Sawyer Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to our Sawyer Photo Contest Winners! (Click on the images to see full size original.) $500 Grand Prize Winner - Sawyer Chapel Submitted by Bobby Bower $200 Runner-Up Prize Winner - MOE in Glen Canyon Submitted by Brad Dimock $50 Top Prize Winners: Winter Paddle Submitted by Paul Coroleuski Practicing Moves Submitted by Tom Pogson Rock Gardening Submitted by Mark Morel J's Flip Submitted by Johnathan Kurz Take it All In Submitted by Tug Birk Senior on West Fork Submitted by Zach Collier Landscape Figures Submitted by Saylor Flett Husum Falls Submitted by Todd Hower Be sure to check out what's NEW for 2014 at PaddlesandOars.com! Again a very big thank you to all that participated. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Crazy-Pete (President) and Team Sawyer

Flying with a SUP - Adventures Around the Globe

                   

I just got back from a literal trip around the world with an inflatable SUP and my
Sawyer STORM TRAVELER SUP Paddle. I visited six countries and countless 
airports as we embarked on many SUP whitewater first descents in Bosnia, 
Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Bhutan.

Since most airlines have cracked down on baggage,
it can be a lot more expensive to fly with more than one bag. 

Thanks to the STORM TRAVELER 3pc breakdown paddle and my Badfish inflatable
 SUP,  I was able to get all my SUP gear into one checked 
bag that weighed just under 50 lbs. 
A full length paddle would have required a second checked bag and at 
$100 per leg of the journey that alone would have cost me an extra $700.

I made this work by packing all my personal items in a bag that I could carryon,

along with a large backpack. Most airlines allow for 50 lbs (or 23 kg)
 or they’ll tack on a $100 excess weight charge. Sometimes the people
 at the checkin counter would overlook a few pounds and other

times I had to shuffle gear between my checked bag and carryon bag
 until the checked bag was under 50 lbs.

Here area couple of things I learned when traveling with a SUP:

• Walkup to the checkin counter with a big smile and ask the airline employee about their day.
• Remember to dry out your gear before you fly. Wet gear can easily add 10 lbs.
• Carryon bags also officially have a weight limit, but it’s rarely checked. 
• Pack dense items in your carryon and bulky items in the checked bag with the SUP and paddle.

If you’re really worried about weight, wear your jacket and load 
up the pockets with throw bags and other small, heavy things.
 The "STORM TRAVELER" SUP paddle is conveniently the same
 width as most inflatable SUPs. You can roll it up inside the SUP
 to protect it during transport.

Article submitter by The "Sup Traveler", Ambassador  Zach Collier

Get ready for the 3rd Annual Sawyer Garage Sale!

We have just been informed that the forecast calls for gale force winds, rain, sleet and snow, so this garage sale is going to be online!!

So, stay in your pajamas, shop at 3:00 am or email your wish list to your great Aunt Sally in Florida.

You can now search all the great deals for close outs, overstock models and cosmetic blemished paddles and oars right at your fingertips. The “New” Sawyer "Web Specials" page is live and your total resource for discounted Sawyer Products.

 http://www.paddlesandoars.com/FACTORY-CLOSEOUTS/

This page will be updated on a Bi-weekly basis with several different products and promotions.  Check back regularly because all products are limited to stock on hand.

Very few of these paddles remain, so don't wait!

The River Sup Journey Around the Globe ; Paddling in Bosnia

Before we head to Bhutan, we made a pit stop in the Balkans to scout out a new trip offering for 2014! We began in Sarajevo and visited the Tara River in Montenegro before heading to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina (the full name of the country we Americans refer to simply as “Bosnia”).

              Paddling the Tara River  border of Bosnia and Montenegro

The Stari Most (Old Bridge) located in Mostar is a Unesco World Heritage Site and perhaps the most iconic place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was originally built over 400 years ago during the Ottoman empire, but was destroyed in 1993 during the Croat-Bosniak War conflict. In 2004, divers salvaged the original rocks from the river and the bridge was reconstructed. The Neretva River below had never been paddled with a SUP, and it looked like fun so we decided to check it out.

     Walking over the Stari Most in Mostar, Herzegovina

First, we met with a local bridge jumper to learn more about the river. (In Mostar there are a handful of guys who jump off the 78 foot bridge while tourists take their photos. The jump is considered quite dangerous so there are only a handful of locals who do it.) He warned us of the dangerous whirlpools and a rock called Trokut (Triangle) that creates a dangerous whirlpool just upstream of the bridge.

Our hotel was just a few minutes walk from the bridge so we pumped up our SUPs, changed into our gear, and headed back to the river. Walking through the narrow streets of Mostar with our paddling gear and SUPs was a little embarrassing, so we made sure to stop and capture a few photos for our friends back home.

