Is Winter Starting to Take a Toll? Take a Virtual Trip to the Islands…

One of our ambassadors, Naman Shah, took our Citibot on a kayaking trip to the Bahamas and was nice enough to send us photos from the journey. Thanks to Naman for the beautiful pictures and kind words! We’re happy to hear that the Citibot treated you well during your amazing trip.

The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands, beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau.

“We covered about 20-30 miles, stayed on uninhabited islands, and I kept up fine with my
friends rented hardshells…

Saved much $$ from not having to rent, and the boat fitted food/water/camping gear myself (6′ 150lbs) fine.”

 

As Naman put it “the water is completely clear, calm…” and not to mention breathtaking.

 

For anyone looking to take a similar trip but may be a little apprehensive due to their skill level, we were told straight from the paddler that “with a simple map the islands are close together 1-2 miles apart so it was easy even for beginners.”

So take it from Naman, you don’t need to be an expert to go on an island-hopping adventure. Doesn’t that sound nice right about now?

Full-Size Kayak folds up, Fits in Backpack

Reposted from Gear Junkie (http://gearjunkie.com/folbot-cooper-kayak)

It comes in a backpack. But in a few minutes it converts to a seaworthy craft. The Folbot Cooper, a collapsible “skin-on-frame” kayak, has been around for a few years. This fall we gave it a test.

Fortunately for two lucky birds (see story below), the boat paddles smoothly, tracks well, and is maneuverable and sturdy.

Folbot kayak and waterfowl on a Denver lake

I was trying the vessel out for my first time on Sloan’s Lake in Denver when I noticed two distressed birds. (I would later identify the waterfowl as western grebes.) I paddled near the striking birds to get a decent photograph and noticed that they were tangled together with fishing line.

Time to test out the boat. Time to rescue two birds!

But to back up. . . the Cooper is a unique packable boat. It uses a nifty system to tension its fabric shell with a large screw mechanism that expands the frame once the “skin” is in place.

This system was designed so the entire skeleton of the boat can be assembled before the skin is slid into place around the aluminum structure.

Skeleton of the craft

The boat is a quality product, but also very expensive — the Cooper costs about $1,700, which might sound outrageous but is on par with a very nice hard-side boat.

The market for this is someone who needs to travel with a kayak (it can be packed as luggage on a flight) or who wants a seaworthy boat that packs in the trunk of a car.

You can also carry it on your back. It is light weight for a full-size boat at 39 pounds. The company, which has been around for years, offers a lifetime warranty on its kayaks.

My test boat arrived in a nice backpack bag with good instructions. I put the boat together the first time, by myself, in less than a half-hour.

The Cooper’s hull is made of Hypalon, a tough fabric like what’s used on whitewater rafts. Its upper deck area is a woven polyester.

At 16 foot, 6 inches, the Cooper carries a maximum payload of 275 pounds. Its zippered deck allows easy access to gear stowed forward and aft of the cockpit.

Folbot before its launch, ready to paddle

In its assembly I noticed that one of the foot pegs was placed backwards at the factory, and also one hole in the aluminum frame was about a quarter inch from where it should have been. Both problems were easy to fix but they reaffirmed my belief that any boat like this should be assembled at home or another accessible location before taken on a trip for the first time.

For my test, I put it together at home and then carried the boat on my head a few blocks to the lake near my house. I launched it from the shore.

My paddle across the lake was pleasant and easy. After an hour or so of paddling, I noticed the tangled birds.

While certainly slowed by their entanglement, the birds were still pretty quick, with the stronger of the two towing the other behind like a sea anchor.

Birds on Sloan’s Lake in Denver

Occasionally, it would have a full-blown freak out and try to dive, pulling the other down like a bobber. It was sad.

I paddled hard to round on the birds and found the Cooper to be maneuverable and stable. The soft-skin kayak had a bit less initial stability than traditional sea kayaks I have used but still felt plenty safe.

It took 15 minutes of hard paddling and a bit of strategizing to finally wrangle the pair of diving birds. They ignored my gentle pleas and cooing noises and struck at me with sharp beaks while squawking angrily.

