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!

Product Review: Misty PFD by Stohlquist

 Stohlquist Misty PFD

New for 2015 is the women specific Misty PFD.

During March ALL Misty PFD's are 15% off! 

This PFD offers Graded Sizing.  This a new feature that currently only Stohlquist is offering.  Graded sizing offers the best possible fit, with the lowest footprint possible, for the widest range of body types.  Each individual size of jacket is proportionately sized for the paddler.  Stohlquist has sculpted the foam footprint, and foam thickness to provide a betting fitting, and more comfortable PFD.  This allows them to fit young, smaller framed paddlers up to larger adults in the same style vest, while offering identical mobility and a low profile fit across the size range.


The Misty has thinner back floatation which makes this PFD extremely comfortable with boats with a higher seat back like a recreational kayak or even a backrest in a canoe.  Large pockets allow the paddler to carry all sorts of items.  It even has a built in beverage holder!

Front pocket has mesh attachment to hold a small beverage.

2 front pockets have ample room to carry a snack, sunscreen, phone, camera, and car keys!

Here are the key features of the Misty:

» Thin back design works with all seat styles
» Graded Sizing provides the best possible fit
» Open sides for ventilation
» Cross-chest cinch harness for zero ride-up
» Mesh shoulders & interior panels for maximum ventilation
» Adjustable shoulders, and dual forward pulls for a custom fit
» Zippered front pockets offer organization
» Built-in beverage holder and neoprene sunglasses sleeve
» Entry grip tab at zipper base
» #10 YKK zipper with non-corroding slider
» Lightweight PE Foam
» Type III PFD with sea level buoyancy:
    •    SM: 16 lbs
    •    MD: 16 lbs, 8oz
    •    LG: 17 lbs
» USCG Approved

Construction
» Mini Ripstop nylon outer shell
» 200 denier oxford liner

Sizing
SIZE     CHEST
SM     28” - 34”
MD     34” - 40”
LG     40” - 46”

Available in these great colors!

Last Chance to Buy a Royalex Canoe

Building the last of Royalex Canoes at We-no-nah Canoe!

Since the 1970's Royalex has been the go-to material for anyone seeking a relatively lightweight, impact resistant canoe suitable for running rocky rivers. It changed the way people paddled and many traded their old 80-90 pound aluminum canoe for a lighter, easier paddling Royalex model.

Unfortunately, last year the company that produces royalex stopped production of this material. By October of 2014 We-no-nah has run out of sheets for many of their canoe models. We were simply unable to get some of the canoes we wanted for our retail business. Now, just after the first of the year they have no sheets of royalex remaining and only a few dozen models canoes left in their warehouse. Most other manufacturers are likewise out of royalex. We are indeed at the end of the line for royalex canoes.

What comes next is still the big question. Manufacturers need a material that possesses similar qualities, such as impact resistance and long-term durability. Ideally it will be similar in weight and price, while also allowing the use of the old molds.

While most canoe manufacturers wait for the emergence of a new material, several companies are working in-house to produce their own. Two companies who are garnering the most attention are Nova Craft and Esquif.

Nova Craft has developed a material they are calling Tuffstuff. It's a combination of basalt fiber (melted basalt rock) and Innegra fiber, which is mostly polypropylene. These two are woven together to create a highly durable canoe. In fact, they threw one off the top of their warehouse, a distance of almost 100 feet. After the fall they picked it up and went paddling with it. Certainly, this would appear to make it a top candidate for replacing Royalex, although it doesn't appear to be as flexible (bad for slipping over rocks, good for more efficient paddling).

Esquif, a canoe manufacturer in Quebec, is touting another possibile replacement for Royalex. They've set up a factory to produce the new product they are calling T-Formex. Like Royalex this is a layered sandwich consisting of a foam cor, layers of abs plastic, and an undisclosed outer material. New canoes made from T-Formex are supposed to be available in 2015.

While these two options provice hope for a sooner rather than later solution, nothing is yet certain. In the meantime it appears that demand for used royalex canoes will increase as will the asking price. New royalex canoes will soon be impossible to find as retailers sell out. Some retailers may hold onto their stock and rais the price as demand increases. CanoeSport Outfitters is treating them as a discounted model. This means it's time to find them new homes for put them to use! From March 5th-8th we'll be selling all remaining in-stock royalex canoes at 25% off. After this weekend any that remain will be pulled from stock and used as rentals at Lake Ahquabi for the remainder of the season. So, this will be the LAST opportunity to purchase a new royalex canoe at CanoeSport Outfitters! Get them while you still can!

For a list of available models visit our website!

SUP Yoga Class

What does the Indianola YMCA, yoga, and stand up paddling have in common? SUP Yoga in the pool! Awesome idea right! CanoeSport has teamed up with the YMCA in February to offer SUP Yoga in the pool. Normally done out in calm water SUP Yoga is a calm and relaxing way to combine the art yoga with the water. In Iowa in February this means pool time instead of a snowy lake shore!

All lined up ready to launch!

 20 people showed up for 2 sessions and after getting oriented to class and boards students were launched into the pool. We set up the boards to have an anchor to help keep students grounded and not float around the pool. 10 students in each class eagerly awaited the moment of departure from the stable deck of the pool to the deck of a floating board!

Happy students before class.

We started off with poses that were low to the board to allow everyone to get comfortable and practice their stability. This was the first time on a SUP for the majority of people.

Sitting allowed students time to practice balance before standing!

Then with the warm pool water calling our name and people ready for the extra challenge we began to lift our bodies from the board! Starting with standing people began to notice that slight shifts side to side sent their board slipping along the surface. From standing warrior poses were introduced. Students had the option of doing warrior poses standing or from a kneeling position.

Working on our balancing!

Those in standing quickly learned that lining their feet up one in front of the other left no ability to balance left to right. Many quickly found the water and others were left looking like a windmill trying to stay upright. The yoga flow kept going with people falling into the water as muscles began to fatigue. With a low profile boards are very easy to re-mount and jump back in.

Going from sitting to standing took courage and a lot of laughter!

No headstands were attempted at this time (due to safety to self and others) but many are looking forward to upping their yoga ability to the next level. SUPs offer a great challenge because unlike land you now have to have the ability to balance left to right. All the major and minor muscle groups that get a break on land now have to engage to keep your body centered on the board. Looking for a great all body workout? Try SUP Yoga!

Plenty of room to stretch out and work out

CanoeSport is excited to offer another round of SUP Yoga courses through the YMCA in February. During the summer CanoeSport offers SUP Yoga at Lake Ahquabi Tuesdays in June and July 6:30-7:30pm. ($5 for board rental, no reservation required.) For more information on stand up paddling or SUP Yoga please visit www.canoesportoutfitters.com!