Cape Lookout National Seashore on North Carolina’s southern coast is a unique spot to paddle. The Cape Lookout Lighthouse, a well known navigational landmark and sought after photographic landmark, is the backdrop to many photos taken in this area. The wild ponies, sea birds, and marine wildlife only add to the majesty of this paddlers paradise. Mile upon mile of open coastline alongside tidal marshes and creeks that line the Core and Back sounds of the lower Outer Banks allow for days of wonderfully picturesque paddling and camping.

Sunset on Cape Lookout

However this location is not ideal for the unexperienced and ill-prepared paddler. Strong winds, storms, tides, currents, and waves all of which can change the water conditions quickly and unexpectedly. Any combination of these conditions can turn a seemingly beautiful day on the water into a dire situation in a matter of minutes. Incorporate traffic filled boating channels and a scattered group inexperienced kayakers and you are looking at a recipe for disaster.

Too many of the boats that are paddled in these open waters are ill-equipped to handle any one of the above mentioned conditions. Most recreational kayaks are not suited for waves as their open cockpits eagerly await a large gulp of water that will quickly fill the boat and capsize. In addition to their large cockpits the lack of secondary stability of many rec boats does not give these kayaks the seaworthiness needed for the rough conditions that this windblown locale will often provide. The lack of flotation in these boats is their most serious flaw. The majority of recreational kayaks have at the very most, a rear hatch and bulkhead that only provide marginal flotation. Once the water starts entering the cockpit the entire front of the boat can quickly fill with water. It can be extremely difficult to recover from this situation during good conditions, add in a little wind and some tidal currents and the inexperienced paddler may need to call the Coast Guard.

On Patrol

Navigating the maze of marsh creek channels along with the shifting sand bars and surging inlets of the Outer Banks is a daunting task and should not be taken lightly. Many paddlers get disoriented by paddling in and out of the monotonous grass lined islands and creeks. Out going tides can quickly trap a paddler in an interior pond, or in a tidal flat causing them slog their boat through knee deep muck as they find deeper water. In open water changing tides can make paddlers frustrated and exhausted; and if in the wrong place at the wrong time can take you into the confused seas of an inlet or into the path of an oncoming motor boat.

Taking a bearing

Despite the need to know proper paddling skills, rescue & recovery techniques, have reliable equipment, and know how to navigate many folks ignore the warnings and get into trouble paddling these waters. By using an experienced, and qualified kayak guide you can greatly minimize your risks and insure an enjoyable adventure.

A qualified guide/ instructor will be able to assess your current skill level and teach you the paddling skills needed to safely make the crossing this trip commonly consists of. Your guide should also discuss with you the risks involved in venturing into this location. This includes environmental risks, physical risks, as well as the psychological risks in paddling with a group. This should be done prior to signing any paperwork. Before you commit to any coastal paddling trip you should know, understand, and appreciate all the risks involved. Individual safety is each paddlers own responsibility, it is the guides jobs to intervene in dangerous situations and make the decisions that their experience and judgment dictate are prudent. The guide facilitates an enjoyable experience for their clients, teaching skills when needed, sharing experiences, telling stories, jokes, keeping the group motivated, and often doing the cooking and cleaning as well. Myself like many guides will be first one up in the morning and the last one down at night. An experienced guide will plan routes and activities suitable to the groups experience and not let the group spread out too far, which can be detrimental when the conditions get less than ideal.

A quality guide service will also provide proper boats, paddles, and life jackets suitable for the experience of the group, the location of the trip, and the conditions the group will be paddling in. Touring boats (sea kayaks) as well as properly fitted and comfortable life jackets are essential to an enjoyable experience.
These boats provide the storage capacity needed to carry not only the paddlers personal gear but their share of group gear as well. More importantly they have inherent flotation with front and rear bulkheads and hatches. Touring kayaks generally have greater secondary stability allowing these boats to be paddled in rougher water with better reliability than many recreational kayaks. These boats are designed to have a tighter fit than their rec cousins, which actually gives you better boat control. Their longer length allows the boat to travel quickly in a relatively straight path with ease.

Many guides that regularly lead trips in these water know the ins and outs of the islands, marsh creeks, and sandbars that dot this coastal region. By using proper navigational skills which include using nautical charts, tidal charts, with a blend of local knowledge a good guide can get a group through the maze of grasses with relative ease. Also having and using a reliable weather radio, to keep tabs on the ever evolving weather patterns, wind speeds, marine forecasts and warnings. having this knowledge is also important in planning the day’s journey.

