Product Reviews: Tested by a Winter Texas Coast
Stacking them with a Thule Stacker
I recently spent a few days down at the Texas Coast with some family and friends. We were able to take advantage of the beautiful weather to do some paddling back in the bays, attempt a little fishing and have lots of fun! Naturally, for Christmas, I acquired a few items from ACK and couldn't wait to try them out. Among them were a Wool Buff Headwear, a Yak Attack ParkNPole Stick, Thule Stacker and a Sandbar FlatFire Charcoal Chimney starter.
The Wool Buff was awesome. When the mornings were a little brisk and slightly breezy, it kept me warm. It also helped shield my face and neck from the wind, sun, and spray. The beautiful thing about wool is that it works to keep you warm when it’s cold, but also keeps you cool when it warms up. I highly recommend trying one of these out, especially if you are spending significant time in the outdoors. I plan on using this for hiking, running, and backpacking as well.
The Yak Attack ParkNPole Stick works very well. Some of its benefits over other stakeout poles I own and use is that it is lightweight, has a comfortable handle that doubles as a push pole, and it floats if you drop it in the water. I was able to pole my Tarpon while standing when I encountered some pretty skinny waters.
Firing it up with a Sandbar Charcoal Chimney fire starter!
Fire — humans have an innate attraction to it for obvious reasons but when it comes to grilling with charcoal a chimney system such as the Sandbar FlatFire Charcoal Chimney is the best. Personally, I dislike the taste and the idea of having lighter fluid fumes near my food, and it takes longer. This system uses no lighter fluid, takes only a few minutes to create glowing red coals (all of them), and only requires a few sheets of paper and a match to light. Plus, here's the best — it folds flat. I spent four months hauling around a round chimney on a road trip. I wish I had found this solution a lot sooner. All in all, a must have, and I liked it so much I bought one for my father as well.
Last but not least, the Thule Stacker enabled me to bring all 4 kayaks on one vehicle. A slick system, I have used this several times to haul multiple kayaks. Sturdy and easy to install, the Stacker makes it easy to bring your friends along for a paddling trip.
Can’t wait to get out again soon!
Kristian @ACK Austin Store
2012 Kayak Angler Tournament Series – Bastrop Report
Steve Garcia - 1st Place Pro
The first tournament of the Kayak Angler Tournament Series (KATS) took place on Lake Bastrop this past weekend and was a huge success! Just fewer than 60 anglers (some from as far as Del Rio, TX) competed on a very windy and chilly day! The fishing was tough but a few lucky anglers took home prize money (pro division) and some fine kayaking gear (amateur division) donated by our generous KATS sponsors. Being a part of an event where the competitors are truly passionate about the sport is a lot of fun but it is also very competitive. The Bastrop tourney was definitely not a fair weather fisherman's event but these guys paddled out in the 20 mph winds through the day and nobody went home early. Steve Garcia took 1st place in the Pro Division while Spencer Colins secured the 1st place spot in the Amateur Division. Click here to view the full results.
Ready for Launch on Lake Bastrop!
If you are not familiar with this event, it is one of the largest most sought after freshwater kayak fishing tournaments in Texas. The event brings together the most dedicated freshwater kayak anglers in Texas to compete for a chance to claim the rights to being the AKF Kayak Angler of the Year. The series runs from January to June and includes 4 qualifying events, a wildcard tourney, and then finishes with a Classic Championship. Competitors that do not qualify for the Classic will be able to participate in a team competition benefiting charity.
If you missed our first event, don’t be discouraged, there are several opportunities to catch up including the next event being held at Lake Fayette on Saturday February 25th. To learn more about the series and to find the rules, sign up, and forum information please click here.
I am very excited to be involved in this series and I cannot wait for the next tournament (Fayette).
To see some additional photos, visit our KATS photo stream (Join the group to add your own!).
Kristian @ACK
Too Early to Start Thinking About Spring? We Don’t Think So!