                 Walking through the streets of Mostar with our SUPs

We found the river access and walked down the stairs to where we put-in. After carefully avoiding the Trokut rock, we passed a Mosque and then the Stari Most came in to full view. It was glorious paddling under this historic bridge, and probably an interesting sight for the locals and other tourists.

The River Sup Journey Around the Globe

 Follow this incredible journey of Sawyer Ambassador Zach Collier. This week I’m launching an around the world tour with an inflatable SUP and my trusty Sawyer Storm Traveler SUP paddle. Each fall, I lead rafting trips to Bhutan and while I’m traveling, I try to explore some new places in the hope of creating future itineraries for Northwest Rafting Company. Usually for trips like this I’d travel with my kayak, but with all the flight connections it seemed a little cumbersome. Last winter, I started SUPing whitewater around my home base in Hood River, OR. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable in Class III rapids, so I decided to travel with an inflatable SUP and breakdown paddle for this trip. Although this is still an extra bit of gear, it packs up much easier than a big plastic kayak! The inflatable SUP fits nicely in a custom designed bag complete with a pump, PFD, helmet, elbow pads, SUP leash, throw bag, and drysuit. The Storm Traveller paddle breaks down and fits snugly in my suitcase to protect it in transit.

Follow our adventures on the Sawyer and Northwest Rafting blog

Paddling Cape Brenton

Paddling Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

            Cape Breton Island, located on the Northeastern tip of Nova Scotia, is a stellar destination for SUP. To the East lies the Atlantic Ocean, to the West is the Northumberland Strait, and in the middle lies the salt water Bras D’Ore Lake. No matter where you are on CB, paddle opportunities abound. One particular area that I’ve spent time exploring is on the Western shore (Northumberland Strait side), centered out of the fishing village of Mabou.

            Between Port Hood to the South, and Inverness to the North, this rugged stretch of coast line has amazing geological features such as caves, cliffs, rocky coves, and sandy beaches. The physical orientation of the coastline goes Southwest to Northeast, making the prevailing Southwesterly winds a perfect match for downwinding. One of my favorite runs is from West Mabou beach to Inverness Beach, a 14 mile adventure chock full of amazing wildlife, 100’ sea cliffs, hidden beaches and cascading waterfalls.

            My adventure began after spending 2 weeks exploring the local shoreline between Mabou and Port Hood, getting accustomed to the local tides and winds. With only a road map, I examined some potential downwind routes, and figured West Mabou to Inverness would provide a unique first for me. I coordinated with my family to pick me up in Inverness Harbor, and packed enough water/food to last 4-5 hours. Little did I know that this one-way trip was going to become one of my top paddles of my life!

            Pushing off the sandy beach after hugs and kisses with my wife and kids, I knew I was going to be pretty far from communications until I reached Inverness. If something happened, I was on my own to figure out how to get through the situation. Luckily, the only situation I ran into, was having my headphones die on me 40 minutes in! There are very few places I’ve paddled where I’ve been so close to land, yet so far away from accessibility. For most of this journey, I paddled within a half mile from land, but the towering cliffs made it next to impossible to find shelter, let alone help if I got into trouble.

            Easing along the 4 mile stretch between West Mabou Beach and the Mabou Mines Harbor, I had a solid Southwesterly breeze starting to kick up. I had the wind to my rear port-side until I made the turn around Sight Point, about 5 miles in. After the turn towards the East, the 15mph wind was at my back and I darted downwind towards Inverness. Along the way, I was in awe of the surroundings. Sea cliffs plummeted over 100’ to the rocky tide pools and tranquil coves below. I kept wondering who else, other than the fishermen,  have seen this amazing stretch of coast. I’m pretty sure the number of SUPers that have explored this coastline is very slim, maybe 1? It was pretty awesome, to say the least. Bald Eagles, harbor seals, migratory birds, mackerel, and (off in the distance) pilot whales, were my only companions on this adventure.

            Continuing on past Sight Point, the geology became more and more interesting. Sheer cliffs, rock slides, and a couple really cool waterfalls perked my curiosity. I even took the time to stand at the base of an 80’ waterfall for a dunk of the refreshing cascade plunging into the sea. I came across hidden coves with goat paths leading up to the ridge as well as a 100’ vertical staircase engineered into the side of a cliff (not sure I’d climb that without a rope!). Making my way Northeast, I finally started to see the progress of society with the Inverness Harbor Jetty and Highland Links waterfront golf course marking the end of my journey.

            After paddling for close to 4 hours, I was greeted by a huge bald eagle at the mouth of the Inverness Harbor. The tide was rising, which gave me an extra push getting into the protected harbor. The day was beautiful; barely a cloud in the sky, downwind conditions the whole way, amazing views, wildlife, a cool waterfall, and my family greeting me for dinner when I arrived in Inverness. It was definitely one of the sweetest solo paddles I’ve ever done. Considering the distance, time, remoteness of the coastline, and being in a different country, I was stoked to have made it. My 14’ Coreban Dart was the perfect board for this trip, and my Sawyer TSR carbon paddle felt like a glove- comfortable, lightweight, stiff, yet just the right amount of flex.

