigation
of Great Britain.


27
IT FITS

And five other really good reasons
why buying great gear matters.


30
UNLEASHED

Best practices for the most
controversial piece of kit.


32
HOW TO SIZE A PADDLEBOARD

What you need to know to find
the right board for you.


STANDUP PADDLEBOARDING
BUYER’S GUIDE

37 All-Around
37 All-Around Inflatable
39 Touring
39 Touring Inflatable
40 Fishing SUP
40 Surf
40 Whitewater
40 Yoga
43 Paddles
43 PFDs
43 Accessories


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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING




ASHLEY VOYKIN
A landscape and outdoor adventure photog-
rapher based in the Kootenay Rockies region
of British Columbia, Ashley’s work focuses on
small towns and big mountains, with nature
and the outdoors always at the forefront of her
imagery. She can be found exploring the roads
and trails of southeastern British Columbia,
searching for fresh takes on the stunning loca-
tions that define the region’s wilderness. See her
image on page 30.

DIANA LEE

Diana has paddled canoes, kayaks and dragon
boats, but paddleboarding is her favorite way to
enjoy the water. She’s part of the Lake Surfistas,
a collective of Great Lakes surfers, and loves in-
troducing others to SUP as a certified instructor.
Diana offers tips on sizing your perfect board
on page 32. When Diana isn’t paddling, you can
find her camping with her German Shepherds
and online @only1phoenixx.


JESSICA WYNNE LOCKHART
Jessica is a freelance journalist who splits her
time between Canada and Australia. The con-
tributing editor of Verge Magazine, a publication
devoted to travel with purpose, she’s passionate
The Shortest Distance about ethical and responsible adventures. On
page 24, she profiles Brendon Prince, the man
Between Your Garage at the heart of one of the most inspirational
and Paddling paddleboarding stories of the past year.

Hoister garage storage and lifting
systems make, lift/launch a safe, JOE POTOCZAK
one-person job. A patented A writer and paddler based in Oregon, Joe grew
self-locking system stops rope up canoeing the New Jersey Pine Barrens and
instantly if it’s accidentally spent more than 15 years as a whitewater river
released. Hoister makes on
and off the cartop so easy, guide and manager in Pennsylvania. He’s also a
you’ll escape to what you former member of the U.S. Wildwater team. Joe
e more often.
lo
love more often. has paddled on four continents but believes the
v
best destination is the waterway most accessible
to you. He dives into the debate around leashes
on the river on page 30.
TOMMY SIMONSEN
A photographer from northern Norway,
Tommy specializes in landscapes, wildlife,
adventure and documentary photography,
as well as tour and expedition management.
His focus is on northern Norway and Arctic
Svalbard, but he’s also led month-long photo
expeditions to Central America, Patagonia and
Get Your Hoister Now! Antarctica, Asia, East Africa and Madagascar.
On page 22, Tommy demystifies how he captures
otherworldly images.
hoister.com
hoister.com/hoister-videos
20
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

VERSA 10’6 | ALL-AROUND SUP

Bombshell Technology with


a Beautiful Bamboo Veneer




Don’t let the Versa’s beauty fool you; Beneath the bamboo grain print is a superior all-around paddle
board, constructed with Bombshell technology in a compact and manageable package. As if looks
and strength weren’t enough, the keeled nose cuts allow the Versa to cut smoothly through the chop,
while the fl ats under the tail and deck area ensure a fl uid yet stable ride. A unique displacement hull
delivers the effortless glide of a touring board without the extra length, perfect for those early morning
or afternoon paddles with friends around the lake.









20 boardworkssurf.com @boardworkssurfsup
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING




STILL
Sublime
Encounters



Waiting on orcas at the top of the world

AT THE EDGE OF TWILIGHT, a lone paddleboarder glides among
giants. 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 Nor-
way. 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
(@tommysimonsenphotography), 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.
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—hope-
fully—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.
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 paddle-
boarder and Schibevaag Adventure founder, Kari Schibevaag, who leads
paddling and snorkeling excursions to experience Norway’s orca whales.
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. Includ-
ing 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. By Virginia Marshall


22
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PINK SKY AT TWILIGHT, PADDLER’S DELIGHT.
KARI SCHIBEVAAG PADDLES AND SNORKELS
AMONGST ORCAS IN NORTHERN NORWAY.
PHOTO: TOMMY SIMONSEN

















































































23
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING BY THE NUMBERS




PROFILE $
The Longest Paddle 27,000 USD

Raised for water safety
Inside Brendon Prince’s record-smashing circumnavigation of Great Britain
by jessica wynne lockhart

FOR MANY ADVENTURERS, speak with me, and I can share the a day alone on his board. “The mind 14
the idea for major expeditions water safety message with more can be a dangerous thing,” he says.
starts from a tiny seed. From platforms,” he says. Then, 141 days after departing,
there, it grows into reality through After training for four months— he arrived back at Torquay, where
training, sponsorship, and finally, where he paddled for up to 300 ki- his legs started to wobble. Number of times Prince fell in
choosing a cause to align with your lometers at a time—Prince departed “I’ve bottled up the moment
mission. But Brendon Prince’s sto- in April 2021, heading clockwise. my foot touched the sand, and I’ll
ry is unusual because it was the Each night, he spent hours plan- open the bottle for a dose every now
message—not the mission—that ning his following day, although and then,” says the father-of-three. 78 KM 1.5 KM
came first. some things couldn’t be predicted. While Guinness World Records is Longest day Shortest day
A self-proclaimed “water safety Scotland’s mountains create their still confirming, Prince is expected
crusader,” the 48-year-old standup own weather and on one occasion, to have broken two records and set
paddleboarder has been campaign- he spent six hours just trying to hold two more. In addition to being the
ing for greater water safety in Brit- his position. A surprise encounter first person to paddleboard around
ain for 30 years. His message took with orcas caused him to fall off his Britain, he had also completed the 10.25 HRS
on new gravity in 2014 when he board. But, he says, it was the human longest journey by SUP, as recog-
tried to rescue a group of swim- elements that were most difficult nized by Guinness.
mers as an off-duty lifeguard. Three to contend with: Huge tankers and Others have attempted the feat Average time on the water daily
drowned. The event prompted him shipping lanes; harbor walls run- before Prince. He says it wasn’t his
to leave his job as an outdoor edu- ning three kilometers out into the physical strength or stamina that
cation teacher and found a charity, sea; and military zones, where artil- allowed him to complete the trip—it
Above Water, to develop a gamified lery would hit the water in front of was that his message always took 525 119
water safety app for schools. Raising him or submarines would come up priority over breaking any records.
the money to do so would require from below—despite Prince receiv- “With every paddle stroke, I Number of Days spent
something attention-grabbing— ing prior clearances. thought, ‘If I can stop a family from “French Francies” paddling
something like becoming the first “Whenever you’re doing some- going through the catastrophe of sponge cakes
person to circumnavigate Great thing that hasn’t been done be- their loved ones dying, that’s my consumed
Britain on a SUP. fore, there’s no road map for it,” motivation,’” he says. “If I’ve helped
“I thought, if I paddle around says Prince. His biggest challenge, a child make the right choice near
Britain, more people will want to though, was spending up to 16 hours water, then it’s a success.”
4000 KMS




Total distance paddled
TWO











records broken: records set:
Longest SUP First person to
journey and paddleboard
fastest paddle around Britain,
CIRCUMNAVIGATION, A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT around Wales and first person
BRENDON PRINCE'S EXPEDITION, WAS RELEASED to paddleboard
IN MARCH 2022. from Land’s End
PHOTO: WILL REDDAWAY | WR PHOTOGRAPHY
to John O’Groats
by the coast

24
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

Because there’s no off season.









