The Kayak Shed Blog

Translating GORE-TEX® Names

2012-01-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

Which GORE-TEX^® is for you?

Until recently, I thought that all GORE-TEX® was created equally. It was all the same to me. As long as it had GORE-TEX® in it I was satisfied the product would do the job. However, this is not the case any more. While researching the perfect ski jacket for myself I discovered that not only are there five different types of GORE-TEX®, but the technologies are all designed for a variety of specific jobs. Outdoor companies like Arc'teryx and Kokatat have been instrumental in the development of these materials and both companies applied them in their own designs to make a waterproof product for a day on the river or a day on the backcountry steeps.

Performance Shell:

One garment, many activities. Whether you’re cycling, climbing, skiing or cruising around town, you can go from one activity to another but not have to change your jacket with GORE-TEX® Performance Shell. The Performance shell provides breathable comfort and durable waterproof protection in 2 or 3 layer fabrics. The 2 layer is supple and quite while the 3 layer is for more rugged use. (Panels in Kokatat’s Rogue Dry Top are Performance shell and ProShell offering maximum breathability and waterproofness.)

Kokatat Rogue

Paclite Shell:

An ideal lightweight companion for trekking, cycling, running, and other sports where weight and space are critical. GORE-TEX® Paclite® Shell combines extreme breathability and durable wind- and waterproofness with minimum weight and pack volume.

Arc'teryx Men's Beta SL Jacket

Soft Shell:

Freedom feels good. GORE-TEX® Soft Shell is the ideal fabric for a snowsport specific shell. The Soft Shell is durably waterproof, windproof, and of course super breathable. The less bulky GORE-TEX® Soft prevents that boxy feel other jackets get with multiple layering pieces underneath.

Arc'teryx Women's Stingray Jacket

Arc'teryx Men's Sabre Pant

Active Shell:

Garments engineered with GORE-TEX® Active Shell are built for extreme breathability and provide durable waterproof and windproof protection for optimum comfort, guaranteed. Featuring a lighter weight, streamlined 3 layer construction, this completely new class of waterproof garments delivers extreme breathability and excellent next to skin comfort. Active Shell is ideal for all weather athletes seeking durable protection and comfort during highly aerobic activities completed in a day such as trail running, mountain biking, and fast alpine ascent.

Pro Shell:

For a rough day outside GORE-TEX® PRO SHELL is the fabric outdoor professionals and serious enthusiasts trust to perform in the face of extreme weather and tough conditions. Pro Shell has a specifically designed inner lining adding durability and moisture wicking. Made with the most rugged, most breathable, durably waterproof and windproof fabrics this GORE-TEX® is used in everything from mountaineering jackets to tough expedition grade drysuits.

Kokatat Meridian Drysuit

Arc'teryx Women's Beta AR Jacket

Sweet's Prophecy Drytop

As always, thanks for reading. I welcome and questions or comments. Feel free to email me at: customerservice at kayaksed dot com.

Cheers!

Angie

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2012: Erik Boomer in Hood River

2011-12-23T12:40:00.000-08:00

We couldn't be more excited that our friend and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer of the year, Erik Boomer, will present his expedition this February in Hood River at the Columbia Arts! Here's the press release:

Jon Turk & Erik Boomer

Join Columbia Center for the Arts on February 29, 2012 as it proudly presents professional sports

adventure photographer and National Geographic adventurer of the year Erik Boomer with his

slideshow presentation of his 1,485-mile circumnavigation of Ellesmere Island in Canada with fellow

adventurer Jon Turk. There will be a reception beginning at 7:00 p.m. presentation begins at 7:30 p.m.

with a question and answer session following the show.

The journey around the world’s tenth largest island, which took Turk and Boomer 104 days on skis, in

kayaks, and on foot, was considered by polar experts to be the last great unattempted polar expedition,

so daunting due to its remoteness and dangerous ice conditions. No one had attempted it before this

summer. In May, the duo began by dragging their 220-pound, 13.5-foot kayaks 800 miles across flat ice.

As the ice broke up with the spring thaw, they were forced to jump over cracks and between unstable

ice floes. By midsummer, they were able to paddle through slivers of open water.

Tickets are $10 for this event and are available at Columbia Arts and Waucoma Bookstore in Hood River

and online at www.columbiaarts.org. Columbia Center for the Arts is located at 215 Cascade Ave. In

Hood River. For more information visit our website www.columbiaarts.org.

###

This is also a reminder to vote for Boomer in the National Geographic People's Choice awards! Want to see if he's worth your vote...? Check out Turk & Boomer's story here! You can vote every day between now and January 18th!

Fishing Modifications to a Hobie Revolution 11 : Part 1

2011-12-06T20:40:00.001-08:00

Recently we were given the very exciting opportunity to do a custom modification for a customer on a Hobie Kayaks Revolution 11, transforming it into one of the meanest fishing kayaks out there! The Revolution 11, the little brother of the always popular Revolution 13, is a new addition this year to Hobie's line up. Though it's smaller size allows this boat to be more nimble and easier to transport than the Revolution 13, it hasn't taken away from it's stability and has only slightly reduced it's on-water speed. With fishing accessories already built into it's DNA, such as two molded-in rod holders and a location for Hobie's Livewell system, it was the perfect boat to use as our customization platform! Over the next few weeks, we'll be taking you along with us as we install the following (and more!):
* Lowrance Structure scan
* Lowrance HDS Fish Finder
* Lowrance Sirius Satellite
* Lowrance Sonic Hub
* Ram Fly Rod Mount
* Hobie Anchor Trolley
* Hobie eVolve Motor

