ABC of Kayaking News Feed

Inflatable Kayak Care and Maintenance

There are unique care and maintenance concerns for an inflatable kayak that you don't have with a hard shell. Our pointers for caring for and maintaining your inflatable kayak will help you preserve it and keep it in top condition for as long as possible.

If you get out of the water and are done for the day, you can easily roll up your kayak and stow it, but you should take the time to clean and dry it first unless time is crucial (if there's a clam bake and beer waiting, you may want to stow it for now and take care of cleaning later). But do NOT forget to clean it at some point after every use, particularly if you've been kayaking in salt water.

Rinse your kayak with fresh, clean water, being sure to remove dirt, sunscreen, algae and other debris with a soft cloth. If it's really filthy, use a bit of mild dishwashing soap, being sure to rinse clean afterward. Check all the nooks and crannies of your boat, keeping an eye out for sand and mud. These are abrasive and can wear down on the fibers of your boat.

Always double-check to make sure the valves are closed before you rinse or wash, then leave the kayak in the sun to dry. If you can't, an absorbent towel or chamois is fine.

Rolling up your kayak isn't the easiest thing in the world, but if you paid attention to how it was packaged when you got it, you should be able to duplicate the process. Usually, you will fold the sides toward the center, then fold or roll the kayak until it is small enough to stow.

Store your inflatable kayak in a cool, dry place. You don't want it exposed to extremes of temperature or humidity, so your unheated garage isn't the best spot. The attic also isn't a good idea; high temperatures will cause the material to deteriorate faster. If you can, put it somewhere with a bit of air flow. If you ever have a problem with mice, squirrels of other rodents, store your kayak in a container that is rodent proof.

Leaks in Your Kayak

Kayak maintenance will inevitably mean having to patch a few leaks. Most of these will be slow leaks from tiny scratches or pin holes. The easiest way to find a slow leak is to soap up your inflated kayak with some soapy water. You'll see tell-tale bubbles forming wherever there is a leak.

Once you've found the leak, mark it with a marker or some chalk. Let the area dry completely before trying to patch it. There are plenty of patch kits on the market for inflatable kayaks, but it is crucial to make sure you get the right kind for your kayak. PVC and vinyl use the same kind of glue; Hypalon or Nitrolon kayaks use a completely different type of glue, so make sure you find a patch kit that matches your boat.

The instructions are generally very clear on patch kits, but there are a few pointers that will help ensure a good, tight patch that will last:

� Always cut the patch large enough to have 2-3 inches spare material on all sides.
� Don't leave corners or points on the patch; these will peel loose quickly. A round or oval shape works much better.
� If your patch kit tells you to rough up the material, do it. Skipping this step is a common mistake and will lead to quick failure of the patch.
� Make sure you let the glue dry before trying to stick the patch to the kayak.

About the Author:

Kevin Urban is the editor for www.AllInflatableBoats.net.

Visit the site for inflatable kayak reviews and tips on choosing an inflatable boat or kayak.

US Freestyle Kayaking Team Trials

Glenwood Springs, Colorado - The US Freestyle Kayaking Team Trials will take place in Glenwood Springs on May 30-31, 2009, from 9:00am-6:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am-3:00pm on Sunday. Top paddlers will compete at Glenwood Springs' highly acclaimed $1,000,000 Whitewater Park on the Colorado River.

Organizers expect about 100 kayakers to show off their skills at the event, competing for a spot on the team that will represent the United States at the World Freestyle Championship to be held in Thun, Switzerland in August 2009. Kayakers willing to show off their skills, but not competing for a spot on the US Team are also welcome. Registration is open until Friday, May 29th and can be done online at www.glenwoodwhitewaterevents.com.

Tricks will be performed on the "G-Wave" and flows the last weekend of May are anticipated to be 15,000 to 18,000 CFS (cubic feet per second) with the spring run-off. Many freestyle kayaking moves can launch athletes and their kayaks inverted and up to four feet in the air, so the US Team Trials promise to be a thrilling spectator event.

The 7th Annual Yagatta Regatta will take place concurrently with the US Freestyle Kayaking Team Trials, just 2.8 miles away at Two Rivers Park. The event will help welcome athletes and set a festive tone for the weekend. A local's favorite, it's best described as a rafting flotilla and costume contest that brings together the Glenwood Springs whitewater community. In addition to the raft race, spectators can enjoy Coors beer, pizza, barbecue, ice cream, nine live bands throughout the weekend, kids' activities and more at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. The Regatta is the primary fundraiser for Operation Vacation, a non-profit organization, which provides all-expense paid weekend getaways for deserving soldiers and their families. To learn more go to www.ColoradoYagattaRegatta.com.

Organizers are encouraging competitors and spectators to be aware of the following:

Registration: Competitor registration deadline is Friday, May 29th at 4:00pm and must be done online. Local paddlers are welcome to compete. There will be no on-site registration.

Schedule:

Friday, May 29
4:00pm Online Competitor Registration Closes
6:00pm Competitors' Meeting and Welcome Dinner at Glenwood Suites, 2625 Gilstrap Court in Glenwood

Saturday, May 30
9:00am - until finished, Preliminary and Semi-final competition at the Whitewater Park

Sunday, May 31
9:00am-11:00am Semi-finals at the Whitewater Park (will only be held if not finished previous day)
11:00am Finals at the Whitewater Park
2:30pm or 30 minutes following the finish of Finals, Awards at a location TBD

Community Outreach: Competitors are required by the USAFK to complete some community outreach in Glenwood Springs. Options for service include assisting with the Kayak Gear Exchange at the Glenwood Springs Community Center on Thursday and Friday, May 28th and 29th from 10:00am-6:00pm. Other opportunities include an address at the Glenwood Springs High School, speaking on professional kayaking and its impact to the local students, and some bank-side improvements and help to the Glenwood Parks & Recreation Department. For details on times, days and opportunities for competitor outreach, please contact Risa Shimoda at risa@theshimodagroup.com.

Other boaters: Local whitewater enthusiasts, kayakers and rafters not associated with the event are asked to use "river right" or the right boat chute in the G-wave feature.

Camping: There is no in-town camping in Glenwood Springs outside of improved, commercial campgrounds. For information on commercial campgrounds and RV parks in town, as well as public camping in the White River National Forest, see this link www.glenwoodchamber.com.

Parking: There will be no available parking at the Whitewater Park. Spectator parking is available at Two Rivers Park and adjacent to the park, across Access Road M. A bus, that says "Whitewater Shuttle," will travel back and forth on Devereux between Two Rivers Park and the Glenwood Whitewater Park from 8:30am-6:30pm on Saturday, and from 8:30am-3:30pm on Sunday. Biking to the Whitewater Park is also encouraged. Although Devereux Road will be open in both directions, driving on Devereux is discouraged. Competitors should consider paddling down from Two Rivers to assist event volunteers with safety and congestion.

Seating at Venue: There will be limited bleacher seating available at the event on both the North and South side of the park. Spectators are encouraged to bring low-profile folding chairs and blankets for seating.

Pets: Please no pets at the Yagatta Regatta or the Team Trials.

Safety: Children should be carefully supervised due to high water.

Food, refreshments and Coors beer will be available for purchase at Two Rivers Park. No glass containers are allowed at the US Team Trials or the Yagatta Regatta, and the Colorado open container law prohibits other alcoholic beverages.

The US Team Trials are made possible by City of Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association, Glenwood Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Lara Bar, Operation Vacation, Red Mountain Inn, River Restoration, USAFK, World Class, and Youth Kayak League.

For more information on the event, to register for the competition, and to book lodging and activities in Glenwood Springs, go to www.glenwoodwhitewaterevents.com.

Kaboat - Integration of a Kayak and a Boat

Saturn Inflatables, a known manufacturer of Inflatable Kayaks have finally come up with an ultimate kayak. This is a breed between a common Inflatable Kayak and a common Dinghy, a Boat. Put it together and you get a Kaboat. This is a great idea that allows complete paddling functionality of a kayak, yet has a transom that allows to hang an outboard motor. Why do you ask? Because sometimes, certain places are too far to reach or damaging for a motor. Imagine you are taking you kayak for a paddling trip. Lets say you get too far, and get tired. Well, with a Kaboat, you don't need to rest. Just start up the motor and ride all the way home. Now, what if your trip takes a route through a heavy seaweed? Well, just lift up your motor and you can use your Kaboat as a regular Kayak and paddle through. Visit Saturn Inflatable Kayaks and discover that their quality product is offered at the lowest price in USA.

Hunting Woodies from a Canoe

Duck hunting is an exciting activity enjoyed by many. The challenge of effectively calling waterfowl into a decoy spread is very rewarding. However, if this is the only waterfowl hunting you have participated in, you may be missing out. Hunting waterfowl, especially wood ducks, from a canoe is particularly challenging. If you think that all you have to do is float down a creek and shoot a limit of "woodies," you have never tried this type of hunting. Just paddling a canoe can be difficult at times. Throw in guns, waders, decoys, maybe a dog and other paraphernalia, then you have the making of an interesting hunt.

With duck hunting boats getting larger and the drive for quantity over quality, many small creeks and duck holes often are overlooked. A canoe is an effective way to access these areas. Canoes are very quiet and maneuverable. They may be paddled tandem or solo. The light weight also makes it easy for transport and hauling over or around dead falls (and believe me, they will be encountered).

Two basic options are available for hunting with canoes. The first is to use the canoe to access remote beaver ponds, backwaters and sloughs. Canoes can operate in shallow water, even with a somewhat heavy load including, hunters, dog, decoys and other gear. Allow plenty of time to reach your spot so you do not overexert yourself and start sweating, as this could make for a long morning. The canoe can easily be stashed or pulled next to shore and used for a blind. The second option, and my favorite, is to float a creek and try to sneak within shooting distance of the ducks. This requires more skill and finesse. A canoe is not the most stable water craft built, so setting up for the shot can be quite challenging. Often there is very little notice of a potential shooting opportunity because the next woodie may be just around the bend. Hunting with a partner usually requires that the back person paddles and maneuvers the canoe so person in front can concentrate on looking for wood ducks. Sometimes deciding who sits in the front of the canoe first may be the most challenging aspect of the hunt.

As you can imagine, hunting solo is the ultimate challenge. You must paddle, maneuver and be ready to shoot at the drop of a hat. This experience can be the most rewarding of all. Matching your skills against the creek, Mother Nature and wildlife can easily turn the tables to the advantage of the ducks. So any success is greatly earned.

Several tips may increase your success. Easing along the inside of a bend in the creek can sometimes offer better and closer shooting opportunities. Listening for the call of the woodie can let you know they are in the area. Many times you can hear them splashing in the water while feeding or landing. Sometimes you may be able to notice small ripples in the water next to shore to give away their position. Being able to observe little signs can be the difference in seeing tail feathers or meat on the table. As with any form of hunting, safety is of utmost importance. Always wear approved flotation devices. Know the canoe's limitations as well as your own. Be familiar with the operation of the canoe; practice makes perfect. Unload your firearm when crossing dead falls in the creek and while entering or exiting the canoe. Always think safety, safety, safety. Hunting woodies from a canoe can be extremely challenging. Many exciting and rewarding hunting opportunities are ready to be discovered on the miles of creeks and abundant backwaters found throughout Alabama. Remember, the journey is often as enjoyable as the destination.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Artists Invited to Enter Alabama Art Contest

Alabama artists can celebrate the New Year by entering the 2009 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest sponsored by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division. The winning artwork will be featured on the 2010-11 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp, which is required to be purchased when hunting migratory waterfowl. Entries will be accepted from Jan. 1 - Feb. 17, 2009.

All eligible entries will be on display February 27, 2009, at the Richard Beard Building in Montgomery. Following the showing, three judges from the fields of art, ornithology and wildlife conservation will select the winning waterfowl art.

"We encourage all Alabama artists to participate in this unique contest," said Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division Director Corky Pugh. "Like the federal waterfowl stamp,�revenues from the sale of Alabama stamps are used to�procure, establish or improve migratory waterfowl habitat."

Only original horizontal artworks depicting a species of North American migratory duck or goose will be eligible. The Blue-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser and Wood Duck � depicted in the winning artwork of the three previous contests � are not eligible as subjects for the 2010-11 stamp. The competition is open to resident Alabama artists only. Entries cannot exceed 9 by 12 inches (15 by 18 inches matted).

The judging criteria will emphasize uncluttered design suitable for printing as a stamp, anatomical accuracy of the illustrated species, and artistic rendering.�Close attention must be given to tone and detail, since those aspects are prerequisites for printing artwork as a stamp.�Wing and feather construction must be particularly well defined.�Entries may be drawn or painted in any medium.

For contest information and entry forms visit the ADCNR website at www.outdooralabama.com, or contact David Hayden, Alabama Wildlife and Fisheries Division, at 334-242-3469.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com .

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