Waterproof, windproof, breathable and uniquely
stretchy, the NEW Aqua Parka was engineered with
maximum protection and convenience in mind.

Shop now at gillmarine.com

26
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING








WAVELENGTH
Buy Less, Do More



Six reasons why investing in quality gear really pays off by brian day


I ADMIT IT. I’m a gearhead. I’ve spent the last 30 years save some serious green. But some features pay for
working in the outdoor industry selling paddlesports themselves the first time you need them.
clothing and equipment. I have a basement full of
tried and tested gear and a long list of things that BETTER FIT
would be nice to have as soon as my budget will allow. Good gear fits better. And I’m not just talking about
I’m enough of a nerd about this stuff that a few years clothing. You’re far more likely to find a boat or board
back, I went through my closet and set to work devising that fits you just right at the top end of the quality
a universal system of outdoor clothing for all environ- spectrum. This is partly because of premium outfit-
ments and wrote a long series of articles about it. ting options and also the cost of development and
Yeah, I’m that guy. demand for performance. It’s expensive to develop
So, when it comes to the question of whether qual- a new product, and the safest bet is to aim it at the
ity equipment is worth the price, I say yes. I’ve been largest number of potential customers. This means
at this long enough and seen enough junk wear out big paddlers and small paddlers may be left out in the
along the way to know it pays to buy the good stuff. cold. The extra cost of premium gear gives manufac-
While it may cost more out of the gate, you’ll likely turers more leeway to develop products fitting at the
have more fun and save money in the long run. Here tails of the curve, rather than the average paddler.
are my top six reasons why.
INCREASED SUPPORT
HIGHER PERFORMANCE The best gear comes with great customer support.
Good gear works better. Quality equipment outper- Quality gear is sold through specialty dealers who
forms budget alternatives almost every time. Consider know their stuff and can help connect you with exactly
the breathable fabrics waterproof paddling cloth- the right equipment. Premium brands partner with
ing is made from. Premium waterproof/breathable retailers who offer test paddling, so you’ll know you’re
fabrics breath better over low-cost alternatives. It’s a purchasing the right ride. Top-tier manufacturers of-
difference you can actually feel. The same is true of fer warranty support and repair services for lengthier
an ultralight carbon paddle or a quality composite periods as part of their customer care—some even
board. Premium construction, design and material in offer lifetime warranties. Often you can get them on
outdoor equipment give you an enhanced experience the phone or an online chat to answer questions about
on the water. Good gear is more fun. maintenance and use of your equipment. If you’re
serious about getting out on the water, you’ll appreci-
MORE VALUE ate the support accompanying quality equipment.
Attaching a price tag to the peace of mind synon-
ymous with higher quality gear might be hard to NICHE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
quantify but cost per use is not. You might not feel Last, but not least, is one for all you other gearheads
like you’re saving money at the register, but since out there. The super tweaky stuff. Whitewater SUPs,
well-made products generally last longer, cost sav- specialized tow systems, drybags that fit in the corners
ings can be substantial. Especially with items you use of your boat, saddles, thigh straps, rescue PFDs with
frequently. Not having to replace the product means big pockets and strong swimmer harnesses, feather-
you’re getting a better return on your investment. light graphite racing paddles, bombproof water boots,
And, since you’re more likely to get on the water even and more. All the niche stuff performing just right on
more often with gear that performs better, you may the river or the sea. These products don’t exist outside
get an even higher return than expected. of the top tier. They’re either made by specialized
small companies or by premium manufacturers who
FRESH FEATURES have a large enough range of products to support
It costs money to add features to equipment. A kayak specialty items that wouldn’t otherwise be profitable.
without bulkheads is less expensive than one with If you love to get out on the water, chances are there’s
them, but harder to rescue if you dump. Quality outfit- a piece of specialized gear with your name on it. And
ting is expensive but lets you easily customize your fit you won’t find it in a big box store.
BUY THE BEST AND YOU’LL ONLY
CRY ONCE. PHOTO: BEN HAGGAR in your gear. Skip the relief zip in a drysuit and you’ll

27
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

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IN FOCUS
Unleashed



The most controversial piece of standup river gear explained by joe potoczak
A LEASH IS a plastic cord connecting paddleboard The ACA also takes a conservative approach to This is because it may be impossible for the paddler to
to paddler. It’s an essential piece of safety equipment leash use in moving water. It recommends leashes bend against the current and reach upstream to release
for flatwater paddling and ocean surfing, ensuring might be appropriate on large-volume rivers with the leash in an entrapment scenario. A leash used in
the paddler doesn’t become separated from their deep rapids and swift currents free of obstructions. A moving water must instead be attached at or above the
board in an upset. However, using a leash in the river swiftwater safety course is the best way to get educated waist, reachable by both hands, and on a quick-release
environment is a contentious topic. to judge the appropriateness of using a leash based system. Coiled leashes are preferred for river use to
That’s because any line in moving water is an on the river in question and its current conditions. keep the leash out of the water and prevent snagging.
entrapment hazard. If a leash catches on a rock or Those who use leashes on the river argue they’re Seiler encourages regular practice with the quick-
strainer, even a relatively minimal current can anchor potentially a lifeline, keeping a paddler connected to release system for extreme situations. “There has to
a paddler underwater. American Whitewater’s acci- their gear and board—which is an additional flotation become some muscle memory to make it happen in
dent database reports seven board-related fatalities device—and that a leash allows the paddler to swim a situation it’s designed for: You’re in rushing water
on moving water in the U.S. within the past five years. without worrying about board management. In some and pinned. Your eyes are closed, and your hand
Of those, four involved leashes. Anecdotally, there high flow situations or on remote trips, the risk of los- is finding the release mechanism and feeling how
are many more near misses. ing a board may also outweigh the risk of entrapment. hard you have to pull it and in what direction to get
“Avoiding entrapment is a key concept for white- “I always wear a leash. I see value in using it, and I it to come loose. All at a time you’d be freaking out.”
water paddling, and a long, dangling rope carries that respect it and am aware of its dangers,” says Melanie There are also a few circumstances where Seiler
risk, even when on a quick-release,” cautions Danny Seiler, a SUP instructor, former state director for the doesn’t promote leashes, such as when she teaches
Peled, director of Boreal River Rescue. “There are a American Canoe Association (ACA), and current beginner classes on flat rivers, or when the leash
lot of times where river paddleboarders shouldn’t executive director of Active Southern West Virginia. poses a significant risk of entanglement with others,
be wearing leashes, but they saw other people doing Seiler grew up on Appalachian whitewater and views as at mass start races.
it, or it seems acceptable. There’s no other situation leashes as essential gear allowing paddlers to quickly Standup paddleboarding isn’t the only board sport
where whitewater paddlers would have a long, dangly get back on their boards where they’re safest. making its way from the coast to interior whitewater
thing hanging. In many cases, the risks outweigh When using a leash on the river, it should never be over the past decade. River surfing continues to gain
the benefits.” attached to the ankle or leg, as is typical in flatwater SUP. popularity, especially as stationary waves take shape


30
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

TO LEASH OR NOT TO LEASH? EITHER WAY, RIVER PR E SEN T S
PADDLEBOARDERS ALSO NEED TO WEAR ALL THE
ESSENTIALS OF WHITEWATER PADDLING, INCLUDING 2022 W OR L D T O UR
HELMET AND INHERENTLY BUOYANT PFD.
PHOTO: ASHLEY VOYKIN