Arc'teryx Theta AR Jacket Review

2011-12-03T11:55:00.001-08:00

Theta AR Jacket

Strato Jacket

The Theta AR Jacket is one of the classics from Arc’teryx, with good reason. Not only is the cut flattering and efficient but when paired with the Strato Jacket or any other Arc’teryx mid layer I’m ready for anything. This shell is great for cross country skiing, a hike in backcountry, or a jaunt around town. The Gore-Tex is super waterproof, breathable, and windproof. I’m 5’6” and at 130 lbs the Medium is a perfect fit. I have enough room to layer and the fit prevents the boxy feel. I have an exceptional full range of motion in it too. What really sets this, and all Arc’teryx jackets apart, though is the hood. I’ve always had problems with not being able to get hoods to fit my head right. The patented Arc’teryx hood fits my bare head, a helmet, or a toque easily, adjusting quickly and securely, it says up even in the biggest gusts. The pockets are well placed and don’t get in the way of my daypack. The bottom of the jacket comes down far enough that I have protection from wet chairs but not so far that my mobility is affected. Arc’teryx continues to impress me and provide me with exceptional products.

Have questions for me? Feel free to email me at customerservice [at] kayakshed.com

- Angie

Cyber Monday : A Little Something For Everyone!

2011-11-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

www.kayakshed.com Email Newsletter


	FREE SHIPPING On All Orders Over $50*!

Buy A Pair of FiveFingers...
Get A Free Vibram T-Shirt!

Shop Vibram >

Use code CMVFF at checkout + specify M/F & S/M/L/XL in instructions.

Buy An Arc'teryx Coat...
Get A Free Arc'teryx Beanie!

Shop Arc'teryx >

Use code CMARC at checkout + specify beanie choice in instructions.

Buy A Jackson Coosa...
Get An Astral Camino!

Shop the Jackson Coosa >

Use code CMCOO at checkout + specify PFD color & size in instructions.

The Shiva Is Coming, The Shiva Is Coming!

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, Pyranha's newest steep creek boat is on the way! Pryanha consistently turns out boats that live up the hype surrounding them and we expect the Shiva to be no different. An all out creeker with a soft edge, here's the beta on how the Shiva stacks up to Pyranha's ever-popular Burn:

Shiva	Burn
Progressive rocker : easy to boof and flair over features	Aggressive rocker : for great boofability
Forgiving rounded hull : gives softer landings on big drops	Dynamic flat hull : planning surface for surfing and ferrying
Smooth stern chines : no rails to trip you up but chines for driving forces	Hard carving rails : precision carving capability around the river
High volume bow and stern : rides easily over features, re-surfaces quickly	Medium volume bow and stern : punches through features
Rounded profile with low deck : easy to roll	Low profile deck : easy to roll
Stern release edge : allows really fast lines	V'd deck : sheds water and re-surfaces with control

Ready for a little Shiva eye candy now? We thought so! Enjoy!

Translating Arc’teryx Names & Abbreviations

2011-11-13T11:33:00.001-08:00

Have you ever wondered what all the names and abbreviations of Arc’teryx jackets mean? As a new employee at the Kayak Shed, getting to represent Arc'teryx for the first time, it sure confused me! Once I learned the system though, I realized how straight-forward and helpful it is, and I thought I'd pass my new found knowledge on to you so that you can make the best purchase for you when shopping for new gear.

Models

Women's Alpha SV Jacket

Alpha: Technical focused high-end items ex: Alpha SV Jacket

Theta: All around oriented. Gore-Tex hard-shell (Skiing inspired, usually 3 layer Gore) longer cut, powder skirt, waist draw cord and extra chest pockets ex: ThetaAR Jacket

Beta: Trimmed down, minimalist. Gore-Tex hard-shell (climbing) Cut shorter, with 2 hand pockets ex: Beta AR Jacket

Gamma: Soft-shell (mostly Polartech Power shield fabric) ex: Gamma LT Jacket

Sigma: Windstopper ex: Sigma AR Glove

Delta: Mid-weight insulation- fleece-like ex: Delta LT Jacket

Men's Phase SV Comp

Rho: Base-layer ex: Rho LTW NeckGaitor

Phase: Base-layer ex: PhaseSV Comp LS Zip

Epsilon: Lightweight/ breathable, moisture-shedding hard fleece ex: Epsilon ARJacket

Hyllus: Mid-layer, highly breathable, high-loft, insulated ex: HyllusHoody

Acto: Highly breathable, air permeable, mid layer hooded hard fleece jacket that provides bulk-free warmth for all day activity ex: Acto MXHoody

Covert: Breathable fleece jacket with a casual design ex: Covert Cardigan

Abbreviations

Men's Atom SV Hoody

SV: SEVERE WEATHER
Designed for use in the harshest conditions. Most durable materials, full coverage garments with hoods.

AR: ALL ROUND
Mid-weight materials, most features for versatility.

MX: MIXED WEATHER

Designed for mixed weather and dynamic movement. Durable, highly mobile stretch materials, breathable and moisture shedding

LT: LIGHT WEIGHT
Lightest materials, streamlined feature sets

SL: SUPER LIGHT
Predominantly made with lightweight Paclite® textiles, also may be the lightest weight garment in a series

SK : Ski and Board specific

Have questions? Give me a hollar!

