The Flu vs: The Wilderness

A Spring Break Tale from Lake Powell

By Shireen Cave

Jeff Holmes and Shireen Cave of CanoeSport Outfitters, once again had the pleasure of taking 12 University of Iowa students on a weeklong paddling trip to Lake Powell, Utah. The majority of students had not been kayaking before or gone camping for an extended time. Jeff and Shireen eagerly looked forward to showing the students the joy of paddling and camping under the stars.

Loaded in 2 suburbans the trip left Iowa City at 5am on Saturday. We drove through the day, crossing flat Nebraska and made it to the mountains of Colorado just before sunset. As we reached the highest elevations we encountered some knuckle whitening snow and rain. Safely in warmer Utah and nearing our intended campsite in Moab we took a brief detour onto a single-track dirt road. Convinced we were leading them to the Cornucopia from ‘The Hunger Games’ students started to second-guess their guides leadership and ability to navigate! A few wrong turns and we wound up at our campsite near Moab Saturday night.

Sunday morning we all awoke to the drastic landscape change of southern Utah. Most students having not been further west than Omaha were enamored with the red towering sandstone cliffs of the southwest. After we loaded everyone back into the vehicles we continued for three more hours south and in along the back roads of Glenn Canyon to Halls Crossing at Lake Powell. We spent the night organizing gear, learning how to cook without a microwave, and gearing up for our journey out in the morning.

Monday we awoke to wall-to-wall sunshine and a strong wind. Water temps were in the mid-50s and students were introduced to strokes and rescues along the shore. Taking a head-to-toe dunking in the mid forty degree water made several gasp for air and question their reasons for wanting to go on the trip! After drying off and loading up kayaks we make the trek from Halls Crossing across the lake to Halls Canyon. We found our campsite tucked along high cliff walls. The rest of the day was spent trying to hide behind rocks and tents to get out of natures sandblasting. Near nighttime the wind died down but the sounds of the human gut soon emerged.

* NOTE: Lake Powell has a strict leave-no-trace policy. Since the lake drastically changes levels everyone must carry out all waste including the kind you would normally leave in the toilet. There are silver bags with a little ‘cat litter’ in the bottom which have to be positioned under you as you do your duty. Now imagine using this with a 20mph wind or during the time when your gut strongly protests anything in it.  Then think about taking this silver bag and putting it into your kayak to carry out. Depending on the amount of protest your gut has there were a few people who compiled 7-10 of these silver bags in just a few days!

Tuesday we awoke to a sick camper. Our first thoughts were of food poisoning and since students share cook stoves it was feared several more would soon be running for the rocks. However, we were able to get everyone on the water and spent a few hours going over strokes. Toward the afternoon everyone was feeling well and a few of us went exploring farther up the canyon. Nearing nightfall Jeff and Shireen wiped their brows feeling good that no one else had gotten ill.

The plan on Wednesday was to paddle back to the boat ramp to re-supply and enjoy modern facilities. While at the boat ramp 3 students expressed feeling uneasy and not well. After some discussion it was decided to split the group. Jeff would stay at Hall’s Crossing with 4 students to be near toilets and Shireen would take the other 8 students back out and continue on schedule. Although splitting the group was not ideal we also felt that a quarantine of sorts would allow all the sick to be sick and those who felt well to continue feeling well. Turns out that was not the case. The larger group continued to paddle north up to Moki Canyon.  Moki is a gorgeous narrow canyon with high imposing cliffs on both sides that twist and turn until the end where there is a great sand spit for camping. Having little to no vegetation, sounds echo endlessly at times.  Which is fun when you’re yelling out “Hello!” but not so much when you gut decides to object.

Thursday Shireen and the entire group woke up feeling well and ready for a hike up Moki. Jeff and his group on the other hand woke up to sounds of feet running toward the toilets. Enough said there. Shireen and her group hiked up Moki exploring and enjoying the warm sun and temperatures. Near nighttime the sounds of the human gut emerged in Moki and one more paddler fell ill. Hoping a good nights sleep would do everyone well we hit the sleeping bags early. The plan was to leave Moki around 7am Friday to allow enough time to make it off the water and back to Moab by noon.

