Paddling tips, tricks, news and gear reviews from an Unsponsored point of view
Although this buyers guide is directed at students in reality it will apply to anyone thinking about taking up the sport. Over the next few weeks many students will be starting Uni and will be looking at joining a club. In most cases the Kayak/Canoe club in a university will be the best club to join.
The new Gangsta from Waka Kayaks is designed for the well built paddler. It is the same length as the new Tuna at 273cm and is 69cm wide but with a greater amount of rocker than its smaller brother.
Here is what Waka have to say:
There is no doubt that Werner produce some great paddles. We love the Sidekick and Powerhouse paddles here at Unsponsored HQ. But if you were after something a little different from red, orange or blue blades then you would have to search elsewhere. Last year we started to see a number of new colour and graphic options on some of the range. Werner have now stepped it up a gear and have a new option for some of the whitewater paddle range.
The Sherpa and Powerhouse glass range will be available with a new graphic.
Corran Addison has recently released some images of the new power seat fitted within the also new Soul composite Super Sic playboat.
The power seat that was fitted to Riot kayaks back in the day (when Riot were good) was quite simply one of the best seats out there. If this new one is even half as good, it will be a winner.
The version 2 of the prototype Dagger Phantom was at the Moriston river race last weekend. It was being paddled by Eddy Mead who has kindly sent the following images to Unsponsored HQ.
The lines of the kayak are clear to see in these images. The bow in particular is quite interesting.
So what do we know about the kayak Dagger are currently assigning the name Phantom. Firstly if and when it comes into production the boat will most likely have a different name. The maximum length of boats for the short boat class in races such as the Green Narrows river race is now 9ft. The Phantom will fall within the category.
The first and second prototypes of this Phantom have been on the water for a few years and a third prototype will be hitting the water very shortly. In all likelihood this will be a preproduction model and will represent what the finally Phantom will look like.
The Astral Airbelt PFD has been developed for users on easy water that require an unrestrictive PFD option.
The Rivershred comes in two sizes 9’6 x 36 x 6 and 8’6 x 34 x 5 and has three removable fins allowing for ultimate customization for paddling conditions. We took the outline of the proven 9′ MVP and translated it into a inflatable board that runs whitewater better than any inflatable we have ever made.
The Sweet Protection Rocker is a superb helmet, we’ve been using one here at Unsponsored HQ for the last year or so, it has taken a few knocks and has performed well.
If it isn’t broke don’t fix it!
The Sweet Protection Rocker 2017 gets some minor cosmetic changes including some new colour schemes.
Donner and Tinker are shoes by Astral made for year round living. Introducing our Fall, cool weather shoe with focus on balance, traction and weather resistance. Building off our best selling style, we expand our multisport, light trail collection.
Jackson Kayak have two new whitewater kayaks being showcased next week at the Outdoor Retailer show, the Nirvana and the Antix. The Antix has much in common with the slicey river running playboats from a few years ago. From what I see across the industry I think this year marks a significant refocus of designers away from the super short bouncy playboats of recent years. I think 2017 will see a focus on super fun river running, cartwheeling, blunting, and carving designs. Think Pyranha Loki, Lettmann Plan B, Riot Disco, Soul Gonzo etc.
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