Local lakes and ponds as well as many slow moving rivers are great places to strengthen your paddling skills in preparation to head out to a coastal environment. If you lack the proper knowledge I would certainly recommend taking a class from a qualified instructor before venturing into waters of Cape Lookout. While using a guide service will minimize many of the risks it will also allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery and the experience. With all the logistical preparations and planning taken care of, having your meals prepared, your route planned, you have little to worry about. There are many great guides along the coast and interior portions of North Carolina that guide trips along the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Keep an eye on our calendar as we will be headed back to the Cape before too long, and we would love to show you around this magical area.

Buying a Kayak

1. Types of Kayaks:

Whitewater Kayak-typically less than 9 feet long, shaped like a banana (rockered), small cockpit opening, paddled with a neoprene skirt, used for paddling large rapids and waterfalls
Great for whitewater paddling
Not for paddling lakes

Recreational Kayak-typically a 10-14 foot boat with little rocker, a large cockpit
opening, often paddled without a skirt, used for gentle moving rivers and lakes (the average boater)
Great for paddlers who are new to kayaking, want to paddle gentle waters, be
comfortable
Not as fast as sea kayaks, typically not used on the ocean or rough rivers

Sea Kayak-typically at least 14 feet long, very little rocker, small cockpit opening, paddled with a skirt, used for paddling on the ocean or sound, or paddling 5-25 miles in a day. Sea kayaks will have deck rigging for spare paddles, maps, and rescues.
Great for paddlers who want to paddle long distances (>5 miles), roll, and/or camp
Not as stable as a recreational kayak, tight fitting

Sit on Top Kayak-typically a 10-14 foot boat with little rocker, paddler sits “on top” of the kayak hull, which is sealed, water drains out of the kayak automatically
Good for-paddlers who don’t want to feel trapped, summer time, fishing
Not for paddlers who want to go fast, stay dry and warm

2. What will you use it for?

Lakes-get a boat that is fast and tracks straight usually at least 12 feet

Gentle Rivers-get a boat that has a flat bottom so that it will turn well usually 12 feet or less in length (depending on size of paddler)

Gentle Rivers AND Lakes-there are boats that do well at both, and some have a rudder or skeg you can use that on windy days at the lake.

The Sound-this is the ocean, with all its dangers (current, tides, waves, wind) get a boat that helps you minimize your risks and maximize your enjoyment. Buy a sea kayak.

3. Who will you paddle with?

You want to have a boat similar to the others in your group, if your group is all paddling 14 foot sea kayaks and you are in a 10 foot recreational kayak, you will have trouble keeping up. Similarly, if your main paddling partner has a 12 foot boat, you should also, or longer if they are a stronger paddler. Typically the longer a boat is, the faster it is.

4. Length:

Lakes: Typically 12 feet works great for most paddlers. It is easier to manage in windy conditions on the water, and easier to load than a 14 foot boat. I would only buy a 10 foot boat if you are doing some rivers, or plan to make very short (less than 2 mile) trips, or if small children will be paddling the boat often.

Rivers: Plenty of flat bottomed 14 foot boats work well on local rivers like the Dan and the Yadkin, but if you paddle mostly rivers and are not over 250lbs, a 10 foot or 12 foot boat will be much more maneuverable and keep you from getting stuck sideways on the rocks. Length and speed are not usually issues since the current is pushing you along, get the shortest boat that floats your weight comfortably.

5. Choosing the Boat:

Demo, Demo, Demo. Talk to a knowledgeable paddler who can help you decide on a few boats (2-3) that would suit your needs. Next, go to a “Demo Day” held at a local lake and paddle both boats. Get Outdoors holds demo days every other week during the summer giving you plenty of opportunities to paddle a wide variety of boats and make an informed decision. Paddling the boat you are going to buy is by far the best way to choose a boat. Regardless of what a friend or salesperson recommends, YOUR opinion is the one that really matters. The best way to make an informed decision is the paddle the boat.

6. Comfort:

When sitting in a kayak be sure you adjust the seat, foot pegs, and thigh braces to fit you. Are they easy to adjust? If you are not able to demo a boat on the water, be sure to spend at least 10 minutes or so sitting in your boat. You want to be sure you are comfortable. Something that is a little uncomfortable in the store will become unbearable once you are in the boat for hours. It will not matter how great the performance features of the boat are if you are not comfortable.