            This was a great final distance training run as well. The following weekend, I completed the 36 mile Cape Cod Bay Crossing, back in Massachusetts. Stoked on Sawyer and Coreban! And grateful for my wife for being my number one supported for all my SUP adventures!

         

The Cape Cod Bay Crossing

The morning started dark and cool, with the slightest touch of an offshore breeze. Twinkling stars and the glow of dawn enveloped the sixty bleary-eyed paddlers and the support crew on the beach. Hugs, handshakes, shakas, and Brownie's Conk Horn bid us farewell. Amidst headlamps and glow sticks, final checks were made on gear, and we gingerly pushed off the rocky shoreline at 5:00am.

For the first hour or so, the group paddled swiftly over calm seas. With the soft murmur of support boats and quiet morning conversation, the day began very zen-like. We headed west, in the direction of the sun, to our destination in Wellfleet, 34 miles across Cape Cod Bay. 

One of life's simple joys is watching the sun rise over the ocean. The horizon is both infinite and anchoring. We were probably 5 miles out when the sun came up, immediately warming our faces and giving that offshore wind second thoughts.

Within the 2nd hour of paddling, we started getting a following sea, which gave us some great downwind conditions and surfable bumps. I even recall a ride that was longer than any wave I had all summer (it's been a very flat, waveless one). We were whooping it up and stoked for the wind to be at our backs, but we all sensed it was fleeting. 

As the morning hours ticked away, that nice offshore wind began turning North West, and eventually North. Once the sea started coming from the rear port side, things started to get pretty interesting. We were making the best of it, though. Keeping the first few breaks short, we tried to get as far as we could before the wind predictably turned North. The support from the boats was great, and the 60 other paddlers are some of the best people in the world! We were paddling for a great cause, which united us through this brief yet difficult adventure. It's one thing to be in misery and pain for a day, but it's a whole lot more when you think about the children at Christopher's Haven (and all over the world) who are fighting cancer. If I could manage a fraction of the courage and fortitude those kids have, I surly could make it across the Bay. 

By hour 5, or roughly 20 miles in, the wind was really becoming a pest. It wasn't the most difficult conditions I've been in, but with 2-3' side chop, and a 10-15mph crosswind, we were going pretty slow to say the least. For most of us who've been training for the Crossing, our average pace is around 5 mph, given the conditions. Today we were making about 3mph. And the hardest part was yet to come.

Around 2:00 in the afternoon, we had a much needed rest break, with plenty of water and snacks. I had packed a few PB&Js, KIND bars, Powershot Blocks, GUs, and some trail mix. I think I burned close to 6000 calories that day! Every chance I had, I would try and eat something, but if we were not stopped at a formal break, I would drift a considerable distance from the pack due to the fact that my board loves to go downwind. When the wind is blowing perpendicular to the path of travel, it becomes a one-sided paddlefest. For us, we pretty much paddled for 9 hours on the right-hand side! My entire right hand was swollen, the blood vessels under my fingernails had popped, and I had blisters all over my fingers, including the tip of my pinky finger! What else in life gives you blisters at the tip of your pinky finger?

So, another hour of paddling brought us to the mouth of Wellfleet Harbor! Awesome, except for the fact that the tide was dead low, and dry sand was blocking the most direct route in. So, instead of paddling an additional mile out of the way to find the harbor channel, we beached it for a half hour and took another pleasant break. Once the water rose high enough, which does happen very quickly in the Bay, we were able to regroup and paddle the last remaining 4 miles to our loved ones at the finish line. Those 4 miles were easy since we were in the harbor, but it still took as over an hour to get in. 

The mission of the CCBC is to support each other across the bay. Start and End as one large group. We did it. We made the journey together. We motivated each other on the water, and persevered through the challenging conditions. It took us 11.5 hours to make the Crossing, but when we landed, we all had that stoke of finishing a great session. Seeing my wife and kids brought tears to my eyes. The physical part of the Crossing had been completed, but my emotions emphasized the significance of what we had just done. I am grateful to my wife for being such an amazing supporter for me- taking care of my 3 and 1 yr old when I was out training, traveling, preparing logistics, etc.  I'm blessed. 

SO, considering this was my 3rd Crossing, I have more confidence and experience to easily say I'll be back next year. The training is necessary, at least for a guy like me, who has a wife, 2 kids, dog, mortgage, 2 jobs, life… There were a few young studs who admitted to having not paddled at all, yet they all made it. If there's a will, there's a way, and the CCBC Ohana is very strong and supportive for anyone to make the Crossing. 

Here's a link to the CCBC website: CCBC