On Friday morning 6am passed – no one stirred. By 6:30am Shireen had ate breakfast and was wondering where everyone was at. By 7am Shireen (who is a bit miffed at getting up so early to pack) goes to wake everyone.  There are 3 people sick, with 1 having to borrow extra silver bags from friends.  Fearing that we might not get out of Moki until Saturday we slowly started to get ready. Trying to encourage sick people to eat is like trying to keep an ant away from a cookie. Knowing that we had at least 3-4 hours on the water getting some fuel into the system was important. The group made it on the water and we made contingencies for several bathroom breaks along the way. Slowly we make it out of Moki and back up to the boat ramp. We had no on-water emergencies just a pace that was slower than molasses. But in the end we made it out and everyone survived.

Thankfully this epidemic of flu was a short-lived bug. People emptied out their systems for about 3-4 hours and then were feeling much better within about 10-12 hours. Jeff and Shireen are both extremely thankful for extra silver bags and extra wipes. We do believe that there were a few times the leave-no-trace policy was abandoned but when mother nature speaks you listen to her and not policies.  To the students that did get sick we salute you! Getting the flu at home is hard enough. Getting the flu without a toilet or shower is even harder! Getting the flu without a toilet or shower AND the first time you went camping should earn you a medal of honor!  We hope that your experience doesn’t deter you from camping again. We look forward to going back to Lake Powell next year but we really hope to leave the flu behind!

Product Review: Eddyline C130 Fishing Kayak

Within the world of kayaking a new subcategory has recently opened up and turned into one of the fastest growing markets: fishing kayaks. About 4-6 years ago kayak manufacturers began making kayaks that were catered more towards an individual looking for a wide stable platform as well as the convenience of holding accessories such as rod holders, fish finders, bait boxes, and more. Many manufacturers have some sort of a kayak that fits this bill. 

Two years ago Eddyline Kayaks developed their first sit-on-top kayak the Caribbean. While being wide and stable it lacked options for adding fishing accessories. The C135 Stratofisher offers an even wider and longer option for paddlers as well as more options catered to the modern fisher. The C135 YakAttack is a 13.5' long 34" wide platform. The great thing about the C135 is that it comes in under 70 pounds which makes it one of the largest and lightest sit on top kayaks on the market! Similar kayaks weigh in on average around 80-90 pounds. 

Accessories: Included with the C135 YakAttack is an exclusive YakAttack BlackPak in Grey, a VisiCarbon Pro for enhanced safety day or night, an intuitive Zooka Tube for securing a spinning or casting rod, paddle clips, and a variety of strategically placed YakAttack GearTracs to enhance the on-water experience.

Another great feature of the C135 is the new Cloud10 Seat. It can be moved into 4 different seating positions as well as moved up and out of the foot pad to allow for standing. Made from anti-microbial foam and mesh this seat breathes well and allows for all day comfort!

Eddyline Kayaks are made out of their patented Carbonlite 2000 material. This is a thermoformed plastic that has great abrasion and impact resistance. They won't warp over time making the kayak a good investment! Eddylines are designed to have a good balance between weight and durability. 

The C135 has been awarded several awards including ICAST 2015 'Best Boat' and 'Best of Show'. It was also included in the Paddling Buyers Guide for 2015 as one of the top fishing kayaks!

Pricing:

C135 Stratofisher - $2199 (base kayak no accessories)

C135 Stratofisher YakAttak - $2599 (comes with accessories listed above)

The C-135 YakAttack Edition won Best Boat and Best of Show at ICAST 2015, the largest sport fishing trade show in the world.

Kayaking the Apostle Islands

For kayakers in the mid-west sometimes it can be hard to find big open water to stretch our paddles out and glide. Unless we want to spend days driving to the coast the closest place to paddle a large body of water is Lake Superior. Superior is the 2^nd largest freshwater lake in the world and is nestled in Iowa’s backyard. Among the 2700 miles on shoreline is located the Apostle Islands National Lake Shore located just north of Bayfield Wisconsin. These 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline are some of the most spectacular sights on the lake. Often called the Jewels of Lake Superior there are opportunities to view wildlife, paddle, sail, hike, cruise, camp, and more! 

