The Kayak Blog

“The Long-Sleeved Mystery Shirt by NRS provides total windproof protection. It’s 1-mm neoprene with GlideSkin exterior sheds water to eliminate the chilling effect of evaporation. TiCoat traps your body heat. With ThermalPlush lining throughout, you can wear it alone or over lightweight base layers. When a HydroSkin shirt isn’t quite enough, consider the Mystery.

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“The Helix Dry Top by Kokatat is new for 2006. Taking styling cues from the Rogue, the Helix offers the excellent fit and comfort expected from every Kokatat garment. TROPOS fabric and latex gaskets ensure a dry paddler at the takeout. 2 year limited warranty.

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The Sonoma 10.0 Kayak by Perception gets even better with the addition of Airalite. Short length and less weight make this one worth taking out for a fun-filled day on the water. Specifications: Weight: 35 lbs (16 kg) Length: 9′11in. (301 cm) Width: 26.25in. (67 cm) Cockpit: 37.25in. x 21in. (95 x 53 cm) Max. Load: 400 lbs (181 kg) Paddler Level: Beginner - Advanced Standard Features: Comfort fit outfitting Thermofoam seat pad Thermoformed seat Camlok adjustable backrest Stern deck rigging Keepers foot braces Retractable bow and stern grab cables Bow and stern vertical flotation wall

“The low profile DRIFTer by Stohlquist offers the most comfort fit available in a low profile zip front athletic sports vest. Cross chest cinch eliminates ride-up and fits the vest lower on the torso for full mobility, more effective buoyancy and additional comfort, especially in the water. Shorter lower back will not hinder movement or rub against back-rest. Rugged cordura shell provides years of enjoyment. Detailed with large, low profile, fully draining front pocket with security in.Din. ring inside. Has cool mesh side panels and hand shaped foam elements to provide the lowest profile and soft foam wraps in softness. Buoyancy: 16 lbs 8 oz. Three sizes: S/M (small/medium) fits 33-39in. chest, L/XL (large/xlarge) fits 40-46in., XXL (xxlarge) fits 46-52in. chest. UL & ULC Listed - US Coast Guard & Transport Canada Approved. Hand beveled foam for a closer more comfortable fit Cinch harness eliminates ride-up Extra wide armholes for maximum mobility #5 YKK zipper non-corroding nickel slider Roomy Cordura bellows pocket with D-ring inside Cool mesh side panels Black brass drainage grommet 1in. webbing belt, with forward pulls for a trim and secure fit High waistline cut #10 YKK Vision front zip entry 4-way accessory lash tab 3M reflective trim on both front and back Stretchy adjustable neoprene shoulders

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“The Sherman PFD, named after the westernmost county on I-70 in Kansas, originally surfaced as a vest that Lotus Designs built for some squirt boaters, a bunch of freestyle paddlers and themselves. It’s a perfect swim vest for throwing ends at Big Rocks as well as for sailboat racers and sea kayakers. Its principal beauty is its simplicity, designed for one purpose: providing absolute, unhindered mobility. The Sherman’s unobtrusive cut, combined with eight adjustment points, eliminates any chance of irritation and distraction when you’re paddling. The majority of the flotation is placed low on the torso, with the sides scooping in radically to achieve complete freedom of movement. At the bottom of the front panel there’s an inconspicuous stretchable mesh pocket, and against your chest is an inviting, internal neoprene hand-warmer pocket. The waist-belt is constructed of soft, durable, body-conforming neoprene so it resists sliding up your torso. You can use The Sherman as a pullover sty

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The BlueWater White Water Rescue Bag is a medium weight nylon fabric bag that comes complete with a closed cell foam insert for flotation. Available with either 50 or 70 ft sections of R3 River Rescue Rope.

“The Tsunami 145 Duralite Rudder Kayak by Wilderness Systems is the most paddler friendly, comfortable, versatile and high performance light touring kayak ever designed. The Tsunami series melds the stability and quickness of a recreational touring kayak with the speed, storage and efficiency of a sea kayak. This series features Phase 3, adjustable thigh braces and full size stern hatch, 10in. bow hatch, 8in. stern day hatch, bow and stern bulkheads, Tempest style deck rigging and the Slide Lock Foot brace System. Specifications: Weight: 56 lbs (25.5 kg) Length: 14.5′ (442 cm) Width: 24.5in. (62 cm) Depth: 16in. (41 cm) Cockpit: 36in. x 20in. (91 x 51 cm) Max. Load: 500 lbs (227 kg) Hatch Capacity: 2,782 cu.in. (Bow); 4,912 cu.in. (Stern) Paddler Level: Beginner - Advanced Standard Features: Phase3 Outfitting Adjustable thigh braces Full size stern hatch Slide Lock Foot brace System 10in. bow hatch 8in. stern day hatch Bow and stern bulkheads Tempest style deck rigging Comfort carry handles Rudder

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“The Dagger Kayak Juice 6.9 and 7.1:  Finally, a kayak that combines the downriver performance, volume, and speed you want with a wicked playful hull, an easy chair of a cockpit, and the best outfitting system the world has ever known, the Dagger Juice 6.9 and 7.1.  This combination of proven design features means you get comfort, a loose hull, predictabilit in hero-sized rapids, and hull speed to get you where you need to be.  Dagger’s even throwing in a D-Bone subframe for stiffness and safety, and the Performance Fit System with Precision adjustable thigh braces, a Flipswitch backband and their six-way adjustable AirCore seat and hip pads!  A boat that all your friends will be begging to ride.

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“The Desperado Paddle by Werner Paddles offers unrivaled paddle performance at a price that should be outlawed! With mid size carbon reinforced nylon blades and our premium river running blade design the Desperado is light weight, well balanced, easy to use and durable. The Desperado Paddle is a smart choice for entrants into whitewater who demand performance.

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“The Meridian Dry Suit by Kokatat. 4 oz. nylon oxford with 2 oz. dry suit laminate coating Latex neck, wrist and ankle gaskets Neoprene over-cuffs protect wrist and ankle gaskets Double layered contrasting seat and knee patches (self-draining) Inseam gusset Adjustable bungee drawcord waist Factory sealed seams Over-skirt with adjustable Smoothskin neoprene waistband seals over kayak spray skirt Competition cut Metal tooth watersports zipper, covered by flap Protective neoprene collar

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