A couple of weeks ago we held our annual Tahoe Road Trip. Every year at the end of summer we round up as many paddlers as we can find and head to south Lake Tahoe for 4 days of high sierra paddling. Every year is a similar agenda, yet every year seems to take on a totally different feel. This year was suppose to be all about the after parties. We had plan for pot lucks, live music, kayak demos, and lots of good times around the campfire. WRONG! Due to poor timing and a crack down on parking at our campsite, the first day was a train wreck of events. Locked keys in the car, missing sales reps, angry park attendances, and parking were just a few of the speed bumps we hit along the way. Despite the rocky start to the trip everyone was in good spirits and fired up for day two, a 7 mile paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay. The morning of day two we had around 55 kayaks that showed up on the beach. Boats of all shapes, colors, and sizes lines the beach, and everyone was happy to lend a hand carrying gear down to the water. The paddle was a slow paced cruise along the shore line until we hit the mouth of Emerald Bay. At this point a few of us noticed the Tahoe Queen pulling into the bay and set our sites on the wave train that follows the old fashion stern wheeler. I was first to get on steep glassy wave. I was able to ride its wake about a mile from the mouth of the bay, all the way to the little island near Vikingsholm. What a ride! We stopped at the castle had lunch, took photos and then made our way back to Baldwin.
That night we were met with a little thunder showers. The rain only lasted about an hour and was just enough to keep the dust down. Everyone met up at my Mom and Dads campsite for another amazing potluck and to swap lies around the fire.
Day Three was a shorter paddle from Zeyphr Cove to Cave Rock on the Nevada side of the lake. This section is always a treat because the crystal clear water and giant granite boulders that line the shore. The weather was ideal to start without a single wave in the water which made the water seem all the more transparent. Due to an injury I had been dealing with I decided to take the baby for the day and let me wife paddle, but my son Ethan wasn't content to just hang with dad. While everyone was getting ready to go paddle I stuck my 18 month old son Ethan into the cockpit of Reg Lakes kayak, and his eyes lit up. We spend 20 minutes pushing him around the lake and letting him try his hand at paddling. (See video) This was by far the highlight of the trip for me.
After a lazy paddle on the east shore everyone made their way back to camp where some of the crew loaded up and headed for home while other headed for to state line for pizza and beer. Day 4 was quiet for most of us. There was a group of 5 or 6 that hit Sand Harbor for a paddle, but most of us decided to take our time getting packed up and headed back to reality. All and all it was another wildly successful Road Trip, and we can't wait for next year. We have already made reservations at Meeks Bay for the third week in Sept 2012. So mark your calendars and I hope to see you all there! Until then enjoy a couple of videos Reg Lake put together from Lake Tahoe 2011 with The Headwaters!
Well, spring is finally here and things have been ramping up here at the Headwaters shop. With my busy work and family life my kayaking excursions lately are not what they once were. No big open ocean play time, no rock gardens, no river surfing, but that doesn't mean my kayak has been collecting dust. Due to the location of my home and store I'm not able to get to moving/ rough water without making a whole day of it, so lately I have been making the most of what is all around me, Fish! One cool thing about living in Lodi is that you are surrounded by water. You have the delta within 15 minutes, the Mokleumne River within 2 minutes, and a bunch of little foot hill lakes and ponds that are all within 45 mins away. The best part is everywhere has good fishing. So thats what I have been doing in my free time, getting out when I can and fishing from my kayak and stand up board. Weather it be for a couple hours before work, or couple in the evening after the shop closes. Having these mini adventures, keep my stoke tank full and happy. It also bring me back to my youth and reminds me of the simple joy of catching and releasing fish.
Last night during our Wednesday Evening Club paddle I decided to bring my pole and just hang out in Lodi Lake and fish the tules. I drifted along with the wind and cast my line right along the edge of the tule berm. To my surprise I immediately got a hit. I set the hook and reeled in hard. It was a nice 3lb large mouth bass. It was a good time. Everyone had fun watching me bring it into my kayak, and they joked that they may have lost their tour guide.