IN THEATER EVENTS

January 27 Fort Smith Paddling Club | Fort Smith, NT
February 22 Łııdlıı Kųę First Nation | Fort Simpson, NT
February 24 Hamilton Outdoor Adventures | Hamilton, ON
February 26 Hamilton Outdoor Adventures | Hamilton, ON
February 26 NWT Recreation and Parks Association | Yellowknife, NT
March 22 The Arts Council of Big Sky & the Independent | Big Sky, MT
March 26 NEWP (Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers) | Appleton, WI
March 29 The Arts Council of Big Sky & the Independent | Big Sky, MT
March 31 Princess Cinemas | Waterloo, ON
April 9 Susquehanna Greenway Partnership | Lewisburg, PA
April 12 Vernon Paddle Centre | Vernon, BC
April 12 Paddle Junkies | Calgary, AB
April 21 Outdoor Gear Exchange | Burlington, VT
April 29 Clear Waters Outfitting | Clearwater, MN
April 30 Mountain State Overland | Lewisburg, WV
in outdoor towns globally. The risks of leashes are April 30 The Castle Theatre | Castlegar, BC
also discussed in the fledgling river surf community, May 6 Youth Outdoor Recreation Society | Penticton, BC
according to Neil Egsgard, president of the Alberta May 7 South Coast Culture Tour | Coos Bay, OR
River Surfing Association and founder of the Calgary-
based stationary wave design firm, Surf Anywhere. May 18 Resilience Adventures | Hoboken, NJ
At the waves Surf Anywhere has designed, Egs- May 21 Schuylkill River Greenways NHA | Pottstown, PA
gard’s company places signage reading: “Danger. All May 26 Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival & Ottawa Wa'a | Ottawa, ON
leashes can drown river surfers. Current will not let
go. Surfer cannot release. Do not wear a leash or do June 3 Algonquin Outfitters | Huntsville, ON
have a leash auto-fail point at the body.” June 4 Huron Ladies of The Lake | Zurich, ON
“A common misconception is [quick-release] leashes June 8 Wilderness Supply | Winnipeg, MB
are always releasable,” says Egsgard. “Taking a whitewa- July 9 Wilderness Voyageurs & Mountain Watershed Association | Ohiopyle, PA
ter safety course with professionals quickly reveals re-
leasing leashes under tension can be very challenging.” July 13 Naples Outfitters | Naples, FL
Egsgard argues manual quick-release systems can July 13 Valhalla Pure Outfitters Squamish | Squamish, BC
fail and recommends river surfers and paddleboarders July 22 Outkast Paddlers | Pittsburgh, PA
wear leashes with an auto-fail point. This component, October 18 Lakeland Canoe Club | Kendal, Cumbria
such as a low-strength cord or a plastic strap, is manu-
factured to break under tension. If a paddler becomes October 24 The Prairie Summit Shop Saskatoon | Saskatoon, SK
trapped and cannot activate their quick release, this October 26 The Prairie Summit Shop Regina | Regina, SK
component will break and the paddler will float free. TBA Happy Paddling | Barrie ON
\Ultimately, there’s no one correct answer to the TBA Huron Ladies of The Lake | Zurich, ON
question of leashes on the river. Safety equipment
needs to be tailored to the specific river environ- TBA Osprey Sea and Surf | Westport MA
ment and it’s each paddler’s responsibility to get the TBA Revelstoke Paddlesports Association | Revelstoke, BC
education to make informed decisions about where TBA Upper-Gatineau Whitewater Festival | Maniwaki QC
a leash is appropriate.

Find a swiftwater rescue course near you at tripguide. FULL TOUR SCHEDULE AT PADDLINGFILMFESTIVAL.COM
paddlingmag.com.
HOST THE TOUR: CALL


EXT.
OR EMAIL COORDINATOR PADDLINGFILMFESTIVAL.COM
31
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING





SWEET SPOT











What you need to know about finding the perfectly sized paddleboard for your next adventure by diana lee


CHOOSING A PADDLEBOARD isn’t just about the levels, types of paddling and body types.
board; it’s about what you want to get out of it. A per- Within any given board category, there is a range of
fectly sized paddleboard should carry your weight board sizes with different sizes corresponding to dif-
efficiently, perform well for the type of paddling ferent rider weights. This is because taller and heavier
you’re doing and provide enough stability for your paddlers will need a higher volume board for float and
skill level so you have an enjoyable session. stability, which may mean longer, broader and thicker
Paddleboards come in many shapes and sizes. The dimensions. If you’re buying a board that will be shared,
most popular recreational paddleboards for general get the size appropriate for the largest and least experi-
use are typically 10 to 11 feet in length and between 32 enced person who will use it.
and 34 inches wide. However, paddleboards for solo Ultimately, a paddler's experience on a paddleboard
use can range from under nine feet to more than 14 is a combination of all its design features, plus the pad-
feet long, and from less than 25 inches to more than dler’s weight, ability and water conditions. Read on to
36 inches wide. This range encompasses different skill meet your perfect match.





































OVERWHELMED BY ALL
THE SIZES AND SHAPES OF
PADDLEBOARDS? WE’RE
HERE TO HELP. PHOTO:
DARREN MCCHRISTIE/
ONTARIO TOURISM



32
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

LENGTH WIDTH THICKNESS VOLUME
Length refers to Width is the measure- Thickness is the measure- The volume of a board is
the measurement ment from rail to rail at ment of depth at the widest determined by its length,
from nose to tail of the broadest part of the part of the board. Thickness width, thickness and shape.
a board, and it plays board. A wider board affects the volume and Volume, measured in
a vital role in how is more stable but it therefore weight capacity of liters, determines a board’s
a board handles. In will be slower. A nar- a board. Inflatable designs buoyancy and how much
general, longer boards are faster, while rower board offers less resistance and are often an inch thicker than hard weight it can float. A lower volume
shorter boards are slower but more better glide but less stability. In general, boards of the same category, and thick- board means a lower weight capacity.
maneuverable. Because shorter boards a smaller person will enjoy paddling a ness may be a factor in increasing the A higher volume board means a higher
are more responsive, they’re favored narrower board, which will help avoid rigidity of some inflatable designs. weight capacity. A similarly shaped
by some for surf conditions. reaching over a wide board to get the board with higher volume feels more
paddle in the water. A larger person will stable, making it ideal for new and/or
feel more stable on a wider board. UNDER 5 INCHES larger paddlers.
• Average thickness for hard SUPs Rather than having to guess what
UNDER 10 FEET • While there are some iSUPs in this a board’s volume means for you,
• Best for smaller paddlers category for SUP surf or youth, make manufacturers post a recommended
(under 150 pounds), including UNDER 30 INCHES sure they are produced by a reputable weight range specific for each model.
youth and kids • The narrower the board, the less stable brand making high-quality boards to Don’t forget to factor in your gear and
• Better maneuverability and more paddling experience needed avoid bowing any pets or kids who may be paddling
• More responsive for SUP surf • Elite athletes race boards as narrow as with you. It’s better to err on the side
19 inches wide 5 TO 6 INCHES of a board a little too big than a board
AROUND 11 FEET • Thicker may be better for bigger pad- that’s too small.
• Average length for most recreational 30 TO 32 INCHES dlers because it adds weight capacity
SUP styles • Average paddleboard width • Average thickness for an inflatable SUP
• Suited to all-around use • Touring boards are usually in this range LESS THAN 170 LITERS
• Suitable for beginner to advanced • Good middle ground between speed 6 INCHES AND UP • Getting into SUP surf board territory
skill level and stability • Longer touring and racing boards • For smaller paddlers
benefit from extra thickness to prevent • For more experienced paddlers
OVER 12 FEET 32 INCHES AND UP bowing in the middle of the board
• Longer designs are more efficient for • Increased width creates more stability, • Extra thickness creates more volume— 170 TO 190 LITERS
touring and racing better for bigger paddlers helpful for paddlers 200+ pounds • Average hard SUP volume range for
• Better suited to paddlers with more • Offers more space to carry gear or • Raises center of gravity beginner paddlers.
experience—there’s more board to your pup • Takes longer to inflate
handle—and larger paddlers • Around 32 to 34 inches is an average 220 TO 280 LITERS
width for whitewater, fishing and • Average inflatable SUP volume range
SUP yoga for beginner paddlers