- Derek

Vibram FiveFingers: A Message From Fans

2011-09-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

New to Vibram FiveFingers? Here's some advice from fellow barefooters.

Pacific City Surf Jam Session

2011-08-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you Pacific Northwest locals, save-the-date on August 21st - this will be one not to miss!

PACIFIC CITY SURF JAM SESSION

SUNDAY AUGUST 21ST 2011

START UP IS 11AM IN THE PELICAN BREWERY PARKING LOT
IN PACIFIC CITY OREGON

ATTENTION ALL:
HP
PLASTIC
LONGBOAT
SUP
SURF BOARDS

DEMOS WILL BE AVAILABLE

PRIZES WILL BE GIVEN AWAY FOR PARTICIPATION, BRAGGING RIGHTS
FOR WINNERS FOR BEST TRICK, BROWN CLAW, WIPE OUT ECT.

PRIZES GIVEN FROM THESE SPONSORS:
CHACO
IR
SMITH OPTICS
JACKSON KAYAK
AND MORE…

ASK QUESTIONS AND GET SOME POINTERS WHILE ENJOYING A BBQ
LUNCH! JUST BRING YOU FAVORITE BEVERAGE

Cindy gets the VFFs and Everyone gets Injinjis!

2011-08-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

We closed the entries Monday night and let Random.org pick the lucky winner! After receiving her "congratulations" email from us, Cindy hopped on KayakShed.com and picked one of the newest members of the Vibram family, the Komodo Sport LS! She'll be receiving her new Komodo's at the end of August and we look forward to hearing how she likes them!

We're the kind of people, however, that like EVERYONE to win! Since we can't give free Vibram's to everyone (we know, we know... sad), how about FREE INJINJI SOCKS?! For the next 48 hours, purchase a pair of Vibram FiveFingers and add the Injinji's of your choice to your cart. Enter the code FREESOCK in the coupon box at checkout and we'll send you your socks FREE! Everyone's a winner!

How To Win A Pair of Vibram FiveFingers!

2011-07-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

We like to be connected! We share stories and reviews here on our blog, Facebook lets us post paddling videos and hear how you're loving your new VFFs, you can always reach us on Twitter and our monthly (ok, we try) newsletter keeps you up-to-date on our latest sales and newest product. Sooooo... to encourage all this communication love, we're giving away a pair of Vibram FiveFingers (the winner's choice of in stock style, color & size) to one of our BFFs. Here's how easy it is!

1. "Like" us on Facebook
2. Follow us on Twitter
3. Sign up for our newsletter (and yes, you can unsubscribe in one swift click if it's not all the fun we promise!)
4. Shoot us an email at jenn [at] kayakshed.com with your name, email (that you used for the newsletter sign up) & any Twitter/blog handles we need to know to make sure you ~~drank the Kool-Aid~~ followed the steps.

Sure, it seems like a lot, but if you're reading this, you're probably at least 1/2 way there! If you're already the super friend described above, just shoot us an email and you're in too!

August 1st is the end date. We'll do a little random number drawing of all the names we've receive and some lucky buddy will be chosen. How will you know if it was you? Well, we'll email you. But if you're wondering if it was someone else you know, the blog, Facebook & Twitter will be the places to check! But then, you already knew that, didn't you?

The Legend of Big Sur

2011-07-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

You may have heard her on the phone or met her in the store. Angie, Kayak Shed employee, just got back from an epic Colorado trip. Here's her run-down.

Some say it ran last year. Some say this wave hasn’t really gone since 1989, others prefer 1991 as the date of the last genuine appearance of a legend. Or according to White Water of the Southern Rockies, the last sighting of this feature was in 1997. Sound a little like Big Foot? The Myth of Big Sur is well known by paddlers across the country. This legendary surf wave in the middle of Nowhere, Colorado requires extremely high run off to form. With huge snow packs in the Rockies I set my sights on getting out to Colorado to surf a legend.
Unfortunately, for the first time in years I have a full time job.

Fortunately, I work at the Kayak Shed. A week before I headed out to Colorado I franticly called John, telling him I had to leave the next day to catch Big Sur before it disappeared for another ten years. We couldn’t quite work the schedule out, so instead I booked a ticket for the following week, crossing my fingers there might still be some kind of feature left to surf when I got there. As luck would have it I arrived just in time to ride Big Sur around 30,000 cfs- a truly prime level for the top feature. Had I gone a week earlier I would have surfed the Bonus Wave, while the top wave would have been a river wide prism of brown glass. The top wave Big Sur is famous for only forms above 25,000 cfs, and the first morning we were there it held steady all morning at 29,500.

My friend and I drove up from the truck stop we camped at the night before and got there around 10am. The only other folks at Big Sur were these two dudes from New Mexico. They had been surfing since the sun came up and were happy to share the feature with us. Until around one we were the only people there. It was easy to take turns because the rides were so long and the paddle to the side and hike back up were tiring, especially for my lungs fresh off the plane from White Salmon. Gradually other boaters showed up. There were surfers on long boards, and all kinds of paddlers with everything from squirt boats and Pirouettes to shiny new play boats, all waiting their turn to surf.

It was amazing to see how many people had traveled great distances to catch this novelty wave. I had come from Washington, there were the dudes from New Mexico, folks from all over Colorado, a guy from New York even showed up, and of course the random South East boaters that filter through Colorado every spring were there too. It wasn’t just boaters. The obligatory tourists showed up to gawk and even the local law enforcement made an appearance to make sure there wasn’t anyone on surf boards (apparently the surf board is a banned craft.) As the sun sank behind the canyon the crowds cleared out and the rest of our posse arrived. The boys stayed out until it started to really get dark.

