Wayner's First Impressions of the Molan
After playing around for a few minutes doing spins, blunts and front surfing, the boat lived up to that promise. It is very user friendly and was comfortable in the water whether it was pointed upstream, downstream or sideways in the hole. Spins on the corner were very smooth and easy. What would have been a tentative move for me now happened with ease.
First Impressions of the Pyranha Molan from Chan Jones on Vimeo.
If you paddle this boat, you just might have to get one of your very own.
I definitely give this boat a Big Boomin' Fun!
Nantahala Outdoor Center announces the first-annual selections for Paddlesports Manufacturers of the Year. With 37 years as a leader in the paddlesports industry, NOC has selected two companies to receive top honors in two categories: Dagger Kayaks was named Kayak Manufacturer of the Year, and Immersion Research was recognized for excellence in paddling accessories.
Sutton Bacon, President and CEO of NOC, said of the awards “We are proud to present these honors to two highly motivated manufacturers who have been great partners in our industry.” NOC works with hundreds of top-quality brands, and selecting top companies in particular was a challenge. Bacon explained, “We resisted offering this award in the past, as there are many quality companies out there, but we felt the time was right to begin recognizing the companies who go above and beyond in our industry.”
Dagger is a well-established leader in the paddlesports industry. In 2009, Dagger made concerted efforts to engage paddlers in online programs such as Paddle it Forward and Dagger Community. Their dedicated sales force, highlighted by Rep. Adam Motes, accompanied by a team of accomplished athletes promoted kayaking in a way that strengthened the popularity of paddling across the board. In 2009, these Dagger ambassadors were seen around NOC more than any other company, promoting a quality product and a general love for paddling.
While only a handful of kayak manufacturers exist in the market, companies that make paddling accessories are almost limitless. NOC honored Immersion Research (IR) in recognition for innovation and customer engagement. From drysuits, tops and pants, spray skirts and decks, hip apparel, layering options and accessories like pogies and creek bags, IR makes products that are functional and prized by paddlers everywhere. IR is one of the most active paddling companies in the social media space, and has utilized their website to highlight user comments and reviews. Sales Rep. Spencer Cooke has been integral in customer engagement, and a quick scan of their site shows their dedication to talking to their customers not just listening.
 | Men's Venture Parka Anyone who's hiked in the Smokies knows a rain storm can catch up with you at any moment. Whether you're on the ridge to Andrews Bald or in the hollow starting the Bartram Trail, The Venture Parka is the ultimate rainwear piece for any occasion. This popular piece has been updated to include an improved hood for greater coverage. Your GAF Price: $78 |
 | Men's Hedgehog Mid GTX ShoeDesigned for multisport athletes and adventure racers, the Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR is the optimal all-terrain shoe. Designed with a grippy Vibram outsole, this do-it-all speed-hiking shoe offers a mid-cut profile for added support. Break them in onNOC's Flint Ridge Trail! Your GAF Price: $66 |
 | Men's Half Dome Hoodie Designed with athletic-inspired ribbing at the cuffs and hem, the Half Dome Hoodie is a classic pullover layer for cool weather excursions. Contrasting color logo is screen-printed on the chest. Your lady will definitely want to borrow this one on layover days.Your GAF Price: $24 |
 | Women's Carmen Shirt Perfect for meeting friends for lunch or hanging around the river on sunny fall afternoons, this soft cotton shirt features feminine detailing throughout that flatters all shapes. Smocking along the back and empire waistline creates a close-to-skin fit. The Carmen Shirt also features a longer torso length provides greater coverage while reaching and moving.Your GAF Price: $21 |
 | Women's WindWall 1 Vest A sleeveless version to the favorite wind-inhibiting fleece. The WindWall 1 Vest delivers athletic warmth in cold weather and excellent insulation when layered. Great for training on cool fall days at Tsali. Your GAF Price: $48 |
 | Women's Akira Sport PantsDesigned for low-impact use, the Akira Sport Pant is made with 8 percent elastane for increased stretch during workouts. A wider waistband hugs your hips, ensuring a secure fit while squatting, kicking or pivoting. Stitching details accentuated on the outside in contrast color add modern style lines to these timeless pants. All-day cozies. Your GAF Price: $27 |
 | Women's Hedgehog Mid GTX XCR Shoe Decked out with all the same features as the Men's Hedgehog, the women's version comes in beige as seen at left, and in gray/blue. All-terrain shoe is lightweight, waterproof, breathable and durable with Vibram sole. Your GAF Price: $66 |
NOC Tsali Challenge Triahlon is this weekend. It’s an adventure triathlon brought to you like only NOC and Gone Riding can. Who wants to get kicked in the head during the swim anyway?
The Tsali Challenge Triathlon replaces the traditional swim, cycle and run with a 3-mile lake paddle, a 5-mile trail run and a 12-mile mountain bike ride, all at beautiful, nearby Tsali Recreation Area on Fontana Lake.
Individuals compete on Saturday with five classes of racers: Women’s Open, Men’s Open, Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters (Masters Classes are open to competitors age 40+), and the Grandmaster (60+) Class. Sunday sees the Team Challenge, where 3-person teams divvy up each leg of the race to one team member. On Sunday, there are three classes: Female, Male and Co-Ed teams. A racers’ meeting is held 20-minutes prior to the start of competition on both Saturday and Sunday.
Click here to register online for the Tsali Challenge.
Shop NOC.com/Store for some great gear to prepare for the race!
Bike
NOC Logo Jersey
http://store.noc.com/store/30811
Bike Accessories
http://store.noc.com/store/c131
Paddle
Recreational & Touring Paddles
http://store.noc.com/store/c14
Hurricane Aquasports Tampico 136 L Kayak
http://store.noc.com/store/507
Recreational & Touring PFDs
http://store.noc.com/store/c19
Run
Men’s Vasque Velocity
http://store.noc.com/store/14060
Women’s Vasque Velocity
http://store.noc.com/store/14121
Check our Store Anytime for
NOC Hot Deals- Limited Time Sales Items
http://store.noc.com/store/Hotdeals
NOC Gift Card- $25 and up!
http://store.noc.com/store/50001
We began testing the Hybrids on Fontana Lake.
With the skeg up, the ReMix was the overall favorite and easiest to paddle in a straight line. Some of our more-advanced whitewater boaters felt that the Fusion was easiest to control. One paddler commented on the weight of the ReMix and that it seemed more difficult to get up to speed.
Phase II: Fun on the Little Tennessee River
Ben T. hits some wave action.
Hybrid testers Lisa, Ben T. and Lindsey.
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