If you’ve been paddling for long enough then chances are that you’ve encountered a pop-up rain storm or two. These experiences make you appreciate being prepared and having the proper rain gear onboard. However, being prepared doesn’t mean that you need to wear your paddling jacket all the time; that’s what Storm Cags are for!

What is a Storm Cag??

Storm Cags are poncho-like jackets that are designed to slip over the paddler’s outerwear and attach to the cockpit rim like a spray skirt. They were originally inspired by the seal-skin tunics worn by Inuit peoples who spent a lot of time hunting from kayaks. Modern storm cags are made from water proof materials such as GORETEX.

Advantages of a Storm Cag:

The advantages of carrying a storm cag as a part of your kayaking kit are numerous. Here are the top 4 that come to mind…

1.       Storm Cags have a small footprint which allows them to be easily stowed, at-the-ready, in your day hatch for the chance that you get caught out in the rain.

2.       Their “pull over” design allows the paddler to “gear up” for the coming rain without having to take off their PFD or struggle to don a paddling jacket while on the water.

3.       Brightly-colored storm cags will help to increase your visibility to other craft on the water.

4.       Storm cags can be utilized as an “emergency shelter” in the event that you’re forced to make an unplanned landing due to inclement weather.

Where can I get a Storm Cag?

An excellent choice (and one of the few available on the market) is the Kokatat Storm Cag.

·         Colors: Orange

·         Sizes: “One size fits most” (Cockpit size L, Jacket size XL)

·         MSRP: $329.95 (GORETEX), $209.95 (Tropos)

This storm cag is chock-full of great features including: an adjustable hood with foam bill, a zippered front cargo pocket that allows access to the PFD, lined hand warmer pocket, and reflective tape on hood and sleeves for increased visibility. The best part is that the entire cag stuffs into its own hood for ultra-compact storage!

There are some “rumors” on the web that Seals Spray Skirts used to have a storm cag as a part of their line up but it appears that it is no longer available…

Are there any other options?

I hear yah…spending more than $200 for a storm cag that will spend most of its life hanging out in a day hatch seems ridiculous even to a gear-junkie like me! This is exactly why I have endeavored to design and fabricate my very own, affordable storm cag from a poncho. I promise to provide a link to the “How to Make a Storm Cag” post when it goes live at KayakDave.com in the near future…

Happy Paddling!

-Kayak Dave

We have a new weekly feature on Kayaking.org that we’re excited to share with all of you. If you’ve spend any time searching on You Tube for kayaking videos you’ve probably found some great videos, in a sea of clutter. You Tube has very little filter so searching for good videos means sifting through videos and curating only the good ones.

So we decided, heck we’re Kayaking.org, we should curate the best kayaking videos on the web and curate them all on our site. Once we get more than ten videos we’ll create a separate page on our site so you can more easily access videos by category. Feel free to send us your own videos and if we think they rock, we’ll share them with the world.

And with that I’m happy to kick-off our first kayaking video of the week with the Rider Of The Year Awards. Some of the best footage we’ve ever seen so pull up a chair and enjoy!

We own quite a few kayaking-related domain names, some that we bought for projects, others that we had been using to forward to our site. Since you can only do so many things at once we are putting some of these domains up for sale at prices that we feel are well below market value.

ExtremeKayak.com - $800

AustinKayaking.com – $600

KayakingLA.com – $500

KayakingLosAngeles.com – $500

KayakingTahoe.com – $500

KayakingWithOrcas.com – $250

I hope you’re all having a nice start to you weekend, as always happy paddling!

Photo Credit: Sentrawoods. via Compfight cc

Imagine if you found a kayak floating alone on the water with a paddle and PFD in the cockpit but no paddler in sight. There are a lot of reasons why this could happen: maybe someone is in the water, maybe they are stranded somewhere, or maybe the kayak decided to slip off of its dock and go for a little adventure on its own. You’re faced with a scary situation and you have very little information to pass on to authorities to aid in their search for a possible missing person…

…This is when a Vessel ID Sticker can come to the rescue!