7 Tips to Help You Prepare Your Kayak for the Spring Paddling Season
For some, the idea of the “spring season” may seem a bit silly, because with the ponds and streams still frozen watersports may be the last thing on their mind. On the flipside, others are in the midst of an unseasonably warm winter. Then of course there are those paddlers who don’t believe seasons exist, and paddle all year long! Regardless of your position, now is a good time to take a look at your kayak or canoe to make sure that it is in tip-top shape for what we can refer to as the busy paddling season. We all understand that kayaks are virtually indestructible and part of what makes them appealing is the fact that you really don’t have to do much in terms of maintenance. However, over time and through heavy use, kayaks and canoes like everything else will begin to deteriorate. Here are a few quick tips that will help extend the life your boat for years to come.
1.) Check For Leaks:
Leaks are generally a result of a gash or more often wear on the bottom of your hull. While some leaks are slow and may not be an immediate threat, patching it up as quickly as possible will keep it from spreading into what may eventually become unrepairable or even worse, pose a safety risk. Also, check for thinning plastic on the bottom of your hull. When an area becomes thin with wear, even a small bump into a sharp rock can cause it to rupture. Obtain a plastic patch kit or take your kayak to your local dealer to repair any damage.
2.) Check the Hardware:
You may have experienced this before. You pick up your kayak only to find that the handle unexpectedly pops loose and your kayak goes falling to the ground. It’s always a good idea to tighten all of the hardware and replace any hardware that has rusted or is showing other signs of corrosion.
3.) Make Sure it All Works:
Sure, most kayaks have limited moving parts but if you own one with a rudder or pedal drive system, double check to make sure it’s all in working order before you head out. While you are at it, check all cables and tubing for fraying wires and cracking. Lubricate all moving parts per the manufacturers instructions.
4.) Check For Wear:
The first parts that typically need replacing are your straps, cargo bungee, rope and other fabric based materials. Check them all, these are usually easily replaceable. A seat that doesn’t provide the proper support due to a faulty strap is not fun when you’re miles from your destination.
5.) Check your Gear:
Just like your kayak, check that all of your gear is in good working order. Items such as your PFD, paddle, vehicle rack system (very important), cart, etc. This is also a good time to check to make sure you have all of your safety gear and replenish any consumables in your first aid kits that you may have used last season.
6.) Check Yourself:
Don’t forget, you are the engine of your kayak, without you, it’s not going anywhere. Start thinking about a conditioning program, shed a few pounds, work on those legs and get some cardio exercises integrated into your daily routine. It’s all for the benefit of your health and will lead to a more enjoyable day on the water.
7.) Make it Look Good:
Okay, maybe not necessary but cleaning your kayak with a mild soap/water mixture and conditioning it with some 303 protectant will not only bring it’s sheen back to life, but will help keep your kayak from fading. 303 contains UV inhibitors so it’s not just all about looks — it will also protect it.
Whether you are one of the few lucky ones experiencing this sensational mild winter or have your packed away in the garage, take a moment to look out for your investment and safety.
Roland @ACK
ACK Resources – More Than Meets the Eye
An in-depth look into all the available how-tos, install guides, fit guides and other tools at ACK.
We all know that kayaking itself is an easy outdoor sport to learn and become comfortable with. What can be confusing and even daunting to some people is how to use and install the thousands of accessories and other gear associated with paddling. At ACK we aren’t just focused on making a sale and walking away. Our long-term goal is to grow a relationship with our customers providing them with the resources they need to continue enjoy the products we sell them. The result of this is our drive to compile a variety of resources and share them with you on our website at AustinKayak.com. Let’s cover a few of those:
How-Tos:
From simple tasks such as strapping a kayak to a roof-top rack or using a rivet gun to more complicated product related how-tos such as installing products that either a.) don’t provide documentation or b.) the instructions that came with the product may not meet our customer’s expectations. Location: Access via the “Resources” page.
Installation Guides:
Many products we offer already come with installation guides so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to obtain copies that we could share with our customers electronically. We know that some customers, prior to purchasing a product, would like to know what to expect since they may not have the luxury of having a kayak dealer down the road to assist with installs. Location: “Resources” page or within the product page on a tab labeled “Articles/Research”.