I'm all about finding adventure in life no matter where you are. I think for Lodi kayaks and stand up paddle boards are the perfect answer to get people outside and into nature. With great fishing all around, and the beautiful Mokelumne River in our back yard, I can't help but feel like I have some good job security. If anyone wants to explore the area, please give me a call at the store and we can arrange a time to go paddle/ fish Lodi Lake and the Mokelumne River. The Lodi Paddle Club paddles every Wednesday night at 5:30pm. Its 100% free if you have your own kayak, and $20 to have me bring one out for you. Call and make your reservation today!
With new developments on every front, I'm proud so say that I am paired with some of the most innovative kayak manufactures in the world. Today two very interesting little kayaks showed up on my doorstep. Two all white Samba XD's with a insignia on the back that says "Innovation in Action." As a huge supporter of Thermoform technology, I am very excited to be the first one besides the factory to see the new layup. I can't wait to get one out and put it through its paces. The overall look of the kayak has not changed, but the overall stiffness is incredible. These two kayaks are going to have a very rough life. Tony, who is a expert rock garden paddler and long time Eddyline paddle will be one of the test pilots. His mission is see just how much this new layup can take. The other one will be used by myself and our west coast Eddyline rep. We will be sure to keep people up to date with videos and photos as we get them. So check back often and see how the new Samba XD handles the abuse!
Here is the Mission statement put out by Eddyline owner and founder Tom Derrer:
"During our many years of building composite boats we constantly experimented with different laminates and technologies to achieve a level of performance that suited those paddlers with extraordinary needs. Things are no different today. The Samba XD (Extra Duty) is an experimental construction using thermoform technology to help us determine just what some of the real needs of the advanced kayaker are and how to satisfy them. By advanced paddler I mean those kayakers who are pushing the envelope and advancing their skills while developing a deeper knowledge of the forces of the sea.
The Samba XD is more innovation in action at Eddyline Kayaks!"
First off thank Swift for the opportunity to test their new Skookum Paddle. I'm always excited to work with people on new and progressive products like this. First thing I will say about the paddle is its beautiful. I love the color (Lime Green). I'm glad they decided to release that color because a lot of us younger paddlers have been asking for a green paddle for a while. The over all fit and finish is good, but not perfect. I would love for the front and back side of the blade to be green instead of the milk white color. I see that the paddle with the sparkles uses green epoxy, making the front and the back sides the same color. I liked the way that looked better. Other than that I think the finish of the paddle looks beautiful. The joint where the paddle meets the shaft looks thick and strong, the black covering over the joint is very clean, and the carbon on the shaft is flawless. The decal also looks very sharp on the blade.
I really enjoy the feel of the shaft in my hand. Having the texture from the carbon makes the paddle feel less slippery in my hands as oppose to other paddles that I use. The thing I am most excited about on the new Skookum is the the blade shape. Bravo Swift for seeing the need for a high performance, high angle paddle that excels not only in rock garden, and surfing situations, but also on an all day tour. The short squatty blade gives paddles like myself the ability to take short hard stokes to get up to speed when catching a wave, or shooting a slot. Three hard stokes and my boat is up to speed. Being shorter, it also allows me to slice it through the water when linking stokes and bracing. The power and grab is incredible when pulling out of an eddy and getting speed to catch a wave. You can lay hard on a low brace, and with the flick of the wrist you can spin the paddle around and grab a hard draw stoked to pull yourself across current. Once on a wave, the slight curvature of the blade shaft to tip gives you a nice feel in the water. During a stern rudder, you can easily angle the paddle to ether pry the stern away or draw the stern back towards the paddle. It is a very rewarding paddle for those learning boat control and advanced stokes, like draws and rudders. Although the Skookum excels in these dynamic environments, what really surprised me was how it felt on a long all day flat water paddle. The paddle is so light that you barly notice you are holding anything at all. It pulls effortlessly though the water, and does not pick up much water on the exit. Even with my paddle being a 205cm I didn't notice any issue with hitting my boat during my forward stoke. The paddle catch is solid and gives you nice purchase throughout the stoke. The dihedral on the paddle seems to really keep the paddle square in the water without the tendency to wander. I also like the overall size of the blade for touring. Although it is a shorter blade it is not overly large, in fact it has even less surface area then the Sea Swift. This allows me to paddle all day and not feel tired. It is not like some other high angle touring paddles that feel like a light weight version of a white water paddle. Swift did an excellent job combining the most important elements of a high angle paddle. Control, power, and efficiency. I feel like they are setting the bar high for other paddle companies to shoot for.