The grebes were badly tangled. I broke the line off from the bottom and tied the loose end to the kayak and towed them slowly to shore.

Carefully leading tangled birds to water’s edge

There, three strangers who had been enjoying the fall day quickly offered to help with a pocketknife, blanket, gloves and nail clippers.

We soon had the two birds untangled. One had a deep gash in its leg where the line had dug in but still swam away strongly.

As I cruised back across the lake toward my takeout point, I paddled past the now free pair. They appeared none worse off for their misadventure.

The rescue concludes onshore

Ducks and geese, migrating south for the winter, whistled overhead as the sun set over the Rocky Mountains. I felt the peace of floating on water and recognized the niche this boat fills — while most serious sea kayakers will opt to buy a traditional boat, the foldable kayak gives those with limited storage space or a need to travel with a packable vessel an easy way to enjoy the water.

The boat fits with no trouble in the trunk of a small car. With a little practice it takes about the same amount of time to assemble and disassemble as strapping a normal boat to a roof rack.

The Cooper is available from the manufacturer for $1,699. It’s a premium price but for a product that offers portability in a manageable size. Whether saving birds or paddling an ocean bay, the Cooper offers a one-of-a-kind paddling package.

—Sean McCoy is a contributing editor.

Bird swims free thanks to the aid of a quick boat

Find the original article here: http://gearjunkie.com/folbot-cooper-kayak

Folbot Hike

I spent some time near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia a few weekends ago and took the chance to hike a Citibot to the top of Crabtree Falls.  Round trip the hike is about 4 miles long with 1,380 feet of elevation and I while I figured there would not be any water to paddle I wanted to test my ability to hike with my Folbot.  It was a beautiful day with plenty of sunshine, yellow leaves falling, some wilderness sightings and the laughter of Cub Scouts tricking through the rush of the water.  But I’m getting ahead of myself…

In my opinion, any hike of Crabtree Falls must start at the Blue Ridge Pig for a pulled pork sandwich (or ribs or chicken or anything – it’s all great).  With the stomach full and happy I was ready to start my hike.

Crabtree Falls is a beautiful hike and a well maintained path.  Parking was full but that was to be expected at this time of year.  I lucked out with a spot close to the trailhead.  While the path does wind back and forth from the water it does offer many great views of falls.

I spent most of the day in the shade under the trees and the weather was just the right blend of a warm day with a cool breeze. The Citibot is light at 24 pounds but with my extras in the backpack I was still thankful to not have to hike in direct sunlight.  I was more thankful to have plenty of brilliant yellow leaves to highlight the view.  Fall in and around Charlottesville, VA is not to be missed.

There was a comfortable amount of traffic on the trail and plenty of places to view the falls, take some pictures and take a quick rest. I noticed a black snake on the edge of one of the ponds on my way up.  It was gone by the time I made it back down and I assumed (hoped) it had gone to the other side of the waterfall.

The backpack served it’s purpose well.  The straps helped transfer the weight off my shoulders and onto my hips and held it steady as I climbed over rocks and logs.  There was plenty of additional storage room as well.  I packed a blanket, fleece vest and a book with room to spare.

I enjoyed about two hours going up and down the falls and tried to snap plenty of pics of the scenery and our gear along the way.  There were a number of questions on the path, “What’s in your backpack?”, and it was always fun to see the reaction from other hikers when they realized I had a 10 foot kayak on my back.  “Really?  Wow!” was the typical response but a few people did want to see me paddle down the falls.

Finally at the top I was rewarded with a beautiful view, hundreds of ladybugs and a fun-loving group of Cub Scouts. This group helped reaffirm that any event is better with plenty of laughter.

A few hours outdoors on a beautiful hike bookended with a lovely drive and the world seemed a little more cheerful.  Enough fresh air and I felt like I could have tackled any adventure.  The next mountain lake I come across will definitely find my Folbot and me paddling across it.

