surfski novice

The Mocke vest preferred by racers has been off the market for two years in R & D trying to make it even better.  The new ISO approved vest will be available in the US starting the beginning of February.  Ocean paddle Sports in California has 300 of them coming in.  They are taking reservations now by phone or email.  I called and reserved mine.  Why a racing vest?  Kayakers need a very specific vest for comfort & safety.  This vest is light weight, well ventilated vest, has pockets for energy bars in front, pocket for a water bladder in back, bright orange rescue color and reflective tape, only mesh vest on the market... finally due to the mesh, the vest does not become heavy aiding in wet reentry into a kayak or surfski at sea.  Get yours at www.oceanpaddlesports.com April 3rd 2013, I have been using mine for a little over a month now and I have never been a fan of the uncomfortable, extremely hot life vests designed for kayakers. ...

Some touring paddlers like wide brim hats but racers prefer thin well ventilated caps.  I like the Epic and Fenn paddling caps. Epic - This paddling cap is available in white nylon with darker racing stripe and well ventilated sides. Available at www.epickayaks.com or from your local dealer. Fenn - This paddling cap is available in red and blue.  It is well ventilated with flaps over the ventilated area to prevent sun exposure.  It is available through www.oceanpaddlesports.com There are alot of baseball caps and sports caps but not all are created equal for kayaking.  Select something that does not absorb water, will ventilate well when your body heat rises and wear it low on your head to aid in keeping your head up thus improving paddling posture and safety.

Races 2013  Miami Winter Nationals January 13th  Ohana Downwind Series Race Sunday January 19th Clearwater Sailing Center Loop course Sand Key intercoastal thru pass down Clearwater Beach to Caladesi and back www.crazypaddlers.com Estero River Race January 20th Sunday 1pm start 4 mile / 10 mile Paula erol@aol.com Ohana Downwind Series Race Clearwater Saturday February 2nd Clearwater Sailing Center Wakulla Loop course Sand Key intercoastal thru pass down Clearwater Beach to Caladesi and back www.crazypaddlers.com River Race Tallahassee, FL February 9th and 10th Sunday 8am start Jensen Classic Weeki Watchee River February 16th Crisp Park Race St Petersburg, FL February 23rd John Edwards canoechamp@aol.com Bogey & Bacall Key Largo February West Coast Champs March 2nd & 3rd Clearwater, FL OC-6, OC-1, SUP, Surfski, Kayak - Jean Raas Event Coordinator contact jraas18@gmail.com Great Pickle Race Hillborough River, Tampa FL March 16th Glennis Willi...

We welcome Gill Dawgs to the New Port Richey/Port Richey area.  I spoke with Gill Dawgs and see incredible potential for the paddling community & soon ferry to the sand bar and much much more coming soon.  Need a rental kayak, kayaking tips, training, a group trip, etc?  then check them out... 813-597-0360 located at 5419 Treadway Drive, Port Richey FL 34668.   They are located just off US19 near Hooters Restaurant on the Cotee River and Millers Bayou. Sit-on tops, sit-on top tandems, glass bottom tandem & stand-on fishing kayaks available

Pasco County Bluesway Program & Salt Springs Alliance Trips:  Paddling Pasco - Bluesway Program Do you own a canoe, kayak, K-1 or surfski? Have a really inexpensive composite kayak, a high-end sea kayak, SUP, outrigger or racing surfski? No matter what you're paddling, the Pasco County Bluesway Program has a slow pace fun tour of the local shoreline, islands, mangroves, local Pasco inlets and rivers. If you like the fellowship of traveling in a pack of 20-40 boats then join us every other month as we paddle.  The paddle is usually free or minimal parks department fee and free shuttle. We generally drive our cars to the end point then take the shuttle van back to the start point.  This one-way trip is much more enjoyable and easy for paddlers with little to no experience. The water is shallow 3-10 feet on most trips but please bring a life jacket to keep on board to be within the requirements of the la...

Races 2012 Florida West Coast Championships Gulf of Mexico Clearwater FL USA Sunday March 3rd and 4th (cancelled due to high winds) Chasco Fiesta Kayak Race April (cancelled) Shark Bite Challenge Gulf of Mexico Honeymoon Island Dunedin FL USA Sunday April 15th  (WPA Race) very challenging winds & chop with a trendy shark theme. River City Challenge St Johns River Jacksonville FL USA Sunday May 5th (NEW 1st year) Salt Springs Classic Gulf & Pithlachascotee River New Port Richey FL Saturday  May 12th Watermans Paddle Deerfield Beach June Cotte Man Triathalon August Beyond the Breakers Paddle Challenge October 6th Jacksonville during Florida Surfing Championships (NEW) Epic Kayaks Clinic with 12x Open Ocean World Surfski Champion Oscar Chalupsky October 11th  sponsored by East Coast Outfitters.  cost $100 Alafia Challenge October (cancelled this year) Treasure Island classic 9 miles circling the island or Interocoastal 7 mile course...

There are several types of paddles: 1) Flat recreational (inexpensive recreational paddles) 2) Spooned recreational (touring paddles) 3) Wing paddles (sprinting and racing) I suggest the mid wing paddle as the very best for all types of paddling and increased stability.  It is a must for anyone who paddles a Surfski or K-1.  Below are my reviews of some of the best quality wing paddles: Epic Mid Wing - Made by Epic Kayaks Australia. It's a great all around endurance race paddle. It is approximately $500, carbon fiber blades, carbon fiber shaft, two piece adjustable and very light. I liked this paddle alot. It is a great paddle for long distances. The blades are beautiful showing off the carbon fiber weave and feel very thick and strong. The adjustable shaft will adjust to a consistent angle with clearly marked levels. The oval shaft is distinctly different than the usual rounded one other companies make. Many paddlers prefer it.  This paddle comes with...