Every summer for the past 3 years CanoeSport Outfitters has offered a 5-day 4 night paddling trip among these islands. Each year presented new and interesting things to see, water conditions, and animal sightings. In 2015 we again return to these jewels of Superior to explore natures' beauty.

Caves

View through a cave on Sand Island

One of the most famous features of the Apostle Islands are the sea caves that are formed in the sandstone cliffs along certain island shores. Ranging in size these caves are big enough for 17’ long kayaks to weave in an out of. On Day 2 of our tour we get to explore the caves along Swallow Tail Point on Sand Island. We usually spend a few hours meandering in and out of these caverns.

3 sea kayaks inside a cave!

Paddling

Getting the opportunity to practice in cold water!

‘The lake is the boss’ is a common saying when paddling the Apostle Islands. Weather, waves, and wind will always dictate a paddler’s day on the water. Lake Superior being such a large body of water all 3 conditions can collide and cause chaos even for large tankers. As good paddlers should we always have an ear tuned to our weather radio and an eye to the sky. We have experienced all conditions from small craft advisory warnings to water as calm as glass. For some paddlers this can present their first exposure to water not typically found in Iowa. A wetsuit is required for everyone even on the hottest days as water temps range in the low 50s. Our largest day on the water is when we travel from Sand Island around the peninsula to Oak Island. Depending on the route it is around 10 miles of paddling with a few breaks for lunch and hiking.

Lighthouses
Because of the rocky and precarious nature of the islands and lake there are several lighthouses that used to be used to signal freighters in and out of ports at Bayfield and Duluth. Many of them have been restored and are open for viewing. On Sand Island there is one of the most beautiful lighthouses. Constructed from sandstone mined from the island it stands over 44' tall. We explore the grounds around this light house either by paddling or hiking to it.

Sand Island Lighthouse

The Raspberry Island lighthouse was created to signal ships coming into Bayfield, WI. Accessible from mainland via ferry this is most popular lighthouse to visit. During our lunch break on Raspberry there may be the opportunity to tour the lighthouse.

Raspberry Island Lighthouse

Wildlife

Between all the trees, rocks, flowers, berries, mushrooms, bears, bugs, and creatures there is always something to see. While paddling there is certainly a lot of shoreline to view and birds to watch. On Oak Island there are several miles of hiking trails that can be hiked and along these trails was the one place we’ve seen bears! If you know a bit about mushrooms and plants there is a plethora to see along the trails!

Camping

Sharing a meal together on Oak Island.

Ready for camp on Oak Island

Setting up camp on the beach is the perfect way to end a day on the water. Great views and company are always guaranteed! We often will cook individual meals and sometimes share things amongst the group. There is never a shortage of good food and new recipes on the trip! We are able to book the groups sites on both Sand and Oak Island so there is plenty of room to spread out and dry out after a day on the water. Day temps range from 60-80 degrees while nights can get down into the upper 40s. Snuggling up in a warm bag under the star beats any hotel stay!

We look forward to again returning to the Apostle Islands and we hope to see you there too! 

Starting in June we're offering $50 off any Apostle Island Trip! 

Registration deadline is July 20th.

If your interested in joining us again for an adventure up at the Apostle Islands please visit our website to learn more about the trips we offer.  www.canoesportoutfitters.com Trips are offered the first part of August and we require the completion of our Kayaking Fundamentals III course. To sign up please contact us through email paddler@netins.net or give us a call 515-961-6117 and we’ll help answer any other questions!

Paddle and Play at the YMCA!

In April of 2015, CanoeSport Outfitters partnered with the Indianola YMCA to offer an opportunity for people to try out paddling in the comforts of a nice warm pool.  We introduced over 30 adults and children to Stand Up Paddle boarding, and kayaking.  Classes were held on the weekends, and fun was had by all. 