Even though I love the paddle and am excited about what it means for the future of sea kayaking, there is still a few things I would change. First thing would be to use a colored epoxy to make the whole paddle one color. Secondly, the Skookum that I have has a nice reenforced tip on it, that runs about 3 inches up from the tip of the paddle blade, however I would love to see that reenforcement wrap around the bottom of the paddle a bit more because that is where you will be hitting the most rocks. The third and most important thing is to clean up the back side of the paddle blade. Swift does a great job of reenforcing their blades by using a stiff ridge that runs along the back side of their blades. This makes the paddles stiff and grabby when you plant them in the water, however it also creates drag and unwanted bubbles while surfing and while slicing the paddle though the water. Example would be, if you where surfing though a slot and you needed to slice the paddle forward through the water to a bow draw, having the ridge takes away your feel in the water and slows the paddle down. Most all paddle companies have this problem, and some address it better than others. I would love to see Swift come up with a solution to this, and then they would have, in my opinion, the ultimate high angle paddle!
Better late than never right? It has been almost a month since the Symposium and I'm just not getting a chance to sit and write about this incredible event. Shows what kind of month I have been having. The store has been rockin and for that I am most thankful. Even though it has been a month since the symposium the images and feelings from the event will not soon be forgotten. This event seems to get better every year, and this year was no exception. The weather was moody, the water was finicky, but the people were incredible!
On the Thursday night before the Symposium started I met Sterling (owner of Sterlings Kayaks) and Rowan Gloag (Hurricane Rider and Facebook pal) here at the shop do deliver kayaks. They had just drove 18 hours straight through from Bellingham WA. They had to chain up along the way at each pass they came to. Dispite the long adventure they showed up fresh and enthusiatic about the weekend to come. Rowan and I loaded up my trailer of demo boats and we headed over to the Marin Headlands Youth hostel, our home base for the weekend. Though we were all exhausted from travel we stayed up for a few hours drinking beers and swapping stories with some of the biggest and best names in Sea Kayaking. After a short hard sleep we awoke to rain. Everyone slogged their way to Horse Shoe Cove to start the festivities. It was so encourgaing to see all the people geared up ready to go with big smiles on their faces.
Day 1 I was asigned to help teach the intro to Riding the Tides Class with Mark Tozer and Duane Stosaker. We crossed over to Angel Island and practiced edge turns in the eddyline created by the Ebb tide. Everyone had a great time. The highlight of my day was teaching some students with Greenland paddles, how to rip in and out of eddies with a stick. After our time at Angel we made our way back to Yellow Bluff where we played in the tidal race. Everyone got to practice surfing and bracing.
After a long day in cold conditions we blew off some steam by eating pizza and listening to live music at the Symposium Headquarters, Horse Shoe Cove.
Day 2 the weather was even colder and more rainy. This day I was assigned as a safety boater to Riding the Tides intermediate with Ben Lawry and Chris Mitchell. After a long warm up on the dock we hit the water. We practiced ferrying against the flood tide under the Golden Gate bridge. The conditions were pretty big this day. After that session we made our way with the flood tide back into Richardson Bay where we had lunch. After a debrief session on the beach we got back into our boats to catch the Ebb tide back to Yellow Bluff for day 2 of playing in the tide rips.