Fit Guides:
It only makes sense that if we are going to sell a product that can be used in a variety of different applications, we guide our customers towards purchasing the correct size and/or model. Whether it be as simple as outfitting yourself with apparel to more complicated installations such as that of kayak racks, if the fit guide exists, we’ll do our best to make sure you have access to it. Location: “Resources” page or within the product page on a tab labeled “Articles/Research”.
Paddle Selector:
So many paddles for so many activities, our interactive paddle selector will make it easy for anyone to narrow down their choices based on a few simple questions. Location: The Paddle Selector is located at the top of all of the Paddle Category pages as well as within any paddle product page on a tab labeled “Articles/Research” or you can click here to access the selector.
Kayaking Maps and Launch Points:
One of the first questions you may ask yourself this spring is, "where do I go kayaking today"? We can take care of that with our smart phone app Kayak Launch Points. It's an essential mobile tool for every paddler. Loaded with over 15,000 marked kayak and canoe launch points, the app enables users to explore, rate, add photos, review and share kayak and canoe launch points while on the go. Click here to download the app. Don't have a smart phone? Use our web version!
Product Reviews:
Not quite a manual or guide but rather an excellent tool that may give you peace of mind when in doubt about a particular product. Location: Within the product page on a tab labeled “Customer Reviews”.
We also offer a variety of other resources such as ACKanatomy, which labels all of the parts to a kayak, paddle and even repair parts (great for newbies), articles in both our resources section and of course our archived newsletters. As our product selection continues to grow, so will our library of resources. If you ever see a product you think needs a guide or other resource associated with it, please let us know by commenting below!
Roland @ACK
Getting to know us…Kristian Kolflat, Asst. Manager
My first kayak was a birthday gift given to me in response to a steep increase in my saltwater fishing interests. Since then, I have made it a priority to get down to the flats on the Texas Coast as often as I can.
I first walked into ACK in 2006 and spent a season working the Austin location with ACK owners Steve and Peter. I parted with ACK to finish my Bachelors in Management from The University of Texas McComb's school and then spent several years working in sales for a semiconductor company. An extensive world traveling sabbatical followed in which a large percentage of my time was spent outdoors. I decided it was time to align my passions with my work and have been back at ACK since March of 2011 and now serve as Assistant Store Manager for the Austin location. Along with this role, I am fortunate to be the Tournament Director for the Kayak Angler’s Tournament Series, which I am really enjoying! Working at ACK is a lot of fun and the staff is awesome!
During my free time I try to stay active both indoors and outdoors. You’ll often find me kayaking, fishing, hiking, cooking, brewing, reading and watching movies. I invite you to stop by the Austin Store Location and check out Austinkayakfishing.com when you get a chance!
Kristian @ACK Austin
Dry Down? Yes Dri-Down!
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market to get a glimpse at what was coming down the pipeline in new gear and new technology. There were several things that caught my eye this year and one of the most interesting was Dri-Down. Most of us know that down is by far the best insulation when it comes to warmth. But down's warmth comes with a caveat, it does not work well when it is wet. Scientists have long been trying to mimic the insulating properties of down and while the synthetics out there are good, they just can't beat the warmth of Down.
This summer Sierra Designs will introduce Dri-Down to the market. What makes this down special? Well, Sierra Designs has treated each individual plume of down with a proprietary process that applies a hydrophobic polymer to the plume all the way down to the molecular level. What does this mean in English? Dri-Down repels water. Sierra Designs claims that Dri-Down will stay dry in the presence of natural body moisture 7 times longer than untreated down and that is will dry 3 times faster. This process also means that Dri-Down has a 98% loft retention which means that your bag will stay up to 15 degrees warmer than a bag that has lost its loft.
Check out the loft!
The picture to the right shows two canisters that rotate like a Ferris wheel. Both canisters have equal amounts of water and equal amounts of down. The one on the left is Dri-Down and the one on the right is untreated down. These canisters were turned over so that the water infiltrated all of the down and then turned back to drain about 30 seconds before the photo was taken (please excuse the quality of the phone, I was trying to be discreet). As you can see the Dri-Down has retained much of its loft as compared to the untreated down. You can also see that the Dri-Down has shed about 4x as much water as the untreated down.
Interested for more? Check out this YouTube Video from Sierra Designs explaining Dri-Down further.
