Maelstrom Vaag and Vital Kayaks Come to Charleston

Some will say “Vaag” and others will note that it is “Vaåg” — some will go with “Vital” while others stick with the official “Vitäl”. And Really, it doesn't much matter — no matter how you choose to spell or pronounce them, these Mælström Kayaks are two terrific boats that we’re excited to be adding to the Sea Kayak Carolina line-up.

The Vaag 174 is here now — 17-feet, 4-inches of performance kayak suitable for medium and larger paddlers. The smaller, 16-foot, 6-inch Vital 166 will be arriving in May. Designed by a team in Quebec, and manufactured in North America by the folks at BorealDesign, these two boats impressed all of us that had an opportunity to paddle them at the 2010 East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival.

Call now to schedule a test paddle — we’re looking forward to sharing our appreciation of these new kayaks with you!

Writer Examines Joys of Kayaking

Local writer Leslee Johnson-Allen joined Sea Kayak Carolina's Introduction to Kayak class last weekend, and she's posted her impressions on the Examiner.com Charleston website.

Her observations are a pleasant reminder to those of us who may occasionally take our pastime for granted — and a fine recommendation for anyone who's thought about getting out on the water for the first time:

“As an art, a sport and a practice, sea kayaking opens up the wild world of waterways and reveals the mysteries water protects. The secrets barrier islands keep, glimpses of the swallow tailed kite, intimate encounters with dolphins: a hidden realm opens wide for those who know how to finesse a paddle and extend their bodies in such a way as to be able to sit on water.”
     ›› Read the rest of her article now

Dry Bags Galore

Sea Kayak Carolina is carrying Sea to Summit products and currently has in-stock a great selection of Big River DrySacks and Lightweight DrySacks, ranging in size from 1 to 35 Liters.

The Big River DrySack is a heavy duty expedition capable bag that will withstand any abuse you might give it. The Lightweight DrySack is slightly lighter duty and somewhat more economical. However, don’t think they’re cheap though as they’re still plenty tough and a great value for your money.

I have been using a Big River 20 Liter bag for my hypothermia kit since September and it has been bombproof.

Remember due to a kayak’s shape it is always better to have several small dry bags than one big one. So come by today and get geared up for the spring season. It will get warm soon – I promise!!

Drysuits are the best!!

Matt Faust and I decided to head out on the water Sunday against the better advice of everyone. It was sunny but in the low 40s with at least a wind chill of 32 degrees. This might be a beautiful kayaking day in Maine but no one kayaks in this weather in Charleston, South Carolina.

However, Matt and I had just received our new Immersion Research Double D drysuits and were eager to operationally check them out.

It turned out to be a beautiful day and we had the Folly River to ourselves except for the dolphin strand feeding and our feathered friends enjoying the day. Please understand if we had not been wearing the drysuits with the water temp being in the upper 40s and the air temp what it was it would have been foolish to go.

Some thoughts on the drysuits: I have last year’s model and it is awesome without a doubt, however, Matt has the new 2010 model. For me the biggest improvement this year is the zipper system. It opens wider which makes it easier to get into and out of the suit plus it’s easier to open and close. They’ve also gone back to reinforced fabric booties which seemed work as advertized.

If you would like more information on the drysuits visit Immerion Research.

Sea Kayak Carolina will be happy to take your order for your very own drysuit today.

Laguna paddles have arrived!

Werner’s newest paddle blends heritage and advanced design at a new low price — and is now in stock at Sea Kayak Carolina. The Laguna features fiberglass reinforced nylon blades which offer light swing weight and great durability.

Visit Werner's website for more information on these paddles or drop by the shop to see them in person.

This awesome entry-level paddle is available now at an unbeatable price of $109.

Sea Kayak Carolina located in Charleston, South Carolina also stocks a huge selection of other Werner paddles.

Co-starring on Army Wives!

P&H and Venture Kayaks will be co-starring in an upcoming episode of Army Wives, to be shot tomorrow at an undisclosed beach location somewhere in coastal South Carolina! Kayaks provided by Sea Kayak Carolina.

New East Coast Canoe and Kayak festival website

I wanted to let everyone know about a new website, The East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival MeetUp Group, to promote the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission's East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival. The main event runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 16, 17, and 18, 2010.

Don't miss Sea Kayak Carolina's un-Official Festival Guide, and to register or for more information, check out the official Festival page.

Perhaps you can make some new kayaking friends on-line prior to the Festival. Perhaps connect with Charleston area paddlers for some fabulous local paddling before or after the Festival.