7. Price:

There are reasons some boats are more expensive than others. “Cheap” boats are often just that, cheap. Important comfort and hull design features are often missing on the least expensive boats. Spend the money to get a boat that is comfortable and paddles well so you enjoy your time paddling. If you do not enjoy paddling your boat it is likely to become an expensive garage ornament. If you store your boat properly it will last decades. Invest in a quality kayak that you enjoy paddling and it will pay off with many great days on the water over the years.

By Edward Stephens

Statistics:
Paddler: Height-6′4″ Weight-350+
Ultimate 145: Length-14′ 7″ Width-30in Weight-65lbs

At A Glance:
Cost: $1,100
Pros: Straight, stable, fast, comfortable with lots of add ons.
Cons: Costly accessories, middle skirt cannot be adjusted, skirts are not as watertight as they could be.

I have now spent 50+ hours in my Ultimate 14.5 Solo and here are some general impressions of the boat.

First, it tracks very straight. I have found it really easy to keep in a straight line. I paddle mostly flat water but we did take it to Cape Lookout and I had confidence in it there (although it was almost perfect conditions). I have been in some kayaks where the current was pushing me all over the place. I have not had that sensation in this kayak. I have only been in kayaks for a little over a year and the Ultimate to me is easy to paddle and fast. When in a group of paddlers I have never felt like I was slowing everybody down. The Ultimate has what Native calls a tunnel hull; this is basically a bulge on the outside left and right edge of the kayak (not to get too tangled up in nautical talk). It reminds me of pontoons in a way. The effect is increased stability and more displacement (so it can carry more weight–like Giles Corey). I have seen pictures of guys standing and fishing in this kayak, I know it can be done and I may try it some very warm day, but right now I think I’m too big to be trying to stand.

Second is the seat, it’s FANTASTIC. I debated as to whether this isn’t its best feature but decided performance should be given more weight. I’m using my Ultimate primarily for fishing and can spend five or more hours sitting in this seat and be very comfortable (You can even take it out and use it as a camp seat). It’s a suspended seat design using a screened material called Textilene®. This fabric is designed to be able to take 5 years of daily sun exposure before it begins to break down. Filling the seat is a material called HiFlow™ 3-D Mesh (patented). It reminds me a little of fishing line; it’s 100% recyclable and doesn’t use ozone-depleting cfcs (chlorofluorocarbons) in its manufacture.

Now I guess you’re wondering, “Why did he go all ‘Mr. Science’ on me”? Well, friends these miracle materials mean two things, first the seat sheds water. It’s not like those molded seats that get wet and stay wet. Second, because it’s an oatmeal color and not black it doesn’t get as hot as those molded seats either.

The seat is attached to a composite tray which slides under two clips in the kayak and then held into place with two buckles. I find it so easy to take the seat out that I store it inside. There is also a bar that allows for adjusting the incline of the seat (the bar fits in notches in the floor pan). Lastly the seat only weighs about 5-6 lbs so it can also be taken out when loading or unloading your kayak if that extra weight is a concern.

“For want of a nail”. Maybe it’s just me with my big feet, but in some kayaks I’ve been in the footpads are short and tiny. With this being the case I find one of two things happening, either my feet are constantly slipping off them or they seem to cut into my feet (reaching only to about the middle of my foot). The Ultimate has ball of the foot sized pads they call the Easy Foot™ System. You won’t find yourself slipping off them or feel them making your foot numb. Adjusting the footpads is pretty easy; with your foot off the pad just push or pull the attached rod to position it to where you want it and then when you feel it “click” let go of the rod and put you foot back on it.

“What is that rib on each side of the kayak”, you may ask. Why it’s the Adapt-a-track™. One cool thing the Ultimate has is the ability to add accessories by either sliding or clipping them on. You can add cup holders (was there ever a doubt about that one?), paddle holders, lash points, bottle holders and side bags.

The only accessories I have used so far are the skirts. It was for the Cape Lookout trip I mentioned before. Overall, I liked the skirts but they are not without a couple of issues. They can be difficult to put on. I’m wondering if wax or graphite or something might help them go on easier. The tunnel skirt requires you to be in a set position. You cannot adjust it to sit where you want; you have to sit where it is. What I did like about the skirts is that for the most part they worked very, very well. I really liked that the center skirt and the rear skirt have ribs that give the skirt a convex shape which helps shed water. They also have Velcro-ed flaps that allow you to connect the skirts together and these make a pretty watertight seal. What they seem not to have considered is the side gap between the bow skirt and the Solo Center skirt. The bow skirt has at its back a graceful curve that looks great when it’s used by itself; unfortunately when used with the solo center skirt it creates a 6-8 inch gap on the side. The material overlaps, but it doesn’t Velcro down and so water can wash into the kayak when it washes over it.