For those interested, I will add all my pictures to Facebook.  If you have taken your Folbot to new heights please share the story and any pictures.  I want to know where you have paddled that was only possible because of your Folbot kayak. You don’t have to share the location if it is secret but please share your story.  It is stories like those that fuel us and drive everyone at Folbot to make the best kayaks that you can take with you anywhere.

Happy paddling (or hiking),

Eric

Flexibility and Strength : Folbots and Yoga Practice

Folbot Guest Blog by Lauri Nemetz, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT, ERYT

Folbot ad- Lauri’s pic and kayak on the right!

I have been fortunate to co-lead yoga/kayak trips over the past five years to Costa Rica, Canada and on the Hudson River in New York.  While I am still relatively new to kayaking, and even newer to my Folbot, there are a lot of similarities in yoga practice and kayaking.  One of the most obvious is the need to be present in the moment whether reacting to the water around you or to the mental and physical challenges we face on a daily basis.   Part of that presence comes from a combination of flexibility and strength.

Several thousand years ago, one of the pivotal texts of yoga, the Yoga Sutras, was written.  In that book, there is the description of yoga asana, or poses, as “sthira sukham asanam” or loosely translated, “there is both openness and stability in any yoga pose”.  When people think about yoga practice, they often think it is all about bendy poses.  However, mobility needs boundaries or it risks injury from lack of awareness.

Think about your kayak.  The flexibility allows a great sense of the water, and even the ability to ride waves with a sense of ease, but without a framework, all that flexibility would cause the kayak to fall apart.  In yoga practice, those “asanas” or poses are a “comfortable seat”.  When we have a strong yoga asana practice we can then sit comfortably for meditation, move comfortably in our daily lives, or for long rides in our kayaks!

Adding a yoga component to your kayaking experience is a wonderful way to work in both flexibility and strength.  Find a yoga teacher who can guide your practice and you may find your ability to kayak or enjoy other parts of your life increasing as well.

Photos courtesy of Lauri Nemetz and Eric Feinstein

Lauri Nemetz, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT, ERYT is a yoga teacher, anatomy teacher, university professor, movement therapist, artist and a mom to two wonderful boys!  She enjoys co-leading yoga/kayak trips in her “free time”.  More about Lauri (and her yoga/kayak trips) can be found on her website at www.wellnessbridge.com.

History Of Kayaking

It’s hard to deny that kayaking is a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon out on the water, but have you ever wondered how kayaking came to be? In this post, we give a brief overview of the history and evolution of the kayak.

Photo from npmbshop on Zazzle.

Though no one knows the exact date of birth of the kayak, historians are generally in agreement that kayaks were invented around the year 1000 by the Inuit and Aleut tribes of arctic North America. The first kayaks were made from animal skin (typically seal) stretched over driftwood or whalebone frames. The skin was generally rubbed in some kind of animal fat, especially at the seams, to make it waterproof and seal bladders filled with air and attached to the boats aided in buoyancy. We at Folbot follow this same technique of wrapping skin (or, in our case, fabric infused with the polymer Elvaloy for advanced durability and toughness) around a frame. Our material is puncture and abrasion resistant and can withstand years of hard use, while still allowing you to feel at one with the water, as you can actually feel the movement of the water through the skin.

Kayaks were originally created to serve as hunting vessels, and in the Inuit language, the word “kayak” means “hunter’s boat.” While there have been many modifications made to construction materials, and other various comforts, the basic sea kayak shape and design principals have remained relatively unchanged from original Inuit designs.  Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Inuit model vs our modern Folbot design.

Inuit Kayak Photo courtesy of Travis S. via Flickr

In the early to mid-1800’s, the kayak was introduced into Europe, and German and French men soon began kayaking down rivers for recreation and adapting and modifying kayaks to be faster and more durable for long treks. Canoe and Kayak clubs began popping up around Europe, and in 1866, the Royal Canoe Club held its first regatta.

In 1933, in London England, Jack Kissner founded the folding kayak company Folbot (hey, that’s us!) and differentiated himself as manufacturing sturdy and stable folding kayaks. In fact, the first circumnavigation of the UK in a folding kayak was done in a Folbot.

In many parts of the world, canoes and kayaks are still used as a necessity, rather than a form of recreation, aiding in hunting, fishing, farming, transportation, and religious rituals. Today’s kayaks come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors and there are thousands of different accessories that are available, depending on your needs.

Every time you launch your kayak out into the water, you’re continuing a tradition over 5000 years old. Times may change and who knows how kayaks will change in the future, but one thing is certain: kayaking is a great way to be one with the water, get a great workout, and discover the wonders of the natural world around you. It’s our humble opinion that the skin-on-frame style of kayak is the best kind of boat for paddling, and we at Folbot are happy to continue improving upon this centuries-old tradition.

Picking The Perfect Paddle

Once you’ve got your Folbot all ready for a great day of paddling, you want to make sure you have the right paddle to go along with it.  Picking a paddle is too often an afterthought for many people but having the right paddle is an integral part of enjoying your time on the water.  When recreational kayaking, you can make as many as 40 strokes per minute; if you have a heavy or uncomfortable paddle, the extra weight and discomfort can become magnified pretty quickly!  Imagine planning the perfect day or trip on the water, only to be exhausted 20 minutes into your adventure because it feels like you are paddling your boat with a big piece of lumber.

Like kayaks, paddles come in many different shapes and sizes depending on what you’ll be using them for. In our opinion, Werner makes the best paddles and in this post, we’ll make it simple for you to find the perfect paddle so you can get out and enjoy your time on the water. Once you’ve gotten your paddle, read our “Recreational Kayaking For Beginners” post to help you get started.

Step One: Choose A Shaft Length

• A general rule of thumb to determine the right length is to lift the paddle up in the air and rest the center on your head. Position your hands on the shaft so that your elbows are bent at about a 90-degree angle. Your hands should be about 4 inches from the blades.
• Another general guideline is based on the type of kayak you have. Touring kayak paddles are generally about 240cm in length or 220cm for surfing kayaks
• Height and boat width are also important variables to consider. Taller people or people with wider boats generally need longer kayak paddles (240cm or more) to avoid strain while paddling. Shorter people or people with narrower boats can choose shorter paddles of about 200-220cm. Average size people can choose paddles in the middle range, 220-240cm.
• Also think about the type of paddling or trip you’re going to be taking. If you’re planning an extended, more relaxed trip, a longer paddle requires less effort, which helps you preserve your energy for a longer trek.

Source: Werner Paddles

Step Two: Choosing The Right Material

• Paddles can be made from many different materials. The most common paddle materials are wood, fiberglass, carbon, plastic, aluminum, and Kevlar. The material you choose will determine the weight, durability, and price of your paddle.
• Wood paddles tend to be a bit heavier, depending on the style. They can also be less durable than other materials and require more upkeep to retain appearance. Wood does retain heat better than other materials and can help keep hands warm in colder temperatures. Wood paddles are best for recreational kayaking.
• Fiberglass paddles are lightweight, durable, and virtually maintenance-free. Fiberglass paddles are usually in the middle range of pricing and are a popular choice for sea, recreational, and whitewater kayaking.
• Carbon Fiber, or graphite paddles are typically the lightest-weight paddles available. They tend to be more expensive and less durable than fiberglass paddles. They come in handy especially if you’re paddling long hours or multi-day trips.
• Aluminum/Plastic paddles tend to be the best choice for beginners as they are extremely durable and inexpensive. They do tend to be heavier than other paddles, and can be quite chilly in colder temperatures.
• Kevlar paddles are good for beginner and intermediate paddlers looking for a strong, durable paddle. Kevlar paddles are designed for river paddling and are not made for high performance.
• As a beginner, the best thing to do is to choose a paddle based on price rather than performance until you’re comfortable on the water.

Photo Courtesy of Let Ideas Compete on Flickr

Step Three: Choosing A Blade Shape
(We think that blade shape is one of the most important factors in choosing a paddle, so make sure you read this section carefully)

• Blades are either feathered or nonfeathered. Nonfeathered blades are positioned to be parallel to each other while feathered blades are rotated at an angle to each other. Feathering reduces wind resistance so that while one blade strokes through the water, the other slices through the air. Blades are feathered so that one hand (typically the right) maintains control of the paddle. Control is a matter of personal preference and is not actually dependent on whether you are left- or right-handed.
• Blades are also either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical blades can pull you through the water quickly, but require more energy per stroke. Asymmetrical blades are narrower and can help you paddle more accurately and efficiently, which uses less energy. If you’re a recreational paddler, or plan on paddling for extended periods of time, you will typically want to opt for asymmetrical blades.  However, if you have a very upright paddling stroke, a symmetrical blade may be more suitable.
• Blades are either flat, cupped/spooned, or dihedral. Flat blades are good for beginners just learning to kayak, but there isn’t as much “grip” in the water. Cupped blades are curved, similar to a spoon, and are more stable in the water, allowing you to paddle more accurately. Dihedral blades have a built-in angle, much like the wings on an airplane, which helps water flow smoothly and evenly over both halves of the blade. Most blades are a combination of dihedral and cupped shapes.
• Larger blades are better for surfing and paddling that requires quick, powerful bursts of acceleration. Smaller blades are better for conserving energy over a long period of time.

Source: Werner Paddles

There are no real hard and fast rules for picking a kayak paddle, since there are so many variables to consider. The best thing to do is to try one out.  You can find our full selection of paddles on our website by clicking here.

2012 London Olympics: Canoe Sprint

The Summer Olympics as a whole is a very interesting concept. It brings the world together for 16 days every four years, people from different cultures, speaking different languages all tuned in to the same thing. Though they’re cheering for different countries and events, it’s still a shared experience that everyone in the world can relate to. I remember being in 7^th grade, getting up early and lining the streets outside my middle school with my classmates, watching as the Olympic torch ran through my hometown, continuing its journey around the world. Even if you’re not a sports-lover, you can’t help but get excited by the Olympics. We here at Folbot are extremely excited, especially for two events: the Canoe Slalom and the Canoe Sprint.

Image courtesy of MichaelKuhn_pics via Flickr

At Folbot, we make awesome flatwater kayaks, which are great for lots of different types of outings. One thing they would not be great for, however, is competing in the Olympics (especially the whitewater slalom event). But just because we’re not going to see our boats competing, doesn’t mean we’re not still super pumped to watch the competition itself. Some people train their entire lives to be in the Olympics. That requires a level of dedication and commitment the likes of which I’ve never really known, but which I can admire and respect wholeheartedly. There are so many emotions, so much beauty, athleticism, passion, dedication, and sacrifice; it’s hard not to be compelled and moved when watching these athletes’ dreams come true (or not).

Image from http://www.nbcolympics.com/

The Canoe Sprint begins August 6^th with the men’s kayak single heats, and ends August 11^th with the men’s kayak doubles finals. The canoe sprint has been on the official Olympic program since 1936, making its debut at the Berlin summer Olympics. This year is a bit special, however, since it is the first time that women will have two individual events in sprint canoeing at the Olympics. This year, there are 158 men and 88 women competing, with each country allowed one boat per each race.  The races range from 200-1000m long, and vary from single races to teams of four. Team USA is represented by Tim Hornsby, who is competing in the 200m men’s kayak single, and Carrie Johnson, who is competing in both the 200m and 500m women’s kayak single.

Image from http://www.london2012.com/

The canoe sprint differs from the slalom race in that it is conducted on still water, rather than whitewater. There are 8 lanes that will be in use at the Eton Dorney Rowing Center, and 12 different events. It’s a straight head-to-head race, such as any other, with the fastest finishers being declared the winners, assuming they did nothing to get disqualified. Athletes can be disqualified for the following: causing two false starts, competing with an illegal boat, capsizing before the bow crosses the finish line, or leaving the four-meter central area of their nine-meter lane. In canoe events, athletes kneel in the boat and use single-bladed paddles; in the kayak event, athletes sit in the boat and use double-bladed paddles. The boats in the Sprint differ from the boats used in the Slalom, as they are long and streamlined to allow smoother movement through the still water.

Each event will consist of heats, semifinals, B finals (except in Kayak Four and events with fewer than 11 entires), and A finals. A finals are the medal races and B finals determine place from 9^th-16^th. The top boats compete in the center lanes. The number of heats and semifinals depends on the number of boats competing.

Image from http://www.london2012.com/

In Beijing in 2008, Germany led the Canoe Sprint with 7 total medals, followed by Hungary with 4, and Belarus with 3. The US didn’t place at all. But this year could be our year!

So who’s tuning in for the races? What country are you rooting for? No matter the country, the Sprint is bound to be an exciting race!

2012 London Olympics: Canoe Slalom

The Summer Olympics as a whole is a very interesting concept. It brings the world together for 16 days every four years, with people from different cultures, speaking different languages all tuning in to witness the same event. Though they’re cheering for different countries and sports, it’s still a shared experience that everyone in the world can relate to. I have memories of watching the Olympics as a kid with my dad and even though I can’t tell you who won what, I treasure the memory of sitting there with him on the couch, cheering at the TV. Even if you’re not a sports-lover, you can’t help but get excited by the Olympics. We here at Folbot are extremely excited, especially for two events: the Canoe Slalom and the Canoe Sprint.

Photo Provided by surreynews via Flickr

At Folbot, we make awesome flatwater kayaks, which are great for lots of different types of outings. One thing they would not be great for, however, is competing in the Olympics (especially the whitewater slalom event). But just because we’re not going to see our boats competing, doesn’t mean we’re not still super pumped to watch the competition itself. Some people train their entire lives to be in the Olympics. That requires a level of dedication and commitment the likes of which I’ve never really known, but which I can admire and respect wholeheartedly. There are so many emotions, so much beauty, athleticism, passion, dedication, and sacrifice; it’s hard not to be compelled and moved when watching these athletes’ dreams come true (or not).

Image taken from http://singlemomseeking.com/

The Canoe Slalom, which begins July 29^th with the men’s canoe single heats, and ends August 2^nd with the women’s kayak finals, is celebrating its 20^th year of Olympic inclusion at this year’s games, marking its official debut at the 1992 Barcelona Summer games. There are 61 men and 21 women competing in the slalom portion, each hoping to bring home the gold for their respective countries. We happen to be rooting for Team USA, Caroline Queen and Scott Parsons, but we’re excited to see how each country performs.

Photo provided by MichaelKuhn_pics via Flickr

The competition consists of “timed runs down a white water course with up to 25 gates. Red gates must be negotiated upstream, while green gates must be negotiated downstream.” There are separate events for both canoes and kayaks. In canoe events, athletes kneel in the boat and use single-bladed paddles; in the kayak event, athletes sit in the boat and use double-bladed paddles. The boats in the slalom differ from the boats used in the sprint, as they are smaller, lighter, and more agile to allow for more stability and great maneuverability through the rapids. Touching a gate ads a two-second time penalty to the run, while missing a gate entirely results in a 50-second penalty. Overall score is the time taken to run the course (in seconds) added to any penalties.

Image taken from http://www.london2012.com/

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Slovakia received 3 gold medals, Germany received 1 gold medal, and Australia received 1 silver and 1 bronze medal. The US didn’t place at all. But this could be our year!

So who’s tuning in for the races? What country are you rooting for? No matter the country, the Slalom is bound to be an exciting race!

“A finer Folbot trip couldn’t be had”

That’s how Steve Cosner, Folbot Ambassador, described his trip to Thousand Island Lake in an email to us.  After reading about his trip, we’d be hard pressed to disagree.

Thousand Island Lake is a large alpine lake within the boundaries of the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest and Inyo National Forest and is located in eastern Madera County, California.  The lake was formed by a retreating glacier and gets its name from all of the rocky islands that dot its surface.

In 2007, Steve took a camping trip to Thousand Island Lake and was greeted with a beautiful view of the water as you can see in the picture below.

A View to Inspire…a Folbot Kayaking Trip!

I’m sure it took one look for him to decide what he had to do, plan a return trip to the area so that he could bring his Folbot Greenland II and do some kayaking in the lake. It took him close to four years to return, but Steve finally made his dream a reality last August.  He planned and completed a wonderful kayaking trip to Thousand Island Lake.

Steve’s story is below but you can also check it out by clicking here.

“I built a kayak from a Folbot kit when I was a teenager and had lots of fun using it. Then ten years ago, I bought a foldable version from the same company, the two-seater Greenland II … it sure expands the options on trips.” – We can all agree about that Steve!

“So early this spring, a friend was asking about a backpacking trip to Thousand Island Lake, so I called the Reds Meadow Pack Station. They assured me they could pack my boat in a bag to Thousand Island Lake, so I signed on. I wanted to take my wife and daughter in, too, but they couldn’t hike the ten miles, so we reserved three horses as well.

So August rolled in, and off we went. We spent two nights in Mammoth to acclimate, then showed up at the Agnew Meadows pack station with what seemed like a huge amount of gear. The packers had four mules ready to go, but one got the day off. All the gear — three kayaks, two bear-proof pack boxes, and camping gear for seven fit onto three mules!

Here’s 20-year-old Rick, with the longer boat bags.” – These long frames carry the frames for the large cockpit boats like the Greenland II

No roof racks on a mule!

“It took several hours to get the mules loaded and the horses lined up. We got a late start, but the trail was beautiful — more flowers than I’d seen on any other trail. We took the “High Trail” into Thousand Island Lake.

Fred and the mules

Water break — Charlee did well riding all the way. It took four hours.

Once we arrived at the lake, there was much work setting up our camp and building the kayaks. Here’s my reward…

Charlee and I enjoyed a quiet paddle each evening, exploring islands and the view.

On the second day, the three of us paddled out, along with Jenny in a single-seat kayak, going to the west end of the lake.

Enough Room for the Whole Family!

Great looking pair!

Here’s Marek and David. David joined the trip when I posted plans on the Folbot Forum. That’s Banner Peak in the background. Three of us climbed it on the third day.

The more the merrier!

Here’s a view of Thousand Island Lake from the summit of Banner Peak.

Well worth the hike

On the morning of the fourth day, I went out for a paddle to take pictures.

What a view!

View from the tent

Everyone wants to get out on that water!

Group picture

A good looking bunch! And the Folbots are nice too!

The altitude and sun exposure was the roughest part of the trip. It took two nights at Mammoth, and two more at the lake before I felt completely normal. Marek had to bail on the Banner peak climb half way up due to AMS — he had less than 60 hours at altitude, and it wasn’t enough. We didn’t cover every inch of my daughter’s exposed skin, so she got some burn, and we should have taken sunglasses for her. Her eyes were ok, but bloodshot after we returned. My wife had swollen hands and feet after returning home! Oh, and riding a horse… for this backpacker, it isn’t much fun. On the way out, I opted to lead my horse for a quarter of the distance. Turns out I could walk at the same speed as the horses; but eating their dust wasn’t much fun. Better than screaming feet and knees, though.

This trip was truly a memorable experience, well worth the planning and expense. The good times, the fun with friends, paddling on one of the prettiest places in the Sierra… What a trip!

All my pictures are here: Thousand Island Lake Kayaking trip 2011“

Thanks for sharing Steve!  We know your story will inspire other paddlers to take that trip they’ve always been dreaming about!

Stay tuned for more stories, pictures and anecdotes from other Folbot Ambassadors.

Happy Paddling!

Recreational Kayaking For Beginners

Here at Folbot, we think kayaking is a great way to spend time outdoors, get a low-impact workout, and explore the natural world around you. For a beginner, learning to kayak might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually much easier to master than you might think. Your first step is to decide what kind of kayak is right for you. Kayaks are built differently for different tasks—fishing, recreation, touring, expedition, etc—so make sure the kind of kayak you buy is appropriate for the type of outings you want to take. If you’re not sure, visit our website, or call us, and we can help point you in the right direction. We offer two great recreational kayaks, the Citibot and the Gremlin, but you can certainly use any of our other boats for a fine time out on the water.

Kayaking is great for the whole family and even the little ones get excited about their Folbot!

What To Bring

1. Make sure you always wear a Personal Flotation Device (aka PFD or life vest) anytime you’re out on the water. Safety should always be your number one priority.
2. You want to make sure you stay hydrated, so bring plenty of water. We recommend a BPA-free refillable bottle that seals securely. Opt for one with a carabineer so you can attach it directly to your kayak. If you’re planning on being out on the water for a while, try filling a wide-mouth water bottle (like a Nalgene) with trail mix, crackers, or other snacks so you don’t have to cut your trip short due to hunger.
3. If you have equipment you need to bring with you that you don’t want getting wet, such as a camera, car keys, medication, etc., we recommend using a dry bag to keep your belongings nice and dry during your trek. Make sure it’s attached to the boat in some way so that it doesn’t float off if you flip over.
4. If you’re going to be out in the sun for a while, make sure you apply sunscreen at regular intervals to avoid getting burned. We also suggest wearing a hat to avoid burning the top of your head.
5. To avoid squinting all day from the glare of the sun off of the water, bring a good pair of sunglasses with you. Use a croakie to prevent losing your glasses in case you get flipped over.
6. Check the weather before you go and dress accordingly. We recommend dressing in layers so as to be prepared for any weather condition. Make sure that you’re wearing lightweight clothing you can swim in, in case you end up in the water. Also, keep a dry change of clothes in your car. You’re probably going to get a little wet while out on the water (whether you mean to or not), and you’ll be thankful for not having to drive home in wet pants.
7. Have a spare paddle with you just in case anything happens to your main paddle. You wouldn’t want to be in the middle of a kayaking trek without a paddle. There’s a reason the phrase “up a creek without a paddle” has such a negative connotation.

Find A Trail

When looking for a good site to go paddling, start locally. Look for a flatwater lake, river, or inlet. It’s better to pick a spot that you’re a little bit familiar with so you’re more comfortable in the water.

If you want to try branching out a bit, trails.com has listings of flatwater paddling trails around the US. Just make sure to do some research on any site you choose before you go so you know what to expect.

Paddling Safety

Although it’s not necessary, it may be helpful to you to take a basic kayaking skills course if you’ve never been in a kayak before. This way you can learn how to stay safe on the water and you’ll know what to expect when you finally cast off on your own. The American Canoe Association has listings of various kayaking skills classes offered around the country. There are probably kayaking schools or retailers that offer lessons in your area, do a search and see what works best for you.

Getting In And Out

To get in and out of a kayak, remember to keep your weight low and centered. If you’re launching from a dock, hold onto the dock as you enter the kayak feet first, and slowly lower yourself fully into the kayak. To get out, you just do everything in reverse order. For launching from water’s edge, place your paddle in front or behind the cockpit opening, across the deck. Lean to one side so that the blade of your paddle is resting on the ground, steadying the kayak as you enter. Quickly enter the cockpit, crouch, and sit and use your paddle to gently shove you off. And to get out, you simply do everything in reverse order.

Basic Skills Techniques

Grip the paddle firmly with your thumbs under the bar, facing the water, at about arms length. Use your core to power each stroke in order to prevent strain on your arms and back. For a basic forward stroke, start by placing one edge of the paddle in the water and dragging it toward you until your hand reaches your hip, then repeat the process on the other side.

There are several ways to turn, but the most basic is to use your paddle as a rudder and drag it close to the kayak. The boat turns in the direction of the blade. This technique causes you to slow down a bit, so to keep your momentum, use a sweep stroke. A sweep stroke requires you “sweep” the paddle wide on one side of the kayak until it reaches the back of the boat (the stern) Alternate a forward stroke on one side of the boat with a sweep stroke on the other. Continue this pattern for a wide arc turn.

And that’s all you really need to get started. There’s plenty of time this summer to put a kayak to good use, so get out and get paddling and remember HAVE FUN!

Three Beginners Enjoying a Folbot Rigged up for Sail!