Just Released: Jackson Kayak Villain Prototype Photos

Thanks to the crew at Jackson Kayak for showing us photos of their brand new river-running creeker, the Villain. Along the same lines as the Pyranha Burn and Dagger Mamba, the Villain will be super beginner-friendly but able to drop big falls in a single bound (when leaving the scene of a villianous incident). The flatish hull should be easy to steer and control, but the rounded, recessed chines should provide good secondary stability. The waist-high side line helps stiffen the walls of the boat, giving you a solid, tough sidewall.

We think it may become easiest roller in our fleet, and it looks like it'll be pretty speedy, but we won't know for sure until we get it on the water. Luckily, we'll be doing just that tomorrow with the JK crew. Expect to see photos from the test run on the Cascades tomorrow both on this blog and on EJ's blog.

Outfitter's Store Demo Days

Whoa, what a great weekend we had out here! The Outfitter's Store was hopping with boat buyers, manufacturers' reps, paddling instructors, deal-seekers, and barbeque eaters. Fun, fun, fun. But don't just take my word for it, watch this video of the scene at the store. What you won't see: the boat demos or the movie screenings, but I can only be made to "work" so much on a Saturday.

New whitewater boat models like the Dagger Axiom, Pyranha Zone, Liquidlogic Biscuit and Jackson Kayaks Dynamic Duo stole the show, and we took some video of reps explaining the features of their new boats and gear, so you can hear about these products directly from the manufacturers. Stay tuned this week; we'll have a new video every day discussing some hot new 2009 stuff.

Cool Weather Outfitting

by Wayner



Here on the Nanty, we've all got spring fever with this warm sunshine. But as spring goes, the weather can be unpredictable and mornings can be chilly. Make sure you're prepared for these mountain conditions with the proper outfitting for cool weather.

Start at the top. An insulated thermal cap can be your best friend on a cold day, helping to prevent heat loss through your head. Wear your skullcap under your helmet. A cap without a strap is best—competing chin straps can be uncomfortable. Try this one from Immersion Research.

Protect your digits. Having warm and comfortable hand gear is also at the top of our list. Neoprene paddling gloves provide maximum warmth on the coldest of days and help keep your grip. Insulated foot wear is a must, especially if you'll be doing a lot of scouting. Once your feet and hands get cold, its hard to warm them back up.

Go spaceman style. It's the ultimate in paddling warmth and protection, it's the drysuit. This keeps cold water and air away from the body, giving the paddler the highest level of comfort. Beneath the suit, make sure you layer-up with wickable shirts and pants. If you’re active, either in your boat or on shore, you're likely to sweat. Long underwear like capilene will wick this sweat away from your body, allowing you to stay relatively dry and comfy the entire day.

Being over prepared is always better than being under prepared. Paddle safe, paddle warm and I’ll see you on the water!

Testing the Z.One & Biscuit on the Nanty

by Robert Bone, NOC Boat Buyer

This week, the weather was too incredible to pass up a chance to test new boats we recently stocked in the store. Tommy Yon and I took out the new Pyranha Z.One, while the Store’s Daniel Dutton took the LiquidLogic Biscuit out for a run. Check out these pics!







“The Biscuit is a boat that plays every feature the river has to offer. Its user-friendly performance design puts you into the driver's seat to make play moves look like gravy. On big waves, small waves, in a hole or just flatwater paddling you’ll be comfortable at all times in this boat.”—Daniel Dutton

And we can’t get over Tommy’s sick loop in the 8.5-foot Z.One. Incredible!



Speaking of the Z.One, we've been having a REALLY fun time with this boat. It paddles like an old-school retro kayak, but it's really stable for surfing, spinning and river running in general. Plus, it has modern outfitting. The bow of the Z.One scoops the water for huge enders and pirouettes.

I think this boat is going to be a huge hit for those paddlers that like down river play but don’t want to sacrifice the speed of a traditional river runner.

See both of these boats in-person at NOC's Outfitter's Store, or check out the specs online.