I do like that the skirts clean up easily and they there are some pockets and straps to tie down your paddle or fishing rod. The solo stern skirt even has “pockets to accommodate fishing pole holders.

Here’s a list of some of the add ons:

• Ultimate Catamaran & Trampoline
• Ultimate Dashboard
• Ultimate Console
• Ultimate Bow Bag
• Ultimate Stern Bag
• Wussy Foot Pads, Large
• Ultimate Rudder Kit
• Ultimate Motor Mount

… And there’s more, the Ultimate also comes in a two person version, and in addition to Polyethylene you can get it the Ultimate in Tegris a high tech composite material which is incredibly light, stiffer and offers high impact
resistance.

…And still more, there’s even a version of the Ultimate that is powered by petal power.

Conclusion: So far I have been very happy with my Ultimate. I think it is stable, roomy, versatile and fast. I will update my review as I spend more time in it.

Have Questions?

For more information visit: Legacy Paddlesports-Native Watercraft

Proud to be made right here in Greensboro, NC

Statistics:
Paddler: Height-5′ 7″ Weight-165lbs
Pungo 120: Length-12 feet Width-29in Capacity-325lbs

At a Glance:
Cost: $825
Pros: Very stable, fantastic tracking (it goes straight), fast
Cons: More costly than some other 12ft boats (it is worth it)

Best Use: Flatwater Paddling (Lakes and Deep Rivers)

The Pungo series has one of the best recreational hull designs around. Going straight ahead is something that often gives new kayakers trouble. When wind blows from the side onto a kayak it often causes the boat to turn. One windy day out on the lake is sometimes enough to make a new kayaker want to take up mountain biking.

Tracking is the ability of a boat to maintain a straight course. The V hull and extended keel at the stern of the Pungo makes this one of the best tracking boats out there. Too often new kayakers purchase a kayak with a flat bottom because they are typically less expensive. Unfortunately they pay later in frustration.

You can see the extreme difference in keel designs in this picture. The red Pungo at the top in this picture has a keel that extends much further than most other recreational kayaks. This reduces its effectiveness on rivers since the keel inhibits turning and hangs on rocks, but makes this boat the ideal choice for lakes.

The V hull also makes the Pungo quick for a recreational kayak, allowing it to outpace boats with flatter hulls and broader designs. The chines or bends along the length of the boat allow it to pass through the water effortlessly and manuver well when placed on edge. Although the V hull design makes this boat seems tippy when sitting in it on shore, it is very stable in the water. At almost 3 feet wide, you almost have to lean over and get your hair wet to tip this boat over.

Pungos are equipped with Wilderness System’s Phase 3 seat, a design that has set a high standard for paddler comfort. The seat back adjusts up and down to give the paddler plenty of support, and can be adjusted while sitting in the boat. The seat is padded and covered in cloth to prevent hot plastic burns and sticking to the seat on those hot summer days that are great for kayaking. In addition the footrests have been recently redesigned to allow the paddler to adjust those while in the boat also.

A bulkhead, or foam wall, behind the seat in the Pungo improves the strength of the boat, reduces warping, and creates a stiffer hull that improves speed. This also creates a dry storage area that can be used to carry your lunch, or camping gear for overnight trips.

Conclusion:
Anyone who is new to kayaking and thinking of purchasing a 10’, 12’, or 14’ recreational kayak should consider the Pungo as a top choice. The comfortable seat, easy adjustability, and ability to paddle straight will make kayaking a new, exciting, and enjoyable adventure!

Piedmont Lakes: A Guide for Boating in the North Carolina Piedmont
Piedmont Lakes Website

Piedmont Lakes began as an effort to provide boaters a resource for finding new destinations for water recreation across the piedmont. There are over 20 lakes within 90 minutes of Greensboro. Unfortunately many are left unexplored due to the lack of information available about many of these lakes.

This book finally provides boaters detailed descriptions of the lakes in our area. Details are provided about each lake and lakes are organized by their location in the piedmont. Each section begins with the size and location of each lake, and a general description of the lake and facilities. Camping and launch fees are provided, as well as fishing and wildlife reports. The marina phone numbers provided can save boaters a trip to a lake that is closed.

Addresses to each ramp are also provided to assist in the location of the ramp via internet map resources or GPS devices. Each section closes with detailed directions to each boat ramp. Maps are also provided to illustrate the nature and size of each lake, and the location of the boat ramps on the lake. Further, a map of the entire piedmont including lake locations is helpful for boaters to understand the lake locations that are nearest to them.

