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Austin Canoe & Kayak
July Newsletter		   July Newsletter
July 2009 Issue 7 Vol 3
In This Issue
:: Demo Day Announcement
:: Team ACK Blog
:: Roof Rack Selector
:: Customer Reviews
:: New Products From ACK
ACK Fall Demo Day Announcement
Fall Demo Day Year 4 Save The Date

We don't take Demo Day events lightly and after our first attempt at a 3-store, month long festival of kayaks we have made some adjustments to the schedule and timing.  The Austin event will take place the final weekend in September on the 26th and 27th. 

The Houston event however will be moved up a week and take place on the same weekend as the San Marcos event.  The dates are October 3rd and 4th. 

The San Marcos Event will be in a new location this time.  With water levels really low we were forced from the Texas Ski Ranch and will be setting up on the West Bank of the Rio Vista Park in San Marcos.  Lets all think rainy thoughts so we can get some good water again. 

Are we crazy?  Probably.  How can you do 2 demo events on the same weekend?  Well our vendor community and our employees are fantastic and we do a lot of prep work to make the events great for everyone.  We are up to the challenge and will be prepared with the best pricing and more ideas to stretch your dollar as far as it will take you. 
Team ACK
Fishing and Racing Team Blogs

Team TKF/ACK had the most exciting thing happen to them last month.  One team member caught a CCA tagged Redfish that led to the team member winning a brand new motorboat.  I know its not a kayak but still that's a major SCORE!

The Team Redtide Captain had a great event at Port O'Connor finishing with the 4th best stringer and increasing the visibility of this great team.  The team also purchased 2 new Ocean Kayak Trident 13 Anglers this week that will make them even more dangerous out on the circuit. 

Mike Bayer, the Yak Fisherman, had a tough outing at Town Lake in Austin to finish third overall in the KATS series.  It was a big pill to swallow but he was upbeat after.  Can't win 'em all. 

Team Peddlin Safari, the Texas Water Safari team, struggled with low water conditions in their attempt to become the first pedal craft to finish the safari.  Things didn't go well.  In a 3 part blog read about the safari as it unfolded.
Roof Rack Selector
We Can Help You Select A Roof Rack!

Too often people find that selecting the correct roof rack to transport their kayak, bike or ladder can be a difficult task.  What do I need?  What type of carrier is best for me?  What if I pick the wrong stuff? 

ACK has created a program to make roof rack selection easy and right the first time.  No more throwing a dart at a board.  Fill out this form and send your request to the ACK staff and you will get the right rack suggestions fast.  Recommend it to your friends that think because you have a roof rack you're an expert. 

Just another way that the ACK team is making on-line shopping easier for you!
Keep up With ACK!
Twitter and Facebook continue to be regular stops for the ACK staff.  Check out our product discounts and exciting information. 

Our Customers (fanACKtics) Give Our Products A Good Name
Product Reviews Benefit Everyone

We are so lucky to have a fan base that will take the time to review products they have purchased and used in the field.  Customer reviews will be more and more important as we go forward because when people hear it from us they assume we know what we are talking about.  However when a new purchaser can get word of mouth reviews from 5, 10, 20, 100 customers that have used these items then that's a pretty good basis for making a sound purchase. 

ACK doesn't edit postings outside of language (It's a family website).  Why would we?  ACK needs to know if a product is performing well and if it's not performing up to snuff then we should let the manufacturer know that changes need to be made.  We rely on our vast community for this information.  Here are some examples of some great reviews from our customers. 

Hobie Mirage Turbo Fin Kit-  Gary (fanACKtic) Product Rating 5/5
You won't be disappointed when you add these fins to your kayak. Yes, it is a little harder to peddle, but you can go faster with very little effort.I do recommend checking all set screws and nut after each outing.The extra torque will loosen them up,so make sure you use lock tight on them. Enjoy your new fins! I do!

Jamb Cleat- Spiny Norman (fanACKtic) Product Rating 3/5
Would like to see a recommendation on lines to use with this cleat. Metal cleats I have used in the past (sailing) tended to grip a variety of lines better. took me a while to figure out a line that works well with this cleat.
* The anchor cord works great with the jamb cleat

NRS Bilge Pump With Float- JoeV NY (fanACKtic) Product Rating 4/5
Works well. Nice to have onboard. Wish it had a hose attachment to help get the water over the side. Also large opening at intake prevents pumping out all the water and any sand gets in will also increase friction and make it more difficult. NEEDS A MOUNTING BRACKET TO KEEP STOWED.

These are sound reviews presented in an informative way and offer great suggestions for product upgrades.  Kayakers that have put the products to the test and provide other customers with insight when making purchasing decisions.  That's the way to become an informed consumer and make the right decision for your kayaking needs.  Take some time to check back on a product you have purchased and offer your suggestions for the next paddler. 
New Products From ACK

Check It StickACK Check It Sticks
Bass, Trout, Flounder or Redfish...it's never  fish story if you have a picture of your fish on one of our ACK Check It Sticks.  The numbers are easy to read and photograph especially if your doing any tournament fishing.  The check it stick is great for kayakers and power-boaters.  You can mount the check it sticks so easily. 


FloatNorth Water Sea Tech Foam Paddle Floats
The North Water Sea Tech Foam Paddle float has multiple uses on a kayaking trip.  Use it to stabilize yourself when getting back into your kayak after a spill or keep it in the campsite as a comfy seat when staring at the campfire. 

ACK offers our sincere thanks for taking the time to read our monthly newsletter. We hope you find it valuable and informative. If you have any suggestions or requests to make the newsletters better and more informative, please let us know.
 
Sincerely,
 
Austin Canoe & Kayak
www.austinkayak.com
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