We camped in the canyon and repeated our session the next day. This time we got there at 8am and it didn’t get really crowded until three. The whole two days are a blur of foam pile and glass. The second day I got my longest surf of the trip, clocking in at right around 20 minutes. Honestly, my surf was nothing compared to the length of time the old school boats were clocking in. One chick in an old Red Line surfed the glass on river left for over an hour! The second day was a bit crazier and Queen/King of the Wave was an all afternoon event. We left around six and headed to Glenwood to see what all the fuss was there.

Glenwood was fun, but not at all the same experience as Big Sur. I was surprised to learn The Denver Post had published an article declaring Big Sur to be a waste of time, a thing of the past, and hailed the Glenwood wave as the place to be. True, Glenwood was spectacular, huge, bouncy, fast, and ideally suited for this years cutting edge play boats, but it was not the same experience. Honestly, Glenwood played second fiddle to Big Sur in my book.

Big Sur was smooth, deep, and wide making it perfect for half hour long soul surfs and flat spins until you’re dizzy. It was super forgiving and wide enough for five or six of your friends to join the party, and when you’re sitting in the trough next to two buddies and a surfer drops in next to you it clicks. This is why Big Sur is a legend. It’s a unique experience. You’re not just sitting in an eddy with your friends; you’re down it together, just surfing. Big Sur is pure river magic. Anyone that’s surfed Big Sur knows. It’s not the place you go to impress people with all the cool new tricks; it’s where you go for your soul.

Thanks for reading!

Angie

Girls at Play Summer Tour Comes to Hood River July 16th and 17th

2011-06-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

Whether you're just starting or starting to master more advanced moves, meet other women in the paddling community and take your paddling to the next level with Anna Levesque and the Kayak Shed at the Girls at Play Summer Tour. Register early, as spaces are limited.

Saturday, July 16th will focus on paddling fundamentals. Saturday will be held on the Klickitat or Lower White Salmon.

Sunday, July 17th will focus on teaching and/or improving the moves you need to take your paddling to the next level. Sunday will be held on the Middle White Salmon. Strong combat roll is required.

To keep Girls at Play coming to Hood River, there is a $75 suggested donation per person per day. Have questions or want to register? Call the Kayak Shed at 541-386-4286.

Jackson Rock Star Review

2011-05-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

A couple of our local paddlers, Patrick and Jeffery Steehler, headed to the Reno Whitewater Festival with the Jackson Rock Star. Here's what Patrick had to say about it.

So, I was getting off work at midnight thinking, “what was I thinking?” In four and a half short hours I was going to be heading to the airport to board a flight for Reno. By the time I arrived and saw what was waiting for me I knew exactly what I was thinking. There were tens of thousands of people there for the festivities. If you have never been to Reno for the whitewater, then make your plans today. You have been missing one of the best whitewater parks around. Imagine taking a fork in the river, one way goes to a nice challenging slalom course and the other follows the river through a stretch dotted with several waves and holes for paddlers of all skill levels.

I could not wait for a chance to try out this park, but I had one problem………no boat. So we went off to a meet and greet. We started walking toward an area where there were several motorhomes and boats scattered all over. As we approached the end of the vehicles, It was hard to not notice the Mini Cooper with Jackson Kayak plastered all over it with their signature yellow, black and white. Parked just beyond that was the Jackson motorhome with its trailer of goodies (and by goodies, I mean all the newest Jackson boats like the Rogue, Rock Star, Villain, etc. As we approached the motorhome we saw E.J. sitting down chatting with some other paddlers. Our good friend Jana introduced me to Eric and we had a great conversation about World Kayak and what bought us down to the festival. After learning about my boat dilemma, he offered to let me use one of his.

I opted for the Rock Star since Jeffery has been using the boat for about a month thanks to a generous extended demo from John Hart at the Kayak Shed. John even allowed us to take the boat to Reno for Jeffery to compete with. Getting in the Rock Star looked like it might be a challenge for me with my long legs and big build, but it had a lot of room inside. I opted for the large size even though I could have fit in a medium. E.J. said I would be a better fit in the large. Jeffery and I started on the first rapid just off the put in in the left channel. We stayed for several minutes entering and exiting the rapid and attempted to surf side to side and pull off some 180’s. The surprising thing for me in this boat was the ability for me not to get flipped while I was attempting to initiate my spins. The boat stays on edge very well and carves nicely on the face of the wave. After a few more minutes playing around, we inched downstream to try our hand at some of the harder waves. We floated down past where they held the freestyle competition and found a river wide wave that had a nice trough. After entering the wave I was easily able to ride the wave to the other side almost effortlessly. For those of you who know me, you are probably reading this thinking, “Patrick finally learned how to kayak.”

This boat is THAT amazing.

For the final test we took out and headed back to the put in for a run on the slalom course. After doing some more surfing, we took a stab at slalom in the Rock Star. Now if you are a competitor, I am not suggesting you use this in a competition, I merely wanted to see about the maneuverability and stability. After running the troughs and making the gates, I found the boat to be very maneuverable and stable for a playboat.

Now for those of you who are thinking about a playboat for river running, this may not be your boat. For those who are looking for a boat that is going to dominate freestyle competition, you have found your boat. Eight out of the ten boats that moved to the finals at the Reno Whitewater Festival were Rock Stars. There was no question that Steven Wright and Eric Jackson absolutely dominated in their carbon Rock Stars. The air they were able to catch was unbelievable.