MORE THAN 280 LITERS
• Offers increased weight capacity for
heavier paddlers or more cargo
• Usually a bigger board for yoga, racing,
touring or whitewater



33
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING





PRO
TIPS









PHOTO: COURTESY MADDI LEBLANC PHOTO: COURTESY JONAS LETIERI








MADDI LEBLANC JONAS LETIERI
Team Canada National SUP Athlete, SUP instructor, SUP and surf athlete, parasports athlete/
founder of On Board SUP fundraising event adaptive paddler, author and speaker
STATS: 5'2" // 135 LBS “For my race board, I like 14 feet by 23 inches. It’s perfect for open
“My go-to race board is 14 feet by 23 inches, with roughly 300 liters in volume. For ocean but also very fast in flat water. For whitewater, I use an in-
teaching, I look for something wider, and it doesn’t need to be fast—10.5 feet by 30 flatable 8.5-foot by 28-inch board to have more stability and I like
inches. I like to be focused on my clients and not worry so much about my balance to use very small silicone fins to be more agile on the rapids. For
while explaining stroke techniques. Shorter and wider boards tend to do the trick.” SUP surf, I’m using a 7.2-foot by 26-inch board.”





















PHOTO: CATHRINE YDE PHOTO: GEOFF ORTIZ






CASPER STEINFATH ROBIN PACQUING
Ocean SUP racer, SUP surfer, Red Bull athlete SUP instructor, SUP surfer,
STATS: 5'8" // 163 LBS co-founder of Lake Surfistas
“It comes down to choosing a SUP board based on what you want to do, your STATS: 4'11" // 150 LBS
skill level, and weather conditions. I generally look for stability first. That trans- “I’m always looking at performance suitability for the types of
lates into making sure to look for a board that is wide and thick enough so that conditions I’ll be using that board for. I look primarily at specs,
it carries enough volume. This is fundamental to a successful time on the water. shape and construction. For example, if I’m in the market for a
Whether you are going for a cruise on the lake or charging into waves, you do shortboard SUP, I’m looking at something around 100 liters with
not want to feel like a ballet dancer.” a width of about 28 to 29 inches for the Great Lakes, and about
26.5 to 28 inches for the ocean. I’m usually open to most brands
out there, as long as the specs and the shape match my needs.”


34
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARD IS THERE A WEIGHT LIMIT FOR PADDLEBOARDS?
SIZE CHARTS No matter your size or weight, you can have fun on a paddleboard. There’s a board out there for every weight
Many SUP calculators are avail- range. The important thing is ensuring whatever board you choose has a weight capacity that exceeds your
able online to factor in a paddler’s weight and the weight of the gear, pets or kids you bring. You can’t be too light for a paddleboard, but you
weight and spit back a recommended can be too heavy for a specific board. Exceeding the weight capacity of your board will make for a poor
paddleboard size. However, they’re paddling experience.
generalizations at best. There’s no
secret formula to finding the perfect PRO
board. The best place to begin is to TIPS
identify which category of board suits
the paddling you’ll do most often, and
then identify the boards that suit your
weight, rather than prematurely get-
ting stuck on dimensions.
That said, Red Bull SUP athlete
Casper Steinfath offers this advice:
“If you are a beginner paddling on
mixed water without much experience,
I would suggest looking for a board PHOTO: COURTESY JENNIFER RUDSKI
at least 32 inches wide that carries PHOTO: ASHLEY VOYKIN
volume equivalent to at least 2.5 liters
times your weight in kilos.”
When sizing a paddleboard, a
paddler’s height is a far less impor-
tant consideration than the paddler’s JENIFER RUDSKI RETA BOYCHUK
weight and the combined weight of Soul SUPer, surfer, yogi, Whitewater SUP instructor,
the paddler and gear they expect to and owner of Oceah Oceah athlete and founder of
carry. However, height may be a con- STATS: 5’9”// 135 LBS CANRVRSUP Collective
sideration for very tall paddlers, who “I’ve designed my perfect board. It’s a bamboo hard- “River paddling requires a wider board for stability
have a higher center of gravity and board, 11.5 feet by 34 inches by 3.5 inches thick, in turbulent waters. The higher volume of a wide
therefore may be more comfortable on rounded nose and pulled in square tail, weighing 30 board allows it to be shorter—just 9.5 feet. This cre-
a slightly wider and more stable board. pounds. The length makes touring and exploring a ates better maneuverability to catch eddies with ease
Choosing a board size is just the breeze with enough width for flow yoga. The thick- or avoid hazards. The most important feature [in a
beginning of your SUP journey. Don’t ness makes it inclusive of all shapes and sizes because I whitewater SUP] is continual rocker; this allows you
buy a board without understanding love to share SUP with everyone. A lightweight board to engage your edges, crest waves and surf easily.
hull types, fin systems, differences is important for accessibility and transportation. And These components allow my SUP to feel playful and
between hard boards and inflatable two-tone bamboo is not only beautiful but also a smooth as I paddle in the current.”
SUPs, SUP construction, and other renewable resource and creates a lightweight board
unique details. See Paddling Maga- that performs beautifully on the water.”
zine’s article on how to find the perfect
paddleboard (paddlingmag.com/0111)
for even more info.

ARIEL AMARAL
International SUP racer, instructor, surfer
“Young kids want to start feeling confident and comfortable, so I
have learned that going with a big stable board with lots of volume
when they are small is the key. They don’t need a lot of width
with their small stance, but the extra length is nice as they tend
to topple to the front or back without necessarily falling off. Once
they build some strength and weight to their frame, going with a
PHOTO: COURTESY ARIEL AMARAL board like an eight-foot-long board or inflatable SUP gives you
faster sleeker board is exciting. Going with a kid-friendly soft-top
peace of mind and allows for easier maneuvering, especially if they
are launching from a dock.”