What is a Vessel ID Sticker?

A Vessel ID Sticker is a small, orange sticker that contains the owner’s name, primary, and secondary telephone numbers to help identify the owner of the kayak should the kayak be found floating with a ghost-rider somewhere.

How do Vessel ID Stickers Work?

Simply place a Vessel ID sticker in a conspicuous location on your kayak, fill out the contact information with a permanent, waterproof marker, and voila! Now if someone were to find your kayak floating off on its own they have some contact information to pass on to authorities. The best place to put these stickers is on the deck of your kayak near the cockpit so that they are very easy to locate. Also, consider using the phone number of your float plan holder as the secondary phone number in order to lead authorities to more specific information should they be unable to contact you at the primary number.

Why are Vessel ID Stickers Important for Kayakers?

1. They save lives.  If you’re separated from your kayak (in the water or stranded on land) and in need of help then the person who finds your kayak could use the sticker to obtain critical information that could assist the authorities in locating you and expediting your rescue.
2. They prevent unnecessary searches. There is no need for authorities to activate a search and rescue in the case that you are safe and your kayak simply slipped off of the dock. Searches cost a lot of money, divert critical resources away from where they may be needed, and pose significant risks to rescuers.
3. They can aid in returning a kayak to its owner. It’s a good idea to place a second Vessel ID Sticker in an inconspicuous place within your kayak (inside a hatch, cockpit, ect.) This can offer you another opportunity beyond the HIN to identify your kayak in the case that it was stolen.

Where do I get a Vessel ID Sticker?

The best place to get these vessel ID stickers is by contacting your local USCG Auxiliary flotilla. These folks are very dedicated to the safety of recreational boaters and will provide the stickers free of charge. Other possible options include:

• Your Local United State Power Squadron (Operation Paddle Smart)
• Local Kayak and Canoe Shops
• Your Local Harbor Master

Don’t forget to File a Float Plan!

Remember that these Vessel ID Stickers offer an additional layer of protection but should never be substituted for a formal float plan. The float plan provides searchers with many more critical details that will aid them in locating you quickly and efficiently.

Happy and Safe Paddling!

-Kayak Dave

Kokatat, an industry leader in watersports wear, has just released their new Jackson Collection for the 2013 paddling season! The collection, which contains one top-of-the-line dry suit, two PFDs, and three dry tops, was developed in collaboration with whitewater paddling legend Eric Jackson (founder of Jackson Kayaks) and his son Dane Jackson, the reigning Junior World Champion. Here are some of the deets on this amazing new collection of paddling gear…

Official Press Release for the Kokatat Jackson Collection

Icon Dry Suit:

Key Features: GORE-TEX Pro Shell, Rear-entry, Neck & Wrist Gaskets, Relief Zipper, Socks, Bold Colors

MSRP: $1075.00

Just one look at the Icon dry suit and you’re sure to be stunned by its bold color pallet and fresh graphics! Upon further inspection, one can appreciate that the designers have gone to great lengths to make the Icon highly functional and packed full of great features! I couldn’t be happier with the material selection. The GORE-TEX Pro Shell offers excellent breathability and the carefully-placed Cordura reinforcements will help provide added durability when scouting river banks (or climbing up the bank after an errant swim, like me)! Add in all of the other bells and whistles such as the relief zipper, socks, and overskirt and you have a full-featured dry suit that will make a great choice for whitewater and sea kayakers alike!

I’m very interested to see how the rear-entry idea pans out. On the one hand, a rear-entry dry suit removes the zipper from across the chest and relocates it across the shoulders where it is less likely to impede the paddling motion. However, dry suits are a notorious PIA to get into and out of and I wonder if the rear-entry will be better or worse in this department.

 
Maximus Prime PFD:

Key Features: Front-and-center adjustments, Side-entry, Dynamic Suspension System, Large front pocket, Quick-release chest harness.