So what’s in your quiver?

Immersion Research Double D Drysuit Review

2011-03-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

We just got some Immersion Research Double D Drysuits in and they look awesome! But you can't judge a dry suit based on its cover, so here's a review by Colorado Native Jason Stingl.

When I first learned to kayak someone once told me before you leave the house make sure you have 5 things. Helmet, PFD, Skirt, Boat, Paddle. With spring kayaking comes cold water and hopefully lots of it. With how far drysuits have come in the last few years, it has become an essential piece of safety gear both to keep you warm and reduce the hassle not having one can create for your crew. I bought a new IR Double D drysuit a month ago and I wouldn't trade it for anything. IR is using a new breathable material for their suits. It really feels BURLY. I can't see wearing the thing out.

A simple way to tell how much care and effort a company puts into making their suits is easiest to see if you turn it inside out. The seams on the Double D are the most meticulously sewn and taped seems out there. The tape is centered on every seam. You can see on other suits they aren't. Perfect seams and taping leaves it perfectly dry. They also put a silicon-like material on the feet. It doesn't take long for most drysuit owners to poke a hole in the socks of the suit. Sticks, sand, and dirt that get stuck inside your paddling shoes all wear on the suit with each step you take. Even when you are careful, hiking in to runs or long portages are going to be hard on the socks. This suit has the toughest socks out there, so I know they will last longer and stay dry longer.

Even though the suit is a rear zip, you can still zip it yourself. Adding a 4-6" cord to the zipper makes it even easier. The suit feels really good once you start paddling. It has good freedom of movement without extra bulk that can make a suit uncomfortable.

IR stands behind what they make. If you need a gasket replaced, they will do it for you with a quick turn around time. I generally replace my gaskets every year as a personal preference. It's nice to know I can send it in, have them do the work, check for any wear on the suit, and get it back ready to go for another season. Think hard about which color you pick...you are going to have the suit for a while.

Thanks, Jason, for the great review!

Merrell Barefoot Glove Review

2011-03-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

After opening the box of my new Merrell Barefoot Pace Glove, I was instantly happy with how they look. They have a minimal sole (of course) but look a lot like a traditional shoe. I think this will come in handy when I don't have time to explain to everyone I see why I am wearing shoes with toes. Not only are they discreet on the street, but the black pair I got is "fancy" enough to wear around the workplace. The only problem I have with them aesthetically is color selection. I tend to gravitate to the bright colors (Men's Bikila in Sky Blue is my all-time favorite color scheme), so the color selection is a little too muted for me. In the future, I would love to see some electric colors!

For the true test in my Merrell Barefoot shoes, I ran to a track near my house, since the trails are slip n' slides right now. I have been working on increasing my speed and I ended up running my fastest 5k this year. A facebook fan mentioned that he was concerned about Merrell Barefoot shoes causing calf fatigue, so I payed special attention to this. I did experience a little calf fatigue, but I would not say that this was due to the shoes, as I was running faster than usual. My calves weren't sore the next day either, so I cannot say that the shoes caused me any calf trouble. However, the heel is really hard. I didn't notice this around work, but when I got sloppy and reverted to the heel strike while running, I knew it right away. If you're a heel striker, the Merrell Barefoot Gloves should fix this problem pretty quickly for you.

I think it's safe to say that nothing feels as barefoot as my Vibram KSOs, but I still have big plans for the Merrell Barefoot shoes. In locations and situations where I don't want to draw attention to my feet, my Pace Gloves fit the bill. I have also been searching for a minimal triathlon running shoe, since my VFFs take a while to put on. For this Tri season, I am planning on wearing my Pace Gloves.

PS I should add that after I wrote this, I used them on a trail run. While my companions were slipping and sliding, I stuck to the trail.

Why Does a Minimalist Shoe Cost as Much as a Traditional Shoe?

2011-03-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

The biggest complaint I hear about minimalist shoes: the price. I see the logic, there's less material and "engineering". I make my huaraches for about $10 a pair ($7 for the rubber, $3 for the rope). Minimalist shoe companies, like Vibram FiveFingers and Merrell Barefoot, advertise that they don't engineer their shoes, which begs the question, "then what are we spending the extra $80 on?"

Well, the truth is that there is a lot of engineering that goes into a minimalist shoe. It's just that the engineering doesn't focus around correction and stability; it focuses on freedom of movement and durability. If it isn't apparent, putting a shoe on your foot is at odds with maintaining the barefoot "feel". So minimalist shoe designers have to figure out how to protect your foot (from sharp objects, elements, etc...) while using as little material as possible to maintain as much feedback from the ground as they can.

So once the engineers have made a shoe that is as minimal as it can be while still providing protection, they have to figure out how to make it last. If designing a shoe that feels like you're not wearing one is tough, making that shoe durable is tougher. My huaraches make my feet feel pretty darn barefoot, but they never last long (really inconvenient when you're out on a run, though I admit that I am no expert huarache-maker). Vibram is constantly trying to improve the durability of their shoes while maintaining that barefoot-feel. When I go on a long run, I wear my Vibrams because I know that I won't be limping home with half a shoe.