We ran a 5 week course of stand up paddle board yoga.  This class sold out weeks before it started.  Y members got to practice their downward dogs while trying to not fall into the water.  In the end everyone ended up in the water at least once.

CSO ran an introduction to stand up paddle boarding class.  Members learned about the various types of boards and paddles, basic terminology, how to stand up on a board, and how to perform basic strokes.  The pool is a great way to expose people to this fun sport.

We also ran an Introduction to Kayaking class.  We had 2 younger members (7 and 8) who by the end of the class were out maneuvering their mom who was also participating.  We covered paddling terminology, wet exits, and basic strokes and maneuvering.

On April 25th, the YMCA hosted their annual Healthy Kids Day.  We offered a kids version of the Stand Up Paddle boarding class.  We had so much  interest in this class, we had kids on the waiting list.  This class was a lot of fun.  We covered the main skills as in the adult class, but skills were taught through games and play.  At the end of this special kids session, all we're asking when they could paddle board in the pool again.  We will be having boats available during some of the Indianola YMCA Saturday Night Live nights.  For more information about SNL, call the Indianola YMCA at 515-777-7746.

We have 2 upcoming Family Paddling Adventures this summer.  One will be held at Lake Ahquabi State park.  This family paddling trip is designed to introduce families to the sport of paddling.  Students will learn about different types of paddling crafts and which will work for them, how to safely enter and exit the water, and proper paddling technique.  We will also take a tour of the lake.  After they have completed the Lake Ahquabi Adventure, they can sign up for the Red a Rock Adventure.  Families will get more practice time on this larger body of water.  We will explore the caves, and shoreline of Elk Rock State Park.

Learning how to kayak on the shores of Lake Red Rock

Our first session of Paddle and Play at the YMCA was a huge success.  We hope to continue offering high quality paddling programs in the pool starting this fall.  For more information, or to be notified when the classes become available, please call CSO at 515-961-6117 or the Indianola YMCA at 515-777-7746.

'Like' CanoeSport Outfitters on Facebook to keep up with all our activities!

Product Review: Werner Hooked Paddles

Werner Paddles is CanoeSport's primary paddle company and they offer a wide range of high quality paddles for all types of paddlers. Recently Werner has introduced a new series of paddles designed specifically for anglers. The series of paddles aptly called 'Hooked Paddles' are designed with the fisherman in mind. Using the same great models paddlers already love Werner has changed the graphics on the blade to be more angler friendly. They have also lengthened the shaft to help accommodate the wider fishing crafts or boats with raised seats.

All of Werner's paddles come with their Smart View Adjustable ferrule which means you can adjust the blades to paddle through windier lakes and break down into 2 pieces for easier transportation. Paddles feel like a solid one piece paddle with no extra moving parts to snag on fishing lines.

Paddles available in Hooked Series:
(models available to order)
Low Angle Paddles:
- Skagit, Camano, and Kalliste
 High Angle Paddles:
- Tybee, Shuna, and Cypress
SUP Paddles:
- Carve

Currently stocked at CanoeSport

Skagit Paddle: $110 - SALE PRICE!
- Great for the angler on a budget and who enjoys a relaxed paddling pace. Same design features as the higher end  paddles but at a lower cost. Blade is fiberglass reinforced nylon which makes for a more impact and wear resistant blade.

Camano Paddle: $233 - SALE PRICE!
- This paddle is one of Werners award winning designs. Great for low angler paddlers who want a lighter paddle to allow for longer days on the water. Blade is made of a fiberglass construction which creates a lighter paddle.

Check out the following video by Werner highlighting the Hooked Paddles.

Check out Werner's Fishing Album on Facebook! 

 

15% off ALL Hooked Paddles at CanoeSport Outfitters during April!

CanoeSport goes on Spring Break!

The long but beautiful drive through Glen Canyon Recreational Area. 