Look for the Sierra Designs Dri-Down bags at ACK around early summer.
Steve @ACK
Top 10 Things I Heard at the San Antonio Boat Show
I went to the San Antonio Boat Show this past weekend to help man the booth Saturday and Sunday. I will be honest, I don't get out to the shows nearly as much as I used to and used this one as an opportunity to shake some rust off and see what happens in the trenches. While at the show for two days I heard a lot of great questions, but most fun was listening to the people walking through the booth and their comments. So, I compiled a list of the top ten things I heard, not really in any particular order:
1.) You have a store in San Antonio (well, no we don't, we are actually in San Marcos, but our name "Austin Canoe & Kayak" is confusing to say the least)
2.) "Do those flipper things really work?" (x52 times) - In reference to the Hobie Mirage Drive Kayaks
3.) "The best part of this Pop Up Camper that it comes with Yakima Roof Racks; You can take your Kayaks anywhere"
4.) "Wow, that boat is long" (In reference to every boat standing vertical, it is amazing how you lose perspective)
5.) "I just can't decide, you all have too many choices"
6.) "Honey, just get it already! I'm getting the Inflatable SUP."
7.) "Sweetie, it will be the last cooler I ever buy." (In reference to buying a Yeti Cooler.
8.) "I was at the Houston and Austin Boat Show, do I get a better discount?" (The short answer, no. But really, that is a lot of dedication)
9.) "OMG, did you see that fish he just caught from his kayak (In reference to the video loop we had going)
10.) "I am not buying this for me, it is so I can have a friend come along" (He was buying a second kayak just for friends, surely a nice guy!)
This next weekend (and the following weekend) we will be at the Dallas Boat Show. If you live in the area, stop on by to check it out.
Peter @ ACK
S**t Kayakers Say – Have you said any of these things before?
If you keep up with the latest Internet fads, you might have heard of all the “s**t girls say" videos and how they have inspired users to upload videos featuring common, or sometimes just silly, catch phrases from their favorite niche. Well, a group called Pilot Collective Media uploaded this video titled “S**t Kayakers Say”. Let us know if you think it’s accurate! - Joseph @ACK
Unique Opportunity for Recreational Austin Paddlers
Growing up in Austin, I had a family friend who owned their own personal kayak fleet (a mixture of 5 single and tandem kayaks) and a custom truck rack to carry them all safely. It was enough to take a team of friends out and the freedom to go out wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. We managed to paddle plenty. We visited rivers and rapids in the surrounding area for weekend camping trips and lake Travis for day trips.
Something that became a regular outing for us were short jaunts to Lady Bird Lake. If you are lucky enough to live in the Austin area, it’s conveniently located and free to paddle. More specifically though, our group really enjoyed night kayaking the lake. We would park near Austin High School and put in at the drainage ditch ramp. Since it would be dark we were always sure to mount a 360 degree light to the kayak above our heads and we would also bring a few Princeton Tec Headlamps and plenty of glow sticks.
What made it so great was the fact that we would have the whole lake to ourselves when we went, and we weren’t going at outrageous hours either (usually between 8-10pm in the evening). To paddle Lady Bird Lake without a hundred other people on the lake is rare during the day, but common at night. The usual hustle and bustle of the lake is replaced with a calmness that makes for some of the most relaxing paddling you can get, right in the heart of downtown Austin.
We Austin paddlers are lucky to have a resource like Lady Bird Lake but certainly invite you, "out of towners" to make your way down here. It’s free and an easily accessible way to get your paddling "fix", plus its fun for both beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Recently, I’ve even been hearing about how it’s a popular place to fish. Whether it be at night or during the day, I definitely recommend that all Austin paddlers take advantage of such a great kayaking venue.
Joseph @ACK
Hobie Outdoor Adventures – TV Series!
Check this out! From surf to stream Hobie will take you on a chase, up close and personal for todays most popular gamefish or that perfect wave. This is Hobie country! They'll cover the tips, tactics and techniques for the ultimate kayaking experience as they embrace the abundant opportunities the water has to offer. So tune in for the adventure! Click here for show times and archived episodes.