|
|
| Manufacturer | Dealer | Rentals? |
| Bliss-stick |
Andrew Loughlin (Jasper)
Keegan Smith (Sundre) |
Yes
Yes |
| Dagger |
Aquabatics (Calgary)
Nautical Reach (Edmonton)
High Level (Lethbridge)
Sea to Sky (North Vancouver)
Endless Adventure (Nelson)
Western Canoe and Kayak (Abbotsford) |
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes |
| Fluid | ||
| Jackson |
Undercurrents (Calgary)
Endless Adventure (Nelson)
Sea to Sky (North Vancouver)
Western Canoe and Kayak (Abbotsford) |
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes |
| Liquidlogic |
Aquabatics (Calgary)
Sea to Sky (North Vancouver) |
Yes
Yes |
| Prijon | Western Canoe and Kayak (Abbotsford) | Yes |
| Pyranha | Mountain Equipment Coop (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver) | Yes |
| Riot | ||
| Wave Sport | Aquabatics (Calgary)
Nautical Reach (Edmonton)
High Level (Lethbridge)
Sea to Sky (North Vancouver)
Western Canoe and Kayak (Abbotsford) |
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes |
Eskimo, Prijon, Perception, Robson, Necky, New Wave, Savage, and Massive Kayaks all produced some great designs in their day, but are now largely or completely defunct as far as whitewater boats are concerned.
Western rivers aren't well suited to squirt boating, but check out Murky Water Kayaks or PS Composites or Angst Kayaks if you're interested in a custom composite boat or helmet. Lurk around the Angst message board to learn more about roaming underwater.
The cost of a new kayak can be prohibitive. If you don't mind some cosmetic scratches then you can usually get a decent used boat that's a year or two old for around half the price of a new one. To buy/sell used boats on-line, check out the Calpaddle, PaddleJunkies, KayakWest, or VKC web forums. Shipping a kayak by bus within Canada isn't terribly expensive so consider perusing the buy/sell pages at Ontario-based Wildrock Boatwerks as well.
Most playboats have a standard cockpit size (i.e. large keyhole cockpit). However, most creekboats require a slightly larger sprayskirt for a proper fit and most Riot kayaks have a cockpit configuration that require a specific type of sprayskirt. Skirts for squirt boats, slalom kayaks, and C1 boats all differ from those used on plastic whitewater kayaks. Keep this in mind when shopping for a new kayak, especially if a new skirt is not in your budget.
If you are in the market for a boat, use the Eddy Flower to compare kayak statistics - even for models that are no longer in production.
And if you've ever been curious, here's how kayaks are made.
Paddles
Generally, you want to buy the lightest paddle possible but, before you spend a fortune, be aware that paddles are the most frequently lost, stolen, and broken piece of equipment. Paddles typically come in 3cm increments (188cm, 191cm, 194cm, 197cm, etc) up to 200cm and in 2cm increments after that (200cm, 202cm, 204cm, 206cm, etc). A 'long' paddle is considered 200cm and over and a 'short' paddle is generally 191cm or less. The optimal length depends on your height and paddling style - some small people prefer long paddles and vice versa. Longer paddles with larger blades are generally preferred for creekboating because of the extra power and reach they afford. Although paddle length trended shorter during the slicey boat era of the 1990s, big air moves popular with the current era of spud boats typically require additional reach and have pushed a resurgence in longer paddles among big water playboaters as well.
Bent or straight shaft is a matter of personal preference, though straight shaft paddles are less expensive and (arguably) stronger. The amount of blade feather (a.k.a offset) is also a matter of preference, but 10 to 22 degrees for river running is most common nowadays. For playboating, less paddle offset makes bow stalls easier.
If you're a smaller person, then you may find a paddle with a large surface area tiring. Carbon fibre paddles are light and strong but expensive and, being all black, tend to get lost on the river easily. Also note that slalom, polo, and squirt paddles differ from standard whitewater blades.
Some people prefer to rub paddle wax or surf wax on the shaft for better grip.
Many creekboaters wrap a few feet of duct tape around the middle of the shaft for use as emergency repair material or for improvising a paddle hook (by taping a carabiner to the blade).
Consider writing your name, phone number, and/or email address on the blade since paddles are frequently lost, easily stolen, and can be hard to differentiate in a pile.
Sprayskirts
The following companies make sprayskirts for whitewater kayaking:
The part of the sprayskirt that seals around the cockpit will be either a bungee cord or some kind of rubber rand. The bungee is usually easier to put on and take off the cockpit but the rubber rand tends to offer a better seal and therefore allow less water into the boat.
