California Dreaming – This is the year to boat Cali!

With snowpack at close to 200%, and water content at an all time historic high, California is definitely the place to boat this summer.  The problem won’t be IF there will be water like it has been the past 5 years, it will be what run has a low enough level to boat—all summer!

 

April 8th California Canoe and Kayak, a premier JK dealer, is kicking off the season with it’s annual benefit for American Whitewater.  This year the theme is Big Water and the river is definitely cooperating.  With levels right now in the 4-8000 level on the South Fork, the clinics will all highlight what you need to get on the water safely and to have fun on the water this year, which more than likely will be high for a good long time.  Most boaters haven’t seen these levels for 4-5 years so if you need a tune-up or just want to come see how to better boat high water, sign up for one of the clinics—$99 gets you instruction from some of JK’s best Team paddlers, including Nick Troutman, Evan Moore, and Ruth Gordon to name 3 of the 10 JK Team members instructing and helping this day.

 

Come try out the new ultimate fun big water, river running, play boat, the Antix.  This boat is incredibly nimble and fun on big water and extremely versatile-a true one boat does it all type of boat.  Bring your Zen, which is one of the most stable, consistently fun boats to paddle on big water.  The Funs and Rockstars are killing it on Racehorse, Maya and First Threat.  The river literally has something for everyone at high water in whatever boat so take advantage of the helpful instruction if you are unsure or timid.

 

Team JK and Ninkasi Brewery are donating their teaching time and beer to help make it a success for American Whitewater.  Raffle tickets for $10 each get you a chance for these items, valued at over $4400!  You don’t have to be present and you can buy tickets by phone through any CCK store or at the event—there are a limited number available, making your odds of winning even better.

 

Jackson Kayak – plastic whitewater kayak of choice, value up to $1249. (Winner pays shipping est $80; excludes Dynamic Duo, Karma RG and competition lay-up boats)

NRS – Earl 6 Inflatable Whitewater SUP $1195

Werner – Premium paddle of choice, value up to $345

Accent – Pro Fluid or Pro Rogue paddle of choice $300

Kokatat – Hydrus 3L Stoke Drytop of choice $285

Thule – Kayak Stacker x 2 $169.95 each

Sweet Protection – Wanderer helmet $149

Astral – Layla or YTV PFD of choice, value up to $139.95

Stohlquist – Gift Card value $130.00

Snapdragon – Whitewater Reinforced Sprayskirt size of choice $125

Astral – Brewer or Brewess water shoe, size of choice $99.95

The poppies are blooming, the eagles are out, and hopefully the sun will shine, but regardless, come boat in California, and start your season with this party—April 8th!  Here is a link to CCK to sign up or to buy raffle tickets:

 

See you there and happy paddling,

Hilde