MSRP: $220.00

The Maximus Prime is a beast of a Type 5 Rescue PFD! For starters, it’s 17lbs of flotation blows the industry standard (15lbs) out of the water and can make a real difference if you like to play in the big stuff. It also features Kokatat’s Astral-like Dynamic Suspension System (DSS) which has wide shoulder straps, an athletic cut, and an independently suspended front floatation panel designed to move with the paddler.  The side-entry configuration and front-mounted adjustment straps help make Donning and fitting the Maximus Prime quick and easy. I think that Kokatat has a real winner here and I can’t wait to check one out for myself this summer!!

Not interested in all of the rescue do-dad’s?? Check out the stripped down Maximum PFD

Here is an excellent review of the of the Maximum Prime by Kyle Smith of Colorado Kayak Supply

Legend Dry Top:

Key Features: GORE-TEX Pro Shell, Overskirt, Neck & Wrist Gaskets, Bold Colors

MRSP: $435.00

The Kokatat Legend is a top-of-the-line dry-top that looks wicked cool to boot! I mean there’s not really much more to say about it as it has all of the key features: GORE-TEX fabric, overskirt, pocket, ect. Heck, I’d buy one for myself if Kokatat was willing to customize it with a hood! (Unfortunately, they are not able to do this but they should consider it in future designs as a hood is something that sea kayakers really appreciate in a dry top!)

Also part of the Jackson Collection:

Hydrus 3L Mythic Shorty Dry Top

Hydrus 3L Legend Dry Top

Note: Womens versions of all of the Jackson Collection products are also available. They are obviously cut differently but they contain all of the same great features (aside from the women’s Icon dry suit which has a drop-seat instead of a front relief zipper).

Happy Gear Shopping!

- Kayak Dave

Every single kayaker has a phone. Almost all of those phones are smartphones, which means the phone is also a compass, GPS, detailed map, heck it can even be used as a fish finder. When your phone dies, sadly it is nothing more than a paper weight, and there are few power outlets on the side of a rushing river.

Luckily you can charge your phone anywhere thanks to our good friend the sun. While solar technology has always been pegged as pricey, the times have changed and portable solar power is inexpensive. An by inexpensive I don’t mean under $1,000 – I mean under $100, and it’s rugged so you can take it anywhere.

One of our favorite portable solar power makers is Brunton and the unit show above is the Freedom. This power pack can charge just about any smartphone out there three times off a single charge and there’s a flashlight built in to boot.

You’re never really lost as long as you have a working phone, once your phone dies it’s just you and your boat. I’m all about getting away from it all but if something goes wrong, it’s good to know you can always make it home.

You can buy the Brunton Freedom on our new store. If you want to learn more about the Freedom you can also check out the video below:

The winter is in full swing and you may be feeling that itch to get back in the cockpit and go for a paddle!  However, paddling on cold water isn’t for everyone. If you fall into this category then consider trying out one of these alternative winter activities…

Polar Plunge:

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to jump into freezing cold water in nothing but your swim trunks? Do you want to try something new in support of a good cause?? Are you jealous of the fact that penguins get to swim in the ocean all year long??? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions then consider taking the polar plunge this winter!!!

I’ll always remember my first polar plunge…it went something like this: I ran into the water, dunked, and ran straight back out to the beach toward the warmth of my towel and a cup of hot chocolate! Total time in the water: about 5 seconds. It was exhilarating to say the least! More importantly, the experience provided me with an opportunity to develop an unwavering respect for what cold water immersion can do to your body.

Organized polar plunges are put on annually by fundraising organizations all across the country so chances are good that you can find one close to home and be able to contribute to a local charity. If you live in Southeastern Massachusetts then consider taking part in the 11^th annual Jordan Hospital Polar Plunge to benefit the Jordan Hospital Cancer Club on Long Beach in Plymouth, MA on Saturday March 2^nd, 2013 at 10:30am.

