• Thule 897XT Hullavator Kayak Carrier – Waist Level Loading

    THULE 897XT Hullavator Kayak Lift System

    With Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak rack allows easy and secure loading and unloading on the vehicle roof. Here are some popular features of this famous and well trusted kayak carrier:

    Load and Unload Kayaks at Waist Level
    This Thule kayak carrier actually lowers down, enabling anyone to load and unload a kayak at waist level on the side of the vehicle. This means that with Hullavator you need to lift your kayak 40 inches lower to load and unload it than with other kayak racks. Also, there is no need to reach to the top of the vehicle to secure kayak to carrier. You can do all the strapping in the down position.

    Great for Tall Trucks
    The above feature makes loading and unloading easy even if you have a tall truck, which can be more difficult with other racks. One person can load and unload a kayak using Hullavator.

    Back Problems, Mobility Issues? – Not a Problem
    Thule 897XT Hullavator allows kayakers with back problems, mobility issues and elderly to load and unload kayaks without assistance. In addition to the loading on the side of the vehicle, gas-assist struts lift and lower 40lbs of the kayaks weight. Therefore, women, elderly and people with some disabilities can load and unload kayaks solo.

    Takes Little Space
    Thule 897XT Hullavator requires only approximately 25 inches of load-bar mounting space. One vehicle can accommodate two Hullavator lift systems. It can also be mounted with some other kayak carriers or accessories.

    Accommodates kayaks up to 36-inches wide with 75 lbs.

    Features 8 touch points of padded support for maximum protection for your boat.

    You can mount your Hullavator to Thule square, Thule Aero, and Yakima round bars without any adapters.
    Thule 897XT Hullavator kayak carrier includes lift system, integrated padded support, mounting hardware, and all straps necessary to transport one kayak.

    You can get more information or purchase this kayak carrier here: Thule 897XT Hullavator. It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering.

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  • Werner Camano Paddle – Great All Around Paddle

    WERNER Camano Glass Straight-Shaft Paddle

    Werner paddles are well loved by novice as well as expert kayakers. And the Werner Camano straight-shaft paddle is a big favorite for day trips and expeditions.

    It is a mid size blade designed for low angle relaxed paddling style. It is made of high quality continuous weave fiberglass and thus is lightweight but durable. The shaft is made of fiberglass and is smooth, durable and very comfortable. The blade is red, and therefore has a great visibility and distinct look.

    This Werner paddle is super lightweight and weighs only 27.25 oz. Light swing weight reduces fatigue. The angled blade has a nice feel. With this Werner kayak paddle you can enjoy powerful smooth powerful strokes and light swing weight, which is perfect for long trips.

    Werner Camano paddle was the winner of Sea Kayaker Magazine’s 2008 Reader’s Choice Award. It does cost a little more than some other paddler, but it definitely worth the extra. After spending a day on the water with this paddle everyone falls in love with it.

    Werner Camano paddle with a small shaft is also available. If your hand is smaller than 6.5 in. from the base of palm to fingertip, you should use a small diameter shaft. Werner Camano Small Shaft paddle reduces fatigue and has all the benefits of the regular one.

    You can purchase these paddles here: Werner paddles. It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering.

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  • How to Choose a Kayak – Criteria and Look at Tarpon 120

    When it comes to being out there fishing or sightseeing you just want to enjoy every moment. And you need a kayak, which will help you achieve this. So when deciding if a kayak is right for you it might be useful to look at the criteria below. I will go through the criteria discussing Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 sit-on-top kayak.

    Type of Activity and Water
    Kayaks are specially designed for ocean, whitewater or still and slow moving water. Moreover, some might be more suitable for specific activities such as short exploration trips; fishing; or extended touring. Some kayaks, such as Tarpon, Wilderness Systems are highly versatile and are suitable for different activities. For instance, Tarpon 120 offers great performance for lakes, bays, rivers, ponds and surf play. It is perfectly suitable for short as well as all-day trips.

    Stability
    Stability means capability of boat’s resistance to tipping over under normal conditions. Depending on the activity, stability might be the most important but also a destructing feature (if you will be performing edging and rolling maneuvers. Wilderness Systems Tarpon kayaks rank very high at stability, thus making these boats great for taking pictures and fishing. It should be noted that while stability usually comes with a wider beam, the 28″ beam of the Tarpon 120 is not so wide to get on the way of paddling. However, while some sit-on-top kayaks are wide enough to stand up in, Wilderness System Tarpon 120 is not wide enough for that.