35
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

BEST SUP






















































FLYWEIGHT BY

BADFISH SUP



Weighing in at only 18 pounds, the Flyweight is the
newest addition to the Badfish inflatable lineup. This
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than the average inflatable paddleboard, allowing you to
always take your board with you. Utilizing Badfish’s new
AirLite drop stitch technology, the Flyweight is soft and
pliable when deflated, and shows no
compromise with excellent rigidity and SCAN ME
durability when inflated. The Flyweight
is easy to pack, light to carry and has
all the same features you expect from a
Badfish inflatable paddleboard.
LENGTH: 10'6" • WIDTH: 30"
WEIGHT: 18 LBS • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
BADFISHSUP.COM | $1,199 USD • $1,499 CAD





36
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

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Triton 10'6" NEW Versa 10'6" Wayfarer NEW SHUBU Kanaloa Flyweight

The Triton 10'6" paddleboard The beautiful Versa is a great The Wayfarer is the SUV The SHUBU Kanaloa is Weighing only 18 pounds, this
is a sporty, tough and stable all-around touring board of paddleboards with the Boardworks’ new high-end revolutionary board weighs
all-around SUP designed for constructed with Bombshell perfect blend of touring board designed to get you on less and is more packable
relaxing water trips and short technology with a bamboo efficiency and comfort. This the water fast and affordably. than the average inflatable
excursions. Designed with grain finish, all in a compact board is built on a unique A light weight, versatile paddleboard. Utilizing
families in mind, this rigid and manageable package. Its 5.6-inch thick drop stitch for board that loves to travel, Badfish’s new AirLite
standup paddleboard can keeled nose cuts smoothly optimal volume. The new the SHUBU Kanaloa comes drop stitch technology, the
take a beating and is stable through chop while the flat Wiki Rail on the tail allows with an ultra-comfortable Flyweight is soft and pliable
enough to accommodate all sections under the tail and for smooth and efficient Honey Fomb heat embossed when deflated, and shows no
sizes of paddlers. Enjoy a standing area help with a release, increases speed and deck pad and neoprene carry compromise with excellent
smooth ride on the lake with fluid and stable ride. With improves stability. There handles for easy transport rigidity and durability when
the Triton. the performance of an all- is a Scotty mount allowing to and from the water. It’s inflated. The Flyweight is
LENGTH: 10'6" • WIDTH: 33" • around board, the Versa’s paddlers to dial in their made with two layers of easy to pack, light to carry
VOLUMBE: 236 L • WEIGHT: 30 LBS • unique displacement hull board by integrating a GPS, PVC that are heat fused and has all the same features
PRIMARY MATERIAL: provides the added effortless cell phone, fishing rod or together. It benefits from the you expect from a Badfish
COMPOSITE EPOXY glide of a touring board other accessories. Your new performance and durability of inflatable paddleboard.
BOARDWORKSSURF.COM | without the extra length. favorite ride has arrived. Boardworks’ original double LENGTH: 10'6" • WIDTH: 30" • WEIGHT:
$1,129 USD • $1,429 CAD LENGTH: 10'6" • WIDTH: 32" • LENGTH: 11'6" • WIDTH: 31" • WEIGHT: layer iSUP construction, 18 LBS • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
8700051 VOLUME: 234 L • WEIGHT: 30 LBS • 27 LBS • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC without the added weight and BADFISHSUP.COM |
PRIMARY MATERIAL: BADFISHSUP.COM | ecological impact. $1,199 USD • $1,499 CAD
COMPOSITE BLEND $1,099 USD • $1,399 CAD LENGTH: 10'4" • WIDTH: 32" • WEIGHT: 8400003
BOARDWORKSSURF.COM | 8400005 22 LBS • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
$1,189 USD • $1,499 CAD BOARDWORKSSURF.COM |
8700043 $699 USD • $899 CAD
8700048


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BOARDWORKS HOBIE RED PADDLE CO SEA GODS SEA GODS
NEW SHUBU Lünr NEW Mirage iEclipse NEW 12'0" Compact NEW Diatom NEW Elemental Wave
The SHUBU Lünr is The sensational Mirage Full of Red Paddle Co The Diatom Ten6 inflatable The Elemental Wave Ten6
Boardworks’ new entry-level Eclipse, the world’s first and innovations and features, paddleboard provides you inflatable paddleboard is a
inflatable recreational package favorite standup pedalboard, the 12'0" Compact is a full- more stability in your journey perfect all-around adventure
designed to get you on the turns inflatable. The first of sized touring SUP packing to seek out your very own board. Inspired by the
water fast and affordably. A its kind, the Mirage iEclipse down to half the size of picture-perfect piece of natural flow and balance
lightweight, versatile board provides the same rigidity a conventional inflatable paradise. The captivating where water meets the sky.
that loves to travel, the and agile performance as the paddleboard. This board is design is inspired by life in Feel the carefree aura of
SHUBU Lünr comes with Eclipse, but in a lightweight an ideal match for paddlers the water—because nature Hawaiian surf art featuring
an ultra-comfortable Honey and stowable package. who are passionate about is divinely beautiful, why hand-painted canvases
Fomb heat embossed deck pad Powered by the MirageDrive going further and touring shouldn't your board be, too? by Colleen Wilcox as you
and neoprene carry handles with Flow Fins, effortlessly farther with the convenience Meticulously handcrafted paddle out in style in flat
for easy transport to and from glide across the water or kick of a compact all-in-one for stability with premium water or ocean surf.
the water. A single nine-inch it up a notch, all with the package. The increased 12- materials and stocked with LENGTH: 10'6" • WIDTH: 32" •
standard SUP fin installs with speed of your pedal stroke. foot length makes this board the highest grade accessories, WEIGHT: 22 LBS •
an easy-to-use thumbscrew, LENGTH: 10'1" • WIDTH: 40" • WEIGHT: perfect for the ultimate this complete package is PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
no tools required. 28 LBS • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC explorer who wants to travel ready for adventure when you SEAGODS.CA | $1,199 CAD
LENGTH: 10'4" • WIDTH: 32" • WEIGHT: HOBIE.COM | $2,549 USD the world with their SUP. are. Enjoy peace of mind with 29000004
18 LBS • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC 3900089 LENGTH: 12' • WIDTH: 32" • Sea Gods’ lifetime warranty.
BOARDWORKSSURF.COM | VOLUME: 302 L • WEIGHT: 22.3 LBS • LENGTH: 10'6" • WIDTH: 34" •
$399 USD • $549 CAD PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC WEIGHT: 24 LBS •
8700049 RED.EQUIPMENT | PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
$2,199 USD • $2,499 CAD SEAGODS.CA | $1,249 CAD
28500001 29000001

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PADDLEBOARDING BUYER ’ S G UID E SEE THESE
PRODUCTS ONLINE


TOURING TOURING
INFLATABLE















































SEA GODS OTTO VALLINGA YACHT DESIGN BADFISH SUP RED PADDLE CO SEA EAGLE
NEW Skylla Northern Light 12.5 NEW iSHAPE NEW 12'0" VOYAGER NeedleNose 126
The Skylla is a cross-touring This hollow wooden The revolutionary iShape Red Paddle Co’s newest The patented NeedleNose
board for when you want a board is designed for brings you the performance touring board, the 12-foot- bow slices through the
swift, stable ride for your flatwater touring and ease of a hard touring long Voyager is designed water allowing you to glide
long adventure to take you to of construction by home paddleboard with the for progressive paddlers smoothly and quickly with
the other side safe and dry. builders. Plans include convenience of an inflatable. with adventure in mind. each stroke. The straight-line
The Skylla stands apart with instructions on how to use The iShape is built with The length and thickness hull design with no upturn
the newest, strongest and a cotton fabric to customize AirLite drop stitch, which make it an ideal board for at the bow makes this the
lightest technology in drop the look of your board. rolls more easily and weighs longer adventures and lighter perfect touring board for
stitch construction—Cross LENGTH: 12'6" • WIDTH: 32" • less. With a few pumps of paddlers. The extra volume lakes, ponds, bays and inlets.
Weave. Artwork by the folks WEIGHT: 39 LBS • PRIMARY air into the patented Shape means you can easily pack all Built-in paddle pocket keeps
who created the famous MATERIAL: WAOOD COMPOSITE Chamber nose, the board your kit on the front while your paddle in place for one-
wings mural in Vancouver. GETONTHEWATER.CA | transforms into a 3D water- you paddle. You’ll feel extra handed carrying and out of
LENGTH: 11' • WIDTH: 33" • $815 CAD shedding missile. The last confident paddling out on this the way when not needed.
WEIGHT: 19.5 LBS • 4900035 thing you’ll leave behind on board, knowing that it offers A custom performance kick
PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC the iShape is a sheet of glassy stability in all conditions. tail allows for advanced
SEAGODS.CA | $1,299 CAD water as the Wiki Rail Tail LENGTH: 12' • WIDTH: 28" • maneuvers and precise blind
29000003 creates an efficient tail release. VOLUME: 285 L • WEIGHT: 26.9 LBS • foot placement.
LENGTH: 12'6" • WIDTH: 28" • PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC LENGTH: 12'6" • WIDTH: 30" •
WEIGHT: 27 LBS • RED.EQUIPMENT | VOLUME: 254 L • WEIGHT: 30 LBS •
PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC $1,649 USD • $1,849 CAD PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
BADFISHSUP.COM | $1,399 USD 28500002 SEAEAGLE.COM | $749 USD
8400001 5400012