Spring break normally doesn't mean anything to those of us at the store just another week selling boats and bikes. This year spring break meant Jeff and Shireen taking 11 University of Iowa students kayaking at Lake Powell. Jeff led the trip in 2014 and Shireen joined this year as the Wilderness First Responder. (required for all University trips). After 2 Monday nights of preparation with the students we packed up at 5am on Saturday and raced the sun west toward Utah all day and night. Sunday we woke early to frost on our tents eager to finish our drive to Powell winding through Glen Canyon Recreational Area.

Scenic stop at a stone arch.

Learning about safety before heading out!

Monday

We all awoke early with adrenaline pumping, eager to officially start the trip. After learning about wet exits and rescues from the dock everyone had the opportunity to jump in the frigid water (42 degrees) to practice on their own. Sunbathing on the boat ramp warmed everyone up as we proceeded to packing up 13 people's worth of gear for 5 days. Needless to say it looked like a bomb went off in our gear room. There was stuff everywhere! Finally on the water we paddled up Hall's Creek Bay to a sandbar to spend the next 2 nights. Supper was decided and made while watching the sunset behind our campsite.

All fitted and ready to pack

The garage sale we could have held loading up 13 people!

Enjoying the first sunset of the trip

Tuesday

Waking to the sounds of a group of mallard ducks everyone enjoyed the solitude the canyon had to offer. We opted to continue paddling up Hall's Creek Bay to explore more of the red sand and high cliff walls. A few people tried their hand at fishing but no luck. We spent the afternoon enjoying the sun on a large cliff face reading, doing yoga, exploring, and sleeping the hours away. During the nights the star gazing was amazing! With the nearest town over 100 miles away there was no light pollution and everyone remarked at how packed the sky was with stars. 

Campsite in Halls Creek Bay.

Wednesday 

We packed up early and headed back towards Halls Crossing for a brief stop at the boat ramp to drop off extra gear and use the glorious facilities we had not seen for 2 days. After enjoying lunch we hit the water again paddling towards Moki Canyon. The lazy warm sun lulled us all into slowing down and chatting the afternoon away on the water. Thanks to prompting from the guides and a small threat of rain we picked up the pace heading into one of the most spectacular canyons I think any of us has ever seen. 100'+ cliff walls on either side, narrow cuts, shallow 'sea caves,' and crystal clear water made the 20 minute paddle into Moki feel like the world was sliding in on you. The only direct sun we got was from 10am-4pm. At the end of the canyon we made camp on a large sandbar.

Big cliffs and bigger skies. 

Campsite in Moki Canyon

Sunset Adventure

During the day the wind had remained calm but was predicted to pick up 10-15mph toward evening. Being in a narrow, high wall canyon, when the wind blows up top the wind focuses its power through the canyon and can be magnified greatly. The wind picked up and we began to realize the small tent stakes in soft sand were no match for the wind gusts we were experiencing. Not to mention the fine red dust that kicked up and infiltrated every surface possible including inside our tents and sleeping bags. It felt that by morning mother nature would have us all buried alive. We almost lost a tent into the water but a quick sprint down the beach saved the tent and gear. Thankfully after only a few hours the wind died down and we could rest in peace. 

The breathtaking views and endless skies

Thursday

Paddling up Moki Canyon

Instead of paddling, we hiked further into Moki Canyon. The canyon used to be full of water but due to the slow draining of the lake the rest of the canyon is now a very small creek that we walked back into. We slowly gained elevation (maybe just a few feet) but enough to finally see trees, shrubs, and grass again after only seeing rocks and sand for the past few days. Although we didn't see the Indian ruins that we were told where up the creek we did find the motherland of a sand bar. Literally over 100' tall and easily 200' long the channels of the canyon line up just right to dump sand directly into this corner of the canyon. 

Learning about group safety on the water. 

Friday

Packing up everyone remarked at having a great time and wanting to 'fail' the test so they could re-take the trip for the experience! We packed up camp one last time and paddled back out of Moki to Bullfrog Bay. The lure of hamburgers and facilities motivated us all to put the paddle in the water and hoof it back to the boat ramp. Cleaning up and packing gear was bittersweet as we read of threatening snowstorms back home. Tired, sunburnt, and happy, we piled into the University Suburbans for a very long ride home reliving memories of sun filled days and star packed nights on Lake Powell.