Thankfully this day I was paired up with my buddy Rowan, and we got to enjoy hours of surfing and playing in the rip. It was so cool to surf with so many people in the rip. Everyone was excited to be there, dressed for the swim and ready to push themselves. Thankfully no one in our class swam, and Rowan and I had an easy day on the water. The class seemed wore out fast so we let them go back to the harbor while we stayed and played.
That night there was slide show presentations at the Hostel. There were 3 all together but the one that got me excited was Eric Sores, one of the original Tsunami Rangers was giving a talk about the past 25 years of boating. (http://tsunamirangers.com/) To hear his level of enthuiasm for the sport and to hear is mind set about rough water ocean paddling got me stoked! I could not wait to get out the next day and go rip in some rock gardens. The line that I took from his talk was, "Paddle where it looks bad and feels good, not where it looks good and feels bad." So the next day when Matt P told us that he didn't need us to safety boat and we were free to go play, thats exactly what we did!
Rowan and I paddled our way out the Golden gate and rock hopped our way all the way to Point Bonita. The water was rough but manageable, and so we hit every slot and overfall we could on the way out.
Rowan was adamant about leaving his mark in the bay area and that he did. All the green gel coat you see from Horse Shoe Cove to the Point Bonita Light House was from the bottom of Rowan's Reflection. haha. That is not completely true, however he did loose his fair share on this little trick move.
Once we got to the point we were greeted by the full on Pacific swell. We took our time to scout out the Rock Garden and decided that if we got in close enough to this rock that the wave would break and we could catch a nice surf ride out of it. Well that was the idea but sometimes things are easier said than done. We both got worked by a huge whirlpool before we ever got any cool rides.
In the Video you will see more footage of me getting worked by the water. All and all it was a great time. It looked bad but felt sooo good. After a good hour session we decided to head back to Horse Shoe Cove, have lunch and get back onto the water to catch the Tide Race again and Yellow Bluff. On our way back we passed a few classes in process. We saw Eric and some of the Tsunami Rangers teaching with up and comers like Paul Kuthe and Matt Nelson. Their classes where charged up and going for it. Watching these guys shooting slots and riding overfall brought a smile to my face. I can't help but feel like there is a bright future ahead in our sport. Over the corse of the whole weekend I believe there was over 100 people who ventured out to the rocky coast outside the Golden Gate, and that is what makes GGSKS such a magical experience. Its the only place I have been where that many incredible coaches are paired up with that many gun ho students, and everyone is there to push themselves and learn. The energy around this event is electric, and for those who are on the fence about going, do yourself a favor and sign up. Even if its just for one day, SIGN UP! You will not regret it. I look forward to many trips out the bay this year, and I have my calendar marked for GGSKS 2012.
The Mokelumne run from the Fish Hatchery to Stillman Mcgee park is one of the most widely used sections of the Mokelumne River in the greater Lodi area. This section starts off in the rolling foothills outside of Clemnet and winds its way through lush valley farmland, and wilderness area. The run is moving water most of the way, however there are no rapids to speak of. Just a gentle rolling river with the occasional riffle, and eddy line. It is also home to an array of wildlife such as Herons, Egrets, Turkey Vultures, River Otters, as well as great fishing like Chinook Salmon, and Steelhead.
This made it the perfect place to check out our new Emotion Stand Up Paddle Boards. These boards are designed for this type of paddling. They are short and easy to maneuver in currents, and stable so you don't have to worry about falling off when you hit a swift section of water. The test paddlers for the day were Matt P. and myself. I should also mention that although I have done this section of river hundreds of times, this was my first time attempting it on a SUP (Stand up paddle board).
Knowing that some of the best riffles and eddy lines are up from the typical launch Matt and I decided to carry our boards up stream aways closer to the Hatchery. From here we pushed off into swift water, and used our kayaking skills to work our way up the side eddies closer to a couple small standing waves. I was the first to paddle over onto the wave. I was pleasantly surprised to find just how easy it was to hold position on a wave with just a little leaning and a little paddling. Matt took to the wave next, his experience on a SUP was apparent right away as he started moving the board around with very little effort. After a few minutes of getting our river legs we decided to turn and head down stream.