The reference section of the book provides boaters information about fishing resources, boating outfitters, boating clubs, safety, and other resources. A quick reference guide makes it easy to choose a destination based on your recreation needs.

I have recently begun constructing a website to expand on the information in the book. This website provides multiple pictures of each boat ramp. These pictures are invaluable when choosing a destination. This website also provides links to local paddling clubs, outfitters, shuttle services, fishing clubs and resources, maps, and destinations outside the piedmont. Other sections of the website discuss equipment, safety, drills, and paddling articles.

The information on the site is constantly being updated and expanded. We have recently begun adding gear reviews and trip reports. With information from local boaters this site can continue to expand and grow into a great local resource. Please email me with pictures, descriptions, or accounts of your boating experiences at yespe@aol.com.

Piedmont Lakes Website: www.piedmontlakesnc.com

Buying a Kayak

1. Types of Kayaks:

Whitewater Kayak-typically less than 9 feet long, shaped like a banana (rockered), small cockpit opening, paddled with a neoprene skirt, used for paddling large rapids and waterfalls.

Great for whitewater paddling
Not for paddling lakes

Recreational Kayak-typically a 10-14 foot boat with little rocker, a large cockpit opening, often paddled without a skirt, used for gentle moving rivers and lakes (the average boater).

Great for gentle water, comfort, new paddlers
Not as fast as sea kayaks, typically not used on rough water

Sea Kayak-typically at least 14 feet long, very little rocker, small cockpit opening, paddled with a skirt, used for paddling on the ocean or sound, or paddling 5-25 miles in a day. Sea kayaks will have deck rigging for spare paddles, maps, and rescues.

Great for long distances (>5 miles), rolling, and/or camp
Not as stable as a recreational kayak, tight fitting

Sit on Top Kayak-typically a 10-14 foot boat with little rocker, paddler sits “on top” of the kayak hull, which is sealed, water drains out of the kayak automatically.

Good for not feeling trapped, summer time, fishing
Not for paddlers who want to go fast, stay dry and warm

2. What will you use it for?

Lakes-get a boat that is fast and tracks straight, usually a boat at least 12 feet long.

Gentle Rivers-get a boat that has a flat bottom so that it will turn well usually 12 feet or less in length (depending on size of paddler).

Gentle Rivers AND Lakes-there are boats that do well at both, and some have a rudder or skeg you can use that on windy days at the lake.

The Sound-this is the ocean, with all its dangers (current, tides, waves, wind) get a boat that helps you minimize your risks and maximize your enjoyment. Buy a sea kayak or sit on top.

3. Who will you paddle with?

You want to have a boat similar to the others in your group, if your group is all paddling 14 foot sea kayaks and you are in a 10 foot recreational kayak, you will have trouble keeping up. Similarly, if your main paddling partner has a 12 foot boat, you should also, or longer if they are a stronger paddler. Typically the longer a boat is, the faster it is.

4. Length:

Lakes: Typically 12 feet works great for most paddlers. It is easier to manage in windy conditions on the water, and easier to load than a 14 foot boat. I would only buy a 10 foot boat if you are doing some rivers, or plan to make very short (less than 2 mile) trips, or if small children will be paddling the boat often.

Rivers: Plenty of flat bottomed 14 foot boats work well on local rivers like the Dan and the Yadkin, but if you paddle mostly rivers and are not over 250lbs, a 10 foot or 12 foot boat will be much more maneuverable and keep you from getting stuck sideways on the rocks. Length and speed are not usually issues since the current is pushing you along, get the shortest boat that floats your weight comfortably.

5. Choosing the Boat:

Demo, Demo, Demo. Talk to a knowledgeable paddler who can help you decide on a few boats (2-3) that would suit your needs. Next, go to a “Demo Day” held at a local lake and paddle both boats. Get Outdoors holds demo days every other week during the summer giving you plenty of opportunities to paddle a wide variety of boats and make an informed decision. Paddling the boat you are going to buy is by far the best way to choose a boat. Regardless of what a friend or salesperson recommends, YOUR opinion is the one that really matters. The best way to make an informed decision is the paddle the boat.

6. Comfort:

When sitting in a kayak be sure you adjust the seat, foot pegs, and thigh braces to fit you. Are they easy to adjust? If you are not able to demo a boat on the water, be sure to spend at least 10 minutes or so sitting in your boat. You want to be sure you are comfortable. Something that is a little uncomfortable in the store will become unbearable once you are in the boat for hours. It will not matter how great the performance features of the boat are if you are not comfortable.

