Eagles Nest Outtfiters Hammocks

Want to step up your comfort level on river, try Eagles Nest Outfitters single or double nest hammock. When you incorporate the easy set-up slap-straps you can be relaxing in no time.

Guide to Idaho Paddling

We just received a new shipment of Ron Watters "Guide to Idaho Paddling". "Guide to Idaho Paddling" is an awesome guide book to Idaho's class I-II+ stretches of water. It provides maps, directions to put-ins and take-outs, optimum water levels, where to find gauge information, mileage, and how long the floats generally take. This is a wonderful tool to help plan out your paddling season. See you on the water!

Pyranha Fusion on the Owhyee

This last weekend,I (Brian Ward) took the Pyranha Fusion on a 3 day self support Middle Owhyee (Three Forks to Rome)and loved it. For 10'2" it is very maneuverable, tracks well, and the back hatch makes it easy to pack. At one point in the trip we had nasty 20-30 mph head winds, but with the Fusion's skegg paddling was a lot easier. One cool feature is the ability to add an accessories called the Venture Deck Pod. This adds an extra place for easy access storage. I put my map,screwdriver, and a banana in the pod and it made getting to the map a lot easier. Final outcome: Fun,maneuverable, great in the flats, and easy to pack.

See Fusion here: http://www.pyranha.com/osb/itemdetails.cfm?ID=162

Ray Neef River Recreation Park Website

Check out the updated Ray Neef River Recreation Park website!!! Phase One of the River Recreation Park is well underway. We still need your help to build this park. Please donate now.

http://www.boiseriverpark.com/

Dream Result DVD

Just got the new DVD Dream Result, featuring world record waterfall descent of the 186 ft tall Palouse Falls.

Buy here: http://www.idahoriversports.com/rcProd1.asp?id=630&c1=236

Check out the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vFKh22bAlY

The Kayak Purchasing Guide

Kayak Purchasing Guide

Buying a Kayak

1. Types of Kayaks:
Whitewater Kayak-typically less than 9 feet long, shaped like a banana (rockered), small cockpit opening, paddled with a neoprene skirt, used for paddling large rapids and waterfalls
Great for whitewater paddling
Not for paddling lakes
Recreational Kayak-typically a 10-14 foot boat with little rocker, a large cockpit
opening, often paddled without a skirt, used for gentle moving rivers and lakes (the average boater)
Great for paddlers who are new to kayaking, want to paddle gentle waters, be
comfortable
Not as fast as sea kayaks, typically not used on the ocean or rough rivers
Sea Kayak-typically at least 14 feet long, very little rocker, small cockpit opening, paddled with a skirt, used for paddling on the ocean or sound, or paddling 5-25 miles in a day. Sea kayaks will have deck rigging for spare paddles, maps, and rescues.
Great for paddlers who want to paddle long distances (>5 miles), roll, and/or camp
Not as stable as a recreational kayak, tight fitting
Sit on Top Kayak-typically a 10-14 foot boat with little rocker, paddler sits “on top” of the kayak hull, which is sealed, water drains out of the kayak automatically
Good for-paddlers who don’t want to feel trapped, summer time, fishing
Not for paddlers who want to go fast, stay dry and warm
2. What will you use it for?
Lakes-get a boat that is fast and tracks straight usually at least 12 feet
Gentle Rivers-get a boat that has a flat bottom so that it will turn well usually 12 feet or less in length (depending on size of paddler)
Gentle Rivers AND Lakes-there are boats that do well at both, and some have a rudder or skeg you can use that on windy days at the lake.
The Sound-this is the ocean, with all its dangers (current, tides, waves, wind) get a boat that helps you minimize your risks and maximize your enjoyment. Buy a sea kayak.
3. Who will you paddle with?
You want to have a boat similar to the others in your group, if your group is all paddling 14 foot sea kayaks and you are in a 10 foot recreational kayak, you will have trouble keeping up. Similarly, if your main paddling partner has a 12 foot boat, you should also, or longer if they are a stronger paddler. Typically the longer a boat is, the faster it is.
4. Length:
Lakes: Typically 12 feet works great for most paddlers. It is easier to manage in windy conditions on the water, and easier to load than a 14 foot boat. I would only buy a 10 foot boat if you are doing some rivers, or plan to make very short (less than 2 mile) trips, or if small children will be paddling the boat often.
Rivers: Plenty of flat bottomed 14 foot boats work well on local rivers like the Dan and the Yadkin, but if you paddle mostly rivers and are not over 250lbs, a 10 foot or 12 foot boat will be much more maneuverable and keep you from getting stuck sideways on the rocks. Length and speed are not usually issues since the current is pushing you along, get the shortest boat that floats your weight comfortably.
5. Choosing the Boat:
Demo, Demo, Demo. Talk to a knowledgeable paddler who can help you decide on a few boats (2-3) that would suit your needs. Next, go to a “Demo Day” held at a local lake and paddle both boats. Get Outdoors holds demo days every other week during the summer giving you plenty of opportunities to paddle a wide variety of boats and make an informed decision. Paddling the boat you are going to buy is by far the best way to choose a boat. Regardless of what a friend or salesperson recommends, YOUR opinion is the one that really matters. The best way to make an informed decision is the paddle the boat.
6. Comfort:
When sitting in a kayak be sure you adjust the seat, foot pegs, and thigh braces to fit you. Are they easy to adjust? If you are not able to demo a boat on the water, be sure to spend at least 10 minutes or so sitting in your boat. You want to be sure you are comfortable. Something that is a little uncomfortable in the store will become unbearable once you are in the boat for hours. It will not matter how great the performance features of the boat are if you are not comfortable.
7. Price:
There are reasons some boats are more expensive than others. “Cheap” boats are often just that, cheap. Important comfort and hull design features are often missing on the least expensive boats. Spend the money to get a boat that is comfortable and paddles well so you enjoy your time paddling. If you do not enjoy paddling your boat it is likely to become an expensive garage ornament. If you store your boat properly it will last decades. Invest in a quality kayak that you enjoy paddling and it will pay off with many great days on the water over the years.

New 2010 Liquid Logic Coupe 10 Sit on Top

Versatility is the name of the game these days when it comes to getting your money’s worth and the Coupe offers it up in large doses. This one-of-a-kind hybrid design is fun, stable, easy to paddle and is as comfortable on rivers and lakes as it is riding your favorite ocean break. The Coupe is the choice when looking for one sit on top that can and will do it all. The Coupes hull is whitewater ready with soft edges for easy control and the bow is upswept allowing the Coupe to ride up and over river features as well as staying high and dry when taken in the surf zone. On quiet waters such as lakes and bays the Coupe transforms to a touring sit-on-top with a flick of the lever deploying its spring loaded skeg; a feature not found on any other sit-on-top kayak. With Al la cart seating to meet your personal needs and preferences, the Coupe offers up unparallel comfort and control.