Archive for the ‘Paddling’ Category

Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
In rainbows
Because we separate
The ripples on a black shore
– Radiohead

I said on Facebook yesterday that I was feeling like paddle blogging again. Something that for me had lost its charm in the last year or so.  It happens to all of us at one time or another.  A change is as good as a rest as they say, and  I needed a change, a rest… and a shower.  So now that I’ve jumped back in, let’s see where we go, shall we?

One of the reasons I cooled to paddle blogging was business. You see, I’m not in the business.  I’m a coach.  Nothing more. I’m a web guy, photographer and graphic artist actually. I don’t produce paddling products, I don’t own a paddling magazine or offer guided tours.  If anything I’m just some dude who writes about my experiences, with paddle in hand as it were.  That’s it. Read the rest of this entry »

Sittin’ with the fat man
Tryin’ to get a loan
Talkin’ about horses
And the women that we’ve known
– randy newman

The Hatteras by Impex is 16 foot long and 22.5 inches wide.  It looks wider.  According to the website it is designed to be “playful” while not sacrificing tracking, and at the same time accommodate larger paddlers who may or may not know what they are doing in big conditions, while making them feel confident wherever they happen to be in their own personal “ability spectrum”. I think that’s the gist. Read the rest of this entry »

She said you’ve taken me for granted
Because I please you
Wearing these diamonds,
– paul simon

It’s Monday.  It’s the day after Canoecopia.  Justine Curgenven is down in Chicago paddling Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast, Darren Bush, owner of Rutabaga, benevolent ruler of all things Canoecopia, is also off for a well deserved paddle.  I on the other hand, like so many other attendees have get back at the millstone to pay for my 3 days of irresponsibility and personal spending.  What to say?  Well, do you know one of those people who just keeps talking and talking, mixing sentences without spaces and never taking a moment to breathe?  I could be that guy… Read the rest of this entry »

And as the sparrow sings
Dawn chorus for
Someone else to hear
The thinker sits alone growing older
– d. bowie

So this is what it looks like at 5am, no, 6am here in Madison, Wisconsin.  You are looking across the street from our motel at the Alliant Energy Center where in just a few hours Canoecopia will be opening it’s doors for the last day of the 2010 show. Reports are that visitor numbers have nearly doubled this year over last which made for a lot of warm fuzzy feelings in among the regulars.

And this just in from the rumors department… It seems the owner of Boreal Shores Kayaks in Bayfield ran amok over the winter and bashed out a wall of his shop… (I’m sure Chris will like me describing it that way.   Now everywhere he goes people will be talking about him… “There goes Chris,” they’ll say, “Running Amok.”)   Read the rest of this entry »

I saw her bus come down a little subway street
She played a gypsy song with a 3/4 beat
And when I heard her voice
She gave me vertigo
– fastball

Time to head out to the “big city” and join the party! It’s almost 6 am and I’ve wrapped up what bits of work I still needed to get done before we head off to Madison for the big show.  We’ll be exploring the show floor most of the day today (and sneaking off to the bike show next door).  I have to take back that bit about not needing anything.. other than a kayak.. I also need to find some new paddling shoes since mine seem to have disappeared.  Always something…    Oh, and if you’re wondering why Wenonah got the big feature pic today even though I don’t even own a canoe… I have no idea.. things were just going that way.

One day I fell under her spell
She showed me both heaven and hell
She made it shine, she made it rain
Now she’s gone, gone, gone, gone
Gone just like a train

Now wait.. no there’s more..
KayakQuixotica Declares today
“Wenonah Canoe” Love Day!

(I mean, come’on only 8 followers on their new twitter??  Let’s show ‘em some love

Pewitt’s Nest – Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Now here’s the thing.  Spring is coming on here in Wisconsin in a mad rush.  I should of course have my heart all a-flutter about spending the next 2 days at Canoecopia, the world’s largest paddle-sports expo. Yet, what I find myself thinking is that I’m going to spend most of my time indoors pining for the rain, the trails, and the rivers outdoors.  What the hell is wrong with me eh? Read the rest of this entry »

Reposted from The Skillet Creek Journal - Outdoor lovers from all over the mid-west will be gathering in Madison, Wisconsin this weekend, March 12 – 14, 2010, for Canoecopia, the world’s largest paddle sports expo. Hosted by Rutabaga of Madison, Canoecopia features hundreds of vendors from the outdoor industry and 3 days of presentations by some of the world’s foremost paddling experts and instructors. In addition, many outfitters and guides from around the country will be on hand to promote their 2010 trips from Great Lakes excursions to full-on world class expeditions. Did we mention the sales, promotions & discounts? Read the rest of this entry »