7. Price:

There are reasons some boats are more expensive than others. “Cheap” boats are often just that, cheap. Important comfort and hull design features are often missing on the least expensive boats. Spend the money to get a boat that is comfortable and paddles well so you enjoy your time paddling. If you do not enjoy paddling your boat it is likely to become an expensive garage ornament. If you store your boat properly it will last decades. Invest in a quality kayak that you enjoy paddling and it will pay off with many great days on the water over the years.

On January 15, 2009 Nathan and I scouted a possible location for a paddling day trip on Reedy Fork Creek. The launch is at NE Park just east of Brown’s Summit between North Greensboro and Gibsonville, NC. We ran the shuttle (approx 30 min) and once back at the launch site in the park we unloaded our kayaks (I was paddling a Remix XP 10 and Nate was paddling the Tegris Ultimate 12) and set off. The air temps were in the low-mid 30’s with water temps a few degrees above freezing. A hundred yards down stream the Reedy Fork Creek joins Buffalo Creek. Buffalo Creek is a drainage ditch that winds through Greensboro picking up a lot of trash and debris and carries it by way of the Reedy Fork Creek into the Haw River.

This is a fairly scenic paddle. There are little to no roads, buildings, or structures along 90% of the this route. This mostly flat water paddle has intermittent rapids (class I) with one class II rock garden about halfway along this eight mile paddle.

After slogging through the backwater of the dam, near what will be the take out for store trips, and commenting on the overwhelming amount of trash in this area, we portaged the dam and continued on to the confluence of the Haw River.

At the confluence we turned left and continued up the Haw River, portaging a few rapids the were either too strong or too bony to paddle up we finally stopped just short of the take-out on US-87 and carried the boats a couple hundred yards to the van. By the time we got to the take-out the air temps were in the mid 20’s and ice had formed on our boats and paddles. It was an invigorating day on the water and will give us more opportunities to take folks out on local waterways. We will be organizing a river clean-up on this stretch of water later this spring.

Remix XP 10 review:

Paddler Height- 5′ 11″, weight- 175 lbs (+ approx 10 lbs of gear for the days paddle)

The outfitting was extremely comfortable, I used most of the hip pad shims to get a snug fit in the boat. The large rear hatch and bulk head kept my gear dry and no water was found in the hatch at the end of the trip. The hatch was big enough to swallow a 200 cubic inch pack, shoes, and a few water bottles and was nowhere near full. I could have doubled the gear I was carrying easily. The tray that runs up the center of the cockpit was great to keep a water bottle and snacks handy and and dry in one place in the boat so I didn’t have to try to find them had they slid around in the cockpit.

I did not use a skirt due to the recreational aspect of the paddle and to see how wet I would get since I would imagine many folks using this boat may not want to use a skirt. I stayed quite dry during the day, a little water came in over the cockpit rim when leaning the boat on edge so Nathan could see the skeg.

The skeg worked remarkably well, I left it up while paddling through the ledges and rock gardens that dot this paddle, but during the majority of the trip I left in down to help the boat track in the long flat water stretches. Wondering how much the small skeg really helped, I put it through a couple of tests. First I paddled with the skeg up and the XP 10 handles like a big whitewater boat. It is fairly maneuverable but has really good stability. It eddy turns and peels out well in minor rapids. With the ten foot length it does take a little bit of extra umph! to move it through tight areas, but the more this is done the easier it gets. For the next test on a deep flat water stretch with a good current (2-3 mph) I got a good head of stream going (with the skeg down) and the boat track remarkably well. I quickly raised the skeg and lifted my paddle over my head, the boat immediately started to spin out. As I came all the way around 360 degrees I deployed the skeg and the XP10 quickly started to track in a fairly straight line again. I also tested the durability of the skeg by purposely leaving it down and running over shallow rocks. I easily retracts back into the skeg box and pops back out when clear of the rock. The skeg seemed no worse for wear, at the end of the trip, after doing this a couple dozen times. The skeg does make a bit of noise rattling back and forth inside the skeg box but if it was any tighter debris would get stuck and potentially cause the skeg to malfunction.

The XP 10 also has remarkable stability. Both primary and secondary. I felt boomproof going over ledges sideways or bouncing off rocks, I wouldn’t recommend a novice doing this in the temperatures we were paddling in but under more comfortable conditions getting wet would not matter as much. This boat will also hold an edge if you can get it leaning and can maintain the good J-lean. The primary stability is so good it takes a good bit of effort to lean this boat on edge and I imagine a great deal of effort to actually tip it over.

