GREAT GEAR

ECONOMY PADDLE

A new economy fiberglass paddle is available from Nimbus, featuring the same great Nimbus blade shapes (Mystic, Vesper and Spartan) but now in safety yellow for higher visibility. Each weighs approximately 8 ounces less than its predecessor. (The Mystic: 34.5 ounces, Vesper: 34 ounces and Spartan: 36 ounces). Nimbus achieved this new lightweight paddle by using a new type of high-end fibreglass as the core and with new tooling to cut out excess resin. $175 Cdn. www.nimbuspaddles.com, 250-862-8049, info@nimbuspaddles.com.

COPPERTONE SPORT STICK

The new Coppertone Sport Stick SPF 30 makes it easier to apply to sunburn prone areas, including ears, nose, lips and face. Waterproof and ultra sweat proof, there is no slipping of the hands when paddling hard and it won't run into eyes. Available in 17g portable sticks at a suggested retail price of $7.49 US.

TONY'S TROLLEY

This strong, lightweight kayak wheel system can be completely taken apart to stow in most kayak hatches. The wheels are the largest part: 12.5 inches outside diameter for the small size wheel option (larger wheels are also available). Great for solo launching. The Trolley costs $250 Cdn and takes seconds to take apart or put together.

www.tonystrailers.com,

250-743-9915,

tonyhoar@shaw.ca.

PADDLE BAGS

Protect your expensive paddle from cracks, chips or scratches by storing it in a paddle bag. The bag features two separate sleeves, so the paddle blades are well protected. A mesh panel allows water to drain from the bottom.

A sheath secures the shafts and is connected to the sleeve by one inch webbing, which functions as a strap for carrying the paddle bag. Paddle bags are ideal for transporting your gear or for carrying a spare paddle on your kayak deck. Ideal for tour operators who want to keep their kayak equipment together and reduce the wear and tear on their fleet. $28 Cdn.

Natural West Coast Adventure Gear: www.bckayaks.com, 250-391-0331, nwca@kayak.bc.ca.

NRS E TOUR JACKET

The E-Tour is a hybrid semi-drytop combining the features of a whitewater drytop with a technical touring jacket. Waterproof and breathable Entrant fabric shell with latex wrist gaskets and double spray tunnel seal the water out. Reflective tape for safety, and arm pockets with splash proof zippers for all your accessories.

$200 US.

www.nrsweb.com.

BOTTLE-LOC

Scotty's new Bottle- Loc secures your water bottle to your kayak, backpack, belt loop, etc. It works with most plastic water bottles and is reusable. The super strong locking swivel hook and figure- 8 attachment ensure that your water stays put even in rigorous conditions.

$5.49 Cdn.

www.scotty.com.

ASPIVENIN

At last - painless, chemical-free relief from bites and stings! This re-usable pump is the perfect chemical-free answer to removing venom from insect bites. It is instantly effective against snake bites, poisonous plants, bees, mosquitoes, spiders and jellyfish. The pack is small, lightweight and waterproof - the perfect companion for any outdoor activity.

$24.98 Cdn.

www.nature-mate.com,

250-260-2820.

KAYAK TRAINING

Developed by Grayson Bourne, five-time Olympian and World Champion sprint kayaker , SpeedStroke by KayakPro offers every level of paddler the ultimate in indoor kayak training. Hailed by many Olympic and World Champions as the top kayaking ergometer on the market, SpeedStroke gives the user the most precise kayaking simulation available today. $1050 US.

Previously only available to top-level athletes, SpeedStroke is now available for widespread distribution in North America.

For the complete SpeedStroke product range and ordering go to www.kayakpro.com or www.speedstroke.com.

QUIVER SAIL

No modification to your boat is required for you to start sailing today with a QuiverSail. Learn to use it in minutes - even if you've never sailed anything before - with a safe, handheld design deployed or stowed in seconds. It weighs less than one pound and comes with a stuff sack included for easy carrying and storage. Available with or without a window. An ideal starter sail - fun for beginners and experts. $130 US. A larger sail rig, also available ($300), requires a hole in your deck. www.QuiverSail.com, 802-728-5582.