The first section of river was a lot of fun. With little eddy lines and rocks everywhere, Matt and I took our time spinning our boards arounds behind rocks and pealing back into the current. We both agreed that paddling a SUP on the river would make you a better all around paddler. After a couple hundred yards the river began to pick up speed. During the first quarter mile the river looses a fair bit of elevation. It was neat to have the sensation of standing up while gliding effortlessly through the valley. After the swift water you get emptied out into one of my favorite sections. It has a canyon like feel with cliffs covered with moss and ferns. Large trees cover the river making it a shady no matter what time of day you go down. This was also a popular fishing spot it seemed because we saw at least six people fly fishing, all of which said they had caught a few fish throughout the day. Some even asked if our boards where stable enough to fish from. The thought made me wish I had my pole. How neat would it be to be high above the water looking down into the holes and casting. Not to mention the ability to work the whole river as you float down.
After a good hour on the boards both Matt and I were beginning to get very comfortable on the boards. During calm sections we would mess around with balancing on the back of the boards and trying to get them to spin around in the eddies. We both were very suprised by just how much fun you could have on such an inexpensive little toy. "Why wouldn't everyone have one of these" Matt said with a big smile on his face.
We made our way down the river playing in every standing wave, and eddy line we could find. By the end of the run both Matt and I played so hard that we were exhausted, so after the last play spot we decided to take a little break and let the current do the work.
At the end of the day we loaded up the boards and finished our shuttle run tired and stoked about all the fun we had. I can honestly say that I did not expect to have so much fun on what I viewed as a recreational toy. The little board brought back to me the simple joy of paddling with a friend. It was so neat to learn new skills and apply old ones, and I honestly can't wait for my next sunny day off to go out and do it again!
Because Matt and I had so much fun I've decided to make this a scheduled trip that I will do in spring. Those who want to join in on the trip will have to take a two hour intro to SUPing class with me at Lodi Lake and then we will Hit the river. I'm thinking $25 for the flat water class at Lodi Lake and $50 for the down river trip including rental and transportation. Spaces will be limited to 4 or 5 people. If you are interested please email me at Headwaterskayak@gmail.com
Mike Dedman, is the man! He helped put this trip together.
Hey Everyone,
Just got back from an amazing trip to Trinidad Ca. I paddled with a few of the locals on one of their Sunday Morning rough water paddles. The first thing I will say is the people from the kayaking community up there are top notch. If you ever get a chance to go up and paddle with this group, do it! You will not be disappointed.
The New Sterling Reflection on the beach
So Sunday after a long night of restless sleep we met up at Trinidad Harbor at 8:00AM. The usual group of 8 people were already there with their boats on the beach. I was pleasantly surprised to see that almost everyone there was paddling a Sterling Illusion or Grand Illusion. I say pleasantly because I sell Sterlings Kayaks, and my purpose for the trip was to product test his new Reflection Kayak. So my friend and I geared up, strapped on our waterproof cameras and hit the water. The weather felt like classic North Coast, overcast, misty, and a cool 55 degrees. The ocean was predicted to be at 8-10 ft swell at 12 seconds out of the West, perfect conditions to put the new boat through its paces. So as we paddled out of the harbor we weave our way through moored fishing boats, bobbing side to side in the ocean swell. We spot a few seals, and even a pod of Harbor Dolphins.
Local tradition is to paddle out through the first rock formation you come to called Prisoner Rock. Its two big rocks that stick up out of the Harbor with a wide slot big enough to paddle through. Legend has it that this island gets its name because back in the day this is where people would drop off drunk fisherman to sleep it off. Wether true or false I can't say, but the story helped lighten the mood of the day, and we all took our turn paddling through the slot and into the Pacific Swell.