Overall I would highly recommend this boat for mid-size to large paddlers who wants to do mixed paddling (flat to class I-III whitewater) but would like to get a bit more aggressive than you could in a rec boat. It is also great for the paddler that may not want to learn a roll, due to it bomber stability. This would be a great boat for the local NC Piedmont rivers (Dan, Haw, Yadkin, Mayo, Smith, New, etc). I did feel a little loose in this boat, but with a bit more time spent customizing the outfitting it would fit me well.

Please come stop by the store and see the new Liquid Logic Remix XP10 (also the XP9 for smaller paddlers), demos will start on March 14 at the Guilford side of Lake Mackintosh or join us the trip discussed above later this spring. Stay posted for times and dates.

Will

Statistics:
Paddler: Height-5′ 7″ Weight-165lbs
Remix 69: Length-8′ 9″ Width-26in Volume-69gal

I cannot put my skirt on with one hand. That is why I paddle a Remix 69.

I realized this while I was paddling the source of the Eagle River in Colorado this year. After spending some time unpining a boat upstream, I climbed back to my waiting boat. As I tried unsuccessfully to put my skirt on with one hand, while maintain my deathgrip on the shrub that was holding me onshore, I dropped my paddle. So, I let go, and peeled out after my paddle with my skirt off. I had almost caught it when I saw the beaver dam.

Needless to say I quit worrying about my paddle, and started worrying about making the next eddy. I made the eddy just in time to watch my paddle become a permanent addition to the dam. I have been handpaddling ever since.

I had been paddling a Jefe for a few years, and loved the boat, but now that I was a handpaddler, I started thinking about a faster boat. On class V, you REALLY need to make your ferries. So, when I got back, I started trying out new boats.

WOW! Is this boat fast! That was my thought when I attempted my first tough ferry in the Remix. I had been demoing boats at the USNWC since that is a great place to try out different boats making the same moves over and over. My group was playing a game of “PIG”, testing everyone’s skills at eddy catching and ferrying. When Trevyn caught the last eddy before the big drop on the comp side and challenged me to ferry to the last eddy on the right, I never thought it was possible. Sure, he could make it, but he was paddling a Hurricane. A Hurricane might be an old design, but it is also 10′2″.

Well, I didn’t want to get my “G” and lose the game, so I had to try. I never thought I would make it, after all, I was handpaddling a “regular” boat and he was in the plastic slalom rocketship. Out of the eddy I went, next thing I knew I was snapping into the eddy on the other side and screaming in celebration. Ha, take that! I was SOLD! I ordered a new Remix 69 the next day.

Since then I have taken the Remix 69 on every tough run I’ve done. The biggest test came on our annual trip to Beaverfest in NY. Big class V creeking. At first I was a little worried about subbing out on the holes, especially “The Tubs”, a tough double falls that drops 20 feet into a nasty hydrolic. I should have never doubted. Once I moved the seat back a touch, the boat began skimming over everything and anything. The speed makes this a great boofing boat too. When you are going that fast, there is nothing the boat can do but fly.

Although this boat was designed as a river runner, and does great on big water runs like the Gauley, some of those river running features make it a great creekboat too. If you do happen to find yourself in a giant hole, you can often work your way to one edge, and slice the stern into the hole and get endered out. Sometimes I go for a hole ride on purpose, just for the crowd’s entertainment.

When we got down to “Particle Accelerator” I started wondering about stability. A few years ago I had an interesting ride upside down through the rapid in my gus. Since Shane at Liquidlogic designed the Remix for beginners, the stability is outstanding. I breezed through the “Accelerator” with barely a stroke. No bleeding this year! It is so stable, I ran a few rapids with my bare hands!

Overall the Remix has everything I need a creekboat to have, speed, stability, and great resurfacing.

I love it!

Have Questions?

Email Edgar: edgar@getoutdoors.us

Desperation has set in. The invisible force field is blocking any and all rain from the mountains of North Carolina. Despite what we had heard about the hike out, a buddy and I decided to run the class III-IV section of the Linville River from the base of the falls to the Babel Tower rapid. Eric wisely decided to stay home despite my best efforts to drag him along.

The day starts out with a hike of about a mile. “It’s downhill, how hard can it be?” It’s hard, everything in Linville is hard. The steep hill, narrow steps, big sharp slippery rocks, and an 80lb boat made the hike in a rough one; little did I know that was just the beginning.

