Favorite new paddle float by Sea to Summit

I found this new float in a North Carolina paddling  shop in Greensboro called Get Outdoors.  As some of you know I like foam floats a lot better because they are ready whenever you need them and sharp things will not deflate them. These attributes are really important for cold water paddling and for anglers.

Some of you have seen how I have taken out the back band and back rests from a few of my boats and I just use the NRS foam paddle float instead of a back band so I am comfortable and "Always Ready" as per the family motto.

This new float by Sea to Summit is an even better fit as back of the seat support device!  I cannot believe that these are not much more popular than the bags you try to inflate while you are freezing or tired.

You can see more about them here:

Sea to summit paddle float

Sucked into the SUP Craze

Ok so you may have noticed that I don't post here very much anymore and that is because work has picked up a lot.  This has lead to a distinct lack of paddling time. Luckily my employer is very health conscious and keeps a SUP near our office near the lake. So I bought one too and learned a few things.

I now understand why SUP is so popular.  Most people do not have time to go paddling for two to 12 hours to get a work out, so with a paddle board you can get a great workout in thirty minutes.

Also there is a lot less gear to carry because you usually only go a couple miles and not far from shore so you can swim back.

I have the one of the worlds heaviest SUPs made from plastic so I can store it outside; it is lighter than my lightest kevlar kayak.

No near to carry water or food either because you'll only be out for an hour or two.  If you cannot go two hours without water or food then you have other troubles.

So now I see the appeal of these terribly slow boats that will not carry anything and are an abomination to paddle upwind in a two foot chop.  We are waiting for the day the lake develops a good chop. Like river runners we will run a shuttle upwind of a nice pub or restaurant and race downwind to our dinner!

Cool Guys and a Warm Sleeping bag

I was in Davidson, NC for work last week and I met two guides who have started their own sleeping bag and outdoor gear company.

Check them out at:  http://deneboutdoors.com/

They have a great plan and they may have the first bag that is comfortable when it is cold but not too hot when it warms up a bit.  Really nifty properties.  Hope to see one soon.

Making paddling plans

Today at lunch time I am thinking of making paddling plans involving my canoe and folding bike.

I cannot wait to start paddling again.

Check out this portage wheel: