Werner Blog

Collinsville Canoe and Kayak's, "Paddle University" kicks off Werner's NE Events

 
There was a time when scenes like this, photo of Trish Walter, taken on the "T-Ville" section of the Farmington River, CT, were shared by "Experts Only."  However with advancements in gear and better instruction more readily available, paddling earlier or deeper into the shoulder seasons, or all winter long for that matter, is becoming more and more accesible to the everyday paddler.  It is the love of the peace and quiet, the solitude of off season paddling that spawned Collinsville Canoe and Kayak's, "Paddle University."  Join the staff of CCK, paddling instructors and industry experts as they kick off their 20 Year Anniversary on March 6th with this great new event. 

 
Throughout the day attend classes on the challenges associated with cold water paddling and how to dress and plan for it, on land stroke and skill work, choosing the best gear for you and individual segments looking at canoeing, white water boating, kayak fishing, recreational and touring kayaking and the exciting new sport of stand up paddling.   In between classes get your first look at all the new 2010 boats and gear as they continue to roll off the trucks and onto the shelves.  Werner Paddles will be represented by paddling instructor Danny Mongno, taking you through a variety of topics through out the day including  more efficient paddling by using the proper fitting paddle and better stroke work.  Be sure to call the shop (860) 693-6977 for more details or check out the web site for a class schedule.  Centrally located to so many paddlers, set in the beautiful Famington River valley, Paddle University is a must attend event for north east paddlers looking to meet up with friends, take some classes, check out some gear and kick off the spring paddling season.  See you there!

Werner Paddle's athlete, Ben Lawry, introduces his new instructional DVD servies

The Essentials of Sea Kayaking With Ben Lawry will be a must have edition to your paddling instructional libray, check out a short video segment here.      A real introduction to the sport of kayaking, learn how to get the most out of your kayak, paddle and equipment. Ben Lawry is an internationally recognized coach and competitor and will walk you through many strokes, proper equipment selection and even how to best transport your kayak. Ben will demonstrate how to improve the quality of your strokes for more efficient paddling and more fun on the water. The video will also walk you through how to get started on a trip what to look out for, what to pack and how to paddle efficiently. Using S.E.E.N – Safe, Efficient, Effective and Necessary, giving you the tolls to develop your own kayaking style. Topics of discussion will be Clothing Design Equipment (safety) Strokes Rescues Transport Information gathering Float plans Correct paddle grip Injury prevention The experience Ben brings to the Werner Paddles team is a huge asset to our company and how we can help support local paddling communities around the world, The project, in partnership with Show Me How Videos,  is just another great example of that.  He has been paddling for over 30 years and teaching for 25. He has taught and lead trips on four different continents and is a trainer with the ACA and a BCU coach. Once you have Ben's coaching at home look to work with him in person to solidify these skills.  You can email info.y07@wernerpaddles.com to see where Ben will be representing Werner Paddles in 2010 and check out his web site for his full teaching schedule.  On behalf of the entire team at Werner Paddles, great job Ben and congratulations.

"Living Adventure" confirms, spanish speaking Pelicans love Werner Paddles to!

Thanks to Gail Green of Living Adventure for this great photo.  Gail and her team at Living Adventures, along with having Apostle Islands tours in Lake Superior, WI, down to a science, spend the winter running trips in Yucatan, Mexico.  This curious Coastal Brown Pelican was quite impressed with their Werner Paddle's Skagit and its hand crafted in the USA quality.  (Or pehaps it was the gourmet style meals the crew at Living Adventure was serving up on the beach?)  Either way it is a great photo, thanks for sharing Gail!.

Living Adventure uses only the best guides and equipment on their trips, including Werner Paddles.  Be sure to check them out for your summer time vacations or much needed warm water winter get away.
 

ARE YOU READY!! Werner Paddles announces it's 2010 Event schedule.

Stand Up Paddlers sea kayakers, White Water boaters, Canoeists, Recreational Paddlers, Rafters and KayakFisher People, this is your call to action.  On behalf of the entire team at Werner Paddles we invite you to join us around the world at the multitude of great paddling events we are supporting in 2010. 

 
 Check out our Events page at Go Paddling for a complete list of all the events we will be attending in 2010.  Getting it kicked off on February 8th will be our South East rep, Mette Mosquera, as the guest of honor at the Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers "Paddle Prescription Party," hosted by Bill Jacksons in Florida. 

Along with Go Paddling, keep up with the Werner Paddles Blog as we give you information and updates on events coming to your town each week.  We have a highly respected group of paddlers on our staff, whether it be our reps, tech reps, or team paddlers you will be sure to have a great time and learn something new when you stop by the Werner booth to say hello. 

So no matter what you paddle or where you paddle it, we look forward to seeing you on the water in 2010.
 

Werner Athlete, Paul Kuthe Featured On "The Season"

Werner Paddles World Team Member, Paul Kuthe is being featured in a new web television project, titled The Season, which followes five athletes through the course of a single season in the Pacific Northwest. A veteran climber invents a new piece of gear.  A pro snowboarder searches for a way to return to the roots of his sport.  A boulderer returns from a series of injuries with new perspective.  A family man goes to Whistler to test himself against mountain biking’s elite. A young sea kayaker (Paul Kuthe) with a troubled past sets out to reinvent his sport.

Here is what Paul has to say about getting involved in this project...

Ever since we filmed Pacific Horizons together, I have jumped at the chance to work with Bryan Smith.  His film projects have opened more doors for me than I ever could have imagined.  At my roots I am a whitewater addict, but have found amazing success within the world of sea kayaking with Bryan's help.  When he came to me with this idea about a web series that would feature sea AND whitewater paddling I agreed without hesitation.  How else would I convince my boss to let me off work to go creeking in B.C. in the middle of our busiest time.  Check out The Season...you won't be disappointed.  
 -Paul Kuthe 

BTW - Bryan Smith is doing some incredible work with the cable cam.  Don't miss this. 

Where's Jake? Let's check in on the progress of the Portage to Portage Paddling Project

Let's see how our friend Jake Stachovak and the Werner Paddles supported, "Portage to Portage Paddling Project," is doing on day 51.  Follow his daily journal, with photos, daily on his expedition blog.

 
Good luck Jake and I hope the weather starts to work with you a bit more.  Until then, sunsets like these have to make the hard work all day seem worth it.

Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers Hosts A Paddle Prescription Party

Join the Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers for a presentation on “How to Choose a Paddle” with Werner Paddle’s very own Mette Mosquera.  The presentation is Monday Feb. 8th at Bill Jackson’s at 7pm.  Not only will you learn about paddles, but you can also get your very own “prescription for the perfect fitting paddle”.

The purpose of the Tampa Bay Sea Kayakers is to encourage and support recreational kayaking within the Tampa Bay area. We do this by teaching safe kayaking, establishing "kayak buddy" networks for our members to meet other kayakers, leading trips, holding education sessions, charting places to kayak and encouraging members to be environmentally friendly.

So join Mette and learn what paddle best fits your body, boat and style of paddling.

Werner Paddles Supports The Portage to Portage Paddling Project

“It's Not Really About Me - It's About the Water.  It’s about you and all the people along the route, and anybody else that cares to listen. “ I think this quote is an amazing way to bring you up to speed on who Jake Stachovak is and what the Portage to Portage Paddling Project is all about.  Over the course of the next year, Jake will paddle from Portage, WI over 5000 miles through the back yards of the some of the highest population bases in the United States, and back to Portage.  Along the way bringing kayaking to the people and showing them the adventures that lie right outside their homes.  We will be following Jake along his journey here at the Werner Paddle’s blog via, www.paddletoportage.com  Here you can take some time to get to know Jake, his mission and his watery route.  Once you got the basics down you can keep up on your own, or at our pace, with his blog that he updates daily.  

 
Here are a few words from Jake’s 12/27 post.
Somehow I thought the state of Mississippi would be a bit warmer. But apparently winter is winter wherever you go. The wind was already pushing ripples on the water before sunrise so I was happy to have an early start to avoid the big blows I’ve seen the last two days on the water. Luck was with me and I actually had a tail wind for a change and made great time on the way into Helena, Arkansas.

Stay warm Jake and enjoy the final push to the end of a great 2009 and the wonders of what 2010 will bring, we’ll keep in touch.

Werner Paddles Holiday Gift Guide #3

What sea paddler would not love to see a Gordon Brown's Manual for Intermediate and Advanced Sea Kayakers, and the DVD, Sea Kayak with Gordon Brown, under the tree or stuffed in a stocking. You can buy this as a combo pack at Virgina Sea Kayak Center for $55.

Great Gear...Great Cause

I wanted to alert everyone that Werner's Healthy Waters partner, the Norther Forest Canoe Trail, is hosting a fundrasing auction.   Check out all the great gear, bid on some and benefit the great work that this organization is doing.