Snow-yaking:

Yes, you were right in thinking that “snow-yaking” means sledding in your kayak!! Plastic, white water kayaks make great sleds thanks to their relatively flat hulls and hard edges for carving. Don’t expect to have too much control over the path of your sled-yak; you’ll basically be at the mercy of gravity. To combat this, I highly recommend taking along an old, “beater” paddle to help with edging and thereby gain a little bit of control. Also, it’s a good idea to wear your helmet and avoid runs with too many obstacles!

Here’s a video of some extreme snow-yakers in action:

Too extreme for you?? Then take one of these new, handcrafted sleds by Lincoln Canoe & Kayak for a slide!

Ice climbing:

“Water, water everywhere…but not a drop to float on!” – Kayak Dave

When the lakes and rivers freeze over so do the water falls and what could be better than taking a whack at climbing one, right?? The whole concept of climbing on ice may seem crazy to some of you…it certainly seemed crazy to me the first time that I plunged my tools and kicked my front points into a flow! However, I can now attest to the fact that it’s totally possible to climb a waterfall and the sensation is nothing short of surreal! If you’ve never tried it then it’s something that you should at least pencil into your bucket list…

Kayak Dave having his way with some steep waterfall ice!

I’ve come to find it a little more than ironic that many of my fellow kayaking guides at the MIT Outing Club are also ice climbing guides by winter. I guess that the bottom line is that we’re all water junkies…liquid or solid, it doesn’t matter!

Beware: Ice climbing is, hands-down, the most objectively dangerous outdoor activity that I participate in on a regular basis. It’s certainly not something that I would recommend trying for the first time on your own. The best thing to do is to hire a reputable mountain guide to show you the ropes and keep things as safe as possible during your early ice climbing adventures.

Happy Winter!!

-Kayak Dave

As you may have noticed things are looking a little different around here. The team has been hard at work building the best version of our site yet and we can’t wait to unveil our new store in April. For now we have a very early version of the store deployed on our brand new site! We originally launched Kayaking.org back in 2009 and over the last four years we’ve worked hard to innovate and provide more of what our users are looking for.

One of the top suggestions we had for the site was to add a store focused on quality, not quantity. Kayakers were sick of mega-stores like Amazon with too many products and absolutely no curation. There are no expert kayakers reviewing what they put on their site, it’s just anything and everything they can get on the site, all at the lowest price possible.

We’ve decided to take a different approach. Our brand new kayaking gear store has all hand-picked products, that’s right, hand-picked by kayakers, for kayakers. Makes sense doesn’t it?

Each month we’ll be featuring a different product category where we really go deep and to start things off we’re providing some great kayak fishing gear this month.

Say goodbye to generic descriptions and meaningless specs, we’ll show you only the best kayaking gear out their curated by kayakers for kayakers. 2013 is going to be an exciting year and we hope all the hard work we put-into the next version of our site is everything you wanted. Either way we want to hear from you, love the site? Let us know! Can’t stand it? Let us know!

Welcome to the new Kayaking.org and happy paddling!

This is Kayak Dave reporting from the epicenter of the recent “Snowpocalypse” that hit Southeastern New England. Let me tell you that the “Snowpocalypse” is no hyperbole! Winter Storm Nemo walloped my hometown with high winds, snow lightening, and over 2ft of heavy, wet snow and ice. It seems that every tree limb that was threatening to come down before the storm managed to find its way onto some power lines leaving many of us without electricity for 4-6 days! There’s no doubt that this was the most intense Nor-easter that I’ve ever experienced!