    Comfort
    This is a significant criterion for longer trips. The importance of this criterion depends on the person and length of trip as well. It is useful to check if a kayak is provided with features, which make a ride comfortable. For example, the seat in Wilderness Systems Tarpon series is adjustable and has three positions for active paddling and resting. The seat can be readjusted easily during the ride so that one can be comfortable on the water even if traveling all day. Also, the adjustable foot braces give good control when paddling. Specially designed paddle holders allow one to fix the paddle securely while resting or taking pictures. In addition, side handles used for carrying a kayak on ground can be hooked so they are not on the way when paddling.

    Speed
    It helps to decide whether speed will be an important aspect for you. A recreational boat such as Tarpon 120 coasts along easily at 3.5 to 4 knots, receiving a rate of just two out of five for speed. With some effort you can get this kayak pushed up to nearly 5 knots, but this boat is not meant for speed. Fishing and site seeing does not require high speed.

    Storage Compartments
    Storage space might be particularly important for some trips. For example, Wilderness Tarpon 120 has a large tankwell secured by bungee straps, which can fit large and odd sized items. In addition, there are two orbix hatches at the front of the seat with extra storage room. Also, there are two small storage compartments for snacks or sunscreen, and a cup holder.

    You might also want to check kayak’s reviews or any user satisfaction or user choice awards, which it might have received. For instance, Wilderness System Tarpon 120 received Sea Kayaker’s Readers Choice Award, which tells about popularity of the boat.

    Buying a kayak is an investment, which can help to be active, explore nature and enjoy life. The right kayak for your needs will help you rest, relax and enjoy your trips at all times.

    To learn about kayak accessories, check the following reviews:

    Easy Loading With THULE 887XT Slipstream Kayak Rack

    Seals Sprayskirt for Convenience

    Wetsuit

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  • Easy Loading With THULE 887XT Slipstream Kayak Rack

    THULE 887XT Slipstream Kayak Rack

    Loading your kayak and transporting it can be simplified with a good quality load-assist kayak carrier. Thule 887XT Slipstream Kayak Rack is one of the premium ones, which allows you to load a kayak on your vehicle by yourself without any help with ease.

    Thule 887XT kayak rack has a sliding roller that extends beyond the back of the vehicle. You can simply put the end of the kayak on the roller, lift the other end and slide it on. Taking it off is just as easy. You do not need to put a rug on the roof of your car as with other kayak car racks. The sliding roller supports up to 75 lbs, 36: width and 50% of the kayak’s weight. So any adult can easily load and unload any kayak using Slipsteam without any help and without damaging your car.

    Slipsteam kayak carrier is made from double-coated, corrosion resistant steel to last longer. The frame tubing is strong enough to withstand heavy kayak loads and impacts when driving.

    Thule 887XT kayak racks can be used on any vehicle since it has a grater roller extension for SUVs and in case the vehicle has a forward-mounted rack. This kayak carrier can also be used with any kayak, since the pivoting saddles automatically fit nearly every kayak shape and size.

    This kayak car rack carries 1 kayak , and the package includes all the straps required to transport one kayak. You can mount up to 2 carriers on the same vehicle. It requires Thule rack systems crossbars, round bars or factory racks to be attached to the vehicles.

    You can purchase it here: Thule Slipstream kayak racks. It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering.

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  • Seals Sprayskirt for Convenience

    SEALS Sneak Sprayskirt, 7

    SEALS is a well trusted company when you are looking for a sprayskirt. Many U.S. Olympic teams have chosen Seals spray skirts for kayaks, which tells a lot about the quality of their products. Sneak SEALS sprayskirt has been designed for recreational kayaks and fits those kayaks with cockpits that have a SEALs size of 7, such as Wilderness System Pungo 120, Perception Sound 9.5 and Hurricane Kayaks Santee 116 Sport.

    Seals Sneak Sprayskirt is made of durable nylon packcloth, which is coated to keep the paddler dry. The seams are double-stitched and sealed. This Seal spray skirt also features a stretch waistband, which adjusts the sprayskirt to different waist sizes. The suspenders allow you to keep spray skirt in place in place.