Some skirts have a stiff plastic bar sewn into the skirt widthwise. This is called an implosion bar and is designed to prevent water pressure from imploding the deck when landing a big drop. Some big water playboaters and surf kayakers prefer this style of deck as well since it helps prevent deck implosion when punching massive waves.
Some skirts have a fuzzy kevlar edging where it rests on the cockpit rim. This is intended to prevent premature wear due to abrasion.
Some skirts come with a plastic overthruster designed to fit on the cockpit rim under the skirt to prevent compression (and therefore loss of bouyancy) when performing loops. Before these became commercially available, retentive competitive playboaters would stick inflated beach balls between their legs under the skirt to accomplish the same effect.
PFDs
The following manufacturers make PFDs specific to kayaking:
Lotus Designs (now Patagonia)
Some PFDs are specialized for rescue and have features like integrated tow harnesses. Some are geared more for creeking and offer more protection. Get whatever best suits the kind of kayaking you do. Consider buying a PFD with a high visibility colour since paddlers already wear a lot of dark coloured equipment (sprayspkirt, wetsuit, etc). Some PFDs have built-in, fleece-lined slots for use as hand warmers. Be sure whatever you get has at least one attachment point for a river knife. Pockets are a personal choice but most paddlers prefer a PFD that can securely hold things like car keys, ear/nose plugs, a camera, a candy bar, and a spare carabiner.
The comfort and range of motion offered by low volume, rodeo-style life vests come at the expense of flotation. If you do a lot of creeking or big water paddling, then consider a PFD with a bit more volume. Astral and Stohlquist also offer dedicated creeking PFDs with better flotation, armor protection, and tougher harnesses.
Everything Else
The following manufacturers specialize in kayak clothing (wetsuits, drysuits, drytops, underlayers, pogies/mitts/gloves, booties, beanies, etc), personal equipment (noseplugs, earplugs, waterbottles, drybags, etc.), and safety gear (whistle, knife, throwrope, first aid kit, rescue kit, etc):
Latex neck and wrist gaskets on drysuits and drytops are prone to tearing and degrading with use. Use 303 protectant (or other water-based lubricant) on them before storing in the off season. Don't use oil or gel-based sunscreens as these will eat away latex seals (Aquabatics carries a sunscreen that is safe for latex gaskets).
Rub candle wax on the zippers of a dry suit to improve the seal. Never use beeswax since it tends to collect grit and sand.
If you do any creeking, consider getting a pair of elbow guards. ShredReady and Level Six both make purpose-designed elbow guards but most paddlers use models made for mountain-biking (SixSixOne, etc). Some people use kids shin guards since they tend to give better forearm protection. Always wear elbow guards on the outside of your drytop.
Rinse all gear immediately after use and hang it out to dry. Neoprene will rot if stored damp. Neoprene wetsuits, booties, and fleece underlayers tend to stink after a couple uses - even when dry.
Rescue kit is best stored in a mesh bag that allows the contents to dry - otherwise carabiners and pulleys will corrode.
Repairs
If you dent your boat, try hanging it dent downward and pour a few kettles of boiling water inside. Once the plastic is warm enough it often pops back into shape (a little push may be required).
If you crack your boat, you can get it professionally repaired by Fairmont Electroplating in Edmonton, Calgary, or Red Deer. They are skilled in plastic welding and have considerable experience fixing whitewater kayaks. The total repair cost for a simple crack will be in the neighbourhood of $70.
If you are of the do-it-yourself school or simply stuck in the woods, you can also repair a cracked boat with duct tape or use a self-adhesive waterproof roofing membrane called bituthene. The latter is available from any hardware store and consists of a rubberized asphalt adhesive backed by a layer of high density, cross-laminated polyethylene. The recommended brand for kayak repairs is Grace Ice and Water Shield.
If you are of the do-it-yourself school or simply stuck in the woods, you can also repair a cracked boat with duct tape or use a self-adhesive waterproof roofing membrane called bituthene. The latter is available from any hardware store and consists of a rubberized asphalt adhesive backed by a layer of high density, cross-laminated polyethylene. The recommended brand for kayak repairs is Grace Ice and Water Shield.
Replacement neck gaskets and wrist gaskets for dry suits and dry tops can be bought from any store that carries kayaking gear. You can order a Kokatat gasket replacement kit but the instructions are hard to visualize. You can also raid the kitchen for cooking bowls, cardboard, and clothespins and follow Bomber Gear's do-it-yourself method. Most people simply take the item with the torn gasket to a local paddling shop or send it to the manufacturer for a professional repair job.
Use Aquaseal for repairing anything neoprene (sprayskirt, wetsuit, mitts, etc). Consider reinforcing the seams of neoprene gloves and mitts with Aquaseal to extend their life since the stitching tends to wear fast, especially on the thumb and finger seams.