Wavesport Project X Review

2011-02-24T08:13:00.000-08:00

We just got the Project X 64 and Project X 48 into the shop, so we asked our local Wavesport expert and pro paddler Kim Russell to let us know what she thinks. Here's what she has to say:

The New Project X:

-Shorter
-Higher Volume (48 vs 45)
-More aggressive rocker profile
-Slicier bow

I have been paddling a Wave Sport Project 45 since 2007, and never thought I would make the switch to any other boat; I love my Project 45! However, from the first time I took a seat in my Project X, I now have a new favorite playboat. Let me tell you why…

The Outfitting:

Outfitting wise, the boat feels very similar to the Project: same foot block, thigh braces, hip pads, and seat pad, however, the new outfitting is white and has been dubbed “Whiteout.” It is softer, does not collect dirt, and does not absorb nearly as much water as the old outfitting. Pretty cool, eh?

In general, the Project X “feels” like the Project in regards to positioning, although I feel as though my knees sit up a little higher in the boat, making it more comfortable for a long day on the river, as well as giving me more leverage for tricks.

First Impression on the Water:

On the water, the boat feels very stable. It has good primary as well as secondary stability. End-to-end it is very well balanced, and never feels as though it is “falling” end-over-end through moves. With its slicey bow, and its shorter length, the Project X allows me to more easily control and link ends than most other boats I have paddled. Finally, as a smaller paddler, the Project X is easy to paddle because the volume is located so close to the body.

Downriver:

You might expect such a “spud-boat” to not do so well, however, the Project X excels downriver. There is a lot of volume in the front, and while the X is a pretty short boat, it maintains just enough length to be very stable downriver. In addition, I witnessed a complete and utter lack of pearling thanks to the aggressive rocker profile of the X. Whether I was paddling over boily seams or eddylines, the bow never pearled once.

On a Wave:

The Project X is FUN FUN FUN on a wave! It carves easily, and smoothly back and forth. It is very quick edge-to-edge, and releases with very little effort on the paddler’s part. Forward and backward, the Project X did not flush easily, even from the smallest of waves.

Having only been in the Project X only a handful of times, I still have to get used to the boat myself. What I can be sure of is whether paddling downriver, or on a feature, it will bring a smile to your face! For more information, go to your local dealer and ask to demo the new Project X! You won’t be disappointed!

Cheers and Enjoy the new Project X!

Kim Russell

Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS: The Shoe I Have Been Waiting For

2011-02-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

I have wide feet and a high arch. This means that any pair of Vibram FiveFingers with something over the top of the foot is tight. So tight that I normally go up a size. The shoe fits width wise, but is always a bit long in the toes (stumble risk).

The good news is that the Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS solves this problem. Vibram FiveFingers were made to fit like a glove, but us wide-footed folk had to settle with a not-so-precision-fit glove up until now. As soon as I put the Bikila LS on I thought, "So this is how they're supposed to fit!" Don't get the wrong idea, I still love my KSOs and Bikilas, but the Bikila LS fits perfectly.

I haven't had a chance to run in them, but I'll let you know how it goes as soon as I do.

Teva's First Minimalist Sandal: Teva Zilch

2011-01-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

All the minimalist lovers I know wore Tevas before they shed their shoes. But I will be heading back to Teva shoes on April 1st, 2011, when they officially release the Teva Zilch.

Teva has been pretty tight lipped so far about what we are to expect, but I managed to track down an information sheet. True to Teva's reputation, the Zilch is going to be a performance shoe. This means we can expect the same great traction and comfort I get from the Terra Fi but with the barefoot freedom I have become accustomed to.

But down to the technical information. You can expect the Zilch to weigh 7.0 ounces with a total of 10mm between your foot and the ground. Teva is using the Spider Original Rubber sole, which is made to stick like crazy in wet environments. But don't let this trick you into thinking this is only a water shoe. The outsole does well in dry environments too. It was designed to mimic the human foot as much as possible, so it moves and bends with your foot.

I haven't gotten a chance to really try out the Zilch, since it hasn't been released yet, but I was lucky enough to briefly try on a prototype. I tried it on indoors, so I cannot speak about the grip of the outsole, but I can say that the topsole was incredibly comfortable. There is no built in support, just the polyurethane that fit my feet so well without trying to change it. I will admit, it wasn't as "bare" as my Vibram Fivefingers, but they did seem a bit more discreet and a bit less sweaty on hot days. Expect a full review as soon as I can kick around in them for a week or two!

Here's some pictures of the Zilch all folded up.

Halo Effect - Coming Soon!

2011-01-18T12:19:00.001-08:00

Steve Fisher has just release the trailer for his newest film, Halo Effect, and it's looks like it's going to be great! Don't know who Steve Fisher is? Check out his site for a glimpse of who this South African with a penchant for big water is - and what he's done, for that matter!

We're happy to announce that we'll be hosting the local premier of Halo Effect this spring, so stay tuned for details! Without further ado, the trailer for Halo Effect.

Secret Sale Items

2011-01-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

We just cleaned out the shop and we put a bunch of items on sale. If you see something you like, come into the store or give us a call at 541-386-4286 (our hours are 9-5 PST).

Some of these items were used on display, have collected a little dust, or are missing packaging (boxes, tags, etc...), so we're offering them for 40% off. Here's a list of what we've got.

