Paddle Dippings

On Sunday, May 18, we will be hosting the Little Wing Kayaks from Warren Light Craft at our demos here at our shop on Billington Sea. Ted and Zack Warren and others from their staff will be on hand to explain the revolutionary design of the Little Wing series and answer any questions regarding these great handling, well-built, lightweight kayaks. Please come by to try out these remarkably stabile, fast and so, so light kayaks. Read more about them on our Kayaks 2008 page or go to www.warrenlightcraft.com for more information. Demos are from 11to 4 on Sunday.

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated this info, but here we are in a new year and no matter what the economy, the presidential primaries or world issues are… the water is still out there for us!

I think that paddlesports for all of us this season will offer more of a chance for us to step out of the ever-increasing compexities, pressures and sometimes insanities of life today, if only for a brief but calming time.

The Plymouth Harbor Paddles have started for the season. They will be held on alternate Wednesday late afternoons, meeting at Stephen’s Field (a recreation area on the harbor in Plymouth) at 5 pm. The proposed dates for these paddles are April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, June 25, July 9, July 23, Aug 6, Aug 20. After that we will have to readjust the Wednesday schedule because we will be out of sequence with the tides. The trips are actually run by Eileen Kelliher, or myself when she is unavailable. These trips are designed for folks who have perferably 12′ or longer kayaks and have some experience in paddling sometimes windy and/or choppy water conditions. These trips tend to be of a laid-back nature and there are always very experienced paddlers present that can offer suggestions on paddling technique to novice paddlers. Most often, we paddle for 2-2 1/2 hours and then go somewhere afterward for pizza and conversation. A great mid-week respite. When there is a question of weather, we usually still meet at Stephen’s Field, make a decision and, if not to paddle, then we go to pizza earlier. We always try to err on the side of safety. If you are interested in these outings and want to be on the emailing list, please forward your email addresses to me and I’ll ask Eileen to add them to her broadcast list. Hope to see you on some of these paddles.

Please mark this event on your calendar!!

EXPLORING CLEAN ENERGY 2007

Join us at Jones River Landing for a day dedicated to better understanding clean energy options for the home.

ADMISSION IS FREE

The Jones River Landing is sponsoring an Alternative Energy Expo on Saturday, March 31 from 1-6 pm at the Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center.

Alternative Energy Expo 1:00-4:00pm
Learn about alternative home energy options, see product demonstrations, and get your questions answered by experienced local vendors.

Kayak Raffle Drawing 3:30-3:45pm

Your chance to get out on the water while preserving the environment. Buy raffle tickets at the event or beforehand: tickets are available at Jones River Landing, Rockland Trust (in Kingsbury Square), or at Billington Sea Kayak. The package includes an Eddyline Skylark kayak, paddle and PFD (personal flotation device). This package is valued at $1500.

Speakers’ Platform 4:00-6:00pm

Industry experts, public officials, and alternative energy advocates will share information, practical tips, and real-world guidance on how to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

ADMISSION IS FREE
Jones River Landing, 55 Landing Road, Kingston, MA

Send mail to: PO Box 73, Kingston, MA 02364

Please visit our web site at www.jonesriver.org

Pease come visit us at the 5th Annual KAYAK EXPO on April 14, from 10am - 4pm, at the Norwell Middle School, Main Street, Route 123, Norwell, MA. There will be several paddle shops to talk with and look over many different models. Slide shows, presentations and other interesting things to see and do. Don’t forget this date…mark it on your calendar…now!

We have added two more lines of boats to our inventory for this season.

Beacon Boats
Beacon Boats has been building small fiberglass dinghys and prams for many years, but now they have added to very nice traditional rowing craft that we are excited about for our 2007 line-up. The Adirondack Guide Boat has the classic guide boat lines that became famous in the Adirondacks for use by guides and their hunting and fishing clients. This will be an ideal rowing craft for lakes, ponds and quiet rivers. Can’t you just picture a couple enjoying an afternoon picnic or a beautiful sunset while enjoying a peaceful row?

Or how about also rowing in a quiet harbor or estuary in another classic design? The Whitehall 13 has the graceful lines and excellent seaworthiness of the classic Whitehall design. Again, just imagine the feeling of gliding along with each pull of the oars and enjoying a beautiful day whether it be spring, summer or fall.

We have both of these boats in our demo fleet just waiting to hit the water.

Native Watercraft
Andy Zimmerman (former co-owner of Wilderness Systems kayaks) has started a new paddlesports company with a very innovative line of kayaks. Fresh concepts in hull design, stability, seating comfort, and the ability to accessorize for fishing are the strong points of these designs. Whether for fishing, photography or just paddling, these kayaks have received a lot of attention and favorable comments in the few months since their introduction. Again, our demo fleet includes the Ultimate 12 and the Ultimate14.5 .

Other New Models
There are several other new models from our usual list of manufacturers that will be described under our soon-to-be-added “Models - 2007″ page. Some of these models include the Eliza from Necky, the Cayuga 110 and the Cayuga 130 from Old Town, the Prowler Big Game from Ocean Kayak, the Santee Expedition and Phoenix 130 from Hurricane, and the Fathom from Eddyline. Please check our upcoming “Models - 2007″ for further information on these and other models.