This story is really about hiking, not kayaking, but the rapids do warrant some mention. They were fun, and bigger than I expected. There were several 6-8 foot drops, and some pretty cool slides and boulder gardens. I paddled my new Remix 69, which handled the heavy load of rescue and first aid gear great, and slid effortlessly through the rapids. The scenery was outstanding, cliffs everywhere (reminding you there is no way out), and it was super foggy, which gave the paddle an eerie feeling.

We started the hike in at 1:00pm, kept a quick pace on the river, and got down to the Babel Tower rapid at 3:00pm. We started the hike out at 3:30pm after it took us a few minutes to find the right trail. The hike starts with a 400meter climb straight up, handing the boats up over some big boulders.

After we made the left hand turn we were able to shoulder the boats, but it sure didn’t get any easier. I just bought two NRS backpacks, but of course I left them at home. That was a mistake. Every mistake in Linville is consequential, this one was no different.

The Babel Tower trail out was worse than the put-in trail, with more irregular, sharp, slippery rocks, and big step ups that just sap the energy out of your legs. It is also narrow and over grown and every branch seems destined to poke your eyes out

After the first half mile I resorted to walking 25 meters, then setting my boat down to take a break, then picking it up and trying to make it another 25 meters without quitting. Every corner in the trail offered up new hope of the top, then mercilessly crushed that hope as you saw the next boulder strewn monster hill. This went on for about 2 hours before we finally gave up and left our boats at about 5:30pm. We reached the top at about 6:00pm and debated what to do next. Not ones to admit defeat, we drank some water, grabbed the headlamps and decided to go back for the boats. Note, bring a headlamp with you on remote wilderness runs.

Overall, it was an adventure, the best kind of paddling in my opinion. It was a harsh reminder that creek boating is about much more than your paddling skills. Careful planning, fitness, good judgment, and a host of other factors are all just as important. Get out of your comfort zone and try something new!

Edgar Peck
Get Outdoors

I spent the day at the US National Whitewater Center demoing Liquid Logic’s new crossover whitewater boat; the Remix XP-10. At 10ft 3″ long and 28″ wide, this boat is much bigger than your average river runner. The added size and volume make this the most stable WW boat I have ever paddled.

All day I effortlessly plunged through the biggest waves and holes the USNWC had to offer like a locomotive fired from a cannon. Rarely did I feel like the XP-10 had even the remotest chances of flipping, and even at those times it was due to my tendancy to try and put the boat squarely into the nastiest holes and pourovers I could get it into in order to see how it would react . When I did manage, through much effort, to uproot the grip of the hull of the XP-10 from the water’s surface and capsize, it rolled up easily for a boat its size.

The first hour in the XP-10 it felt stable, long, and slow. As the day progressed and I started to dial in my paddling to the boat. As I began catching the smaller eddies and making harder ferries, the sluggish feel of the boat began to dissapear. I started nailing boofs and splats that were so much fun with a boat this long.

Who will like the Remix XP-10?

The XP-10 was primarily designed as a crossover between a expedition whitewater boat and a rec boat, so those who take overnight trips and multi-day trips will appreciate the dry storage in the stern. The higher weight carrying capacity (300lbs) allows you to bring all your camping gear without sacrificing performance.

The higher capacity of this boat will also appeal to heavier paddlers looking for a kayak they can comfortably fit into. The seat is wider than most, giving plenty of room in the cockpit. Having Liquid Logic’s super comfortable Bad-Ass Outfitting doesn’t hurt either.

Those who enjoy a relaxing paddle down class II-III rivers with flatwater between rapids will like the drop down skeg which drastically improves tracking on the slow stuff.

If you are a paddler who enjoys entry level whitewater but can not yet roll a kayak, you will appreciate the enormous stability of the XP-10. With the added width to the hull, this kayak is much harder to flip than most.

In summary, Liquid Logic’s new Remix XP-10 will satisfy a wide variety of paddlers: class V expedition paddlers, beginners, overnight campers, those who enjoy rivers with flatwater between rapids, larger paddlers, and those who need a little extra insurance against capsizing. Features such as: the higher carrying capacity, a wide roomy seat, drop down skeg for better tracking, and a rear bulkhead with hatch for storage make the XP-10 a useful, functional, and fun to paddle addition to the fleet of Liquid Logic kayaks.

The Remix XP-10 is now in stock at Get Outdoors, so stop by and check it out, or call if you have any questions. Also available, the slightly smaller XP-9.

Happy Paddling,
Eric Stuart

All photos taken by Kevin Ratliff