INthehatch
Extrasport Retroglide Sabre On July 25, 1996, the Canadian General Standards Board relaxed its PFD standard to allow more stylin’ colours. It’s difficult to argue against the studies proving that yellow, orange and red are the most visible PFD colours, however it’s also difficult to argue the statistics of deaths due to not wearing PFDs. Touring kayakers likely weren’t the problem, but we sure have benefited from the change in standards. We can now legally wear modish, comfortable PFDs that have func- tions beyond just buoyancy. PFDs like the Extrasport RetroGlide Sabre. Extrasport has come on strong in the last few years with innovations such as their RetroGlide over-your-shoulder-and-across-your-back, all-in- one adjustment system. RetroGlide adjusts quickly and combined with contoured foam panels is very comfortable. The Sabre is covered in clever and useful features. Starting at the top: reflective tape and trim on the soft neoprene shoulders. On right side of the easy entry front zip is a huge pocket with a buckle closure, designed for VHF radio, GPS or both. Outside of that is a vertical-zip pock- et ideal for flares, sunscreen and a Snickers bar. On the left breast you’ll find a whistle loop, knife patch and peanut butter sandwich–sized pocket with another key loop sewn inside. An optional tow belt feeds behind the pockets and through the loops on the back of the vest. Also on the back are four attachment points for an optional back pocket for a throw bag or water pack. Available in apri- cot, red, orange and evergreen, all accented with pewter shoulders and straps. $130.00 US; $189.00 Cdn.
www.extrasport.com.
Voyageur Cool Baby
Soft, flexible, collapsible, durable, and cool (lit- erally and figuratively) describe the Cool Baby by Voyageur, a semi-rigid drybag that provides excel- lent insulation and protection for its contents. The external drybag is constructed of tough, abrasion- resistant 840-denier Antron (nylon). The seal folds over cleanly and tightly making the closure virtual- ly impenetrable. This shell protects the inner lid and soft box of insulating foam and vinyl. The insulation folds for easy storage. With reinforced buckle attachments and a padded shoulder strap, a fully loaded Cool Baby is not a problem to carry.
Whether you are strolling down the beach, paddling around the cottage or on a three-week trip, the Cool Baby can keep your perishables from perishing and your beverages from baking in heated conditions. The Baby’s supple texture allows you to jam it into your boat where other coolers would never dream of going. Providing you close the drybag properly, accidental opening and spillage can be eliminated. After a long day on the water, the Cool Baby also serves as a pil- low with cold and convenient refreshments. Also available: the Cool Daddy, a grown-up version with almost three times the capacity. The Cool Baby (8 litres) is $73.00 Cdn, $49.00 US.
www.voyageur-gear.com.
Waterstick Karma Straight Touring Paddle
Waterstick began as a Canadian-based paddle company building whitewater paddles. They are known for their radical ergonomic grips and Power Series blades that look more like an insect wing or leaf than a traditional paddle blade. Waterstick was also the first to introduce thermo- plastic construction, which starts with the familiar carbon or fibreglass cloth and then adds a plastic resin under heat and pressure instead of using the resin-and-cloth combination of traditional wet- layup construction. Waterstick has now joined with Baycomp Industries of Burlington, ON., a compa- ny specializing in thermoplastic products. For the Karma Straight Touring paddle,
Waterstick blended their powerful bug wing con- cept with a straight blade and found a happy medium between strength, power and tradition. The Revolution blade has a spine on the power face that splits into a V nearer the tip. Waterstick claims the thermoplastic construction process cre- ates a paddle that is much stronger, more abra- sion- and impact-resistant than wet-layup construc- tion. The blade surface area is about average for a touring paddle and the standard fibreglass shaft allows enough flex to make it easy on your joints. The Karma Touring Straight is available in a range of lengths from 210 to 240cm and six different offsets. $197 US; $307.00 CDN. www.water-
stick.com.
42 Spring 2003
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