On the brighter side of things, Snowpocalypse 2013 served as the ultimate proving ground for some of my yet-untested outdoor gear! Here are a few of my outdoor gear “All-Stars” that helped make the experience a little more comfortable:

Sierra Designs Zissou 15 Sleeping Bag:

• Shape: Mummy
• Fill: 700-fill Dri-Down Insulation
• Temp Rating: 24 F (EN Comfort Limit), 12F (EN Lower Limit)
• Weight: 2lbs, 7ozs
• Stuffed Size: 800 cubic inches
• MSRP: $269.95

The outside temperature during Snowpocalypse fluctuated from 18 to 35 degrees. We watched as the temperature inside of our house dropped from a balmy 68 degrees to a shivering 38 degrees hoping that the pipes wouldn’t freeze! Thankfully, my Sierra Designs Zissou 15 sleeping bag made Snowpocalypse feel like a luxurious fall camping trip. This dry-down sleeping bag was oh-so-comfortable and toasty warm. I basically spent 3 days living in the thing; sleeping in it at night and sitting around in it during the day. It’s an awesome sleeping bag and I can’t wait to test out while kayak camping this summer!

Petzl Tikinana 2 Headlamp:

• Max Run Time: 190hours (on low power)
• Weight: 2.8 ounces
• Batteries: 3x AAA (Not Included)
• Colors: Lime Green, Orange, Electric Blue, French Rose
• MSRP: $19.95

The Petzl Tikiana 2 is the best “around camp” headlamp that I have ever used, period. It’s compact, lightweight and offers two brightness modes via a single push button. The run times are simply incredible; I put dozens of hours (at least 40 hours on low power) on that thing during Snowpocalypse and never had to change the batteries once. Not only that but I think that I only paid something like $10-15 for it on sale last fall. This is an unbelievable product and would make the perfect addition to any kayaker’s bag of tricks!

Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Battery Pack:

• Charge Time: 8-10 hours (from any USB power source), 2-4 hours (from Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel)
• Inputs: mini-USB port, solar port
• Outputs: 4x AA or AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries, standard UBS port (5W, 1A max)
• Size: 2.5 x 4 x 0.75 in
• Weight: 6.4 ounces
• MSRP: $59.95

This Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus small-electronic charger kept my cell phone alive and well for days during Snowpocalypse. I was really impressed with the capacity of the rechargeable NiMH batteries that it came with. It only took about 3 hours to charge them with my Nomad 7 solar panel once the sun came out. This provided enough power to fully charge my HTC Droid Incredible 2 smartphone. When the sun wasn’t out I was able use standard alkaline batteries to partially charge my phone. This little device can be a real life saver and would be a great way for a kayaker to charge VHF radio batteries on a long trip!

-Kayak Dave

During this time of year, the United States Coast Guard and local harbor masters keep their search and rescue units close-by for boaters and kayakers who have fallen victim to the looming cold waters. Individuals, especially those who are confident in their boating skills, tend to underestimate the aggressive powers that cold water has over the body. It is for this reason why so many canoers, kayakers, and boaters alike find themselves in compromising situations revolving around cold water survival.

There is no way around it, once an individual becomes submerged in cold water, they are in a pure survival situation. Every decision forward can make a difference in life or death – and every hindsight decision becomes 20/20. Just take a look at a recent search in the News section of Google… type “kayaker” and your results will produce a pile of cold water rescue stories (see below):

These stories are real, current examples of the ever present dangers of cold water around the world. Over confidence coupled will ill-preparedness will easily leave a kayaker stranded in cold water in a matter of minutes. Keep these common rules-of-thumb in mind before you consider your next trip in cold water:

• Cold water (less than 68 degrees Fahrenheit) can be fatal regardless of air temperature
•  Attempting to swim in cold water will only decrease your likelihood of survival
• Cold water remove heat from the body 25 times faster than cold air
• Remember the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P)
• There is strength in numbers: never kayak alone, and be sure to kayak with at least one person who has rescue abilities
• Wear appropriate attire: ditch the cotton and outfit yourself with gear designed for cold water environments
• Keep a UHF radio close at hand to notify local coastal authorities of an emergency
• Have a float plan: let friends/family know where you are going and when you’re expected to be back
• Check the weather forecast for sudden changes in weather patterns or temperature

Keep on paddling,

Alex