Thank you Lake Powell for a great paddling trip!

Getting My Level 2 ACA Kayak Instructor Certification

By Casey Holmes

On February 21st 2015, CanoeSport paddlers Jennifer Hurst and Casey Holmes (me) traveled down south in search of softer waters and a chance to earn their ACA Level 2 Coastal Kayak Instructor certifications.

Leaving the cold was ok!

Leaving the sub zero temperatures was tough, but once we hit the 70 degree weather, we both decided we would just have to live with this heat wave.  We pulled into the parking lot of Sweetwater Kayaks located in Saint Petersburg Florida.  Once the paperwork was all filled out and all our i's dotted and t's crossed, we drove to our hotel in Clear Beach.

The combination Instructor Development Workshop and Instructor Certification Exam started bright and early on Sunday February 22nd.  We had over 20 perspective instructor candidates in the class.  About half of the candidates were testing for their Level 3 Instructor Certification.  Our group consisted of a wide range of paddlers and skill levels.  We had everything from a college librarian to ex-military that were getting their certification so they could teach kayaking to their local girl scout troops.  

The first part of the class on Sunday, mainly consisted of going over paperwork and learning more about the American Canoe Association (ACA).  We learned about what the ACA is all about and what would be expected of us as new instructors.  Later after lunch, we got to get out on the water.  Previous to us getting down to Florida, each canidate had to prepare a 10 minute presentation that they would have to present to their class some time during the class.  I had the pleasure of trying to discuss and teach about weather.  Let me tell you, trying to squeez the basics of weather and how it effects kayakers in 10 minutes is not a simple feat!  I ended up taking the full 10 minutes and only got to discuss pressure systems and fronts.  The class then critiqued the presentation, and feedback was given.

After a few more presentations were given, we got to go out on the water.  Our large group was broken down into 2 groups.  Level 3 canidates went with one set of instructors, and level 2 went with another.  In our level 2 group, we still had 12 people, so our group was split into 2 more groups.  We learned the proper way to model forward strokes, reverse strokes, sweeps, draws with in water recovery, and sculling draws.  We also got to play around with stern rudders while edging.  After multiple tips, tricks, and capsizes, we were done for the day.

The following morning, we were going to cover rescues.  We broke down into our 2 groups and started working on rescues.  Some of our instructor candidates had never done rescues before so it was interesting to say the least.  We practiced T-rescues, paddlefloat rescues, scoops, and hands of god rescues.  Having not practiced the hands of god rescue for a while, this was a much needed refresher.  I learned many tips and tricks to get paddlers back in their kayaks with minimum time in the water, and minimum effort.  In the afternoon of the second day, we were video taped modeling of all the strokes.  Later that night we all met back up at Sweetwater Kayaks and watched the videos, and critiqued ourselves and our fellow paddlers.

For the 3rd and final day, we met at a different beach.  Heavy fog had rolled in and it made for some interesting scenarios.  Our goal for this day was to lead our group on a journey.  During this journey, certain paddlers would have an issue and the person leading the group would have to control the situation and keep the group safe.  Of course during my scenario, the instructors decided it would be fun to not only have half of my group paddle out of range, but also 2 capsizes.  One of the swimmers in the water had a shoulder injury, so a modified scoop had to be performed.  During this rescue another paddler went in the water.  All in all the rescues were quick and efficient, and no paddler was in the water for more than a minute.  I had passed with flying colors.

After the day on the water was over, we went back to Sweetwater for our debrief, and to discuss if we had passed.  I volunteered to go first.  I had passed my level 2 and the instructors wanted me to stay for the level 3.  Having previous certifications, I politely passed stating that I had some snorkeling to do the following day.  The 3 days went by quickly.  I learned a lot of things to incorporate into my classes, and well as things to avoid.

New ACA Kayak Instructors!