The first placed we paddled was called "The Corner" which made perfect since because it was the corner of Trinidad Head. Here you are in the full exposure of the Pacific swell along a long steep rock wall. The waves wrapped around the corner rising and falling along the wall making it a great place to get comfortable in lumpy reflection waves. We all took our turn trying to get in close to the wall and see how high we could catch a ride up the wall. After a bit we began to paddle further around Trinidad Head. To our right was a towering rock wall with constant white wash and foam crashing against it. We made our way up to the next play spot called Smack Wall. I had been to Smack Wall before last summer during a Club Mixer put on by 4 Northern Ca paddling clubs, so I sort of knew what to expect, but this day was not like the last. As we sat back and watched a few sets come in, we saw the water exploding up the cliff and creating a curling wave that sometimes seemed to be 20 ft tall. Then a few seconds later the reflection wave would hit us, and our boats would jump out of the water, as if we where plowing through the surf. I was the first to take a turn. I paddled up nose to the wall and waited for a big set to roll in. When it did I felt the water suck away from the wall leaving an enormous troth between the wave and the wall, and then in a second I was lifted up and shot into the air on top of this frothy monster. I felt myself being back surfed out to sea and I knew what was coming next. The wave curled at the top and sent me cart wheeling backwards for what felt like eternity. While in the wave I made sure to keep my paddle loose in my hands and made sure my elbows where in tight to my body, I was ready to let go at any minute if I felt any pressure on my shoulders. After a fun ride I rolled up in the wave and paddled back in for another ride. After a few more good rides, and a few huge dumpers I decided I better call it a day let someone else have a turn. Right behind me was Marcella, a graceful lady with nerves of steel. She paddled up to the wall as if she had done it a million times, spun her Illusion around and surfed the reflection wave right our to sea. She made it look so easy and smooth and my hat goes off to her. After that a few other got in close to the wall and caught rides including another local gal named Georgiana. I was so impressed to see the Trinidad women charging harder than many of the guys that day.
This shot was taken at "The Corner"
Smack Wall going off! Me about to get back surfed and pitchpoled.
Being the flat lander that I am, I began to see green. Sitting in the swell looking at a camera lens made me feel a little sea sick so I asked the group if we could paddle to the next spot. We made our way over to Pilot Rock. A large circle rock a hundred yards off the coast. The way the swell wrapped around both sides of the rock made for an interesting point break and surf ride. We all took turns and practiced Greenland rolls while we waited. After about an hour or so we made our way back to the corner, than back through Prisoner Rock for tradition.
I was so impressed by this wonderful group of people, their skill level, and their humility in their boats. You could tell they were all so passionate about the ocean and about sea kayaking. If you ever go paddling up their do yourself a favor and hook up with the Trinidad Locals. You will not be disappointed.
Damons Rig in front of the Coffee Shop
So after we hosed our gear off and loaded the boats, everyone invited us to meet up at the local coffee shop to shoot the breeze and have drinks. As a group they decided that they would be giving me their perpetual Smack Wall trophy for having the biggest ride. The trophy reads "Smack Wall Master" "Awarded for extraordinary skills, courage, and absolute Lunacy." and it has a kayaker sitting in a gold cup with an intense look on his face. The fact that they welcomed me in to their community, showed me their spots, and let me have their trophy even though I live 6 hours away, really blew me away. Although its just a cheap plastic trophy, this little award means more to me than almost any award I have ever received, because it was given by peers that I look up to and respect.
Here is the Trophy and the boat that I was paddling
A big thanks to all the Trinidad Locals who paddled that day.
MIke Dedman, John Day, Marcella, Georgiana, Bruce, Damon, and Mike Z.
As for the test of the new Reflection Kayak? Look at the pictures and you will see what I thought :)
Here is a link to the photo album with all the picture from that day as well as a few from another trip that went out of Trinidad on Sat:
And this is what I am most proud to show off. Here is a few minute video of Smack Wall going off! From what they said, this is as big as it can get without closing out. Enjoy!