    However, the best feature of this sprayskirt is the access zipper. It allows you to step in and out of the spray skirt while it remains attached to the cockpit rim. This allows you to get in much easier than with the conventional-type skirts. You can adjust the sprayskirt to the cockpit while still on land. Then simply get into the sprayskirt once the kayak is already on water to put the suspenders on. Easy, convenient and no help required. But also it is handy when you want to get something you store in the cockpit or if you want to put a layer of clothing on.

    This skirt did pool a little water between the front combing and the implosion bar. However, it could be easily removed.

    Overall, it is this seals spray skirt is a great product and is worth the extra little money for the convenience it provides. You can purchase this neoprene wetsuit here: Sneaks Seal sprayskirt. It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering.

    For sprayskirts of other sizes check here: sprayskirts.

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  • The Ultra Version of Reader’s Choice Farmer John Wetsuit

    NRS Men's Ultra John Wetsuit

    Farmer John Wetsuits have been NRS most popular wetsuit. It was even selected as the Reader’s Choice for 2008 Wetsuit by Sea Kayaker Magazine. NRS went even further and has improved Farmer John wetsuit with innovative features and developed the Ultra John, the ultimate 3-mm wetsuit for flexibility and comfort.

    Ultra John is as versatile as Farmer John wetsuit and is great for rafting, kayaking and many other water sports. It is suitable for any paddling style, mode and level of experience of the paddler.

    The 3mm Neoprene fabric provides excellent insulation. Titanium coating adds extra warmth but not weight. In addition to these features of Farmer John wetsuits, Ultra John has a ThermalPlus lining, which wicks moisture and dries quickly. Powerspan panels, which are added to the midsection provide extra freedom of movement. The seams of this neoprene wet suit are glued and blink-stitched to protect your skin.

    Also, the seat and knees are made stronger with specially designed ToughTex™ material. The ankle zippers allow easy slipping the suit over your wetshoes. Moreover, the Ultra John also has a YKK extra-long, double-pull, front relief. The zipper is large and made well.

    Overall, Ultra John is less bulky than the wetsuit Farmer John and more comfortable with the same great insulation.

    You can purchase this neoprene wetsuit here: Ultra John Wetsuit. It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering.

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  • Wilderness Systems – Top Awards and Green Initiatives

    Some of the most celebrated in the industry, Wilderness Systems was awarded “Boat Brand of the Year” at the annual Canoe & Kayak Paddlesports Industry Awards on August 3, 2010.
    Wilderness Systems became the first boat brand ever to win this prestigious award two years in a row.

    “We are grateful to our retailers for their vote of confidence – it inspires us to do even better,” said Sue Rechner, CEO of Confluence Watersports, the parent company of Wilderness Systems.

    This prestigious distinction was awarded based on surveys collected by Canoe & Kayak Magazine from 250 paddlesports specialty retailers across North America. This honor has been awarded since 1986.

    Wilderness Systems was founded in 1986. Since that time the it become one of the most acclaimed boat brand in the world because Wilderness System kayaks feature:

    - innovative designs tuned for performance;
    - premium outfitting;
    - stunning quality;
    - for all skill levels.

    In addition to being well recognized for the product quality, Wilderness Systems is recognized for its efforts to preserve and protect the environment. The company sponsors and organizes a number of programs that will help reduce its impact on the environment and help its customers to do the same. These include corporate initiatives to reduce and offset any environmental impacts from the manufacturing of our products, and programs to encourage the responsible use and recycling of the kayaks.

    Here are the details of one such program, which helps reuse Wilderness System kayaks:

    Paddle-It-Forward
    “Paddle It Forward” ran in 2008/2009 and was a simple concept in which everyone gives a little, and receives a lot. Customers could donate their used hard-shell kayak or canoe to any 501(c)(3), outdoor or environmental educational organization and bring the proof of donation to a participating Confluence dealer. With this proof of donation, they received nearly 20-percent off the cost of a new kayak or canoe.

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  • Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 – Great All Around Kayak

    The beautiful Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a great kayak for beginners as well as for advanced riders. The manufacturer admits that Pungo kayak is their best selling performance recreational boat and that it is “at the head of the class”. And Pungo 120 is the best-selling in the series, is famous for its manageability, comfort and ease of handling solo.

    Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is a sit-inside recreational kayak. It is perfectly suited for still or slow moving waters, rivers, camping, ocean swells and day trips.

    Size Efficiency

    One of the main advantages of this boat is its compact size and light weight. Wilderness System Pungo 120 is 12 ft long and weighs only 49 lb. As a result, this kayak is easy portage, load and unload on your own. Thus, it is a great choice for those who plan to travel solo and also for teenagers or smaller riders.

    Moreover, if weight is a concern for you, Wilderness Systems created an even lighter model, Pungo 120 Ultralight, which weighs just 40 lb., featuring the same stability and comfort. It is made of Hull material, which combines the speed and light weight of composites with the durability of plastic.

    Comfort

    Pungo kayak series have the legendary phase 3 seating, which is easily adjusted for back height, recline, and thigh support and encourages air circulation. The seat is especially comfortable for long trips. SlideLock foot brace system allows comfortable paddling and is easy to adjust even when sitting.

    The roomy cockpit allows easy entry and exit as well as comfortable ride all day. Perhaps this thanks to this feature Wilderness Pungo 120 is popular among bigger guys. Also, a roomy cockpit allows you to bring your dog for a ride.

    Pungo 120 is supplied with comfort carry handles on each end of the kayak for easy portage and Scotty rod holder.

    Pungo kayak series features Kayak Konsole, which creates nice storage easy to reach when paddling or resting. It can be removed during storage or if more room is needed in the boat. There are also two storage compartments with orbix hatches to guarantee dry and secure storage.

    Performance

    Pungo 120 has great tracking and manageability. Although it is mostly designed for flat water, it is stable in windy conditions and tracks well in light waves.

    This kayak is great for paddlers of different skill levels. You can view a must see video about Pungo kayak and purchase this boat here: Wilderness System Pungo 120. It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering.

    Pungo 120 Accessories

    If you are considering purchasing a kayak carrier for your Pungo 120, you can check Thule 897XT Hullavator or Thule 887XT Slipstream kayak racks.

    If you are looking for a spray skirt for Pungo 120 then Seals Sneak Sprayskirt or an equal is the right size.

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  • Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 – Kayak for Adventure

    The wildly popular Tarpon Wilderness Systems series are recreational sit-on-top kayaks. According to the manufacturer Tarpon 120 is the most popular Tarpon ever. In addition, it is the winner of the 2008 Sea Kayaker Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for Best Sit on Top Kayak. So what makes it so special and great?

    Efficient size
    The best feature of Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is its efficient size. With the length of 12 ft. 3 in. this kayak has great maneuverability and is easy to transport and store.

    On-the-water comfort
    This popular Wilderness Systems Tarpon features phase 3 seat with three-way adjustment, which is especially beneficial if you are on the water for extended time. The seat can be easily pulled forward for active paddling or pushed to upright position for rest. At the same time Trigger Lock adjustable foor braces give you more control while paddling. Raised floors offer an even drier ride in the seating area.

    Also, this Wilderness Systems Kayak has paddle and rod holders to fasten the paddle during rest so that it does not slip away. This kayak also features good storage capacity. The tankwell with bungee at the back of the boat for large backpacks or coolers; two orbix hatches at the front of the seat; pockets for snacks and sunscreen; as well as a cup holder to prevent spills in case of unexpected waves.

    Convenient on land
    Wilderness System Tarpon 120 is easy to transport and to store. For easy portage there are two handles on each end of the boat if there are two people to carry it. There is also a side handle so that the kayak can be carried like a suitcase by one person.

    Stability
    Its sit-on-top design means easy to get on and off.

    Wilderness Systems Tarpon kayaks offer exceptional paddling performance through enhanced bow lift for gliding through the surf and copious tankwell storage space. The real headliner, though, is the customization capability of the total experience made possible by a series of outfitting and deck innovations.

    Wilderness Tarpon 120 is rigged for adventure. You can purchase it here: Wilderness System Tarpon 120
    It is a popular on-line store, which is a 100% secure site secured by McAfee, so you can be sure that your details are protected when ordering. Moreover, on this site you can watch a video about Tarpon, Wilderness Systems.

    Tarpon 120 Accessories
    If you are considering purchasing a kayak carrier for your Pungo 120, you can check Thule 897XT Hullavator or Thule 887XT Slipstream kayak racks.


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