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FISHING SUP SURF WHITEWATER YOGA


















































SEA GODS BADFISH SUP BOARDWORKS BADFISH SUP SEA GODS
NEW Carta Marina Badfisher NEW Froth 9' Rivershred NEW Infinite Mantra
The Carta Marina keeps The Badfisher is the ultimate Designed to catch more The Rivershred is a high- The Infinite Mantra is
your cargo secure and your adventure platform. With waves and have a good time. performance inflatable remarkably stable to free
mind free to wander with Scotty plates to attach rod The Froth 9' longboard is paddleboard for hard- your mind from worry and
a beautifully smooth ride holders and accessories, you a stable platform made for charging rivers. With ample give you courage to breathe
that inspires adventure. The can customize the Badfisher surfers of all abilities. This nose and tail rocker to punch in the fresh air of adventure.
2022 board design features for a day of chasing fish. The SUP surfing board caters easily through whitewater Glide easily across any
a hand-painted canvas by shape combines the stability to all shapes and sizes and surf river waves, the calm water on a spacious,
Anishinaabe artist Mark you need for comfortably and its light, yet durable Rivershred blasts through unhindered deck pad, which
Anthony Jacobson depicting casting and fighting fish, construction makes it wave trains and eddylines is perfect for furry friends or
the love story of the Legend while maximizing glide for extremely user-friendly and without resistance. The your savasana.
of the White Rock—the efficient travel. Tie down fun. Its soft EVA outer skin width is carried from the LENGTH: 11' • WIDTH: 34" •
erratic for which the Sea anchors are strategically wraps around a fully glassed middle of the board through WEIGHT: 24.5 LBS •
Gods’ home city is named. placed to accommodate expanded polystyrene (EPS) the tail for extra stability. PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
LENGTH: 12' • WIDTH: 32" • coolers and drybags. Pair foam core to give it optimal All three fins are removable SEAGODS.CA | $1,249 CAD
WEIGHT: 25.5 LBS • with the Perch Fishing Chair performance. so you can customize your 29000005
PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC and a kayak paddle for LENGTH: 9' • WIDTH: 24" board for any conditions.
SEAGODS.CA | $1,299 CAD kayak-style fishing. VOLUME: 87 L • WEIGHT: 16 LBS • LENGTH: 9'6" • WIDTH: 36" •
29000002 LENGTH: 11'6" • WIDTH: 36" • PRIMARY MATERIAL: WEIGHT: 32 LBS •
WEIGHT: 33 LBS • COMPOSITE EPOXY PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC
PRIMARY MATERIAL: PVC BOARDWORKSSURF.COM | BADFISHSUP.COM |
BADFISHSUP.COM | $469 USD • $579 CAD $1,099 USD • $1,549 CAD
$1,099 USD • $1,549 CAD 8700050 8400004
8400002
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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

Live to SUP


Another Day










GET THE FACTS
Last year the Coast Guard reported 202 people
in the United States lost their lives participating
in paddlesports. Be mindful of changing weather
and water conditions, don’t mix alcohol and
paddling, dress for cold-water immersion
and always wear your leash and a
Coast Guard approved life jacket.
PLEASE DON’T BECOME A STATISTIC!





















SAFERPADDLING.COM
#SAFERPADDLING
Source: USCG Recreational Boating Safety Report, 2019 data published June 2020

BEST TRANSPORT/STORAGE/LAUNCHING





















































RED ORIGINAL

WATERPROOF

DUFFEL 40L BY

RED PADDLE CO




Tough and practical, whatever your sport, the Waterproof Duffel bag adapts
to your needs. The perfect solution for storing and carrying what you need—
keeping it (and you) clean and dry no matter the
conditions. Features: wet/dry padded pocket, SCAN ME
external water bottle and zipped shower-proof
storage pockets, detachable multi-way straps for
comfortable backpack, duffel or over shoulder
carry, wipe-down waterproof change mat, large
internal capacity, lightweight construction, par-
tially made from recycled plastic bottle. Available
in 40 and 60 liters.
RED.EQUIPMENT | $249 USD



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P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

PADDLEBOARDING BUYER ’ S G UID E SEE THESE
PRODUCTS ONLINE


PADDLES PFDS























STOHLQUIST WATERWARE
Edge
The Edge is a great vest for SUP paddlers and
whitewater boaters. Super low profile and
very high mobility make this a great all-day
paddling vest. Stohlquist’s graded sizing and
Wrapture torso provide a perfect fit for a wide
range of paddlers. The minimal footprint
makes it a great choice for smaller paddlers.
STOHLQUIST.COM | $100 USD
12300007
AQUA BOUND WERNER PADDLES WERNER PADDLES ACCESSORIES
Malta Fiberglass UPDATED Zen 95 UPDATED Rip Stick 89
For the ultimate in light Before even getting to the The Rip Stick 89 is the
weight and fresh eye- water you will feel the answer to what surfers want:
popping colors, you balance and see the beauty more power from a smaller
owe it to yourself to of the Zen 95. Werner's blade. Smaller blade size
take a look at the Malta premium fiberglass process means a higher cadence
fiberglass paddle. Crafted blends perfection in for bursts of speed, with a
of compression-molded craftsmanship and materials low profile that won't trip
fiberglass, the Malta's blade for a stiff, light and elegant up when executing turns.
is a sleek 87 square inches blade. Add Werner's new HD To generate more power,
of translucent beauty. graphics, and you have a true Werner developed an
Standout color options work of art. A carbon shaft innovative double concave
complement virtually every helps keep the overall weight dihedral in the power face of
board. The Malta has a down and a perfect overall the blade. The power pockets
100-percent carbon shaft flex to the paddle. were created to accelerate
with a 10-degree bend, and BLADE MATERIAL: FIBERGLASS into more waves, outrace AQUA CASE
a carbon contoured grip for COMPOSITE • SHAFT MATERIAL: outside sets and blast over Waterproof Cell Phone Case
truly comfortable paddling. CARBON COMPOSITE • AVAILABLE foam piles. Along with more The Aqua Case is a floating, 100-percent
BLADE MATERIAL: FIBERGLASS LENGTHS: 50"-86" • WEIGHT: 20.8 OZ power, the double concave waterproof pouch and case for mobile
COMPOSITE • SHAFT MATERIAL: WERNERPADDLES.COM | shape of the blade face devices. Think of it as a life preserver for your
CARBON COMPOSITE • AVAILABLE $229 USD • $293 CAD creates a super stable stroke cell phone. Now you don’t have to fear for
LENGTHS: 70"-86" • WEIGHT: 18.5 OZ 9800026 for all the crazy angles you your valuables in and around water. Never
AQUABOUND.COM | find yourself paddling. lose your cell phone while enjoying your
$285 USD BLADE MATERIAL: CARBON favorite water activities. The Aqua Case floats
10300007 COMPOSITE • SHAFT MATERIAL: just like your canoe, kayak and paddleboard.
CARBON COMPOSITE • AVAILABLE It’s fully functional and fully submersible.
LENGTHS: 50"-84" • WEIGHT: 16.3 OZ Take photos and video to capture those
WERNERPADDLES.COM | memorable moments.
$324 USD • $414 CAD AQUACASE.NET | $20 USD
9800018 23600001