Men's Shoes
Teva Mush Flipflops Quincy Blue size 9 $14
Teva Mali Flipflops Dry Sand size 10 $30
Teva Mali Flipflops Dry Sand size 11 $30
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Black size 42 $75
Vibram FiveFingers Sprint Khaki/Putty/Clay size 41 $48
Vibram FiveFingers Treksport Black/Charcoal size 47 $60
Vibram FiveFingers Treksport Champagne/Red size 47 $60

Women's Shoes
Teva Mush Flipflops Kona Blue size 7 $14
Teva Mush Flipflops Shirley Rose size 7 $14
Teva Lennox Flipflops Walnut size 7 $18
Teva Lennox Flipflops Walnut size 8 $18
Teva Mali Flipflops Redstone size 8 $30
Teva Mali Flipflops Redstone size 9 $30
Teva Mali Flipflops Redstone size 10 $30
Teva Dozer Sandal Lavender size 6 $38
Vibram Fivefinger KSO Black size 36 $51
Kigo Star Grey with Green Stitch size 7 $30
Kigo Star Grey with Green Panel size 6 $30

Kid's and Infant's Shoes
Teva Infant's Mush Flipflops Bling Red size 6 $12
Teva Infant's Mush Flipflops Pink size 4/5 $12
Teva Infant's Mush Flipflops Pink size 7 $12
Teva Infant's Psyclone Sandal Blue/Yellow size 2/3 $17
Teva Infant's Psyclone Sandal Blue/Yellow size 4/5 $17
Teva Infant's Psyclone Sandal Blue/Yellow size 7 $17
Croc's Sandals Green size m3/w5 $15

Accessories for Adventures
Arcteryx Jetti Beanie Wisteria $27
NRS Toaster Mitt size XXL $21
NRS Expedition sock 3mm size Small $20
Bilt Vacuum Bottle $9
Stohlquist Maw Glove size Small $24
Princeton-Tec Apex Headlamp (80 lumens)$51
Salamander Big Mouth Throwbag $57
Salamander Pop Top Throwbag $39
Harmony Sea Tour Skirt (fits Dagger Zydeco)$51
Harmony Tandem Skirt (fits Pamlico 135T)$60

Dog Gear
Ruffwear Gourdo Blue Size Large $7
Ruffwear Hoopie Collar Daisy Size Large $7
Ruffwear Growler Cinch Red Size Large $15
Ruffwear Growler Cinch Yellow Size Large $15

Crisper, Clearer Vision with Costa Sunglasses

2010-12-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

We have always been big fans of Costa Sunglasses, but the 580 lens sets a new standard. The lens got its name from the 580 nanometer wavelength of the light spectrum that is especially hard on human eyes. The 580 lens filters out this "interference" light, to give you crisper colors and clearer views. The chart below shows how a typical lens filters light compared to the 580 lens. The Yellow line is a 580 lens: you can see how the yellow light is filtered out, while red, blue and green are amplified for greater clarity and sharpness of color.

The 580 lens is now available in glass (580G) and polycarbonate (580P). If you are looking for a lens that provides the most clarity, has long term scratch resistance, and the sharp look of a mirrored lens, the 580G glass lens is for you. It is 20% lighter than other glass lenses on the market (1.88mm vs 2.2mm thickness) and feature mirroring that is actually between glass layers, making it more durable and improves the impact strength of the glass lens. This also means that the mirroring cannot scratch off. Oh, and did we mention that it tends to remain cleaner longer, goodbye muck and salt.

The 580P lens is very lightweight and impact resistant, making it perfect for action sports. Most polycarbonate lenses on the market can be scratched quite easily, but Costa uses C-Wall coating on the 580P lenses, which makes them 10x more scratch resistant than most other polycarbonate lenses on the market.

Every lens that Costa makes is polarized, so you won't miss a jump. The 580 series takes everything that you love in the 400 series—stunning clarity, performance, quality—and improves on it.

Gift Ideas for People Who Have Everything

2010-12-15T14:23:00.000-08:00

You've waited until the last minute, believing that you will think of something for that person who has everything. Everyone has at least one person like this on their Holiday gift list. At the Kayak Shed, we are working to make shopping easier by providing you with a list of things that person probably doesn't have, but will love.

Gift Ideas for the Minimalist Runner

Zensah Compression Leg Sleeves $40
Help your barefoot-loving friend run farther and faster, as well as say sayonara to sore calves and shins. These compression sleeves aid blood flow, so you can perform your best, no matter what activity you are participating in.

Injinji Socks $10-$38
Help prevent stinky shoes with injinji socks. We know, we know, it sounds practical, but your friend will thank you when his feet stay warm and his shoes smell fresh. With a wide variety of colors and cuts, you can get that special person a sock for every day of the week!

Barefoot Running by Michael Sandler $24.95
Many minimalist runners were inspired by Born to Run, but inspiration doesn't teach you proper technique. Whether that special person is just joining the barefoot movement, or if she is a seasoned veteran, Michael Sandler can help improve barefoot technique. If your friend already has perfect form, do not worry, there are sections about preventing and treating common barefoot running injuries, building up the pads of your feet, and tips for running on different surfaces and terrains. Winter is here, help your friend get her feet ready.

kigo Edge $69.99
Though barefoot lovers would like to believe that Vibram FiveFingers are appropriate for every occasion, sometimes they do have to slip on shoes. kigo Footwear eco-consciously makes minimalist shoes that can pass as everyday footwear.

Gift Ideas for the Recreational Paddler

Wind Paddle Adventure Sail $154.95
Paddling with your kayak is a no brainer, but the Wind Paddle Adventure can help you sail. The added wind power means you can go from cruising to flying across the water. Even better, the Wind Paddle Adventure sail fits pretty much every kayak and canoe, so you know it will be compatible, even if you don't know what kind of kayak or canoe they have.

