It may not seem like it now but spring is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about paddling sports. We answer your questions about canoeing and kayaking, and also discuss new equipment and great places to paddle.
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Navigating Toward The Best Gear For Canoers, Kayakers
It might still be freezing and blustery outside in Wisconsin, but spring is coming soon. And with the spring thaw, there comes the opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to grab a canoe and head to the nearest lake or stream.
Darren Bush, owner of Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison and the self-christened “chief paddling evangelist,” shared tips on what paddling gear to seek out before you reach the water:
Opt for a kayak with a bulkhead, hatch
Kayaks that have bulkheads and hatches are generally safer than boats with open areas that aren’t as drainable, Bush said. They float higher than the rest of the kayak, which helps prevent drowning since it’s easier to recover if the boat flips.
… And for a smaller boat
“Everybody should have a 15-foot canoe if they live in Wisconsin. It’s great for around here, all those twisty, turn-y rivers,” Bush said.
He also recommended the Bob Special from Nova Craft, the Prospector 15 from Swift, and the slightly larger Adirondack from Wenonah.
Make sure you protect your boat from the sun
Boats need sunscreen too! Bush said the sunscreen protects the boast and makes them last longer. He said people can use 303 UV protectant, UV Tech protectant, or just get a bag for your boat.
Need help strapping your boat to your car?
Having a mechanical assist to get your boat on top of your car is useful, particularly if you’re small and your car is big. Bush recommended Yakima’s ShowBoat rack and Thule’s Hullavator.
Need a boat that can handle tough conditions?
If you’re going to be paddling rapids or where there are a lot of rocks, you’ll want a boat that can take a beating. Bush recommended the TuffStuff from Nova Craft and boats made with IXP from Northstar Canoes.
Boats for children
If your child is old enough for a boat of their own, Bush had one thing to say: don’t get a small adult canoe or kayak and expect them to be comfortable in it.
“We would never put kids in hiking boots that are three sizes too big and say they’ll grow into them,” he said.
And because children grow quickly, you can usually turn around and sell the boat for about $50 less than you bought it for, he said.
Episode Credits
- Larry Meiller Host
- Jill Nadeau Producer
- Darren Bush Guest
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