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PADDLEBOARDING BUYER ’ S G UID E







100s


MORE


ACCESSORIES



AVAILABLE


ONLINE HARKEN HOISTER RED PADDLE CO
NEW Waterproof Duffel Bag
Harken Hoister for SUPs
Harken Hoister easily stores your SUP
overhead, freeing up valuable wall and floor The Waterproof Duffel Bag provides a
premium solution for convenient carrying
space. The patented block-and-tackle system that adapts to your needs. The fully
lifts all four points evenly to keep a board waterproof zip and welded seams mean the
stable and balanced. An integrated, self- main compartment is watertight. Backpack,
locking cleat engages automatically if you let duffel bag or over-the-shoulder bag, the
go of the rope. Systems include stainless steel multiway and detachable straps provide
pulleys, metal buckles and all the hardware different ways to carry. The Duffel Bag is
needed for installation. Lifts up to 45 pounds. made from a lightweight construction that's
HOISTER.COM | $116 USD partially made from eco-conscious TPU and
PaddlingBuyersGuide.com 13300002 recycled plastic bottles.
RED.EQUIPMENT | $249 USD • $299 CAD
28500003

















Badfish SUP






















BADFISHSUP.COM //

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PADDLEBOARDING BUYER ’ S G UID E SEE THESE
PRODUCTS ONLINE






















SUSPENZ SUSPENZ SUSPENZ
UPDATED Double Trouble UPDATED Double-Up UPDATED EZ-Fold
SUP Cart & Stand SUP Beach Cart SUP Portable Stand
Two in one: this cart doubles as a portable Take the hassle out of the haul. These Get your board up and off the ground at
two-SUP stand and transforms into a inflatable, low-pressure beach wheels float home and on the go. Offering two simple
double SUP cart allowing one person to over sand and rocks. This cart is easy to load solutions in one—this stand protects and
move two SUPs to (or from) the water. The with a single hand, and lightweight and easy supports a board whether flat on the top of
portable rack is made of powder-coated T6 to move. No more stacking boards. Boards the stands or on its side. Lightweight and
6063 Aluminum with foam padding, and rest on protective foam padding. Made with compact, it folds flat for easy use during
is lightweight, rustproof and very easy to high strength, no-rust aluminum. These travel. Super convenient when loading and
move to wherever you need it. Cart uses 12-inch beach wheels feature quick-release unloading your vehicle. Acts as a platform
quick-release, 10-inch airless wheels that locking pins, and seven-inch-wide tread. when installing fins on SUPs. No mounting
never go flat. Eleven-foot-long tie-down straps with cam or installation required. Features powder-
SUSPENZ.COM | $200 USD buckle included, as well as a hand air pump. coated aluminum frames.
15100002 SUSPENZ.COM | $250 USD SUSPENZ.COM | $85 USD
15100007 15100006

















Seagods

























45
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

WITH JACKSON KAYAK’S

NEW FLEX DRIVE MARK IV.



Meet the Flex Drive Mark IV, the latest innovation
from Jackson Kayak. The only drive system on the
market to offer a shallow water auto-retracting
lower unit, a 3-position dagger board to accom-
modate a variety of depths, and a sealed
above-water pedal system with intuitive forward
and reverse operation – all wrapped up with a
satisfaction-guaranteed warranty.

Faster, smoother, quieter, and more durable than
ever before, the Flex Drive Mark IV gives you the
power to get closer to the action.



More Info @ www.JacksonKayak.com knarr fd coosa fd bite fd

HUNTING FOR MUSKIE ON KAYAK ANGLER
ONTARIO'S PETAWAWA RIVER.
PHOTO: PADDLE TALES /
HELICONIA PRESS
KAYAK ANGLER

M AG A Z I N E
E S T . 2 00 7


















48




WINNING BIG

Kristine Fischer on
conquering the competition


49
ROLL ON

Expert advice for finding
your best kayak trailer


52
MATCHMAKER

Three rod and reel combos
to catch almost everything



KAYAK FISHING
BUYER’S GUIDE

56 Sit-On-Top
62 Hybrid
63 Inflatable
64 Fishing SUPs
64 Fishing Canoes
65 Paddles
66 PFDs
66 Technical Outerwear
68 Rigging & Outfitting
69 Transport, Storage
& Launching


47
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

KAYAK ANGLER




PROFILE
Winning Big



2021 Hobie BOS Champion Kristine Fischer on competing, succeeding and the state of tournament fishing by ric burnley
Five years ago, Kristine Fischer started fishing local club tournaments. Following a string of successes, three years getting respect. They’ll never be on the same level
ago she went pro. Last year, the Nebraska native won the Hobie Bass Open Series Tournament of Champions in as boat tournaments, but I know our competition is
Lake Eufaula, Alabama, adding a gold star to her impressive collection of wins. Fischer is one of a growing num- second to none. We have guys who used to fish bass
ber of full-time pros making a living on the tournament trail. Maintaining an active social media presence and boat tournaments. 
recording and producing YouTube videos of each tournament appearance, Fischer isn’t just the latest champion, Greg Blanchard is incredibly successful with
she’s setting the standard for the future of the sport. We sat down for an interview with Fischer after her big win. 100,000 followers and he posts his tournaments on
YouTube. Big-time bass pros like Mike Iaconelli and
Jordan Lee are fishing kayak tournaments, too. Still,
WHAT WAS A TURNING POINT WHAT IS AN UNEXPECTED QUALITY everyone starts at the grassroots level winning local
IN YOUR CAREER? OF A TOURNAMENT PRO? fishing tournaments.
In the last three years, I’ve maintained a consistent Paying attention to details on the water. I’m curious
showing. I won my first big tournament my first year. by nature and I notice things during the day. That’s IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT
I’ve done well all three years staying in contention how it paid out in the Tournament of Champions. KAYAK TOURNAMENTS, WHAT WOULD IT BE? 
for the top 10.  I stayed away from the most popular areas. A lot of I wish we had a camera boat for each kayaker. Or a
The thing that has changed is my overall outlook the other anglers were fishing deep. I fished to my camera on each kayak. I believe in the abilities of our
regarding my role in the industry. I don’t get flustered strengths. I ran my pattern and covered a ton of water top-level anglers and I would love to see exposure like
easily by social media trolls. I can navigate that stuff and fished new water all three days. the big tournaments get. I encourage others to run a
with grace and patience. I used to get upset. When I I hardly saw another angler all day. Obviously, there GoPro on every tournament and post videos to gain
first got into tournament fishing, I used to despise get- are giant fish living deep in the brush. I found a better attention and legitimacy. I record every catch and
ting credit for being female. I’m still not comfortable size of fish in shallow water. After the cold front passed, put every fish on video because people accuse me of
with recognition, but now I realize it’s bigger than me.  the water temperature only dropped three degrees. I getting help or not catching my own fish. 
When I see a headline like “Woman Wins Tourna- slowed my presentation and the fish didn’t pull out. 
ment,” I can set my pride aside. Being a woman in a WHAT FUTURE DO YOU
male-dominated sport is part of what I’m doing and WHAT’S THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PREDICT FOR TOURNAMENTS? 
who I am. People talking about me doesn’t bother me TURNING POINT IN THE GROWTH There is talk about high-stakes, like $1,000 entry
anymore. I won’t witness total equality in my lifetime, OF KAYAK FISHING TOURNAMENTS?  tournaments with qualifiers and a big payout. The
but I’m okay with that.  We have a few key anglers with large influence who challenge is finding 25 to 50 people who can fish every
shed light on our sport and show how unique, cred- event and commit the money to it. As sponsorships
ible and lucrative it is. Kayak fishing tournaments are increase, we’ll see this type of tournament grow. 