Hobie Mirage Sail Kit $319.95
If that special, but difficult to shop for person, rants and raves about his Hobie Mirage Kayak, give him something to talk about! The Hobie Mirage Sail Kit works on any Hobie peddle kayak and converts it into a mini-Sailing vessel. The Mirage drive acts like a Daggerboard, so you can tack upwind too.

Harmony High Volume Bilge Pump $26.99
Nobody likes a wet blanket, or boat. The High Volume Bilge Pump pumps 30% more water (out of your kayak) per stroke, so you can get your kayak dry in no time. Bilge pumps may not be the flashiest of gifts, but your difficult-to-shop-for friend will be happy to have it when he needs it!

Gift Ideas for the Whitewater Kayaker

River Hardware Throw bag $69.95
Whitewater is powerful, so give the gift of safety! Every whitewater kayaker, from class II to V, could use a good throwbag. Many throw bags on the market are only strong enough to retrieve swimmers, but River Hardware makes theirs with strong enough rope for mechanical advantage systems. After you use this throw bag, the wide mouth makes it easy to repack for use 0n another day. Any paddler would be happy to have the River Hardware Throw Bag as part of her kayaking gear (but even happier to never have to use it).

River Gypsies Guide to North America $44.95
This is the ultimate in Guidebooks. Not only does it feature runs by region from Class III-V, but the stunning images make it appropriate for any coffee table. Whether your Paddler is planning a kayaking trip or just fantasizes about it, this book is a must-have.

Pulse: A Year with Tao Berman and Team $29.95
Show your friend what a year with one of Whitewater Kayaking's top paddlers is like with this exciting video. Pulse chronicles Tao Berman and Company's travels to Chile, Mexico, Michigan, and Washington.

Gift Ideas for Women

Arc'Teryx Molly & Moe Toque $35
Everyone can always use another hat and this one is this year's favorite. It is a 50/50 blend of Merino wool and acrylic, so it keeps your head warm and fits well. If you are not sure what color her coat is, worry not! The Molly & Moe design is flattering with nearly any color scheme.

Arc'teryx Atom LT Hoody $199
You couldn't find a better gift for a woman who loves comfort and functionality. This hoody is so soft that wearing it makes her feel like she never had to get out of bed. It is wind and water resistant, so it can act as a stand alone layer, but it is slim enough to fit under a shell for chillier days.

Kigo Curv $69.99
If she loves comfort or pumps, the kigo Curv is a shoe that she can go the distance in, whether that is walking from the car to the office or running a 10K. The Curv folds up, so it can fit in a purse or desk drawer to be ready at hand when she needs shoes she can move in. To make a great shoe even better, the Mary Jane style can be dressed up or dressed down and looks great with a pair of slacks as well as a pair of gym shorts.

Gift Ideas for Men

Arc'teryx Covert Beanie $35
Everyone wants to keep their noggin warm and this is our best selling Beanie. Its simple design means a style everyone loves along with warmth and comfort. He can take this anywhere from the slopes to around town.

Patagonia Micro Puff Jacket $179
This sporty insulated jacket is warm enough to use as a layer, but it is also wind and water resistant, so he can wear it as a stand-alone jacket. If he's going to be in variable conditions, the Micro Puff Jacket is the perfect solution. Not only can it be worn alone or as a layer, it is also highly compressible for easy storage when he doesn't need it.

Arc'teryx Stinger Bib $450
If you're shopping for a guy who likes to be dry in all conditions, look no further than the Stinger Bib. It's not just a pair of pants...it's smart. These pants are loaded with features, including a hidden Recco reflector, in case he runs into trouble in the backcountry or on the slopes, gusseted knees and seat, for freedom of movement, and pockets everywhere he needs them and nowhere he doesn't. The Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric with completely taped seams and laminated zippers means it's durable and dry. Yep, it's really that good.

Gift Ideas for the Dog Lover

Ruffwear Beacon $12.95
Make sure your furry friend doesn't become invisible when the sun goes down. This flashing LED light clips on to Ruffwear wearable dog gear, like collars, jackets, and packs. Whether you are hiking in the wilderness or on an afternoon stroll, make sure that your best friend is seen!

Ruffwear Mt Bachelor Pad $59.95-$74.95
Who doesn't love luxury? Give your Dog the gift of comfort and give your belongings protection from dirt and dog hair. The Mt Bachelor Pad rolls up for easy transport, so your best friend can snooze comfortably in the car, while camping, or at home.

Ruffwear Portage Float Coat $49.95
Whether your Dog swims like he invented it or avoids water like he will melt, he can't swim forever, so protect him with a little extra flotation. For dog owners who are also avid boaters or beach goers, this is a must-have!

Get Your Order Before Christmas!

2010-12-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

For those of you who like to live life on the edge, we have put together shipping estimates, so you can get your Order before Christmas*. The last day that UPS and USPS deliver is December 24th, so don't forget this when calculating the arrival date of your package.

Free USPS Priority Mail: Place your order before 12pm PST on December 17th
UPS Ground: Place your order before 12pm PST on December 16th**
UPS 3 Day Select: Place your order before 12pm PST on December 21st
UPS 2nd Day Air: Place your order before 12pm PST on December 22nd
UPS Next Day Air Saver: Place your order before 12pm PST on December 23rd

*These estimates are for in stock items only.
**Delivery time via UPS Ground depends on where you are located. Use the image below to calculate how many days it should take for your package to arrive via UPS.