FISCHER IS ONE OF A GROWING NUMBER OF
FULL-TIME KAYAK FISHING PROS MAKING A
LIVING ON THE TOURNAMENT TRAIL.
PHOTO: SHANE DURRANCE



























48
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

TRANSPORTING YOUR FISHING KAYAK ON A
TRAILER IS SMARTER, EASIER AND SAFER.
YOUR CAR, KAYAK AND BACK WILL THANK
YOU. PHOTO: COURTESY YAKIMA


GEAR
Easy Rider



Trailers make light work of getting big, heavy fishing kayaks to the water by kayak angler staff

LIKE A KID THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, you’re excited to get regular powerlifter, you’re likely to throw out your back. Plus, few roof
your new kayak on the water. You’ve done the research, dropped a siz- racks are manufactured to withstand the leviathan load of one big fishing
able down payment and today’s the day to pick up your new ride. Until kayak, let alone two.
you try to pick up your new ride. Ugh. Oooph. Eeeeeyow. And, possibly, Other than maybe the back of a pickup, the best way to transport big
snap, crack and crunch. fishing kayaks is with a trailer. A kayak trailer is not just easier and safer
Full-size, full-feature fishing kayaks can weigh over 100 pounds, measure for your body and vehicle; it’s more efficient too. A kayak on a trailer is
more than 13 feet long and over three feet wide. Wrestling this boat onto more aerodynamic than one riding on the roof as it’s hidden from the
your roof rack endangers the kayak, car and your body. Unless you’re a wind, saving fuel and reducing wear and tear on your car.

CHOOSING THE BEST KAYAK TRAILER
The trend towards ever-larger fishing kayaks has of kayaks and other outdoor adventure gear, like Most trailers are made from galvanized steel or
led to a boom in kayak trailers. Today there are surfboards, bikes and even pop-up tents. Some aluminum. While aluminum trailers are lighter,
a variety of sturdy trailers designed to transport kayak trailers also boast a bed for gear storage, they’re also more expensive. Be sure to check the
kayaks and all the associated paddling and fish- perfect for fishing and paddling gear. trailer’s capacity guidelines. Heavy fishing kayaks
ing gear. The first question to ask yourself before buy- may need heavy-duty trailers. Paddle shops and
At its most basic, a kayak trailer is just a rack ing a trailer is how many fishing kayaks do you outdoor stores usually carry a couple of kayak
on wheels towed behind a vehicle. Models come need to transport regularly? Many anglers will trailer options, but anglers can also purchase the
in different shapes and sizes—some are small and be satisfied with a kayak trailer with space for trailer online and assemble it themselves at home.
compact, while others feature multiple tiers and just one or even two kayaks, but families and Keep in mind the weight of the whole unit—the
can transport upwards of half-a-dozen kayaks. groups who paddle and fish together will want best kayak trailer is light enough to push around
Some trailers are designed to carry a combination to look at multi-tiered models. in your driveway, even loaded with two kayaks.


49
P A D D L IN G M A G A Z IN E

KAYAK ANGLER




TYPES OF KAYAK TRAILERS
BASE TRAILER Low frame with a simple
design. An extending tongue connects two
outer bars and two crossbars on top of an axle
and wheels. Ta-da. It’s lightweight and easy
to load and unload. Perfect for vehicles with
a lower towing capacity.
SUT-220-SA EXPRESS ASSEMBLY | $1,180
TRAILEX.COM

SIDE BY SIDE TRAILER A base trailer with a broader design can accommodate
two kayaks lying flat side by side. Or add cradles and carry up to four kayaks on
their sides. The heavier the load, the more hauling power your vehicle needs.
ECOLIGHT 2 KAYAK TRAILER PACKAGE | $1,499
MALONEAUTORACKS.COM
STACKED TRAILER Typically, trailers with multiple tiers of racks are
used by outfitters, clubs and manufacturers for deliver-
ing kayaks. These usually feature a reinforced elevated
frame and larger wheels. Often these are custom builds
doubling as utility trailers with removable kayaks trees.
NORTH WOODS SPORT TRAILERS 8 PLACE TRAILER
NORTHWOODSSPORTTRAILERS.COM
MULTI-SPORT TRAILER This versatile category includes trailers
designed to carry all sorts of outdoor gear, including bikes, SUPs
and your fishing kayak. Often they’re customizable. Perfect for families
and friends on all sorts of adventures.
SYLVANSPORT GO EASY | $2,295
SYLVANSPORT.COM

FOLDING KAYAK TRAILER Some trailers are designed to fold and
even be stored upright. This is ideal for anglers with limited storage space.




HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR FISHING KAYAK HOW TO USE A KAYAK TRAILER
EACH PLACEMENT for a kayak on a trailer will have two crossbars, just like on a roof rack. TO LOAD A KAYAK TRAILER, start with the trailer
To transport the kayak, an angler has two options: One is to empty the kayak of gear, acces- hooked up and secured to the hitch on the vehicle.
sories and seat, turn it upside down, lift it onto the racks and lash it to the crossbars with cam Then, line the kayak up parallel behind the trailer,
straps or ropes. Upside-down they typically sit flatter on the deck and tightening straps and facing forward—a kayak should never point back-
ropes doesn't crush the hull. Hatches and fixed mounts sometimes get in the way of the bars. wards, that's just weird. Next, lift the kayak’s bow
The other option is to transport the kayak upright without removing the seat and all the ac- and place it onto the rear saddles or crossbar. Then,
cessories. This allows the angler to get on the water faster at the launch, without fussing with lift the kayak’s stern so you can push and slide the
setting up everything, every time. However, to properly support and secure an upright kayak boat forward onto the trailer centering it front to
in transit, you’ll need to add a set of kayak saddles or shaped foam blocks to cradle the hull on back in the cradles.
the crossbars. Ensure the saddles are designed to accommodate your size and style of crossbar If your trailer is uncomfortably high, aftermar-
before purchase. Then take the time to adjust placement and angle to fit the wide beam and ket accessories will help. Using accessories like a
shape of your fishing kayak hull. hydraulic lift-assist can essentially half the amount
of weight lifted.
Once the kayak is on the trailer’s racks, use cam
MIND YOUR TONGUE straps or ropes and a trucker's hitch knot to secure it.
THE TONGUE is the long part of the trailer extending to your vehicle. Kayak trailers often Give the kayak a good shake to ensure it is fastened
have a longer tongue than a conventional utility trailer so the kayak won’t hit the vehicle when securely. Learn more about how to tie down your
turning. This is an important aspect to keep in mind for any angler who wants to make a DIY fishing kayak at kayakanglermag.com/0112. PM
kayak trailer from a standard utility trailer. Shorter kayaks can be transported on trailers with
conventional length tongues, but kayaks longer than about 10 feet may require the extended
tongues standard on dedicated kayak or canoe trailers.


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